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Home My WebLink About1000-134.-3-5The East Hampton Star, May 23, 1991 Robins To Robis? Suffolk County's purchase of Robins Island -- the 460-acre tear- shaped island in Peconic Bay -- is in serious jeopardy in the wake of a deci- sion last week by, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The court, held as unenforce- ..able the contra~t','t'he c0~n't~/had~ entered into in 1989 to buy the pristine island for $9.2 million. The court next will rule on the validity of a deal reached by the island's owner, the Southold De- velopment Corporation, to sell the island instead to the ,Robis Corp. of California for $15.2 million in cash an'~'~-c'h-a'figd' o~ three islands off The county intends to appeal the ruling. If the judge's ruling is sustain- ed, the county would not be likely to match Robis's $15.2 million price, according to Legislator Fred W. i~hie[e jr. r/ Meamd~ile, a development plan has been filed with the Town of Southold providing for the construc- tion of 10 to 20 luxury houses on the island, ~hich is accessible only by ~ Bill Revived And a Suffolk Legislator has revived his twice-defeated bill to delete the purchase of Robins Island from the county's open space program. With the county in financial trouble, the prospects for the legislation, authored by Legislator Thomas Finlay of West lslip, are regarded as improved. The decision by Judge Robert John Hall on Friday came after nearly two years of litigation in which the Southold I)cvelopment Corp., based in Lichtcnstcin, held that it onlysold thc island to thc county because of thc threat of imminent bank fore- closure. The firm subsequently filed h}r bankruptcy and attempted to get out of the contract through the litiga- tion that was ruled on last week. The county claimed the bank- ruptcy filing was a sham, and that the firm's owners, Claus and Herbert Mittermayer, a father-and-son team 'who' spbcializel ia'speculating' dh 'the purchase of islands, had filed for bankruptcy and tried to get out of the county contract to sell at a higher price to Robis. But the judge found the county had acted in "bad faith" by coordinating some of its actions with descendants of Park Wiekham, the owner of the island prior to the Revolutionary War, who had gone to court to gaix~ possession of the island -- in an effort to preserve it. KARL GROSSMAN 'A Private Bid For Robins Island ISLAND from Page 5 south. For the past decade, it has been the focus of an often acrimonious debate between those who want it spared the development that has changed the face of eastern Long Island and those who view it as a unique location for expensive hamesites. For the past several years, the acquisition of the island has been at the centerpiece of the county's $60 million open space program. But the county's recent attempts to induce Mittermeir to sell it so that the island could be designated as a nature preserve have been rejected. Yesterday, the county's real estate commission- er, Joan Scherb, said the county's offer of $6 mil- lion was still on the table. "We want to negotiate with then~? ~he said. .. While the county would still have the option of condemning the property, that option has not been '~' publieally discussed. Before the island was sold to Mittermeir, it had been owned for years by the MacKay family and was operated as a family retreat and a private hunting club. In the early 1970's, the family of- fered the island to the county for $1.2 million, but the offer was rejected by the then ceunty execu- tive, John V.N. Klein. "John was putting his ef- forts into his farmland program and park asquisi- tion was out," said Lee Koppelman, head of the Long Island Regional Planning Board. ' Later efforts at county acquisition were rebuffed by the Republican-dominated town board in Southold. And, in the early 1980s, a proposal by the federal government to declare the Peconic Bay an estuarine sanctuary that would have included the acquisition of the island was roundly booed by Southold anti several other East End towns. As a result, the proposal was withdrawn. Today, the island remains an elusive prize that preservation~ have coveted, but always from a dis- tance. Unlike virtually every other large tract of land on the East End, the island has remained as it always was. Naturalists say there is nothing like it in the entire Northeast. For Koppelman, who has been Suffo]k's chief planner for 30 years, the is- land has been a dream he can't lay to rest. "I've heard the rumors for a couple of weeks that it was to be sold," he said. "There's been talk before, but this sounds like the real thing. This group has the dough to do it, alright. Honestly, I haven't worked harder for a single piece of proper- ty in afl my thirty years in government. "It's been so frustrating," he said. "Every time I spoke to the town, they turned us down. And all, the while the price kept getting beyond us. This is a testimonial to the quality of government out there that, when there was a chance to buy the island, they wouldn't even give us a home rule message. The bottom line is, this island could have been saved." Told of the offer, ,,L~gis. Steven Engiebright (D- ~East 8etauket) said: I will wark with all my might to acquire this property in order to protect the Peconic Bay and preserve this island for all the people,' he said. "We have to win this one. We really do." Suffolk Cops Disciolined After Gun Tests Fa'lsified Bay Window, a Long Island favorite Easy opening casement Easy cl double REPLACE ANY WINDOT WITH ANY WINDOW STYLE Y Imagine replacing your worn out windows w h beautiful Aloha bay bow, picture or ga den w ndows, Your home wig be brighter more spac ous and mo e comfortable· You'll never waste time painting, scraping or replacing storm windows again And w h A pha W ndows you can have any window style t, installed anywhere in your home· Because on y A pha Windows are custom built to your xactspecificationsandwarranteed o 40yearsw hanadditiona 20yearglasswarraflty. And istaffed by our own fac ory echn c aris usua y n ess hah a day. oulhowconvenen andaffordabe stohaveAIphaWindowsinstalledinyourhomo Vet pha showroom, or cag for a tree. fie obligation home estimate to~ay. EXCEPTIONAL FINANCING Selden CUTCHOGUE FIRE DISTRICT Cutchogue, N. Y. 11935 March 13, 1980 ~fr. Henry E. Raynor, Chairman Southold Town Planning Board Southold, N.Y. Dear Mr. Raynor: The Cutchogue Fire District has recieved your letter concerning Robins Island. We would be interested in pro- viding fire protection to the homes on Robins Island, provided some mutual agreement cuuld be reached between both parties. The Board would like to have a meeting with the represent~ves of the developers, s. nd also with the Planning Board at some time agreeable to everyone. Very truly yours, Board of Fire Comm's. Cutchogue Fire Dist. J. Salter, Sec · John J. Raynor, P.E. CIVIL ENGINEER P.O. Box 4 Water Mill, N.Y. 11976 726-9576 Reports Office: Mill Pond Lane, Water Mill, N.Y. Design Environmental Planning January 15, 1980 Planning Board Town of Southold Main Road Southold, N.Y. 11971 Re: Robins Island Dear Board Members: Submitted herewith is a sketch plan for the proposed division of Robins Island and an affidavit describing ownership. Additional prints of the sketch plan may be had by calling my office. Prints for release to the public will be subject to payment of reproduction costs. I will be out of town during the last week of this month, but other than that, I will try to be available to meet with the Board at your convenience. II'l · John J. Raynor, P. E. CIVIL ENGINEER P.O. Box 4 Water Mill, N.Y. 11976 726-9576 Reports Office: Mill Pond Lane, Water Mill, N.Y. Design Environmental Planning July 29, 1977 Town of Southold Southold, N.Y. 11971 Re: Robins Island Gentlemen: Delivered herewith are six copies of a two sheet sketch plan of Robins Island. Because of the prominence of the property, a key map did not seem necessary, and one has not been prepared. If this, or any other information is.absolutely needed by the Board prior to the meeting, please froe to call me. It is our intention, however, to make a detailed presentation of the plan at your August meeting, and would prefer to attempt response to any questions at that time. Under separate cover the developer will forwa~ tO you prior tO the meeting the appropriate affidavit relative to ownershipandinterests. I will await your instructions as to date, time and place for our presentation at your meeting. Very truly yours, CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS March 20, 1989 Hr,, Francis J. Murphy, Supervisor Town of Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road Southold, New York 11971 Re:: GEIS Proposal for Robins Island Town of Southold, New York ' LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL Dear Frank: As per our discussion of last week, enclosed please find a "draft" of our proposal for preparation of a GEIS on Robins Island. I call it a draft in that our discussions were not extensive as to your goals for the document, however we feel that the outline contained herein should allow the flexibility to address all the issues. If you have any questions as to the content please feel free to give us a call. I personally will be out of the country from March 22nd to April 5th but Chic Voorhis will be available to answer any questions you may have. Furthermore we would be gla~ to sit down and discuss the proposal and the GEIS in greater depth with you and any others at your convenience. Thank you for the opportunity to submit the above referenced. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Very t~~ ramer ASLA Enclosures 54 NORTH COUNTRY ROAD, MILLER PLACE, NY 11764 (516) 331-1455 ' TAL E CONSULTANTS ENVIRONMEN ~~ A Proposal for the Preparation of the for Robins Island Town of Southold, New York March '1989 54 NORTH COUNTRY ROAD, MILLER PLACE, NY 11764 (516) 331-1455 CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS March 20, 1989 Mr. Francis J. Murphy, Supervisor Town of Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road Southoid, New York 11971 Re: GEIS Proposal for Robins Island Town of Southold, New York Dear Frank: In accordance with your request during our recent telephone conversation CVA is pleased to submit this proposal for the preparation of the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS), for the comprehensive and environmental planning of Robins Island. We are pleased to be able to submit this proposal and feel the completed GEIS document will be a valuable tool for use in determining the future of Robins Island. Our firm has background and experience in the preparation of EiS's, particularly municipal GEIS's, land use planning and resource protection; which would be put to use in the creation of this document. Please refer to our qualifications statement, which I believe'you have a copy of, for a summation of our experience. Robins Island is a unique and valuable resource to the Town of Southold and all of Long Island. The individual resources of the island should be fully understood in order to properly plan and guide the future of the total resource. As you have suggested, the SEQR Act provides the mechanism to conduct such a review in a comprehensive manner, which is beneficial to both the community and the property owner. The GEIS is unique in having the ability to; provide the format to thoroughly investigate the resources, identify natural and cultural impacts that could occur, develop mitigation measures, and to develop and assess alternatives for the island's future. Based upon our research and knowledge of Robins Island, and the SEQR GEIS procedures, we have provided a discussion of our proposed approach to the project as well as an outline Page 1 of 13 54 NORTH COUNTRY ROAD, MILLER PLACE, NY 11764 (516) 331-1455 GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 of the proposed scope of services (attached). Following is a description of the methodology which CVA would employ in the completion of this project. Objectives: Our objective in completing this project is to provide the Town with an environmental inventory of the island which will be used to comprehensively plan ail subsequent development projects which may occur in the future. We shall seek to establish basic criteria for sensitive and proper land use. As there are presently no development applications pending, CVA will develop a conceptual residential subdivision plan, based on the existing zoning. This conceptual sketch will be used within the GEIS to asses~ the present zoning and the potential land use conditions on the island. Through the GEIS, the aim would be to consoiidate all available information on Robins Island, and provide the Town with the most accurate, relevant and complete information for policy formation, changes in poiicies, review effort and future decision making. The document will also provide the necessary information for the property owners to plan for the future, by having all the relevant information which will determine the use(s) on and around the island. The GEiS will also be able to be used as a ")laster Plan" for the island, it will provide guidance as to where, how, and if development can take place on the island, based on scientific facts, natural and cultural resource protection, sound planning practices and legal sufficiency. Due to the generic scope of the study, coupled with the fact that access to the island will not be possible, the document will seek to identify where and what type of detailed information may be needed in the future in conjunction with various types of potential ].and use options. This will provide the Town with the ability to identify problem proposals early in the planning stages, and clarify the types of additional information which may be necessary in the beginning of the ~ev!ew. process. Additionally, this type of process will aLer~ ~ne property owners of potential probiem sites and/or concepts, prior to submission, so that their ultimate development proposals are properly planned and environmentally sound. With the base information CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNIN~ CONSULTANTS Page 2 of 13 GEiS Proposal March 20, 1989 contained within the GELS, the Town Board as well as the other review agencies, will have a variety of options available for the review process, if and when a development project is submitted. These review options include: Draft EIS, supplemental EiS, Long EAE Part Iii, Negative Declaration, Conditioned Negative Declaration, and/or site specific reports (Groundwater Studies, Cultural Resources Assessments, etc). The objectives will include assessing the total island. The s%udy area will include, in addition to the island itself, various components/features of the waters offshore and the immediate mainland shore lille. The latter will be discussed and assessed with relationship to the island and its future land use potential. Resource Inventories: The GEIS will involve the preparation of a Natural Resource Inventory of the study area in order to locate unique attributes and environmentally sensitive areas. A detailed discussion of soils, topography, ground and surface water resources (recharge areas, watershed areas, water quality/quantity problems, depth to groundwater, etc. ), 'and terrestrial and aquaLic ecology (wetlands mapping~ habitat areas, threatened, endangered, and species of special concern, ezc). The text would be accompanied by a graphic analysis; utilizing maps, aerial photographs, overlays and figures, ~s appropriate. A scale of 1 inch equals 200 feet is sl~ggested, at this time, for all base map information. It should be noted that because of the inaccessibility of the island (ie. private ownership) a good part of the natural resource inventory may rely on archival research, ]ow altitude aerial photo interpretation, existing maps and data, persona] interviews and similar sources of information, raLher tban fie]~i inspections. Where resource information is lacking or, where it is questionable, it will be noted and identified as information necessary prior to any land use decision, if appropriate. The Cultural Resources would then he inventoried, in order to form the basis for impact analysis. The Human Resource section would include: a review of relevant land use plans; the access to the island and support facilities in the area, ~ncluding marinas, docks, etc.; discussion of community services; CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 3 of 13 GElS Proposal March 20, 1989 completion of a cultural resources assessment for historic and archaeological sensitivity; and, discussion of the island's visual resources, both from and toward the island. As with the natural resource inventories, portions of the cultural resource inventory for the island may rely on archival research, low altitude aerial photo interpretation, existing/hisLoric maps and data, personak interviews and similar sources of information, rather than field inspections. Where resource information is kacking or, where it is questionable, it will be noted and identified as information necessary prior to any land use decision, if appropriate. Conceptual Plan: The natural and human resources sections wouid constitute the Environmental Setting section o£ the GEIS (see attached outline for a detailed breakdown). As a result of this resource inventory, a great deal of basic information will be available for use in ~he conceptual planning of development in the area. Accordingly, CVA proposes to devise a composiLe resource analysis map, taking into consideration the existing resources and identifying prob]ems and oppor~unit~es. From this composite map a Conceptual Sketch plan ~vi]l be prepared, it is proposed that this plan reflect a residential subdivision map, based upon the existing zoning. This map will be the subject of the Environmental Impact Analysis section of the report. Using the Town's 10 acre zoning category, the skeLch map will: provide an assessment of the existing zoning; show potential impacts which could feasibly take place; and, provide valuable information for future decisions. A full description of the Conceptual Sketch plan as the proposed pro~]ect will be provided, as required ~lnder procedures · Potential impacts: The third section of the report will involve the qualification and quantii'ication where possible, of the environmental impacts of the Conceptual Sketci]. Special. attention will be given to: water supply issnes, groundwater impacts, runoff'and surface water' impacts, wet]and and habitat areas, conformance to land use plans, interconnection and availability of CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page ,1 of 13 GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 transportation and community services, cultural resources and other areas which are identified during the analysis. Mitigation Measures: The section on Mitigation Measures is important as a basis for documentation of regional and site specific techniques to avoid or minimize the environmental impacts to the island. It is expected that measures including but not limited to; clustering criteria, covenanted buffering, wetlands setbacks, preservation of open space, possible project phasing and areas for specific study would be outlined in this section. Alternatives: CVA proposes to analyze several alternatives within this section. The first, as required by SEQR, is the "No Action" alternative, it will discuss what will happen to the island if no development takes place, as well as outline what impacts would be anticipated if the GEiS process were not employed. The clustering of the standard subdivision yield will also be discussed as an alternative, as well as alternate designs and technology. With the information obtained in the setting and impact sections, discussed above, alternative density concepts will be developed and analyzed.' The last alternative proposed is the alternative of public acquisition. Each of the alternatives will be discussed and analyzed considering their potential impacts. Furthermore, it will be pointed out, where appropriate, issues that must be resolved and additional information which may be necessary if one of the alternatives are chosen to be pursued, in order to assure proper planning, environmental sensitivity and legal sufficiency. The Document: The document wi]] consist of written} te×t and ail necessary charts, tables and graphics. I~e propose to submit fifteen (15) copies of the completed document to the Town. A set of working base maps will also be supplied to the 'Fown for use in reviewing projects in conjunction with the GELS. We further propose that one CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 5 of 13 GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 public hearing be held at the completion of the environmental setting section of the GEIS, this will provide the opportunity to verify and check the accuracy of the data. Periodic meetings will be held with the staff of Planning, or the appropriate representative of the Town, throughout the process. in order to complete the above outlined scope of services~ CVA proposes to complete all aspects of the project "in-house", with the exception of the Cultural Resources Assessment, which is proposed to be sub-contracted. 7he proposed subcontractor is not only an expert in the assessment of cultural resources and land use impacts, but are also well versed in land use and the GEIS procedures. The names of the proposed subcontractors will be submitted to the Town Board for approval; however, CVA proposes to include all subcontractor fees irt tile overall cost of i;he project, in order to keep a close working relationship with subcontractors 'to produce a cohesive overall document. The outlined scope for completion of the above referenced services is based upon our desire to complete quality environmental planning document which will provide the ~own with the greatest amount of useful information. The estimated fee reflects this scope of work. The upset cost the project, including ail suheontractors~ drafting, meetings, graphics and text, Js not Lo exceed $22,000.00. This fee also includes administrative support in the processing of the GEiS in accordance with SEQR notice and filing requirements (Positive Declaration, scoping~ circulation, hearings, etc. ), as well as the requisite number of copies necessary for circukation (in addition to the for the Town). Honthly vouchers will be submitted throughout the project period, up to 75% of the project estimate, with the remaining 25% (or as appropriate) aL the time of completed document submission. We understand that the Town has limited funds available for this type of comprehensive planning. Accordingly, we would be pleased to meet with the members of the Board at a convenient time to discuss the scope of this proposal and to exp]or'e ways of minimizing costs and/or ['inancing document. ~e .are hopeful that the Town will give rayon'able consideration to this proposal. 'We are enthusiastic about the project, and would intend to begirt immediately upon approval. Please ~'eview the material included herein, and do CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 6 of 13 (IEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 not hesitate to contact us in order to further discuss any aspect of the proposal. If the proposal is acceptable and provides sufficient information for the Town to prepare the necessary resoiut~ons we would be pleased to enter contract based upon finalization of the agreement. Thank you For the opportunity to submit this proposal. Thomas W. Cramer, ASLA enc; outl ine CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page ? of 13 GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROPOSAL For the Robins Island Southold, New York GEIS OUTLINE Ii. IIi, Cover Sheet Table of Contents and Summary Description of Proposed Action Project Purpose 1. introduction & Intent 2. Background & History 3. Town objectives, zoning and land use plans {as appropriate) 4. Objectives and need for project (GEIS} C. Location 1. Geographic boundaries 2. Access (or potential access, 3. Existing Zoning as appropriate) Design and Layout -- As Sketch )Jap (Development ]. Estimated site data Proposed on at existing a) impervious Suufaces b) Land to be cleared c) Open Space Oonceptuai zoning; 2. Structures, Proposed Number & Layout 3. Proposed Drainage Systems 4. Sewage Disposal 5. Water Supply 6. Others as appropriate Construction and Operation 1. Predicted Timing 2. Suggested Protection Methods Approvals i. GEIS process '2. Generalized review process upon ~'oulp[ecion of GEIS, including: Planning Board Subdivision Approvals; Town Board, Trustees, Zoning Board (wetlands, variances, cluster); CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 8 of 13 GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 fV. NYSDEC Article 24 Permits; SCDHS Sanitary Disposal and Water Supply; etc Environmental Setting Geology 1. Surface a) Soil types b) Discussion of sub-soil 2. Topography -- Slope analysis 3. Offshore -- depth, bottom {~ype Water Resources 1. Groundwater a) Direction of Flow -- Determine localized direction of flow utilizing existing literature Velocity of Flow -- Determine hydraulic characteristics of aquifer from existing literature (i.e. hydraulic conductivity, porosity, velocity) c Water Quality -- Determine water quality for is]and from existing literature. d) Water Quantity -- Determine amount of water and availability for island from exis%ing literature. Surface Water a} Water quality -- Determine water quality from existing literature. b) Depth and currents -- Discussion of offshore conditions which could effect access to island, from existing literature. c) Surface conditions -- Determine wave heights, velocity and direction from existing literature and computations d} Freshwater and T~dal wetlands. Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Vegetation a) Communities -- Species List -- Community Locations CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 9 of 13 GEiS Proposal March 20, 1989 b) Characteristics and Quality 2. Wildlife a} Habitats -- Species List -- Community Locations b) Characteristics and ~uaiity -- Wildlife o£ special concern c) Offshore Note: As island will be inaccessible for direct field observation this section will be completed using aerial photo interpretation, archival research and personal interviews with persons familiar with the island. Climate 1. Wind a. Direction & speed -- Discussion of typical conditions and effects (protection, exposure) 2. Seasonal variations (temperature, etc. ) -- Discussion of typical conditions and effects (icing, etc.) Transportation 1. Discussion on accessibility of island a) Seasonally b) Depth of water c) Landforms 2. Support facilities a) Existing marinas & docks in area -- Discussion of public and privane facilities: including ]evei of service, season of operation, etc. Land Use and Zoning 1. Existing Land Use on ls]and 2. Existing Zoning on lsland 3. Land Use Plans a) Town Zoning b) NURPS c) 208 Study d) Acquisition programs Cominunity Services 1. Educational 2. Police CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 10 of 13 GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 illl 3. Fire 4. Health Care 5. Social Services 6. Recreational 7. UtSlitles Cultural Resources 1. Visual Resources a) ~iews/Vistas from mainland b) Views/Vistas from island 2. Cultural Resource Assessments - island sensitivity will be reviewed and discussed by a qualified archaeologist using existing information and archival search Significant Env[ronmentai Impacts This section is to include identificagion of significant environmental impacts which may be expected to occur as a result of this project. The proposed project will be compared to tile environmental setting for an objective assessment anticipated effects. I~ is not possible at tbJs time to identify, nor to attribute the maguir, ude of significance to each impact until further investigation is completed. However~ the lead agency should identified certain impacts potentially large, in their opinion, during the preparation of Part [~ of the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), and the review of that document, CVA wii; assist in the preparation of ~bat document. The following is a summary of potentially large impacts, but Ls not considered ail inclusive: of Physical Change to Project Site i. Impact on Soils and Topography 2. Lose of Open Space Affect on Ground and Surface Water 1. Adverse Affect Groundwater 2. Siltation or other Discharges whici] will effect water resources (ie. stormwater) C o Threatened o~~ Endangered Specieg 1. Reduction of species found on State or Federal list (ii' applicable) 2. Loss of Habitat D. Non-threatened or endangered species CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 11 of 13 ] ] ] GElS Proposal ~arch 20, ]989 VI. 1. interfere with residence or migratory species 2. Loss of Habitat E. Transportation impacts F. Community Services G. Land Use Plans--Compatibility with plans, conformance to codes Cultural 1. Historic 2. Pre-historic 3. Visual Mitigation Measures to Minimize Envlronment~i Impacts In the event that potential impacts are idennJ fled, measures shall be proposed that will mitigate adverse effects (as shown, not considered ~1] inclusive). Geology I. Ecosion control techniques 2. Minimization of Soil & Vegetation Disturbance 3. Avoidance of Steep Slopes Water Resources 1. Location of Sanitary Discharge 2. Landscaping and Landscape Management Plans 3. Stormwater Controls Terrestrial 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. and Aquatic Ecology Site Clearing Limitation Vegetation Protection Techniques Open Space/Buffer Areas Landscaping Controls Habitat Preservation/Protection Scheduling Public Access/Res~rict[ve Easements Cultural Resources i. Provide scope for archaeologicai (Stage lB) as rlecessary 2. Visual CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 12 of 13 VII. VIii. GEIS Proposal March 20, 1989 Adverse Impacts which Cannot be Avoided Alternatives, Conceptual Maps and A. No action B. Alternative Design C. Alternative Technology D. Change of Density (Rezoning) E. Public Acquisition Discussion CRAMER, VOORHIS & ASSOCIATES ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTANTS Page 13 of ]3 Mr. Jack Driscoll and Mr. Robert Meyer in regarding the possible development of Robins Island. Mr. Driscoll said they had gone to the Court of Appeals and expect action within the week. They expect to pay off Mackay and have ownership in a month. Driscoll is staying in for manage- ment and sales and expects to pay off Penny and Waimey at a profit to them. Spoke of 14 foot dirt road, no gas driven cars on the island except fire truck, other emergency vehicles. They are negotiating to have the northwest corner go to Nature Conservancy. Mr. Larkin of the DEC has done a study on Robins Island. Bob Holzmacher is their consultant and Mr. Driscoll said Mr. Holzmacher says he can get the DEC to let the town have jurisdiction. They will want to put a small store on the island. These are notes taken at an informal discussion with the two above at which Fred Gordon and Frank Coyle were present along with Henry Raynor. · John J. Raynor. P. E. CIVIL ENGINEER P.O. Box 4 Water Mill, N.Y. 11976 726-9576 Reports Office: Mill Pond Lane, Water Mill, N.Y. Design Environmental Planning July 29, '~977 Planning Board Town of S~uthold S*uthold, Re: Robins Island Gentlemen Delivered herewith a~e six copies of a two sheet sketch plan of Robins Island. Because cf the p~em/nance of the px~pe~ty, a key map ~id not seem necessax~, and one has not been prepared. If this~ or any other information is'absolutely needed by the Board prior to the aeeting, please £z~e to call me. It is ou~ intention, however, to make a dete.~led presentation of the plan at ~ur August meeting, and would prefer to attempt response to any questions at that time. Under separate cover the developer will forwa~l to you prior to the meetin~ the appropri~e affidavit relative to ownership and interests. I will await your instx~ctions as to date, time and place for our presentation at your meeting. I1'1 · John J. Raynor. P. E. CIVIL ENGINEER P.O. Box 4 Water Mill, N.Y. 11976 726-9576 Reports Office: Mill Pond Lane, Water Mill, N,Y. Design Environmental Planning · o~n of Southold · o~n ~l S~uthold, It.Y. 11c)71 Gentle,.en: Enclosed herewith is an affidavit relative to the i6entitiee of parties in interest to the application fer sketch plan approval of a subdivision of Robins Island. This affidavit is ~ubmitted in compliance with Section AIO~ - ~0 B of the Town S~bdivision Regulations. I look fomea~d to meeting with your boax~ in the nea~ future to discuee the plan for this project. LAWRENCE S. INGOGLIA aud THOMAS SAMUEI~, being duly sworn depose and say that they are contract vendees of Robins Island and that each one has a 50% interest in said contract with John W. Mckay. S~,orn to before me this m~'~or~a ry PubTic A. MARIE KRASSEW~KI Notary Pubiic, S~a~e of New York I~esiding in SL, ti¢.',: ~.o. i~o. 52-452123~ Commission Expiies March 30, 19'-7~" day of ~ ~, 1977. Informal meeting at Planning Board Office - April 3, 1979 Henry E. Raynor, Jr., Vice-Chairman, and Frederick Gordon, member, attended this informal meeting requested by John Raynor, Jr., an engineer for the principles. Also present were William Esseks, Attorney, and A1 Finger and Mr. Greene who are real estate people. They showed a drawing which defined 39 lots with over 50% of the Island held in open space. The prospective purchasers are Lesser and Beneska. Mr. Raynor said they had a letter of intent and would be going into contract. Robins Island file LEONARD J. MEISELMAN DONALD J. ~OLAND JOHN J. REILLY (516} 741 - 8 850 October 5, 1977 Hon. John Wickham, Chairman Town Planning Board Southhold, New York Re: Robins Island Dear Sir: In accordance with my promise to you on the evening of September 19th at the hearing on the application of Messrs. Samuels and Ingoglia relative to Robins Xsland, I enclose herewith a copy of the Order of Mr. Justice Gordon M. Lipetz, Justice of the Supreme Court, Suffolk County. I draw your specific attention to the first and second ordering paragraphs on page 4 (continued on page 5) and the first ordering paragraph on page 5. I trust that the enclosure will aid you in your determination and will bear out the remarks made by me from the floor at the hearing. truly/~, AT a Special Term, Part I, of the Supreme Court of the State of New York held in and for the County of Suffolk, at the Supreme Courthouse therein locate on Griffins_Avenue, R~verhead, New York, on the /?'~day of September, 1977 PRESENT HON. GORDON M. LIPETZ, Justice. JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON, Plaintiffs, Index No. 77/13051 -against- JOHN W. MACKAY, Defendants. JOHN W. MACKAY, ORDER Plaintiff, -against- JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY, HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON, ALAN BENDERSKY, as Escrow Agent, and EDWARD P. SCHROEDER, as Escrow Agent, Defendants. ~Consolidated Action ............................................. X ~Index No. 77/3975 JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B.' SCHAFFRON, Plaintiffs, -against- JOHN W. MACKAY, A motion having been made by the defendant, JOHN W. MACKAY (in the first and third above-captioned actions) for an order 1) dismissing the complaint in the first above-captioned action bearing Index No. 77-13051; 2) cancelling the notice of pendency of action filed in connec- tion with the said action bearing Index No. 77-13051 'and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on July 25, 1977; 3) holding ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., in contempt of the orders of this Court relative to the filing of successive notices of pendency of action; 4) assessing punitive and exemplary damages against the said ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., and his clients, namely, JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON; 5) enjoining and staying pendente lite JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WALMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON, and their attorney, ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., from abuse of process of the Court and harrassment of the said JOHN W. MACKAY and from filing any new lis pendens or any new action based upon the same cause of action now pending before this Court in the second and third above-captioned actions, as consolidated; and the plaintiffs in the first and third above-captioned actibn, namely, JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON having cross-moved this Court for an orde~ disqualifying MEYER SCHEPS and the law firm of MEISELMAN, BOLAND, REILLY & PITTONI from acting as attorneys for the said JOHN W. MACKAY and requiring the said JOHN W. MACKAY to obtain a new and different attorney to represent him in the above-captioned action; and the said motion and cross- motion having come on the calendar in Special Term, Part I of this Court, on the 1st day of September, 1977, and having there been referred to the under- signed, a justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and adjourned for argument to the 7th day of September, 1977, and the said JOHN W. MACKAY having appeared by his attorneys, MEISELMAN, BOLAND, REILLY & PITTONI, Esqs., by MEYER SCHEPS, Esq., of counsel, in support of the said motion and in opposi- tion to the said cross-motion and JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON having appeared by their attorney, ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., in support of the said cross-motion and in opposition to the motion made on behalf of the said JOHN W. MACKAY, all as aforesaid, and the Court having heard oral argument, at which time certain portions of the motion made on behalf of JOHN W. MACKAY having been withdrawn by MEYER SCHEPS, Esq., on behalf of the said JOHN W. MACKAY and the said ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., having withdrawn his cross-motion on behalf of the said JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON; and due deliberation having been had; and the Court having made its oral decision the terms of which are embodied hereinafter; now after hearing MEISELMAN, BOLAND, REILLY & PITTONI, Esqs., by MEYER SCHEPS, Esq., of counsel, in support of the aforesaid motion and in opposition to the said cross-motion and ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., in support of the said cross-motion and in opposit~on to the motion made ~n behalf of JOHN W. MACKAY and after having read the order to show cause herein dated August 27, 1977, the affirmation of MEYER SCHEPS, Esq., dated August 19, 1977, and the Exhibits A to H inclusive annexed thereto all read in support of the sa~d motion made on behalf of JOHN W. MACKAY with proof of due service thereof thereto annexed and the not,ce of cross-motion on behalf of JACK DRISCO1 GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON dated August 31, 1977, the affidavit of ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., sworn to the 31st day of August, 1977, to which are annexed Exhibits A through H inclusive, all submitted in support of the cross-motion made on behalf of the sa~d JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON and in opposition to the motion of the said JOHN W. MACKAY; it is ORDERED that the complaint of "JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON, Plaintiffs, against JOHN W. MACKAY, Defendant" in the first above-captioned action bearing Index No. 77-13051, be and the same hereby is dismissed for the reason that ~t has been brought for the same relief and between the same parties in the third above-captioned action now pending in this Court and at issue; and it is hereby further ORDERED that the notice of pendency of action filed by the said JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON mn connection with the first above-captioned action and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on July 25, 1977, and indexed to the name of the said JOHN W. MACKAY and recorded in Liber 212 of Notices of Pendenc2 'of Action at page 174 be and the same hereby is cancelled and the Clerk of the County of Suffolk, upon presentation to h~m of a copy of this order is hereby -4- to effect such cancellation by making a note thereof on the index or indices relating to the said notice wherever the same appears on any book, record or index in his office)/~an~ it is hereby further ORDERED that the said JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON and their attorney, ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq., or his successors be and they are hereby enjoined and stayed pendente lite from filing any new notice of pendency of action or any new action based upon the same cause of action now pending before this Court and filed with the Clerk of the County of Suffolk under Index No. 77-3975 (consolidated action) wherein the said JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON are plaintiffs and the said JOHN W. MACKAY is the defendant and it is hereby further- ORDERED that the third and fourth grounds for the said motion made on behalf of JOHN W. MACKAY be deemed withdrawn, the fifth ground of said motion be deemed granted only to the extent as hereinabove set forth; and it is hereby further ORDERED that the cross-motion made on behalf of the said JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLEY WAIMEY and HERBERT B. SCHAFFRON be and the same hereby is denied, with prejudice. ~ ;~'~"~7 ..... - E N T E R : fY f~ r ,';~~ FILED., . SEP 21 1977 ;; ,~. 1~?? i~ LESTEF~ ~ .... . ERTS~.~ cte~k ~ Clerk of ~uffo,k Coun~ GORDON M. LIP[TZ J.S .C. STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ss.: The undersigned, an attorney admitted to practice in the courts of New York State, [] Certification certifies that the within By Attorney has been compared by the undersigned with the original and found to be a true and complete copy. [] Att0rn,fi's shows: deponent is A~irmati0n the attorney (s) of record for in the within action; deponent has read the foregoing and knows the contents thereof; the same is true to deponent's own knowledge, except as to the matters therein stated to be alleged on information and belief, and that as to those matters deponent believes it to be true. This verification is made by deponent and not by The grounds of deponent's belief as to all matters not stated upon deponent's knowledge are as follows: The undersigned affirms that the foregoing statements are true, under the penalties of perjury. Dated: The name $ioned must be printed beneath STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ss.: being duly sworn, deposes and says: deponent is ~ [] Individual the in the within action; deponent has read - the foregoing and knows the contents thereof; the same is true to ._~ deponent's own knowledge, except as to the matters therein stated to be alleged on information and belief, and as ~ to those matters deponent believes it to be true. a corporation, in the within action; deponent has read the foregoing and knows the contents thereof; and the same is true to deponent's own knowledge, except as to the matters therein stated to be alleged upon information and belief, and as to those matters deponent believes it to be true. This verifiea¢ion is made by deponent because is a corporation and deponent is an officer thereof. The grounds of deponent's belief as to all matters not stated upon deponent's knowledge are as follows: Sworn to before me on 19 The name signed must be firinted beneath STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF is overKi~e~stlo~i~a~sides at Affidavit Sworn to before NASSAU being duly sworn, deposes and says: deponent is not a party to the action, New Ry~e Park. N.Y.. Onsept. 23, 1977 depohent ~ed the within Order with Not~ce Of Entry ~upon ~bert R. Pincus, attorney~ xor piainti~a in this action, atthe ad~e~s10de~e9%~t~d ~(s) for ~at pur~se by ~&~ ~ same enclo~d in a poa.~id properly ed&essea ~ap~, in ~~ -- official depository under ~e exclusive care and custody of the United Stat~ Po~al Service within'~ew York. On 19 at deponem served the within upon the herein, by dMivering a true copy ther~f to h personally. Deponent knew the person so served to be ~e person mentioned and described in said papers as the / therein. ~ O~A~ L ~TH Kay Suwczlns~ NOTARY PUBLIC, Sfa~e of ~ew York ' Term Expires March 30, 19.~.~ Index No. SUPREME COURT Year I9 JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, HERBERT B. S~HAFFRON, -against- JOHN W. MACKAY; STANLEY WAIM~Y and Plaintif fs, Defendant. JOHN W. MACKAY, Plaintiff, -against- JACK DRISCOLL, GEORGE L. PENNY III, STANLI~Y WAIMEY, HERBERT B. SCHAPFRON, ALAN BENDERSKY, as Escrow Agent; and EDWARD P. SCHROEDER, am ~s~r~w Aq~n~: D~ JACK DR~SCOLL, et al., Plaintiffs -against JOHN W. MACKAY,Defendant. ORDER MEISELMAN, BOLAND, REILLY & PITTONI ~t~f;~Defendant in first and third above-captioned acti_ orri¢, a,Z Po, o,i~ .i.~r,,. ~Plaint~ff in second above-capti~ 54 Willis Avenue actions MINEOLA, NEW YORg. 11501 (516) 248*2400 (516) 741-8850 To ALBERT R. PINCUS, Esq. Auomerb)~r Drisco11, et al, Service of a copy of the within Dated. is h~eby a~mi~ted. Atmm~(~) for Sir:.-- Please uke not/ce duly entcred in the office of the clerk ofth~' w~ffu~ Kamed that an order settlement to the HON. of ghe w~thin nnm~d CO~,, at o~ 19 at M. Dated, Nin~ola~ N.Y. $~ptemb~r 23~ 1977 19 ~un on September 21, of which the within is a true copy will be presented for one of the judges Yours, etc. MEISELMAN, BOLAND, REILLY & PITTONI Atror~ ;m' 0#~.,~ wA4 Po~t Of'fi~f Aggm: 54 Wi~ Avenue MINEOLA, NEW YORK 11~01 To AtMrney(8) for 77 November 18, 1977 Mr. John Wickham, Chairman Planning Board, Town of Southold Suffolk County Southold, New York 11971 Dear John: I have just returned from a short vacation to see your letter of November 10th. Unfortunately the Ingoglia-Samuels deal is finished, and I cannot really bl~ne them for not going on any further. As you know, there were 3 Liz Pendens that had to be removed, and this and other local matters caused further delay. I am glad to know that your Planning Board looks very favorably upon their proposal. In the event some future buyer comes up with the same sort of plan~ I am sure this would help your Planning Board expedite the matter. Jt'g~'[: mfs Cordially, November 19, 1974 ~. John W. Mackay ~2 Third Avenue Mlneola, New York 11501 Dear Mr. Mackay: After our phone conservation of-the 15th I went to the assessors' office and received the folIowing informa- tion. The tax rate in New Suffolk ~chool District is 12.872. Yours is 11.927 because you a~e not charged with either Mosquito or Light Districts. This is the 1974-75 rate; your last year's rate was 11.1~1. This will result in about a $2,000 increase in your total taxes this year. I don't know where you got your information about the size of tax increases but the County (and State) rate is 1.723. According to my figures, this is about 14}% of your total taxes. Even if the County and State tax were to be doubled next year (1975-76) it would only add 1~% to your tax bill and this is most unlikely. I am sure you reoognize that the assessment base is very important and that remains unchanged. Also, I have spoken to the assessors about a possible reduction in your highway tax. I am hopeful that this can be reduced some- what which I believe should be done in all fairness. I am at long last sendi~ the zoning booklets that you expressed interes= in and would be gladto discuss Robins Island with you at your convenience. I am sure I reco~nize at least some of your problems sinoe I am currently engaged in divesting my personal estate of some valuable property. I expect, however, to be tied up until Deoember 9. My best regards to your wife. Very sincerely, ~W/mb E~closures 2 Johnwickham; ~n~rman Southold TownPlannlng Board COUNTY OF NASSAU DEPARTMENT OF RECBEATI~N & PARKS NASSAU COUNTY MUSEUM GARVIES POINT BRANCH BARRY DRIVE GLEN COVE, NEW YORK 11542 December 9, 1975 Messrs. Stanley J. Waimey and Jack E. Driscoll 4 Sails Realty, Inc, Middle Road Mattituck, New York 11952 Dear Messrs. Waimey and Driscoll: I read with some concern the fact that Robins Island was being sold for development (Newsday, 10/10/75, page 6; 12/2/75, page 21). I have performed a prelimina~ archaeological survey of prehistoric Indian sites on Robins Island and I am concerned that the archaeological resources on the island might be destroyed before they can be properly investigated. The research report on the initial archaeological survey is currently being prepared for publication. The site plan for the proposed development as printed in Suffolk Life Newspapers (Neck of November 23) would definitely threaten a number of Indian archaeological sites. IS is hoped that permission to conduct further archaeological investigations could be gra ? the earliest possible date in order to salvage as much data as possible. The Newsday ?~icle of 10/10/75 mentioned that building on Robins Island would not start for approximately 2-1/2 years. ~.s ti~e newspaper articles express your concern with the protection of envirom~ntal resources, I would appreciate it if we might discuss this matter more fully at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your interest in this matter. cc.: John W. Mackay Southold Town Planning Board Respectfully yours, Daniel H. Kaplan Assistant Curator Anthropology (archaeologY] Garvies Point Museum January 24, 1977 Mr. John Downey P. O. Box 607 Point Lookout, New York 11569 Dear Mr. Downey: I am writing in reply to your letter to the Town HiStorian regarding Robins Island. In November of 1975, Mr. Jack Driscoll and~ Mr. Stanley Waimey appeared before the Planning Board to discuss the development of Robins Island. There was no official presentation nor any action taken. There were plans at that time that these two people and a third that wasn't identified would purchase the island. There has been no transfer of this property as of thi.s date. Therefore, the information you requested is non existan~. If this ever gets to the point of development, the public hearings will be advertised in both local papers, The Suffolk Times and the Long Island Traveler-Watcbm~n. Yours truly, Muriel Brush,' Sedretary Southold Town Planning Board THE NATURE C©~qSERVANCY August 23, 1976 Mr. John Wickham Southold Planning Boa/d Main Road Southold, New York Re: Robins Island Dear Mr. Wickh~m: We have heard from Paul Stoutenbourgh that he has had a chance to meet with you to discuss our concern for Robins Island on a preliminary basis. News has come to us that the contact between Mr. Driscol and Mr. Mackay is to be finalized sometime in September. Because of this, I feel it is necessary for us to meet with you and get your advice as · to how to go about best preserving the key ecological areas on Robins Island. The two dates that are most convenient for us are ThurSday or Friday, September 2 or B. We would prefer a morning meeting if that is at all possible but realize your rather difficult schedule at this time of the year; and, therefore, are quite willing to meet at your convenience. Please let us know as soon as possible whether or not meeting on either of the two days we suggested is possible. JNP:kev Sincerely, ~hairman age 1t 1 October 20, 1975 ~, Jack Drtscoll Four Sails Realty, Inc. F~Lddle Road ~h~ttituck, New York 11952 In connection with our discussion about Robins Island last week, ! have found~noppor~,-~tyto talk with one of ~:e conservation organizations about the possibility of ~eir being interested in an. arrangement similar to that on Shelter Island or An some o~her arrangement whereby ~=ey might acquire some of Robins Island on an outright ~x~chase basis. Xn view of the fact that X have no personal interest other than the interest of. the people of the Town of Southold, I am going a little fur~herZnthismatter and am attempting to get some sor~ of:a pr~poaition from these people in one way or another and when 'Iknow~clearlywhat possibilities they have to offer, I will bring them to your attention. I~a all events, I will be in touch with you again within eight or ten days. Ver~ aincer~ly, ,~/mb ~'ohn Wickham HENRY E. RAYNOR. Sr., Chatrman FREDERICK E. GORDON JAMES WALL BENNETT ORLOWSKI, Jr. GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, Jr. Southold, N.Y. 11971 March 3, 1980 TELEPHONE 765- 1938 Mr. Frank McBride Cutchogue Fire Commissioners New Suffolk Avenue Cutchogue, New York 11935 Dear Mr. McBride: We would be interested in knowing if you prefer to have Robins Island come under the Cutchogue Fire District or have it remain under the state warden system. We would appreciate any pertinent information as to what your group would feel is adequate equipment for fire protection on the island for twenty-eight homes. We would like a meeting with you to discuss the matter with members of the Planning Board at your convenience. Yours truly, HENRY E. RAI~OR, JR., CHAIRMAN SOUTHOLD TOWN PLANNING BOARD HER/mt SC, UTI IAMPTON, NEW YORK ~ 1968 / 516 283 4000 .. A CENTER OF LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES 'i'7 'z- () t ? i7. , Z i i:L i ROBINS ISLAND FIELD TRIP Conservation Advisory Council July 22, 1980 As the Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council, we are supposed to represent the Public and, therefore, take an unbiased view of each pro~ect assigned to us. As one of our assignments, we were asked to visit Robins Island and report facts as we saw them. We feel that these facts do not support some of the statements being made about the island. The island is not in a 'pristine' natural state. Some natural condition is killing the cedar trees. There must be at least a thousand dead trees. The only healthy cedar trees were on the mowed lawn around one of the existing houses. There does not seem to be any small game such as rabbits, pheasant, racoons, squirrels, etc. In fact, we saw very few songbirds. There are many ponds and some fine wetlands with evidence that migratory water fowl are here in considerable numbers. The only upland wildlife in evidence is a herd of deer. There is every indication that there are too many deer for the land available. They seem to be eating all the vegetation. Even ordinary briars are eaten down to within a few inches of the ground. We would recommend that from a 'kindness to animals' viewpoint, at least two-thirds of this deer herd be removed from the island. In summary, natural wildlife does not seem to it is our opinion that this island is not a sanctuary since many trees are dead and the island support upland animals and birds. We feel that these facts should be considered by those who are proposing to keep it in its present natural state. PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD In the Matter of the Application of SOUTHOLD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RE: ROBINS ISLAND AFFIDAVIT STATE OF NEW YORK) SS.; COUNTY OF SUFFOLK) WILLIAM W. ESSEKS, being duly sworn, deposes and says: 1. I am one of the attorneys for Southold Development Corporation, the sole fee owner of Robins Island, which is the subject of this instant subdivision application. 2. Based upon my conversations with the president of the corporation and with the principal shareholder, the sole owner of Robins Island is Southold Development Corporation, and none of its shareholders, directors or corporate officers are in any way associated with the Town of Southold. Sworn to before me this 15th day of January 1980. No ,~ry Public MARY F. HALL NOTARY PUBLIC. State of New York No. 52-4637192 Qualified in Suffolk County ,~; ~omm s~ on ,~xpiros Mar~;h 3_0, 19. ~1-/ WILLIAM W. ESSEKS HENRY E. RAYNOR, .Ir., Chairman JAMES WALL BENNETT ORLOWSKI, .Ir. GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, Jr. William F. Mullen, Jr. Southold, N.Y. 11971 April 13, 1981 TELEPHONE 765- 1938 To Whom It May Concern: The charge for a copy of the map of Robins Island which contains 28 lots is 25¢ a page. It will be necessary to use 25 pages for a total of $6.25 payable in advance to the Town Clerk. Yours truly, Muriel Tolman, Secretary PERVISOR TO MAIN ROAD $OUTHOLD, L.I., N.Y. 1197! SOR .D TELE (516) 7 (516) 7 January 9~ 1981 ,Mr o Henry Raynor Plarming Board $outhold Town ]{all $outhold, NY Dear ,Mr. Raynor: At our regular Robins Island meeting on Thursday~ January 8th, development study was discussed. The Qo~ttee has requested information from the Plartning Board as to what the minimum requirements would be, according to law, in the development of the Island. The committee would like to schedule a meeting with the Planning Board regarding the development of Robins Island as soon as possible. Please notify my office when this meeting can be arranged. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely yours~ WRPcjm William R. Pell III SUpervisor $outhold Town TOOKER. ESSEKS, HEFTER. CUDDY & ~:~J~:~ Angel COUNSELOF~S AT LAW April 1, 1980 Mr. Robert Tuthill New Suffolk, N. Y. 11956 Re.: Robins Island Dear Mr. Tuthill: This will confirm a telephone conversation between yourself and my secretary wherein we advised you that the Planning Board.of the Town of Southold will visit Robins Island on April 10, 1980 at approximately 1:30 p.m. We understand that ww /F CC.: Planning Board Town of Southold Southold, N. Y. 11971 they will provide their own transportation. Very truly yours, William W. Esseks HENRY E. RAYNOR, Sr.. Chalrm~n FREDERICK E. GORDON JAMES WALL BENNETT ORLOWSKI. Jr. GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, Jr. Southold, N.Y. 11971 March 3, 1980 TELEPHONE 765- 1938 Mr. Andrew Goodale, President New Suffolk School Board New Suffolk School District #15 Fifth Street New Suffolk, New York 11956 Dear Mr. Goodale: We have started on a proposed development of Robins Island. As this may have ramifications for the New Suffolk School District, we would appreciate any imput you may have. I am enclosing copy of the minutes of the meeting at which this matter was discussed. Yours truly, HER/mt Enclosure HENRY E. RAYNOR, JR., CHAIRMAN SOUTHOLD TOWN PLANNING BOARD HENRY E. RAYNOR. Jr.. Chairman FREDERICK E. GORDON JAMES WALL BENNETT ORLOWSKI, Jr. GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM. Jr, Southold, N.Y. 211971 March 3, 1980 TELEPHONE 765-1938 Chief Carl Cataldo Southold Town Police Department Main Road Peconic, New York 11958 Dear Chief Cataldo: We are in the process of reviewing plans for the subdivision of Robins Island. The proposal calls for twenty- eight homes on the island. May we have any information you could offer with regard to police protection. Yours truly, HER/mt PIENRY E. RAYNOR, JR., CHAIRMAN SOUTHOLD TOWN PLANNING BOARD HENRY E. RAYNOR, .Ir., Chatrma~ FREDERICK E. GORDON JAMES WALL BENNETT ORLOWSKI, GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM..Ir. Southold, N.Y. 11971 March 6, 1980 TELEPHONE 765- I938 Mr. John J. Raynor, P.E. P. O. Box 4 Water Mill, New York 11976 Dear Mr. Raynor: Enclosed please find copy of the minutes of the meeting of February 25, 1980 as they pertain to the Robins Island matter. i am also enclosing the letter from the Suffolk County Archaeological Association as per your request. Yours truly, HENRY E. RAYNOR, JR., CHAIRMAN SOUTHOLD TOWN PLANNING BOARD By Muriel Tolman, Secretary Enclosures SUFFOLK COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION P.O. Drawer AR, Stony Brook, New York 11790 August 8, 1980 Mr. Michael E. Ach The Save Robins Island Committee 1300 Beydon Dr. Southoid, N.Y. 11971 Dear Mr. Ach, Based on the preliminary archaeological survey conducted by staff members of Gsrvies Pt. Museum and the unpubiished survey report (Kaplan 19691, S.C.A.A. has categorized Robins Island as one of the few, relatively pristine areas of aboriginal habitation of Long Island. The island also contains important his- torical archaeological evidence of a brick works. S.C.A.A., an organization concerned with the preservation of our ever- diminishing cultural resources, has witnessed the destruction of such sites by amateur collectors and construction activities. However, preservation has been achieved in the past by incorporation of threatened areas into public lande. If this is not possible, a professional assessment of the proposed construction area, prior to development, is required under the N.Y. State Environmental Quality Review Act. If aboriginal and/or historical archaeological sites are determined to be endangered by development, mitigation could result in the reorientation of proposed structures, during the planning stage, to ensure pres- ervation. We have enclosed a copy of "Robins Island - A Preliminary Archaeological Survey". However, in order to preserve the integrity of the archaeological sites designated within, specific site locations have been deleted from the text at this time. Please feel free to contact us if any questions arise per- taining to the cuituraI resources of Robins Island. Sincerely, cc: ~Henry E. Raynor 3r., Chairman, Southold Town Planning Board William R. Pell III, Southold Town Supervisor PhiIip Lord 3r., Senior Scientist (Archaeology) of Office of the State Archaeologist David Newton, Suffolk Co. Councii on Environmental Quality Magdeline Goodrich, Southold Town Historian Dwight Holbrook TOOKER, E$$ek$, HeFTER, CUDDY ~ ANGEL COUNSELORS AT LAW September 19, 1980 Planning Board Town of Southold Main Road Southold, New York 11971 Re: Robins Island Gentlemen: Mr. John J. Raynor and I have not contacted you in the recent past about the development of Robins Island; however, based upon inquiries from the New York State DEC, I contacted our client in writing. The client advised as follows: "Any development [of the island] will be limited to the proposed subdivision of twenty-eight lots." However, application to I am also advised by the client that there will be no implement the subdivision in the very near future. Very truly yours, William W. Esseks WWE :mh cc: John J. Raynor, P.E. April 22, 1~80 ,5outhold Town Board Town Hall Southold, New York 11971 Gentlemen: The Southold To~m Conservation Advisory Council has made an lnspeotion of Robins Island on April 8, 1980. ~._.Thi~ a~yisory group_unanimously decided that there is .~a..~g ~n.v~.e p~esen~ plan dated January tS. · .r~nen~al ~o the ~,+l..~ wa~er. ..... o, ~res~wa~er or salt- Yours truly, FC/mt Frank Ct~cz III Chairman A COUNTY OF SUFFOLK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES DAVID HARRIS, M.D., M.P,H. March lb, 1981 M.J. Paul P.O. Box 734 West Cove Road Cutchogue, New York 11935 RE: Robins Island Dear Ms. Paul: As uiscussed, ! am enclosing a copy of our realty and development standards. In considering the need for a conventional sewage treatment plant, this Department primarily relys upon a density concept. Under normal conditions an area utilizing private wells and in- dividual septic systems is required to.have a minimum of one dwelling unit per 4U,O00 square feet of parcel area. On Robins Island this consideration is further complicated by the questionable water supply. It would seem to me that a project of this nature would first be required to prepare an Impact Statement. Town of Southold most likely would assume lead agency status if the project was determined to be significant. Upon receipt of a realty ~ubdivision application this Department would routinely require test ho~es to determine the soil conditions and a study of the water supply situation. This would,of course,supplement the Impact Statement if it is required. Very truly yours, Royal R, Reynolds, P.E. Public Health Engineer General Engineering ServiOes KRR:ljr enclosure cc: Town of Southold Planning Board POLICE DEPARTMENT, TOWN OF SOUTHOLD PECONIC, NEW YORK, 11958 TELEPHONE 13 March 1980 Henry E. Raynor, Jr., Chairman Southold Town Planning Board Town Hall Main Road, Southold, N.Y.11971 Re: Robins Island; your letter of 3 Mar 80 Dear Mr. Raynor: Robins Island subdivision for residential purposes would pose some problems for the police department in that we would be unable to provide normal services or immediate response to emergencies. A basic breakdown of anticipated operational guidelines would be as follows: me. 2. 3. 4. 6 CC/jck No routine patrol would be availabl, e. Normally we would respond for investigations (such as burglaries) within a reasonable non-emergency time frame. Emergency calls would be limited in response time to the availability of water transportation. During the months that the Bay Constable is on patrol, he could visit the island when necessary and provide some degree of perimeter water patrol during his routine patrols of the area. It can be anticipated that the primary problem on the island will be trespass. This would best be handled by a guard or security person employed by the property owners. In this way, the security personnel could make a citizen's arrest of a trespasser and hold the trespasser until the police arrived to take custody. The security personnel would also be the complaining witness on behalf of the residents and provide the testimony at a subsequent trial. It is also likely that the residents will have to provide themselves with some form of water transportation; this transportation should be made available for the carrying of any officers required to go to the island when we do not have a pol~ee boat immediately available. If you require any additional information, please:feel free to call upon THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 13, 1981: WHEREAS, on September 23, 1980 the Southold Town Board passed a resolution creating the Robins Island Citizens Advisory Committee, and WHEREAS, the Town Board desires that a fully informed choice be made between all the alternatives for the future or Robins Island, and WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in a letter dated April 21, 1980 indicated that limited development was a concept worthy of consideration as an alternative for preservation considering the fiscal restraints that government and the taxpayers are under, and WHEREAS, the Town Board's intent on September 23, 1980 was to have the Robins Island Advisory Committee study all the alternatives of preservation, including limited development, and WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to clarify the Robins Island Advisory Committee Resolution of September 23, 1980 and reaffirm its original intent, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby directs the Robins Island Advisory ~ommittee to include in their deliberations and fina~ report the study of limited development as proposed by the present owners as a means of preservation, and be it further RESOLVED that when the Robins Island Advisory Committee makes its final report to the Town Board the following information shall be included but not limited to: 1. Road ownership and maintenance. ~v'~ ~ 3. New Suffolk School District - positive and negative impact of a limited development. 4. An analysis of tax revenu-s that will accrue to the Town. 5. An analysis of the cost of services that the Town must provide. ~,~a~ 6. A complete description of the present proposal for limited development. A study of the legal aspects of a change of zone for Robins Island for the purpose of providing limite~ development. ~a~-( ~-,~ ~--~ ~_o,~ An analysis of Fishers Island relative to assessments and taxes accruing to the Town vis-a-vis the cost of services to the Town - correlating this information to the limited development of Robins Island. An analysis of the financial impact on the private sector during the initial stages of development and the long term. And be it further RESOLVED that the original resolution adopted on September 23, 1980 be and the same hereby is amended as herein before set forth. CORNER OF 5th & KING STREETS NEW SUFFOLK, N Y 71956 TELEPHONE: (5~6/ 734-6940 New Suffolk School Suffolk Common School Town of Southold District MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 11! Marc~ 13, 1980 Mr. Henry E. Raynor, Chairman Southold Town Planning Board Southold, New York 11971 Re: Robins Island (Southold Development Corp.) Dear Mr. Raynor: The School Board Trustees acknowledge your letter of March 3, 1980 requesting input information on the referenced proposed development. We answer that our school budget needs for 1979-80 requires $162,258. in tax moneys. Robins Island properties contribute about $39,800.1ess amounts to the County and Town. The remainder of some $130,000. is raised from local levy. There are about 30 pupils at Southold High School and 32 grade K-6 in attendance at our 3 room school with 2 teachers and an Aide. We are satisfied with what we have and at this time see no appreciable benefit or substantial reduction in~ co~s by consolidation with another school district. We support the continuance of our present revenues in the budget and oppose all efforts to reduce or eliminate same by removing Robins Island from the tax rolls in our district. Any diminution would inflict an unconscionable burder on our senior, elderly and working class citizens. There is no opportunity for business or industrial enterprise, except in limited areas. Future population growth is limited by the physical size of the hamlet. We further believe that the development of the island will provide job offers to the area. However we suggest covenants against further subdivision, consistent with resources, with the developer, purchasers and school board running to the favor of the Town of Southold. On the information available, a situation now exists in the Towns of Riverhead, Southampton and Brookhaven whereby the New York State acquisition of the former R.C.A. properties has resulted in the applic- ation of Section 545 of the Real Property Tax Law. Riverhead will get a reduced revenue for a short time and then nothing. If this were to happen to New Suffolk, it would be disastrous. For more information, we would refer you to the Suffolk County Tax Service at Riverhead. We also believe that life for all taxpayers and citizens would be much simpler if our government would stop the bountiful planning of tax dollars that create inflationary pressures to grow bigger and spend more. As you know, planning involves the concept of the responsible public participating in the decision. Akin to this and for several hundred years under the common law, our society evolved equitable adjustments as a system of checks and balances. New Suffolk School New Suffolk Common School District Town of $outhold CORNER OF 5th & KING STREETS NEW SUFFOLK, N Y ~956 TELEPHONE: (516) 734-6940 MAILING ADDRESS: P,O. BOX 111 Henry E. Raynor, continued. It now appears we have a government of enacted laws, statutes and rules that in some cases apply political principles to social and economic problems by virtue of authority delegated to men, not elected, but appointed to head every conceivable department, branch and post of our government. Big Brother will plan and organize every facet of the lives of individuals who will not do it for themselves. The payment of these alleged advantages in our opinion, means higher taxes and mortgaging the future. There is a time when the checkbook must be in balance. Since you and your Board will have many issues arise in the proposed development of Robins Island, we as School Board Trustees are ready to provide any possible assistance. In the event that a public hearing is scheduled, please notify us to inform our residents and taxpayers, on the items set forth in your February 25, 1980 minutes, for any additional input. It is our intention to mail copies of this letter as indicated. Very truly yours, CC: Governor Hugh L. Carey Attorney General Robert Abrams Rep. William Carney State Senator Kenneth LaValle State Rep. John L. Behan County Executive Peter F. Cohalan Legislator Gregory Blass Southold Town Board William W. Esseks, Esq. New Suffolk School Trustees Andrew E. Goodale ~ ~,~ Trustee ~ohn Case ~ Trustee Rel ~ar~sic Ro~ 649 New Suffolk, NY 11956 April 18, 1980 The Suffolk Times Main Street Greenport, NY 11944 Dear Editor: I was appalled at your article which portrayed Andrew Goodale and the members of the New Suffolk School Board as petty befuddled guardians of $3.70 of the homeowners, tax money. We in New Suffolk elected them as trustees of a way of life which fosters individual responsibility, which way of life begins for us residents in the New Suffolk School. It is this sense of personal responsibility that makes the East End the pleasant place we know, rather than density of dwelling units or head count of resident wildlife. We have become so polarized on the Robins Island issue that many of us cannot se'e that public acquisition will not result in preservation of Robin's Island. The Plan presented by Mr. Pell advises us to expect 100 tourists a day visiting the island, leaving the remains of their picnic behind, perhaps sharing their Twinkees and artificially colored and flavored soft drinks with the deer. Maybe those explorers who strike out off the beaten paths will discover the bodies of animals who shared amphetamines and hallucinogens brought by other "day-trippers". On Angel Island, off San Francisco, (part of the Golden Gate National Seashore) such drugged animals were found many times. It can happen here if we allow public acquisition. The developers' plan allows half of the island to remain un- developed, under the concerned custody of private owners. While I don't believe our local planning board would permit helicopter traffic to the island, can any one assure me that control of air traffic is under their sole jurisdiction? Can we rugged individuals of the East End unite and demand a better alternative for ourselves? Is there a preservation-oriented attorney among you readers who will draw up articles of incorporation for a non-profit corporation that will purchase and truly preserve Robin's Island under corporate ownership? Will this newspaper accept donations on behalf of such a corporation? Is there a better alternative? Unless we can create a choice which adequately reflects our goals, we will have to choose the lesser of two evils. Sincerely, Andrea Rive AR/sek Andrew Goodale Henry Raynor ~ William Pell Peter F. Cohalan Southold, N.Y. 11971 HENRY E. RAYNOR, Jr., Chairman FREDERICK E. GORDON JAMES WALL BENNETT ORLOWSKI. Jr. GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, Jr. November 29, 1979 TELEPHONE 765- i93S Ms. Ellice B. Gonzalez, Ph.D. Corresponding Secretary Suffolk Co. Archaeological Assn. P. 0. Drawer AR Stony Brook, New York 11790 Re: Robins Island Dear Ms. Gonzalez: We are in receipt of your letter regarding the above-captioned matter. I am sure you are aware that this island is privately owned and as such permission would be necessary for sny kind of survey. We would be interested to know if you have available to your organization the funds and professional people for such a survey. Yours truly, HENRY . RAYNOR, R., CPL%~I ~ HER/mt SUFFOLK COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION P.O. Drawer AR, Stony Brook, New York 11790 Mr. Henry E. Raynor, J~., Chairman Southold Town Planning Board Southold, New York November 14, 1979 Dear Mr. Raynor: Plans to develop Robbins Island should consider in addition to environmental factors, the disturbance of achaeological remains. The environment of Robbins Island made a prime spot for pre-historic habitation and the adjacent mminland area we already know to be the location of many archaeological sites. Much of the cultural record of Suffolk County and Southold Town has already been lost to development. Once an area is developed and disturbed, valuable information about Long Island's cultural heritage is irrevocably destroyed. Thus, before any development of the area occurs, SCAA strongly recommends that a professional archaeological survey be made. Sincerely yours, Ellice B. Gonzalez, Ph.D. Corresponding Secretary cc: Daniel Larkin, Department of Environmental Conservation Philip Lord, Sr. Scientist, Office of the State Archaeologist Madeline Goodrich, Southold Town Historian Dave Newton, Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality November 10,.1977 ~. John Mackay 42 Third Avenue Mineola, New York 11501 Dear Mr. Mackay: I tried te oontac~you on Thursday in regard to Robins Island but found you were out of town. Some time ago, I talked with Tom Samuels abC~t the si,tuation .an~..all of us are concerned that the plans fo~obins~sland are hu~g up. The problem, as I see it, is that our town attorney does not want us to entertain an a~lication for a subdivision map on the basis of only option owners, We have ~r~l~e~presNd our approval ~nd interest in the sketch submitted by ~amuels and c0m~anY'but"~eel we Can't move forward on the~basis of~whatwe ~veI in,,t~e file. I understand that b~auseofta~ reasons y~u ~re reluctant to have a direct part in this ~pplication and, in thinking of some way out of the present dilemma, it .seems that we might pursue the following course. If you were to send us a letter of intent or a lette~ of concurrence, then, at our next meeting on November 21st, we ~ ~.~ uon~xonax on ~ne sxgnxng o~ a contract in a ~easonable time, say two months. I haven't talked with Tom Samuels about this possibility and I am sure you will want to discuss it with your attorney but it appears to me that something must be done to get this off dead center, and, quite frankly, the Planning Board looks very favorably upon this proposal and Would be entirely willing, I believe, to give some sort of conditional approval. We will, however, need some indication from you of your willingness, as owner, to in some measure support the optionhold®rs. Very sincerely, J~/mb John Wickham, Chairman REPORT OF JOHN B. TUTHILL ROBINS ISLAND FIELD TRIP As the Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council, we are supposed to represent the public and, therefore, take an unbiased view of each project assigned to us. As one of our assignments, we were asked to visit Robins Island and report facts as we saw them. We feel that these facts do not support some of the statements being made about the island. The island is not in a "pristine" natural state. Some natural condition is killing the cedar treese. There must be at least a thousand dead trees. The only healthy cedar trees were on the mowed lawn around one of the existing houses. There does not seem to be any small game such as rabbits, pheasant, racoons, squirrels, etc. In fact, we saw very few ~ong- birds. There are man~ ponds and some fine wetlands with evidence that migratory water fowl are here in considerable numbers. The only upland wildlife in evidence is a herd of deer. There is every indication that there are too many deer for the land available. They seem to be eating all the vegetation. Even ordinary briars are eaten down to within a few inches of the ground. We would recommend that from a "kindness to animals" viewpoint, at least two-thirds of this deer herd be removed from the island. In summary, it is our opinion that this island is not a natural wildlife sanctuary since many trees are dead and the island does not seem to support upland animals and birds. We feel that these facts should be considered by those who are proposing to keep it in its present natural state. June 26, 1980 , / f TOOKER, ESSeKS, HEFTER, CUDDY ~ ANGEL COUNSELORS AT LAW January 30, 1980 Planning Board Town of Southold Southold, New York 11972 Re.: Robins Island Gentlemen: I enclose herein original of letter from Armende Lesser, as President of Southold Development Corp., addressed to the Town Board of the Town of Southold. I had asked the President of the corporation that owns Robins Island to send a letter to the Planning Board indicating that no one except the corporation owns the Island and that no one has any purchase interest of any kind in the Island. Inadvertently Mr. Lesser directed the letter to the Town Board. I have requested the caretaker at the Island, Robert Tuthill, to take appropriate town officials to the Island, as necessary, so that the Planning Board can examine the property, as appropriate. Very truly yours, WWE/F ENCL o William W. Esseks AR~4ENDE LESSER January 24, 1980 Town Board Town of Southold Southold, New York Re.: Robins Island Gentlemen: As president of the Southold Development Corporation, fee owner of Robins Island, I hasten to advise you that no contract or other commitment exists or is contemplated with Mr. Driscoll or with any individual, company or organization for the purchase of Robins Island. Mr. Driscoll has no authority to speak for Southold Development Corporation. A map indicating the subdivision in 28 lots represents the present policy of the Southold Development Corp. AL:s cc: William W. Mr. Esseks and Mr. Raynor have full authority to act for and represent Southold Development Corporation in connection with the proposed subdivision of the island. Esseks, Esq. TOOKER. I~SSEK$, HE:FtH:R, CUDDy &:~}~j~d~ Au f! ?, 19PO 11956 :;ear Hr. Tuthill: ~ letter ~,,r~.~-~en to correct the date in my letter ~:o of: ~ ouu.,o]d Planning ~]oard members will be visiting {<abin~;~,r~!a~d on ,~r~_]' ~ rather t~n qortl 10, 1980 ac 1:30 p.m. Very ~u~y yours, CC,. Town of: :outhold P lannin~: ,~toard William W. WILLIAM R. PELL Ill SUPERVISOR OFFIOIE TI MAIN ROAD SOUTHOLD, L.I., N.Y. 11971 :RVISOR ILD TELEPHONE (516) 765-1800 {516) 765-1939 10 November 1980 Planning Board T~vn of Southold $outhold Town Hall Southold, New York Dear Board t~mbers: The Robins Island Advisory Committee would appreciate the. cooperation of the Planning Board, in keeping us informed as to any action, infor- matlon or communication, regarding Robins Island, that you might receive. Also, if the present OWners of R6bins Island have presented any plans to the Town Planning Board, please notify us. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely yours~ WRP:jm William R. Pell III Supervisor Southold Town Box 57 Mt. Sinai, NY 11766 December 29, 1975 Planning Board Town of Southold Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Attn: Ms. Muriel Brush Re: Robbins Island Gentlemen: Please be advised that the largest known poison sumac tree in the United States exists on Robbins Island, the imminent development of which is under your jurisdiction. Enclosed is a copy of a publication attesting to the national importance of this tree, which seems to me worthy of special effort on your part for its preservation and protection. As a first step towards the above goal, I suggest that you direct the developer to have his surveyor locate this tree on a site plan showing the location of all proposed roads and, at least, all proposed buildings near the tree. If, through my ready access to forestry literature, I could be of help to the developer in locating the tree, I would be glad to do so. My business telephone number is 421-1000, ext. 277 and that of my home is 433-1019. Yours truly, Dan±ol V. Grinnoll SUFFOLK COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION JNCORPORATEO UNDER NEW YORK STATE E[~UCATION LAW P.O. Drawer AR, Stony Brook, New York 11790 February 15, 1980 Henry E. Raynor, Or. Chairman Southold Town Rlanning Board Town Hall Southold, N.Y. 11971 Dear Hr. Raynor: In regard to your letter of November 29, 1979, Dr. Gonzalez may not have made clear to you that Robins Island is known to contain numerous aboriginal archaeological sites. Daniel Kaplan, Supervisor of the Garvies Roint Huseum, Nassau County ~useum System, has the records of a survey he made on the Island some years ago. According to the intent of the State Environmental Quality law, cultural as well as natural resources must be considered in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement preparatory to development of an area. We wished to alert your office, which has this responsibility, along with your Environmental Rrotection Department, to the current archaeological record. The usual procedure, I believe, is to require the developer to provide the various studies and surveys necessary for the local governmental agencies to determine no adverse impact upon the cultural and natural environment by the proposed development. In this ease, do the development plans impinge on the archae- ological remains? SCAA is a non-profit educational and preservation organization, so we have no funds to conduct a survey of Robins Island. However, contract cultural ~e~ourca~ orgeniz~ionn are svsilsb]e, such ~s the Lnn~ T~l~nH Arch~enln~n~] Survey at SUNY-Stony Brook, Edward Oohannemann, director (246-8615), and CRHS, Ed Rutsch, director (201-383-6355) Box lll, Rt. 3, Newton, NO 07860. We hope this answers your question and I apologize for the delay. Sincerely, Stone Levine President cc: Larkin, DEC Lord, NYS DE Goodrich, STH Newton, SC CEQ An informal informational meeting was held at the home of John Wickham, Main Road, Cutchogue, New York, at l:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 1977. The following people were present at the meeting: John Wickham, Chairman, Planning Board Henry E. Raynor, Jr., Vice-Chairman, Planning Board Frederick E. Gordon, Member, Planning Board Frank S. Coyle, Member, Planning Board Thomas Samuels Larry Angola Chuck Gios Mr. Angola and Mr. Samuels are under contract for the purchase of Robins Island. They are making feasibility studies to finalize existing contract to see if it is workable. They have concluded that the best way to develop is to put in approximately 90b~ilding lots of approximately three acres each. They hope to evenually develop 270 acres. The balance of the land, about 130 acres, would be given or be on an easement to Nature Conservancy. They do not want too many people and would try to attract people to do justice. They want to change as little as possible about the island and would have covenants and restrictions when a person buys, he would be subject to them. Some proposed restrictions would be - no trees can be cut down at any time - no animals - try to preserve. They plan to bring electric to the island. They plan to purchase a boat to bring people over from New Suffolk to the island. They plan to improve the existing facility primarily to accommodate a ferry boat for approximately six cars. They plan to not park cars on the mainland. They would like to improve the marina to accommodate more than at present. They would like to accommodate a firetruck. The boat will take six months to a year to build after the order. Electric installation would take from nine months to a year. Mr. Wickham informed them that the more homes they have on the island, the more of a problem they will have with either parking in New Suffolk or ferries and also they have to have the zone ohanged for a ferry terminal. Any sort of ferry must be approved by the Coast Guard and the Planning Board would insist that there be a ferry district formed. The same density would be expected as there -2- is on Fishers Island which is about one residence per every four acres. Mr. Wickham asked about telephone service and Mr. Angola said they had spoken to the Telephone Company. Mr. Wickham said he would insist on highways on the island because subdivision regulations call for it. Mr. Raynor asked if there would be any type of community transportation and Mr. Samuels answered it would be the cars that are on the island. When queried about the water supply, Mr. Samuels said they had wanted to get well drillers but the weather has held them up. Mr. Raynor asked who the planning board was dealing with. Mr. Angola said the principles involved were mainly himself with Dr. Samuels and no one else was involved. Mr. Raynor asked what other projects Mr. Angola had been involved in, and what type. Mr. Angola said he had a development called Heady Creek in Southampton. Mr. Raynor asked how many plots. Mr. Angola said 50 plots and there were restrictions put on them. He said it has become a tremendous asset and it brings in about 70 to 80,000 dollars in taxation. The houses are between $100,000 and $400,000. He also had another development in Mecox called Mecox Estates. The one they are working on now is in Southsmpton and is about 40 acres. They conveyed 13 of the 40 acres to the Village of Southampton as a farm belt to be kept in its natural state. Mr. Raynor said that when it comes down to filing, they will have to present the Planning Board with a filing copy which will go in with the map as to restrictions so as to resolve any question at a later date. They will have to be filed with the County Clerk. Mr. Raynor asked regarding the existing marina facility, if they intend to extend the existing or bring a new one or dredge. Mr. Samuels said they do not intend to dredge. They intend to incorporate the existing dock or one slightly to the west. They want to put in a long main pier which would also be part of the ferry landing. There was talk of a T-shape dock and building finger piers. Because of the situation with north winds, it will all have to built of heavy stuff. There will have to be some dredging inside the T area but that can be handled very nicely with beach nourishment and no problem with fill disposal, in their opinion. Mr. Samuels does not think the salt marsh should be destroyed. He thinks a ferry can be landed at the end of the long dock in almost every weather. Mr. Wickham said that they have to have a ferry terminal and it has to be substantial, but he thinks that people that are going to spend that much money are going to want to have their own boat and they will not want to keep it in a location that is exposed to a northeaster. He thought probably the best place is into the old clay pit which is deep water and relatively hard bottom and no marsh will be destroyed. They wouldn't get the flack from DEC but the area is small. Mr. Samuels said they intend to demolish the building on the New Suffolk property and rebuild the bulkhead on the end for the ferry. The ownership of the property next to Ruth Tuthill Houston was to be checked and the underwater grant. (I checked this and the property is in the name of Mackay.) Mr. Wickham said the Town Attorney says we do not have the ability to approve any subdivision unless it meets all the town specifications including the Town Highway specifications. Mr. Angola mentioned a right of waiver. Mr. Wickham said the Planning Board had a right of waiver but it has to be approved by the Town Superintendent of Highways and the Town Highway Committee. Mr. Angola said he could not understand why the Planning Board would want to take something and make it like a city. Mr. Raynor said the right of waiver is always available when the Board gets presented with something they think will be an acceptable alternative. Mr. Samuels asked if there was anyone that felt that the roads should be thirty or sixty feet wide and Mr. Wickham said yes, if they are so close to the margin that they can't meet the town specs. Mr. Samuels answered that he was not talking about money. Mr. Wickham said they were not talking about curbing, but about building to town specs. He said every developer has said they don't want highways and the Planning Board does. Mr. Samuels said he couldn't believe that the Planning Board believed there should be roads like that. Mr. Wickham said the standards would not be let down for these people because the Planning Board has told every other developer they have to do it this way. The Town Board Highway Committee has never allowed the Planning Board to deviate from this. -4- Mr. Angola asked what the requirements are at the moment and Mr. Wickham said to meet the highway specifications. Ferry terminals are a capital improvement and they will have to be bonded for them. Mr. Wickham said when the island is developed as residential property, the Planning Board will make sure it pays the same proportion of taxes relative to its area as Fishers Island. Mr. Wickham said the code could be changed to four acres on islands. It was recommended as long as three years ago and could go into effect within ninety days and that would be when the map is filed. The Planning Board would like to see the island developed in the general pattern of Fishers Island. Mr. Wickham said there would have to be decent highways for emergency vehicles. He would expect that the tow~ would take dedication of the highways and take care of them. Mr. Raynor said he did not see the tow~ taking dedication. Mr. Raynor asked if they were proposing any change of zone. The only change of zone necessary is the ferry from residential to commercial. A ferry has to be in a commercial zone. A helicopter landing pad, if such is contemplated, would have to be on a commercial zone. A generating station for electric has to be commercial. Mr. to do. Mr. island. as a Southold Town Park. Raynor requested a plot plan and sketch of what they want Samuels asked if the town had any interest in land on the Mr. Wickham said he thought not. The Town doesn't want it The County doesn't want it. Muriel Brush, Secretary WILLIAM R. PELL III SUPERVISOR RESOLUTION: WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS ~ WHEREAS ~ RESOLVED~ RESOLVED, OFFI~ISRI~ MAIN ROAD SOUTHOLD, L.I.,N.y. 11971 County Acquisition of Robins Island, Town of Southold Resolution made by William R. Pell III, Supervisor. TELEPHONE m16) 765-18oo (516} 765-1939 Robins Island, a 400+ acre natural Island in the Town of Southold, is a unique natural area, and it has been recommended for preservation by the Suffolk County Planning Commission since 1960, and several recent proposals have discussed the public acquisition of Robins Island, and this Island is of prime concern to the Government and people of the Town of Southold, and the proper disposition, management, and use of this Island could be of great economic and environmental benefit to the Town of Southold, Now Be It Therefore That the Town Board of Southold wishes to go'~n record, by adopting this home rule resolution, that it is in favor of the protection and preservation of this important piece of Southold real estate, and Be It Further That the Town Board of the Town of Southold wishes to inform the County L~b~ecutive, the Leglslature~ and Legislator Blass, of the Town's support for the County acquisition of Robins Island, if it is to be in accord with the following: 1. That the Island be acquired by the County of Suffolk under the provisions of the Nature Trust of the Suffolk County Charter to insure that the Island will remain a preservation area in perpetuity and not at any time developed for intensive park purposes. 2. That the County assign adequate ramger control to insure the safe monitoring of the Island, and that the ranger control be under the Town jurisdiction. 3. That the management policies be assigned to the Town of Southold so that the effective control of the Island be at the Town level in order to protect the interests of the people of the Town -- a policy that already is in existence whereby County park properties such as the County holdings at Shinnecock in the Town of Southampton, are managed by the municipality rather than the County. RESOLUTION: County Acguisition of Robins Island, Town of Southold Page 2 That the County phase out the tax burden to the New Suffolk school district and the Town of Southold by including within the acquisition a twenty year tax phase out program that would reduce the contribution to the district and Town by five percent each year during the twenty year period. MAGDALINE GOODRICH Town Histork~n (516) 477-2090 683 Bayshor¢ Road Greenport, New York 11944 OFFICE OF TH[:' '[OWN OF SOUl'HOLD, L. Dear /)~'z~ ?b~..,: Your communication has b~en rece~vec[ snail 6eg[n researc~ or answ,'er as fully :~ossible by. ~ ~X ~ Yours - ' Official Hist~r[en ¸Il . J' · Jo~ lZAyI4olZ, P.E. V'a" p~- FT' Joan C,~'-/[L ~AiLL ~ }4,y JAcKs~w 0 0 0 wood r~ J~TTy // /~/1// ~oc,r. .I ~TTy 0 0 0 0 ,/A AtZ~NA FmC tL,T LoT I" = 4-0' S~TC~ oF W~,T ~-~F~o~T F~,Cl u T~ r:~ 77- h U I :t©'l h r/ LITTLE GREAT ' PE¢ ONt¢ BAY 195 ,/ :\ R ob i:n s, John J. Raynor, :P~ E. CIVIL ENGINEER Mill Pond Lane. Water Mill, N.Y. i s i a,n,d T"opogr, ophic dat'a ' sh,owp ,hereon was oss,~qFt prepared by Lockwood,, . K'e.$~ler :& .Bartlett , Suffo'lt~ , "County Dept. cf~ pu'bric . Wor~s from aer ,V woo~ jmTTy 7 sT~T 0 0 0 5,c~L~; J" = 40' ~oor~i~-u J ~:TTy 0 · ~_oc.x. J ~TTy p,c, C ~TY l~ II U U U H H- U U U U U IJ LJ LJ LJ U II For4 LoT oF- ['2 ;~o po'5 r=.r2 ~. o~ F~cl LI T'~ r~% ~REA T PE¢ONIC BAY 190 9.0 550 :l 34.0 II 170 460 23,0 John J CIVIL EN61NEER Mill Pond Lane 19,5 69.0 54O 41¸5 66,0 Sketcl~ Plan Robins Island Raynor, P. E. Water Mill, N.Y. 27,5 720 Topographic data shown hereon prepared by Lockwood ~ Kessler ~ Suffolk Counfy Dept. of Public Works token in April , [974. 55.6 505 28.0 6o\ 54.o 55,0 46.0 2¢.0 260 II Bartlett , Inc for t~e from aerial photographs 62,5 59.0 Ii IJ II LITTLE PECONIC 27O /I /! 72,0 77.5 65,5 62.0 II I[ 47,0 460 34O 48.0~ 6o (/ 24.5 / 11 / Prepared BAY 690 /I