Land preservation in 2023 is a tricky game: Even land where millions was spent to “preserve” it from development is attractive to some buyers, with deep pockets and creative attorneys.... more
In context, it doesn’t seem all that surprising that the Montaukett Nation, earlier this month, was once again disappointed when its bid for state recognition as a Native American nation was scuttled by a veto by Governor Kathy Hochul. After all, it was the fifth time a form of the legislation was vetoed — the second time by Hochul, and three earlier times by her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. Sure, the State Assembly and State Senate had both approved the legislation this year, unanimously, but the veto still wasn’t really a surprise. But that’s not the context that matters. What’s important ...
28 Nov 2023 by Editorial Board
Some of the many, many things we are thankful for as this Thanksgiving arrives: We are thankful for a community that, in the face of hate — swastikas painted by vandals in public places, along with violent antisemitic messages — responds with interfaith rallies, conversations aimed at unity, and schoolchildren painting over the poisonous graffiti with messages of love, hope and peace. These things happened in response because Montauk, and the entire region in general, knows that the way to defeat hate is through love. We are thankful for a mature and well-trained South Fork policing posture that is both ...
21 Nov 2023 by Editorial Board
The economics of green energy are in flux, both in the United States and globally, and proposed wind farms have suddenly become more expensive, which has prompted some industry leaders, including the Danish energy company Ørsted, to rethink aggressive strategies. But, viewed in context, it’s a sign that wind energy has become an established option, and the costs of both labor and materials are starting to rise — in the short term, a problem, but probably a blip where the long-term viability of the technology is concerned. As noted last week, South Fork Wind won’t be affected by these recent ...
14 Nov 2023 by Editorial Board
What began more than six years ago as an effort to tighten clearing restrictions in Sag Harbor to prevent the clear-cutting of building lots has evolved into a more modest attempt to protect more village trees from the chainsaw. Trees are important for many reasons, besides screening one’s pool and deck from the prying eyes of neighbors. They also absorb carbon dioxide and release pure oxygen into the atmosphere. They provide important habitat for all manner of animals, from birds to tiny insects, reduce rainwater runoff, and, in a world that is growing hotter by the year, help reduce the ...
8 Nov 2023 by Editorial Board
Term limits will end Jay Schneiderman’s eight-year tenure as Southampton Town supervisor. The transition to a new administration is always a stressful moment for the town, but this year offers one soothing thought: The race for the town’s top post features two exceptional women who both have qualities that predict success in the role. Voters, in fact, should have a difficult time making a choice between Democratic candidate Maria Moore and Republican candidate Cyndi McNamara — as the editorial board struggled with an endorsement. Both women, regardless of party, are worthy. But, as is true with voters, choose we must. ...
1 Nov 2023 by Editorial Board
The 2021 elections gave the Republican Party a majority on the Suffolk County Legislature for the first time in 16 years. Eleven of the county’s 18 districts are held by a Republican or Conservative legislator; only six have a Democrat. (Another, District 5, was represented by Democrat Kara Hahn until she took a state appointment in August and vacated the seat.) Two of those seats, District 1 and District 2, held by Democrats, Al Krupski and Bridget Fleming, represent the East End — and both will see new faces in office this November. County politics are partisan, and that was ...
25 Oct 2023 by Editorial Board
In the race for Suffolk County executive, voters this year are given a choice between ineradicable experience and calls for new ideas. Seeking to replace Democrat Steve Bellone, who was prevented from running for reelection due to term limits, are Republican Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, a former teacher and a career politician who has held office at the town and county level for four decades, and Democrat Dave Calone, a former federal and state prosecutor who is currently the CEO of a private equity firm. Calone has never served in elected office but has served in several appointed roles. ...
by Editorial Board
If there was one lesson learned from the most recent Express Sessions panel discussion on affordable housing last week, it’s that there are no easy solutions to the crisis plaguing the East End. However, if there was one positive note coming from the conversation, it was that an all-hands-on-deck strategy has the best chance of creating a range of possible approaches to the problem that, if weaved together, may someday lead to a patchwork solution of various remedies to the problem. Like a rope, the strands could combine to create strength. The event, held on October 12 at The American ...
17 Oct 2023 by Editorial Board
There is vigorously fighting government regulation and oversight and then there is complete lawlessness. Sand Land Corporation’s behavior tipped the scales toward lawlessness some time ago, and the mine operator’s continued refusal to comply with court orders should alarm everyone on the South Fork. It’s not just an issue of a mine ignoring the rules, but a threat to the sole-source aquifer that we all rely on for drinking water. Sand Land is still digging away at its 34.5-acre sand mine off Millstone Road in Noyac, despite years of litigation that culminated in February with the state’s highest court annulling ...
10 Oct 2023 by Editorial Board
This September presented a busy few weeks in Sag Harbor with Labor Day giving way to HarborFest and, more recently, the Sag Harbor American Music Festival. A village that has seen its fair share of divisive issues in the last few years, and following one of the busiest summer seasons in recent memory, the bustling festival season provided Sag Harbor’s mixed bag of longtime locals and newer residents the chance to come together and bond as a community, enjoy the healing power of live music and remember, once again, what makes this village so special in the first place. Without ...
by Editorial Board
