HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrient Harbor Fireworks RECEIVED June 27, 2022
Mr. Denis Noncarrow JUN 2 7 M2
Town Clerk
53095 Route 25
P.O. Box 1179 Southold Town Clerk
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Noncarrow,
I would like to express my concern for safety in the Village of Orient vis a vis the planned
Orient Harbor Fireworks scheduled for July 3,2022. 1 live in the heart of Orient Village at a
prime viewing point for this display and have witnessed over the last few years the chaos this
event has brought to the residents of the Village.
Orient Village is densely populated in the summer, and this event draws people from
throughout the local area to the Village for the fireworks display. The event is mentioned in
Dans Paper, The Northforker, North Fork Patch, LI Weekly, News12 Long Island, and other
websites and publications. People come from many places, not just Orient Village. Those who
attend seem to be unaware or uncaring of the parking regulations in the Village,which were
instituted at the request of the Orient Fire Department several years ago because of their
concerns for safety on Village Lane. People attending the event park along both sides of Village
Lane without regard for the parking signs. Large numbers of people, after parking their vehicles,
walk to the area of the entrance of the Yacht Club driveway for a view of the display. Additional
cars continue driving up and down Village Lane looking for parking, endangering pedestrians
and small children walking about in the ensuing darkness on their way to the fireworks.
The residents of Orient Village are overrun by these visitors and then subjected to the
noise and debris of the fireworks itself which leaves smatterings of casings on roofs and yards
in the area.
In addition to the chaos in the Village, many park along the causeway on State Road 25
for a viewing from there. In the past this has caused traffic disruption (especially when the Ferry
discharges at Orient Point)and created an unsafe bypass for those travelling along the
highway.
enjoy fireworks, but I believe that this is the wrong location for this display. I believe the
display should be moved out to a less populated area that can provide adequate parking and
safety for viewers. Although it may be too late for this year's event to be cancelled, I hope
that consideration for safety and parking will factor into any ensuing requests for permits
for this activity in Orient Harbor.
I also ask that Traffic Control officers be present in Orient for this event this year
to control the traffic and parking situation created by the large crowd.
Thank you for your consideration.
Margaret Minichini
1995 Village Lane
Orient NY 11957
Cc: Southold Town Board
Martin Flatley, Chief of Police, Southold Town
Theodore Strauel, Orient Harbor July 0 Festivities Inc.