Town News – Summer 2010

It’s been a very busy spring at Town Hall, and many projects were accomplished!

After much study and effort to get DEC approval, the Town pumped three areas which were severely impacted by the torrential rains in March. In some of those areas, the roads were three feet under water and access was very difficult. Massive pumps were at work for nearly a month to reduce the waters to near-normal levels.

A committee was set up to study the moratorium on development in the town’s coastal barrier overlay zone. They have submitted a report to the Town Board for consideration, and some changes are being considered to minimize the impacts of development in areas that, by definition, are highly susceptible to frequent flooding.

The Town has been meeting with neighboring towns to control helicopter flights over Shelter Island. Shelter Island has banned helicopter landings, but many helicopters are flying to and from East Hampton by crossing over Shelter Island. The FAA has proposed rules to limit the flights, but they are very general. The Town is proposing changes to tighten the rules to prevent frequent flyovers and protect the tranquility of life on Shelter Island.

Many activities have occurred on a smaller scale. The Town held a very successful Green Living Expo on May 1. Many organizations and businesses that are involved in environmentally-friendly projects were present, as well as interested residents. There were many demonstrations and speakers on the efforts each of us can make daily to protect the world we live in.

The Town received a grant for a new police boat. The sale of the old police boat brought in enough cash to completely outfit the new boat, at great savings to the taxpayers. The new boat will be out on the creeks and bays this summer.

The Town Youth Center at Legion Hall is entering its second summer of operation. Many recreational programs for both youth and adults are being offered. Check the ads in the Reporter for more information, so you and your family can sign up for summertime fun.

The Town, as owner of the Medical Center, oversaw the transfer of lease from Dr. Christopher Marshall to Island Urgent Medical Care. The new doctors promise greater availability and service to Islanders.

The Presbyterian Church has agreed to let the Town lease the westerly church parking lot so that it can be used as a municipal parking lot. This should alleviate congestion in the center of the Island by providing plenty of parking.

The Town is close to purchasing the Klenawicus property as open space. It has long been used as a grassed airport. The Town has entered into an agreement with the Shelter Island Pilots Association to have them continue to manage it as a grassed airport, and it will never be developed. This will ensure a place for emergency flights to land—very important for an island.

Crescent Beach is one of the Town’s premier beaches, but concerns have arisen about the boats that anchor too close to the swim area. In order to protect the swimmers, the Town has adopted a law which prohibits boaters from anchoring within 400 feet of the beach.

The Town is going to be holding July Concerts in the Park. They will be at Bridge Street Park. The concerts will be quiet, informal and relaxing—watching the sun set over Dering Harbor while listening to music. Bring your own lawn chair on Thursday nights at 7:30 on July 15 and 29. If it rains, they’ll be rescheduled later.

On a more somber note, Shelter Island recently lost Lt. Joseph Theinert, who was serving in Afghanistan. The Island turned out en mass to comfort the family. It’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect our country and our freedom.

Keep an eye on the newspaper for weekly changes in Town news and on this webpage for quarterly updates.