What is your position regarding environmental concerns and property rights. How would you balance environmental concerns and property rights?
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DOMINO: See answers 1 – 6 above.
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GHOSIO: As I have said in the past, I believe that there has to be a balance between conservation of the environment and property rights of the waterfront homeowner. Some folks in town have proposed that the town should not allow rebuilding of old or damaged bulkheads so that the land can “go back to nature” and believe that this is a proper interpretation of the Public Trust Doctrine. The non-practicality of such an ardent stance aside, I think this approach would be tantamount to a snatching of one’s right to protect and hold one’s property and I couldn’t support it. On the other hand, however, adherence to current code and enforcement against degradation of the public’s right to a clean and safe environment is something I will always advocate for.[divider_1]
SANDERS: I strongly believe that if you own waterfront property you should be able to enjoy it to the fullest extent of the law and if that law is too restrictive then it should be reexamined.
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BREDEMEYER: My family has owned property on the water in Southold Town since 1965 for which I am now a steward on behalf of my parents. I recognize the fact that our waterfront property owners provide a first line of defense for the Town from wind and wave. It is my position that property rights and environmental concerns are not mutually exclusive. I have a strong record of protecting property rights, enabling coastal erosion protection where justified, promoting marine access and protecting the environment.
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WELLS: My position is that property owners have a right to interface with the shoreline provided the property does not compromise the wetlands and intertidal zones, pollute the waters, recreate new run-offs and cause erosion. Balance needs to be weighed by adhering to existing town and state code and the guidelines of the LWRP (Local Waterfront Revitalization Program).
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DINIZIO: With respect to waterfront property rights I would like see more flexibility in the setback restrictions from bulkheads and bluffs. I think they are too restrictive and have very little redeeming value with respect to the environment. With respect to our bays and creeks I think we need to start exploring better ways to reduce pollution from cesspools located near the shore. While I am aware of the existence of some new technology, none seem to be either efficient or effective enough to warrant creating town law to require their use.
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EISENSTEIN: Property owners have certain rights to the use of their property but these rights have to be within the existing town, county and state laws with respect to environmental concerns.
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ROTHMAN: Our Estuaries and water are our most valuable resource. We need to protect our shoreline, in a responsible fashion. Property owners must be respected and the balance must be found or there will not be a shoreline/waterfront, as we know it, for future generations.
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FINORA: Hurricane Sandy has forced us to “rethink” how we interact with the shoreline. Property owners need to realize that how they build not only impacts their own futures but those of their neighbors. Other issues such as erosion, cesspool seepage and chemical runoff into our creeks and bays need to be pursued with greater vigor.
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FUNKE: Did not respond
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