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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFI Growth Plan - 1988 Revised 7/88 THE FISHERS ISLAND GROWTH PLAN Preface Using the Plan Assumptions as a guide, the various sub- committees of the Growth Plan Committee have developed, and, where possible, started implementing the strategies outlined in this report. The Trust for Public Land 1984 Report and its 1987 Update give us an excellent status report on the Island and should be used in conjunction with the Growth Plan in managing Fishers Island. The goals and objectives of Thefllan are endorsed by FIDCO. Close cooperation between the Civic Association, the sponsoring organization, and all Island organizations will strengthen the Plan and make it more effective. The danger to Fishers Island lies in a slow erosion of its unique character, Le. comparatively sparse summer population, residential orienta- tion or lack of tourism, and beautiful natural environment, not in a dramatic sudden transformation. All residents both summer and winter need to understand this danger and be willing to devote time and energy to keeping the Island from becoming just another overcrowded summer colony. The Sanger Fund has expressed a desire to continue supporting the costs of research in the further development of this Plan and, where appropriate, in its implementation. At the present time, The Growth Plan is a composite of recommendations and actions. The Plan seeks to establish direction and will be updated annually. PLAN ASSUMPTIONS The heart of the Growth Plan for Fishers Island are the Plan Assumptions which follow. These assumptions are the product of many public meetings, citizen questionnaires and committee work. These assumptions are the basis on which we hope future decision making will rest. 1. Fishers Island must have a healthy year-round population. It must be self sufficient in providing all necessary year-round service functions, e.g., school, fire department, groceries, EMS, medical, etc., and also be able to expand those services to meet the needs of the summer population. To meet these requirements, F.1. needs more people than currently live on the Island year-round. It is desirable that the year-round community include a diverse composite of age, sex and ability levels. 2. Efforts must be made to slow the growth of the summer population. All citizens and organizations should bear this goal in mind when making decisions which could influence growth. 3. The Island should remain a residential community, and tourism is to be discouraged. (Commercial activities on Fishers Island should continue to focus their operations exclusively on serving the resident population). 4. The natural environment must be unequivocally protected. The uniqueness and fragility of our ocean, harbors, wetlands and water supply must be respected. To that end, Fishers Islanders, both year-round and part-time, must be made aware of the need for environmental protection. 5. The Fishers Island school is a major asset and should be strengthened through enhanced programs and a larger student body. The character of the Island's society would be changed to everyone's detriment without the school. 6. For the foreseeable future, our Island's official governance will remain the same, i.e., we will continue to be a hamlet within the Town of Southold. This means we will need to work closely with the Town Board to obtain special legislation when necessary and to see that the Board understands that Fishers Island's priorities are frequently different from those of the rest of Southold. It is the responsibility of the F.1. representative on the Town Board to ensure that Fishers Island's uniqueness and best interest is clearly communicated to the other Board members. We should seek representation on any other Town boards or committees that are important to the welfare of the Island. In addition, we should explore special vehicles which might enhance local control. 7. To protect and strengthen Fishers Island, all people and organizations must be made aware of their interdependency, so that they will be encouraged to work for the common good even when some individual sacrifice might be necessary. 8. All Fishers Island residents should generously support the programs of the Island Museum and similar organizations which use private initiatives and land protection strategies to preserve the remaining open space on Fishers Island. 2 GOVERNANCE Background Fishers Island is a Hamlet in the Town of Southold on Long Island and is therefore both geographically and politically isolated. This used to be considered an advantage, enabling Islanders to be almost entirely independent. Seasonal residents were particularly grateful to escape the governmental red tape that seemed to be regulating their lives at home and in the workplace most of the year. Recently, however, increased development, floods of new people, the groupers (renting of homes by groups of singles), and the continuous threat of tourism have caused most homeowners to recognize that the honeymoon is over. A study group was set up a few years ago to determine if incorporation as a village would be advantageous since Southold's laws (Trailer parks, condominium height, bed and breakfasts, etc.) so frequently are not relevant to the needs of the Island. It was determined that we didn't have sufficient reasons for changing our form of government at this time. 1. The Fishers Island Civic Association, as the only organization with the responsibility of representing all residents, must be more aggressive in establishing concensus or at least majority opinion as to where the Island should go and how it should get there. This objective will be met through open meetings, written material covering the deliberations of its directors, communication through the Fishers Island Gazette and in close affiliation with the Town Council, particularly Fishers Island's Town Councilman. 2. It is important that Fishers Island's councilman has a clear understanding that his major obligation is to represent his F.1. constituents. To that end this strategic plan including The Plan Assumptions will become a major guide. The Fishers Island Representative to the South old Town Council should be an ex officio member of The Board of Directors of the Fishers Island Civic Association. 3. The role of Town Councilman and Justice of the Peace should eventually be separated. This will put our Town Councilman in a better position to make recommendations to the troopers and the constables. 4. See that job descriptions are published for both the troopers and the constables covering the job that needs to be done and realistically can be done. It is essential that these law enforcement officers have both the resources and the support to execute their roles. A Police Advisory Committee has been formed to improve communications between the law enforcement officers and the public. A boat should be made available so that our lobstermen can be protected, etc. 5. See that the job description of the Harbormaster and the Bay Constables are published and that their work is understood and supported. See that all Harbors are included in at least some oversight. 3 6. Publish the zoning ordinance of the new Master Plan which while not approved by the Town Council, embodies the suggestions of the Fishers Island Master Plan Committee. 7. Support the work of the Fishers Island Garbage and Refuse District. While the Commissioners recommended using an incinerator as the most feasible method of meeting the law, a recent option of sending all of our refuse to Connecticut or Southold is being researched by the Commissioners and the Conservancy. A major recycling program will be introduced on the Island and will demand everyone's support. Newspapers should be separated as soon as possible as a starter. A bottle and can redemption program is being worked out. 8. Zoning should forbid condominiums on the Island. Current wording is vague. 9. An effort is underway to exempt Fishers Island taxpayers from the costs of Southold's garbage disposal program since by law we are required to have our own District. This is an important principle and we should be alert to similar opportunities where duplication exists. (This effort is currently on hold until it has been determined that we do not wish to ship our garbage to Southold.) 10. Support and guide the Fishers Island representatives to the Zoning and Planning Boards, and continue to seek representation on other Town bodies where appropriate. 11. Private ownership of the utilities has worked well on Fishers Island. We should however, continue to assess the benefits of private versus public ownership, although municipalities generally concede that public ownership is less efficient. 4 (I YEAR-ROUND RESIDENTS Background Historically Fishers Island has been blessed with year- round residents who have been good stewards of the community. Most families owned their own homes and absentee ownership of an Island business was unknown. The community included enough able volunteers to handle the EMS, sea stretcher, Fire Department, Police, etc., even in the summer time. However, this scene has been changing. The population has declined in 20 years from 508 to 285 while the average age of year-round residents has risen. Several major businesses are owned by people who live off the Island and several of the School's teachers live on the mainland. The leadership for the necessary functions is getting stretched quite thin. An extrapolation of these trends suggests that by the middle to late 1990's the Island's housing stock will be much larger, almost completely in the hands of summer people, the school will be closed, volunteer services would be difficult to maintain and the overall environment for year-round and vacation living will be greatly diminished. Reversing this trend is essential but difficult. We don't want to bring mainland discord to Fishers Island, but we must make the mainland with its job opportunities and services as accessible as possible to our residents. We must recognize that the price of real estate which has gone up 425% in the last 10 years makes it virtually impossible for a young family to buy a home on the Island without some subsidy. It would appear that summer residents now recognize that it is in their best interests to find ways of strengthening the year-round population. 1. Work out a housing program for year-round residents. The Walsh property on North Hill has been acquired and its development now is being coordinated by a General Manager reporting to a Board. This will be an ideal location for 8-12 single family homes. The Board also recognizes that rental property may be needed and will pursue opportunities. 2. Aggressively seek appropriate new businesses for the Island. Software, boat finishing, and direct mail businesses have been suggested. Telephone oriented service businesses may be possible. Fish farming and other water dependent activities would fit. The marine science dept. of a college would be an excellent addition. It may be necessary to subsidize a business to some extent by providing land, a work space, helping arrange financing, etc. Obviously, a stipulation would be that the owner and family live on the Island. Meanwhile, we should support existing Island businesses and encourage them to employ Island residents. 5 3. Make the mainland more available by creative ferry scheduling and fare structures. The Ferry District Commissioners are studying the situation recognizing that the accessibility of the mainland for year-round residents is a major consideration. The District has recently installed a new fare designed to help residents go to the mainland for the day. It has also been suggested that one ferry be berthed at the Island so that commuters from the Island to the mainland could leave earlier and come home later. This would also give employment to Island residents. Another suggestion is a "people only" ferry that might run from West Harbor to Noank. 4. Recognizing that a good school is critical and that a fine physical plant is already in existence, the total community should support all efforts to strengthen this community cornerstone. The Magnet Program of attracting commuter students from the mainland is off to a good start with 4 children this year and will be expanded in the 88/89 school year. The school will become attractive to several families who currently come only in the summer. Adult education classes in the winter should be expanded. New teachers at the school will be strongly encouraged to become Island residents. 5. The Island People's Project is the ideal organization to develop, implement, and support programs which contribute to the social, cultural, and overall quality of life of year-round residents. The Sanger Fund has expressed interest in the IPP effort particularly in programs that help senior citizens. 6. A "business round table" that would meet regularly to discuss problems and opportunities for Island businesses should be established. 7. Continue to lobby for Navy and for Coast Guard facilities that include the housing of a few new families. In addition, the Navy's FORAC program brings people to the Island to do compass compensating on military vessels under a government contract. We are investigating the contract to see if people on the Island can bid. 8. The American Legion Hall is being refurbished and The Civic Association, FIDCO, and others have been helpful in raising money for this purpose. Work with the Posts' officers to make this facility socially beneficial to Island families. 9. Lobstering is an important Island industry and efforts will be needed to preserve it. We should work with The Lobsterman's Association to this end. 10. The Pequot provides a needed social function. It is felt, however, that it should get no larger and should stay open longer. 6 III PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Background Recognition that the natural environment on the Island is fragile has come concurrently with the recent build up of summer people and home construction. Wetland regulations until recently have largely been ignored. But today everyone acknowledges that 'the waterfront, wild life habitats, ponds, wetlands, watershed lands, and scenic areas are important components of the Island's ecological significance and unique character. " 1. At the present time the Conservancy, FIDCO, and The Civic Association have lobbied for using a recognized environmental expert to help the DEC and the Town Trustees enforce all environmental regulations on Fishers Island. The Town Council has put this cost in the Budget. It is anticipated that all construction, land clearing, etc., will be reviewed by Larry Penny and John Aldred, who will be on the Island to inspect all applications. 2. Recommend that the Museum Land Trust get a qualified consultant to actively pursue the Land Preservation programs recommended in the T.P.L. Report. 3. Support the Fishers Island Conservancy's work. This organization should be the lead agency in all environmental matters on the Island. 4. Support the environmental protection effort with whatever legal expertise is needed. This will normally be done through the Conservancy. 5. Follow up with the DEC to get the mapping of wetlands completed. The project has been underway ever since the preliminary fresh water wetland maps were presented by the DEC in 1984 and localities were asked to identify for inclusion those key wetlands which were not designated. This was done, but the DEC maps have not been finalized. We must get DEC support for our Troopers and Constables enforcement of DEC regulations. 6. Fishers Island should have a representative on the County CAC. (The Conservation Advisory Council has no current openings). 7. Through the Museum, campaign to preserve the Island's historic, cultural, architectural, and archaeological resources. It is hoped that when evidence of prehistoric occupation appears during construction, or land development, the owners of such land will notify the Museum and allow for professional archaeological assessment before the site is destroyed. The importance of extracting and preserving information on the Island's past cannot be overstated. 8. Continue to lobby for the 2% real estate transfer tax, that has been repeatedly knocked down by developers or petition for legislation that would allow F.r. to have a transfer tax. These funds would be used for a land bank. In lieu of this source of funds, see that funds are provided to the Museum for this purpose. 7 9. Protect the Island's Harbors and surrounding waters with good harbor management. 10. Promote, through the Conservancy, a study of the Island's aquifer, specifically the extent of fresh water availability and quality. The T.P.L. Study points out that it is essential that the watersheds of Barlow, Middle Farms, and Treasure Ponds be kept as undeveloped as possible. FIDCO has donated $15,000 for this study. 11. The work of the Fishers Island Garbage and Refuse District should be supported as long as their answer to the solid waste disposal problem (currently scheduled to be incineration) can be shown to be the most feasible compromise with minimal danger to the environment and its inhabitants. Form a Garbage Committee of citizens to act as a sounding board and keep all residents in the loop with status reports and public meetings. 12. Monitor the need for better waste water treatment installations by property owners around West and Hay Harbor who have old inadequate systems. It is necessary that homeowners have their septic systems tested if they have any concern about their adequacy. 13. Strengthen the open space and recreation system including the nature trails. Ensure ample access to the waterfront for all residents who in return should be responsible for keeping all parking areas clean and natural looking. 14. Beachstone should be removed only by those in possession of legal permits. 15. See that an organized clean up program becomes a ritual again along the major roads every Spring. This effort of the Boy Scouts is particularly appreciated because the off Island labor coming off the ferry have been terrible litter bugs. The constables also should enforce all regulations against littering. 16. Educate, through the Conservancy, our residents of the dangers of fertilizers and pesticides. (The work of the Conservancy in coming up with B.T.I. for controlling mosquitoes deserves commendation.) Organize a program to collect and properly dispose of all toxins once every year. 17. Support the new Fishers Island Garden Club in their effort to keep F.I. beautiful. They will sponsor the spring clean up amongst other programs. 8 IV SUMMER DEVELOPMENT Background Through great good fortune and the timely private initiatives of residents, Fishers Island has avoided over development. It's proximity to N. Y.C. and Boston, and its unspoiled natural beauty including lovely beaches and a great deal of open space, make it a prime target for the developer. This threat has become much more evident in recent years with the advent of more money in people's hands, the recognition of seasonal homes as an investment opportunity, and the overcrowded conditions at most seaside resorts. Keeping the Island free of tourists has been a conscious effort and residents have been willing to forego the shopping and eating opportunities that exist wherever tourism flourishes. 1. The land mass of Fishers Island is divided into 931 existing lots and there are 77 additional lots that could be created within the zoning regulations. There are 464 residential housing units now in existence with at least 20 to 25 under construction or planned. The number of houses could therefore double, an unimaginable situation that would completely change the character of Fishers Island. It is recommended that the Museum Land Trust, who currently hold 6% of the Island's land, employ the services of a consultant such as the Trust for Public Land and, utilizing the T.P.L. maps, implement a very active land preservation program. 2. All "sensitive properties," e.g. the Harbor, and the Fort Buildings, that could become a tourist attraction should be inventoried and the owners made familiar with this Plan including Plan Assumptions. 3. The Master Plan and zoning ordinance, last revised in September of 1986, is still not the law. We should lobby for its acceptance (A Fishers Island Master Plan Committee worked hard to get certain changes and these were all incorporated) and in the meantime adhere to the proposed zoning. 4. The T.P.L. report clearly states that, "Fishers Island's geographic and political isolation makes the enforcement of environmental regulations difficult." The Southold Town Council has hired an environmental expert to act as a special consultant to F.1. Mr. Penny will have the expertise and the authority (he will be paid by the town) to see that the environment is protected. It is an unfortunate fact that certain properties acquired in the past as a building lot are not buildable under current D.E-C. regulations. Strict enforcement of the environmental regulations will reduce construction. 5. Both Clubs are under pressure to expand their membership. It is hoped that they will continue their efforts to control their growth. FIDCO has confirmed the 450 membership cap on The "Big" Club. 6. Tourism is to be discouraged. F.1. is a residential community. The threat should be kept fresh in resident's minds through public meetings and in publications. 9 7. FIDCO may be able to protect its own environmentally significant land with conservation easements. They should continue to get the Town and County to formally adopt the Olmstead Plan. They should playa leadership role in getting East End land owners to use permanent conservation easements as opposed to 20 year covenants to protect their properties' important natural features. 8. We should be alert to opportunities to control the Island's growth through the Island's utilities. According to the Trust for Public Land's research, we need not assume that we must supply every drop of water, every watt of electricity, or for that matter provide ferry transportation for an endless number of new homes and their inhabitants. 9. If and when the Ferry District's New London operation moves, a large and secure parking area should be provided so that no one is motivated to bring an additional car to the Island because of a lack of easy and safe parking. 10. Assist the Town of Southold in lobbying for a 2% real estate transfer tax; the proceeds of which to be used to purchase significant open space. 11. Monitor the Naval Sound Laboratories viability and research the danger of this important property ever being for sale. Attempt to zone the property in such a way that no developer would have an interest if the government did give it up. 12. Continue to consider acquiring land for year-round housing which would have the derivative benefit of retarding summer growth. 10