Southampton Village’s recent actions concerning the mishandling of PSEG Long Island’s work on Hill Street are deeply troubling [“Community Members Rally To Protect Beech Tree With Sacred Connections to Shinnecock Nation,” 27east.com, January 3]. Not only has this negligence potentially harmed a 300-year-old tree, a living piece of our shared history, but it also reflects a broader pattern of disregard for the importance of open communication and respect for our neighbors, particularly the Shinnecock Nation.
The lack of communication with Shinnecock Nation and Southampton Town officials in this matter is unacceptable. For centuries, the land in question has been a shared space, and such unilateral action by the village government, without proper consultation or information sharing, is a disservice to all. The peaceful demonstrations by members of the Shinnecock Nation, with nightly fires on Hill Street, underscore the depth of the community’s discontent and urgent need for a more inclusive and transparent process.
Furthermore, the village’s approach to governance is concerning. There seems to be a dual barrier: a “paper wall” of legal and bureaucratic obstructions for those seeking information and involvement, and a “pay wall” that favors donors with preferential access to information, as highlighted by the restricted sharing of details on Pond Lane Park [“Paulson Told Southampton Village Board He Was Pulling Out of Park Proposal in November, But Says He’s ‘Flexible’ When It Comes to Future Plans,” 27east.com, January 11]. This exclusionary practice is not only undemocratic, but also fosters a climate of mistrust and division.
On January 3, I emailed the village my formal appeal of the denial of my FOIL request. To date, they have ignored New York State law to respond to my appeal within 10 business days. This exemplifies this administration’s continued disrespect for village residents.
The Village Board’s recent move to landmark the endangered tree, ostensibly granting it protective status, feels like a superficial gesture to cover up their mishandling. This, action, which comes after the potential harm has been done and without clear jurisdiction over the tree, is an offense, particularly to the Shinnecock Nation. It reflects a lack of genuine engagement with the community and a superficial approach to problem solving.
In conclusion, It’s high time the Southampton Village government reevaluates its approach. Genuine, inclusive dialogue and transparent governance are not just ideals but necessities for a community that respects its history, values its present residents, and cares for its future. The current situation on Hill Street is a symptom of a larger problem, one that requires immediate attention and rectification.
David Rung
Southampton Village
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