As with so much happening in Sag Harbor these days, last week’s abrupt news — that the Water Street Shops property, once envisioned as a permanent new home, wrapped in... more
Life as teenager can be stressful and difficult, filled with angst, uncertainty and anxiety. For many teens today on the East End, those fears and concerns can be amplified. Most teens stress about grades, romantic relationships, disagreements with their parents. But some also worry about whether there’s going to be a roof over their heads or enough food to eat. Others struggle with eating disorders and drugs. Some are victims of sexual assault. For still others, life has become so difficult that they may have contemplated suicide. Until last year, local teens may have suffered in silence, not knowing how ...
6 Dec 2023 by Editorial Board
Surprising no one, at the conclusion of its review of the Long Island Power Authority, the state legislative commission on the future of LIPA last month recommended that LIPA be transformed into a public power utility. LIPA owns Long Island’s electrical grid. But instead of operating, maintaining and expanding the grid itself, LIPA contracts with Public Service Enterprise Group, a for-profit company based in New Jersey. Prior to 2014, LIPA contracted with National Grid. Both partnerships have proven to be disastrous for Long Island — and the switch to PSEG has not delivered “the best technical ability and the lowest ...
by Editorial Board
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
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. So though Southampton Town purchased the development rights on the 107.6 acres that make up Spring Farm, between Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton, for $5.2 million in 2002, it’s time to get out the checkbook again. This is a property worth saving. Adjacent to other tracts of preserved land, including the Long Pond Greenbelt, in a part of town that remains much closer to unspoiled than most of it, the former ...
14 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 ...
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
