Letters

To answer questions from readers why neighbors would make a big deal over alpacas [“Let’s Switch,” Letters, February 1]: It’s never been about alpacas, trees, nuisance or preserving reserve as “lawn.” These are fabrications of neighbor motives that Adam Shapiro made up; he thinks it makes him look good and neighbors bad. He is a master manipulator.

The 23 neighbors and community groups have only ever wanted one thing: for Shapiro to comply with town code and the conservation easement. Shouldn’t this be important?

From the beginning, he thumbed his nose at both. From 2018 to 2020, he tried to build illegal residences, despite an easement prohibition. He took a pretty reserve and kept it an eyesore and overgrown junkyard. It may look better today, but it’s been five months out of six years. He cleaned it up only ahead of recent site visits from The Press’s reporter, the planning and ag boards, and Rob Carpenter. The proof is on our website, savebutterfarm.org.

There is a long history of code and easement violations.

The town is not “super clear” that he is permitted livestock for personal use. The easement very clearly prohibits it. His claim is based on the general definition of agriculture, without accounting for other provisions of town code imposing restrictions. The town has not taken a view; this is only Shapiro’s position and a gross misrepresentation of the easement and code.

He lets his kids use the reserve as an ATV racecourse every weekend, ripping up vegetation and prime soils, violating the easement.

He stores manure in violation of the code’s aquifer protections.

He added honeybees, placing hives near property lines, with no water source or pollinating canopy to prevent swarming, despite New York State guidance.

Butter Lane has many farms and reserves. Shapiro’s the only one at odds with the community, because he’s the only one who refuses to play by the rules. Despite hundreds of possible conforming agricultural activities, he chooses only those needing special exceptions, covenant and easement amendments, and significant relief.

What if we all just built and did whatever we wanted? Where would that leave our community?

Shapiro can be very charming at first blush, especially if he wants or needs something from you. But stand up to or cross him and a different side emerges.

To quote Shapiro’s attorney: “He wants what he wants, and he doesn’t care about the neighbors!” Nothing could be truer.

It’s not about alpacas. It’s about a bully who has publicly threatened to turn this reserve into a pig farm if he doesn’t get his way, who thinks himself above the law.

The only ask is that Shapiro farm responsibly and in compliance with the code and easement. Shouldn’t we all?

Meredith Berkowitz

Bridgehampton