HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Rights and Decision Making
October 21, 2022
TO: Denis NonCarrow, Town Clerk
For Distribution to Members of the Town Board
RE: Community Rights and Decision Making
Dear Members of the Town Board,
On November 2, 2021, the Environmental Rights Amendment passed and thereby
changed the New York State Constitution. Article I, section 19 now begins: “Every
citizen has the right to clean water, clean air, and a healthful environment.” It
later reads: “The rights of all people and generations to clean water and air, and
a healthful environment needs to be at the foundation of all good government
action…”
When these environmental issues of every citizen are combined with quality of
life issues, I believe the result is an adequate definition of “Community Rights”.
One purpose of zoning codes is to restrict property rights so that property owners
don’t take steps that have a negative impact on other people in the community
(Community Rights). Unfortunately, existing zoning codes in Southold do not
comprehensively accomplish that purpose. I applaud what you’ve done with
regard to house size and your hiring of a consultant to address other zoning
issues. These actions were needed.
The pressure on town government by developers has never been greater than it is
today. There are opposing factions in every instance that cause decision-making
delays. As I’m sure you know, you can never make a decision that makes
everyone happy. Simultaneously, you must deal with other important and urgent
issues (water quality, environmental threats, etc.). Our marine life is dying,
aquifers are being contaminated, shorelines are threatened. WOW!
I have three suggestions:
1. Create an Environmental Commission to work with Trustees, PEP, DEC and
others to address the preservation of our natural resources.
2. Keep the banner of community rights prominent in your minds when making
decisions. This won’t result in decisions that are universally loved, but it will
result in the right decisions.
3. Consider a short term (6 month) moratorium on large commercial projects in
HALO districts. I know that’s not well received, but it would give you, the ZBA, the
people in Planning and the Trustees a chance to take a breath and prioritize
everything you have to deal with.
Lastly, I thank you and applaud you for the good job you are doing under these
oppressive circumstances.
Respectfully,
Charlie Gueli (Just me - no organizational affiliations here)