Nov 20th Town Hall Meeting
October 17, 2007 by Dianne Castaldi · Leave a Comment
At the Oct. 9th 2007, Town Hall board meeting, the town of Southold passed the following resolution:
“The Town of Southold will holding a public hearing at the Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York, on the 20th of November, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. at which time all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard as to the changes in Local Law 275. “
As a tax paying resident of the Town of Southold, I have read the changes to Local Law 275. I feel these changes will adversely affect our waterfront usage rights.
The law requires that “We the People” have the right to be heard on the subject, but the Town Hall Board is attempting to silence the public. They have scheduled the meeting for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, knowing full well that it would be impossible for a great many concerned Citizens to attend the meeting because they will be out of town to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, an American tradition.
This board is supposed to represent the People of Southold, but something has seem to gone awry. The Board is attempting to eliminate public input, and questions should be raised concerning who the Board is representing.
The Town Hall Board MUST consider rescheduling this meeting for a time when there is a possibility for participation by those affected by the changes to Local Law 275. (This letter has also been sent to the editor of The Suffolk Times)
Dianne C
Cutchogue
Please feel free to contact me to discuss issues of the timing of the proposed changes to chapter 275. The admendments were placed on the agenda because the Trustees had asked us to move foward with this legislation. There was no deliberate effort here to pick an inconvenient time and place. Actually I never even thought of Thanksgiving until I read it here. My understanding is that several of the proposed changes were to create a fairer and more expedious application process. Would a representative like to come to the Town Board to discuss the timing of the hearing? Please advise Scott (w) 765-1889.
I called Scott and he understood our concern about everyone going south and otherwise being away or busy. He suggested that he will speak to the Trustees Monday and try to move this discussion to next Spring or Summer. But he said it was scheduled at the first opportunity because the Trustees wanted to get this moving. If he is not able to change the hearing then he will set aside time at the next Board meeting for us to come in and discuss the timing of this and work something out. I mentioned that I thought they were not utilizing our website to full advantage. We have had questions and concerns about 275 up for several months with hardly a peep from them in answer or response.
I will advise as this progresses.
I recently attended the Board Meeting on October 9th at Town Hall regarding possible changes to the animal code. I was there to hear any comments regarding the issue of the Tall Pines subdivision, since I live in the Hog Neck area.
I thought that the meeting, which was attended by many residents of Southold, was handled exceptionally well by Scott Russell. I was very impressed by the fairness that he extended to both sides. Many times when he was confronted by unreasonable people, he responded in a calm, professional manner.
It does not surprise me at all that Mr. Russell will postpone any proposed changes to Chapter 275. He seems to want to work very hard for all of us in all aspects of our daily lives.
I look forward to any meetings regarding Chapter 275 at Town Hall.
Hi. I discussed the issue with the Town Board at work session Tuesday and they agreed to move the public hearing to December 4th. The effort was to move it away from the Thanksgiving Holiday. I do not see any interest from the board to delay beyond that. Perhaps you can outline for the board the proposed changes that you believe they should move foward on and outline the ones that you believe should be evaluated more carefully. Any information/input you have you can get to me and I will foward it to the other members of the board. Also, it would be helpful to outline your concerns to the Trustees. Feel free to contact me. Scott (w)765-1889 (h) 734-5742