The proposed casino to be built on Shinnecock Territory in Southampton is a prominent topic of discussion on both state and local levels. The main issue surrounding this proposal is not whether the Shinnecock Nation has the right to utilize their land as they see fit, but, rather, about a large-enterprise casino lacking the ability to harmonize with our Southampton community.
For years, large enterprises, such as big-box retailers or large hotel chains, have not been allowed in the Hamptons. A three-story building in the Hamptons is a skyscraper!
While there may be many issues pertinent to opposition of the proposed casino, the two of most focus seem to be shared services and traffic.
Over the past few years, I have seen our local services becoming stressed due to the addition of year-round residents, coupled with a significant increase in water use as well as garbage and sewage. With regard to traffic, I have attended multiple citizens advisory committee meetings and have noticed that each meeting I attend discusses traffic problems and ways we can counteract it.
I find it irrefutable that the stress placed on our community by adding hundreds of cars a day from casino traffic will only make congestion worse.
While we, as locals, collectively hold these issues with high relevance, expressing concern over shared services and traffic increases may not be relevant or effective when engaging in discussion with the Shinnecock Nation. We should move focus to championing outreach on a local level and avoid the risk of making this an “us vs. them” issue.
The leadership that will successfully address this cause is one of inclusion and creativity. I believe that demonstrating the disapproval from the locals as well as the business risks associated with it could be an important part of moving discussions with the Shinnecock Nation toward other options.
As a candidate for Southampton Town Council, I am already beginning the process of working diligently to address the needs and rights of the Shinnecock Nation as well as our community, the collective residents of the East End of Long Island.
Ann Thomas
North Sea
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