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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCross Sound Ferry/~ pa March 18, 2008 Town Boazd Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, Nl' 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: z,~a RECEi.ri:D _„~_ __. ~~~ _ ~,- As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Tenninal. As you aze surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by pemutting additional pazking on CSF's residential properly. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollufion. Air Oualitv. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines aze associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Ori~tt already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines aze replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel bases wed trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant sowce of air pollution Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (we ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York hazbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the hazmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cwecer rates in neighboring GreenpoeY are SO to 100Sb abae~e expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cwecer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect ow historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by ow waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe . The cwrent level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-pazking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its pazking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political presswe and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing topost no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cazs of ferry customers that aze parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and mazine safety track record. Irr January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. A CT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyazd property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance progam... and numerous unpetmitted wastewater and storm water dischazges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guazd regulations. The Coast Guazd stated that there was sufficient evidence to show drat CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only Waal azea on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Envirorunental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ~"'^~'~"~ ~6`-`'~- Name: THOMAS ~~E2T Address: 1 (DO tJorzrl-~ $~} ~2,~~ O~2tE,uT~Nr( -~/~- z ~,~ Mazch 18, 2008 Town Boazd R. wEi ,'_D Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold °~r' ^ r ~:,~ Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Temunal. As you aze surely awaze, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional pazking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional pazking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Ouality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines aze important contributors to national air pollution, generating lazge amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines aze associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come urrtil CSF's marine diesel engines aze replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed 11rat femes produce 20 to 200 &mes more pollution pd passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Mea as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100' above expelled incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999.2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Saferi. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry temunal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing tb post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this rmsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. A CT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed `numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance progam... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural azea on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental chazacter. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS raze animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract arty more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature U/' Name: ~/~It°{~%P UCIfC/"t Address: /llXJ NO/1`hv~a--~/'. O~/'P/J~ ~~ March 18, 2008 Town Boazd Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: -~l~ ~~ RECEIVED APR 3 ~ Southold taws tler~ As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating lazge amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road tratJic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring GreenpoR ate 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Deparhnent of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. 1t has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one ofNew York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental chazacter. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more pazking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sigcerely, /~~~ ~~ ~ ~~i~ Si nature ~ ~l Name: ~~~ ~F'E-d~f~ `I ~ : ~ /~GL~` {~ Address: r~ !~ ~ ~G- lJ/~ r~S ~r ~ d ;2 /~~'.lJ~ ~K_j ~nJ~,~l.~ ll~s`7 ~(;~T~ Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: RECEI~IED APR 3 X006 pB r~6~t So~shold 4awn KCerM As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its pazking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. • CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The feny-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature cc/J Q~nt~/,PiL ti l/Yl at~.v~j Name: JGv~dl/~ ~~~+~ Address: d~~ rJ P~vrn ~~ ~,~ Lc. . (~r~Q~~~ ti~~. 11~i5~ J .. /~ P~3 z e ~- Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold P.O. Box 1179, Southold, NY 11971 Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 RECia'~~D r q . ~ Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Feny's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely awaze, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The -ack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its curcent location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health &Health & Safe issues. Feny-induced traffic is hazazdous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water qualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the ToWn's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We oannot afford further sources of surface and g;oundwater pollution. AirAir O~lit .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates C5F's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines aze replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safetv. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its pazking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce fts levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmeatal and Saferi Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyazd property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpennitted wastewater and storm water dischazges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, _ ~_ Signature Z2..tv'~ C'~~ Name: ~' M M/~'"TR~1~TT'1 ~~44~r'~L.~ Address: 7 25 ~~V1 al,V'O~ ~~, ~ Y"~Q.t,,1' )V 1 19 ~7 po ~ 2 ~/rte ~a z ~~- March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold P.O. Box 1179, Southold, NY 11971 Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 P'~"F.1.`~~ Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Feny-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water uuality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by fai-ing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ~ ~~~~/(.~' C-~~il/rtv~it2~ $~; Name: Q rn ~ ,, Address: U ~~ ~,U~ ~ -~`~V(~/. O~l~~ ~~ z ~~ P~ March I8, 2008 RF CE11l~D Town Boazd Town Planning Department ~ o ~ 208 Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road ~ ' ---- ~~,_~, Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water aualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualitv. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that femes produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New I ork State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safety. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the. shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its pazking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere. with fire and emergency services. These cazs park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazazdous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guazd stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the inducedlevels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ~r Name: C~/i~{~cJ~~ ~Wp~i~T~~ Address: 4 ~ ~7t` - r ,! .~ j~ ~~ ~//~" March 18, 2008 RfCEIVcD Town Boazd Town Planning Department ~ ~ nn Town Zoning Board of Appeals ?~~~ Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Souf';cid Teti;~a ?crk Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazazdous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Ouality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines aze important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines aze associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built mazine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. • A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York hazbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-pazking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cazs of ferry customers that aze pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Clearly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyazd property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ~~ ~- ~ ,~~ ~~ac Name: ~\C~n CLIG~ i- ~f~~.v ~jr ic.NCc4 Address: ~a`/Q Ga~are C•~'e- Gr°re~ Pa,~,~ N`S_tlYS'7 March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: C:7 ~. eid, .,..~„i ®~~- ~~ } ~~ R!'CElVc'J 7~ , , w Fert.,.9a ~....,y, .~a,.,y~ As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last ] 0 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualitv. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems *"'~':~xa:1R~' FPA .. _ _ ~' "'~~'`^° regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have tq endure iTfor many "~ years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. _ __ ______ A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to I00% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air poilutants, which a~-e absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attxact any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature NC Name: Ll~-(1ti(Id-F--IC ~~r-, Address: ~ ~ ~ (} ~~ fi~-A~ l,~-n_~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~r~~, ~~ ~ < <` .~/rA r4 ~~ March 18, 2008 Town Board RECEIVcD Town Planning Deparhnent Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold ' ' ZQQ$ P.O. Box 1179, Southold, NY 11971 Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 5au4i,c,i~ Tm:=n ~r~,k Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water auality. Ferty-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Ouality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring GreenpoH are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpennitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife $abitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, /~~ ~/J /, , /~ Signature //~ ~~p Wr ~ rl Name: f~N~U rI~OLG IOfj- Address: 37~ a j'S~r' ~U'te{ (.a.vv~ '~ o Leo y- -' 6 $ ~y lilts ~- D~~ ~', March 18, 2008 Town Board V Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 R~CEIVeaJ 2C~3 Soaf.csd Tc:~.,=vs ";Sorlt Dear Southold Toy*m Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Fen•y-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's fesponsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Ouality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of These air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is toc large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ~)'7Li Name: Address: ~r~ ~.~ ~i9.Dih ~~/4!J O,er~~r ~.y ~rr9~ {. March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold P.O. Box 1179, Southold, NY 11971 Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: R~CEI~'~'~ 2 n~~" J!~~ 1 As a resident of Orient, l strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you aze surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from mazine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's mazine diesel engines are replaced. }j; ~~ l AeP ~~ - j ,U ., A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an oZOne precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is spazse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-pazking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its pazking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cazs of ferry customers that aze pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potenfial to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guazantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollazs for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance __ c program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any envirorunental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient. into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New YorkState "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more pazking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature /~S ~CX~~ D~~~, Name: ~~l SC' / ~~GL ~G( ~~ Address: ~ t{ ~ S c7 /~ Ccc ~ ~o~~ QY/~ ~/1/ y / I y S K~1 4 v'~I. ~. tip March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Deparhnent Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: ._ 1. __ ~',r ,;. . ~~ ;!c As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. v ~ A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guazantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the ,. , Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, ~ j Signature j'Iv2Jn ~-~-~t/ ~~ ~---- , Name: ,rrscr~,rg.>'C~\ ~ .f J9CQw~ ~/ ~ ~-~-~=w Address: /Dc~G~ C~.r~'G ~rS;rU~, ~R-l~jar~ ~Y I i 9J7 March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 y?~ ~.1~~ .:.:~~, . ~~~ , 1' ~~~t. or-~ - n.,_i Dear Southold Town Officials: SJ9ri~ '~iy Tj .', nlV'~ As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water auality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air ualit .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as march NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpennitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North. Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, lfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our ecious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature / 1/ Y/ l./`-~~ Name: cICYIJG/ 1llV 2v r i n c~z~ Address: f,2.~ LAChA.~+-, LAn~ U~1 £ nt Point , /~( cr !! `i S 7 March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department RECEIVeD Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road „F~ ~ ~~~~ 1 ~ `~ ;' } ~~~'~ Southold, NY 11971 . Sout~tc~ld Ttvto C6t:rk Dear Southold Town Officials: _.,.._._ As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water finality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional pazking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and wiii iikeiy have to endure it for many yeazs to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. _. ~~„'S~ C~~4~ ~~ ;; ... .. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor femes have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety hack record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, _..._.~ ~A Signature ,_/L Name: ~i n/ ~ L M Z ,~/Q ~I~- / (,~ Address: J Jx ~~ j 0 t2./~~/~i i"1 ,~l ~ Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department - -- ' Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold 1,°ni~ 2 6 2008 Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 -- --- - .__ . Dear Southold Town Officials f\© `.~ t_b.. .~ r_ 4~~ ~^r_rat !~ ~.. a...l ~rrJ S~ - '•t As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Feny's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely awaze, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional pazking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazazdous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Fery-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many yeazs to come until CSF's mazine diesel engines are replaced. • A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York hazbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is spazse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guazantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost I million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guazd regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The feny operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more pazking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature CGti9-v-- 2. (?~~sj/t-~ Name: l~-~r~.1 !Z. 13v~z-~~~Fi Address: (~" O ~ i3 d }~ Zb 3 C~ f^E.~ ~ (T l (fit 'j 7 ~~~ Z /~~' /°~! March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Ha11 Main Road Southold, NY 11971 RE4EIV~D ~n„~ ,~ ;, SauF6ac9; T,~ ;t r~~r~ Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Tenninal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water auality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce ZO to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics ofthe ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occun•ed in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The feny-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, /~ Signature /('/ y i-~-of1q Name: 115 ,ut,~` yT-~.~ Address: ~ ~ F""'{ ~ ` ~'~` I l~ S 7 i March 18, 2008 Town Board 1 %~/ f~` Z /~~- P13 R~CEItJ~a Town Planning Department , ~.., Town Zoning Board of Appeals ?nr^ Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road $onf6,c bu 3r .• ~+ r-~„ ~ Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water qualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon."International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature Name: Address: ~(.e,n~ , ~ 1 1 ~ ~J 7 ~/r~- P/~ 2 ,3 /,~- Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department F rC ~ l~%-B Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold _ Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Ternvnal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth. by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water qualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NO7~ emissions. Diese] exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come urrtil CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safetv. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cazs of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyazd property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazazdous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water dischazges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual ImnaMs. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat; NYS raze animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, i ~~ ~ l Signature ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~`_~ ~~ ~~ ~ Name: ~ ~ ~ ~-~ A~ ~ (~ ~ (t ~s ~~,f ~~~ ~ .{ Address: ~~ x ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~, ice` Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: ~ /T~ ~a z a ~. RECElVcJ ,:F.'. 2GG'3 As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely awaze, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greertport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which aze absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safetv. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water dischazges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels oftraffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, `, 1 d ~ Signature ~) 1 ~ Gw~, Name: I~ YI A; ~e S ~ ~ e c,~~ Address: ~. C . t `~ ~~~ v ;11 ~, ~~ Lin ~, ~c~ ~ e~~~ ~ ~~1 \1~~ ~~ l March 18, 2008 Town Boazd Town Planning Departrnent Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: ~1 ''" A/~ Z,g2 RECEhdJ 2C0~ So~rh~.id Tov,n laerlt As a resident of Orient,l strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health:& Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazazdous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our endvonment and quality of life as follows. Water qualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Av Ouality. EPA has concluded that mazine diesel engines aze important contributors to national av pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's mazine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many yeazs to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York hazbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which aze absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guazantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and mazine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyazd property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guazd regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural azea on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental chazacter. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state endvonmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS raze animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more pazking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, ~/~/ I ,` 'i f/ -- / Signature Name: ~~~L `.11~\~ ~ ~~ AV\~ J IJ\ Address: ZQ~ Z y \\L ACS ~ ~ ~1 ~ T~/T~- March 18, 2008 ~~ z~~ Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: t;~~Ei'd~D As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 yeazs with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines aze important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that fen•ies produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of Fsh and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics ofthe ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, I Signature ~~-~~`" Name: Address: (i<j ~ ~~~Pit~nU /OO0 so~,~~~;~w R~~~ o;,~~d,~= PT Ny i15~7 March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: ~~ ~~ zP~f} RFCEtEfc'p c ,~ As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its pazking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. 1t cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. • CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guazd regulations. The Coast Guazd stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Feny paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, ~j ~/~~,,, ~ `,~~'~~'"" , Signature '\ ~~~1~~ """"" ~'? ~ 7 ~ . Name: ~ 6 f ~QhQ1 ~ l,./ss ~ I -L ~V/+~~ °~~ ~ /~.O/.~ / Address: L I aS Y A~~~ V 6 P.W hB~. ~ Dr ~,~nf ~ ~E~~g~7 ~~~ ~~ z 8/~ March 18, 2008 RECEIVtD Town Boazd Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: ^fir.n (t;V') $oir`raF `~=ry ..,Lr As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional pazking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human cazcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines aze replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road trafYic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an owne precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is spazse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Depaztment of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Saferi Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water dischazges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inwnsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itselfto be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Z~~ n \' ~1..~Jlln-~-.., 1~-- Signature ~c.~.o, ~ < Name: ~l 14R.~/JF9/LVf- ~~~ jI.1LI4 C~,~/~Lt~S ~/~ Address: I e~ y U L19 ~ ~ w ~ L -A ti- Q ~t~i PW'C ~'~'. IJ Y. ~ I g S 7 . . ~~/~-~ P~ ~.. Mazch 18, 2008 Town Boazd ~~' Town Planning Department RECtIOicD ~~•~~ Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals ~j: `` Town of Southold - ~~~~~ Town Hall, Main Road ~:"' ' v of Southold, NY 11971 t { s ~ ~ ~°~`~° e°aP S°i4Pn~,dTurrr. '..r& Deaz Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Southold Town, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Local residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Berry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. • Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional pazking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate storm water impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford finther sources of surface and groundwater pollution. • Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines aze important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOJs7 emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines aze associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Residents already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. • A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. We need to protect our children and the elderly from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rafts in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100°4 above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shell fishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which aze absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. • Safety. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-pazking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, aze what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as caned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. • CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. A CT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpemritted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guazd stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good Neighbor, but quite the opposite by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environrrrentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more pazking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather, we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerf Signori Name: Addres ~~~'~ i ~~~ 1 a~~' C ~f r ~'17k-~~"o >J nrt~m ~ Ux~l' j ~ti ._ - ~/~ ,~~ Z ,O//' March 18, 2008 TownBoazd Town Planning Departrnent Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 SoUfe,Lfd Tas~,•n C;arl~ Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting oddiHonal parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualitv. EPA has concluded that mazine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-pazking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cazs of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollazs for hazardous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the ~~ Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations.l'he Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS raze animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels wnsistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, e Y ~-'~. Signature _ ~ Name: ~2)._,~~~ Address: J eu (~ ~l~'~ M ~-14111 e -r~ /r~ ~~ Mazch 18, 2008 ~ ~ ~ Town Board ~ ~ C E IV: D Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Feny-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We camnot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mi/e than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean Ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring GreenpoR are SO to 100% above expelled incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which aze absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs pazk in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual ImnsMs. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only Waal azea on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental chazacter. Natural aad Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS raze animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, ,' ~: Signature ~ ~ ~~~ ~,(~ ~-p ~/' , / ,~ Name: v/I ~JZ/'1,('~t~ ~`ZL'(~t/t/~- ~~~t/Uc//~10 Address: l G ii o ~~G{~j~/%,/ G,'t`e~f~~r~-f M~ l/%~7 March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: /~- ... p~ z ~~ R'CEl~I~J c. $6t!~~a ~~ S4'+~:E f~Ylt As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street pazking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 yeazs with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional pazking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water gnality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional pazking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built mazine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's mazine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level of ferry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that aze parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cazs park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guazantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazazdous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guazd regulations. The Coast Guazd stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental chazacter. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS raze plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ~d`^~ /(/ • j~ l~i~ Name: ~/J.ld7J y~. ~jh(~p~~ Address: I y"G,~ ~Gfl1`I GS RQ ~~'~ ~3 DRr ~ j N~ y. 119 S-~ ~s/~~ ~~ z ~~- Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board 'i! Town Planning Department ~ / Town Zoning Board of Appeals J Town of Southold v Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: R°~CEI`~'::D r1 _,. 1 As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Tenninal. As you are surely awaze, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Quality. EPA has concluded that mazine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is spazse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are pazked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the /' Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Feny, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guazd stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural azea on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature .:'~'"7Jr- • ~ /ham ..~-~~,,~J ~~<<~6L.vJzxsx~_ Name: Address: ~fJ 5~ ,~~ l~A_~)~X~~-~ ~/~~ Ph 2 8 R' March 18, 2008 Town Board RECEIVED Town Planning Deparhnent Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold !,F ^ " :' ~~ 2008 Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Southold Tewrn Clerk Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Ouality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature ^~~ vv` f• ~"v j~{.~~ Name: V O ~ I 'F ~S~ I. 1 ~- ~ Address: ASS ~( (~~~..~5 ~ f'7fZ-l~~ ~ N Y ~ ~~~ ~/~ ~s Z ~~' March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: RECEIVcD ' .° ~ 2CC3 As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little orno federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water qualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualiri. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program... and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, /~~,,/,JA W"'" , / Signature / ypvv, /, _l/^/l// Name: Address: ~~~ ~"/ 1 rLi~(~S7 ~,Ir~VP_ ~ vl~~Q~~ VV ~ ~(9s~~ ,~. March 18, 2008 Town Boazd Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: ~/~ pfd 2~F3- RFCE11~'i:D or~:~ c.. ~ _, SE.°UZiivU TVY:it `~iitk As a resident of Orient, I strongly wge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected ow environment and quality of life as ~. follows. Water aualiri. Feny-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted ow surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sowces of swface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualiri. EPA has concluded that mazine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built mazine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines aze replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York hazbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is spazse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation toplace no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its -- property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. [t has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste dischartes into the Thames River in Connecticut. A C'I' state inspection of CSF's New Lnndan shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the r: ,~ we r_.an only imaninp ~vh2t kinds of cnvir~mnental violation may have ncenrred in wheels had not hecn chocked by CSF net ('oast Gnarl rrnulatinns_ "Phe driver who evidence in shmv that C'Cl~" nnerared its vessel in a neolivi-nt manner- In 200K Cross tine oi' New Ynrk State's ercatcat ecosystems. and arc inconsistent with Orient's This is inconsistent with the villaae~s historical and environmental character. Orient's numemns Federal and Gate environmental resources desienatinns inclndinv~ NY) revulated freshwater wedlands- NYC rare nlani hahi[at NYfi rare 2nimal hahitar. ncic~hbor hur unite the onnnsite. by failine to adont environmentallyerniscious controls or cars and their air and water nollutinn. kathcr we want the town to D[,('R i~.ASh: fcrrv anti the eldcrh~. and honor our nrecinus historic. aari natural Environment ,~~~ ~Cr ~ u< ..:.. i~l,< <~~ ~ l ~ ~' ~~~ Ih~, ~-.~ l~~-l~ , /I~y ii9sz /ice ~,~ • u Mazch 18, 2008 Town Boazd Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: -z ,~,~ f:...~4~._~ S^ r . `.~::til As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you aze surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has oven•eached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water q_ualiri. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for then drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualiri. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. • • A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have beer: shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Regishy 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. • Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical chazacteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS . Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appeaz to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too lazge for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazazdous waste dischazges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the u • Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guazd regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. Visual ImuaMs. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; • NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, y / Signature ~' "' ~ ~~ ~` ~m / ~y Name: Address: ~~~ ~~ ~q G // // March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Deparhnent Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold ,~ .. f``rl'`:D Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 _sc Deaz Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely awaze, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has oven•eached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Oualitv. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines aze important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's mazine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Hazbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is spazse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which aze absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics ofthe ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-pazking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has efused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking ~cility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-pazking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional pazking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Saferi Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and mazine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost I million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only Waal azea on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available pazking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfaze and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature Name: Address: ~r,~+~- , ~-ritif-.~ ° lV~'h~n N~/ t1~57 'n Ifl} ... March 19, 2008 RECEIVED Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 lIAR 20 3D $oufhoJd Town Cler' Dear Southold Town Officials: I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross SOWld Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point TerminaL As you are surely aware, eSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. The Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on eSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Southold residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. . Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EP A to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. . Air Quality. EP A has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EP A as a likely human carcinogen. According to EP A, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. The town of South old already tolerates esF's marine diesel pollution, and wi1llikely have to endure it for many years to come until eSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Southold becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. eSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Southold Town needs to protect its children and the elderly from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. . Safety. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder ofNYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. . CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost I million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. A CT state inspection ofCSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program.. . and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, a tractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. . Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. . Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itselfto be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." I support Orient's refusal to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather I want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, AtC.2..- 0z Ft/'.JO r;t! /l!.C)~'C--rI:.f /l/?-R..(:[;C () Signature Name: Address: /'0 ~ fl3? I cf ObLli.dcf ~il'!77 ,.. TB/TA- RECEIVED March 19, 2008 lIAR 2 0 38 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of South old Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Southold Town (Ier' Dear Southold Town Officials: I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. The Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Southold residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. . Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EP A to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. . Air Quality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EP A as a likely human carcinogen. According to EP A, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EP A regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. The town of Southold already tolerates CSP's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Southold becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. c- Southold Town needs to protect its children and the elderly from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are 50 to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth of fish and shellfish. . Safety. The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder ofNYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. . CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. A CT state inspection ofCSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program.. . and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environrttental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, a tractor-trailer rolled off ofthe stern of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. . Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. . Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itselfto be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." I support Orient's refusal to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their air and water pollution. Rather I want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety ofresidents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, 1< uf;cd:-1JL f2 f%w:T {I f- t:;;[fo S f1(--rH D(L/VE- N<5(Z-rH I JCJu1 {ftYL C> Signature Name: Address: Ta/~ March 31, 2008 Members of the Town Board Town of Southold 53095 Route 25 P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York 11971 Dear Members of the Southold Town Board: RECEIVcD L'V~J S©uyl;~:.;~ Tc~r,=n flak As noted in the Orient Stakeholders' letter sent by Keri Christ to Mark Terry dated October 23, 2007, there aze significant concerns about storm water runoff in Orient. The result of these runoff issues has been a contributing factor to the degradation of the water quality in the Harbors. The Village Lane intersection with Bay Avenue floods with regularity during rainstorms. This flooding carries particulate matter into the Harbor causing silting for the slips of the Yacht Club and pollutants that fou- the waters. The flooding also provides a traffic hazard for vehicles using Village Lane. Other runoff locations in Orient cited in the letter of October 23, 2007 are threatening the ecological balance in Hallock's Bay. Given the status of Orient as a unique maritime district, the Town's commitment to quality of life, and the impact on local businesses dependent on clean harbors for shellfish, oyster farms, and recreation, the Orient Stakeholders implore the Southold Town Board to prioritize and expedite the runoff remediation project for Orient. At the recent Town-wide Stakeholders' meeting, an Orient runoff remediation project was cited as action that the Town is preparing to take. The Orient Stakeholders now request that the Town Board provide us with information regarding the work that will be undertaken and a timeframe for that work. Thank you for your cooperation on this important issue. Sincerely, Margaret Minichini Chairperson Orient Stakeholders Committee ~IC~USUi~. /~ ~ p Keri A. Christ, Esq. 22715 Main Road Orient N.Y.11957 E-mail: kaduist@tcn.com October 23, 2007 Mazk Terry Principal Planner, LWRP Coordinator & Acting Planning Director Town Hall Annex Building 54375 Route 25/P.O. Box 1179 Southold NY 11971-0959 Dear Mazk, Re: stormwater Management in Orient I am writing to you on behalf of the Orient Hamlet Stakeholders group. We wish to make the Planning Board aware of certain stormwater run-off problems in Orient and request that the Town of Southold take steps to address some of the problems that we have identified. We aze also interested in obtaining certain other information from the Town which we have highlighted below. As you know, the groundwater and surface water in and Orient have been stressed by septic systems, agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, and an increasing volume of vehicle and truck traffic using the ferry at Orient Point. At this time these sources of water pollution aze mostly unregulated. The ferry operation, which is now substantially larger than it has ever been, has grown incrementally, and consequently no SEQRA environmental review was ever required by NY State or the Town. The ferry traffic contributes substantially to the particulate matter and air pollution that is absorbed by the surface and ground waters in and azound Orient as stormwater runoff. Given Orient's unique status as a national historic district containing several New York State- designated "Critical Environmental Areas," and given that the community relies upon ground water from wells for its drinking water, we believe that Orient's stormwater runoff problems should be given some priority within the Town. Problem Areas/Priorities. On July 17, 2007, Heather Cusack faxed to me a document entitled "Storm Water Runoff Mitigation Project." This is a listing of stormwater projects in Southold, being worked on by the Highway Department and Pete Harris, according to Heather. It includes the following two projects for Hallock's Bay in Orient: Keri A. Christ, Esq. 22715 Main Road Orient N.Y. 11957 E-mail: kachtist@xcn.com (1) HB-1 Runoff from 25 eoes to Rechazge Basin. Overflow from the Basin is a Culvert running under Route 25 and empties into a drainage ditch that empties into Hallock's Bay. (Priority=2); and (2) HB-2 Runoff from Route 25 (+/- 800 ft east of Narrow River Road) enters the wetland through a Drainage Ditch and a Culvert to Hallock's Bay. (Priority=4). We note that there are far more stormwater projects listed for other hamlets in Southold. We would like to understand the Town's criteria for including projects in the current list, as well as the Town's criteria for setting priorities for these projects. In addition, we would like to obtain detailed descriptions and any associated maps and diagrams associated with these projects, and understand their relationship to the ones we have identified on the attached maps. In addition to these two azeas, several other problem areas have been identified by the Hamlet Stakeholders. Areas in and around Hallock's Bay are indicated on the attached map. In addition, Village Lane has significant stormwater runoff problems which are impairing Orient Harbor. We would like the Town to investigate these areas, and conduct an overall stormwater assessment in Orient. We would also like a copy of the existing inventory of all drains, pipes, etc. which Heather Cusack identified. Fundin¢. We understand that funding may be available for stormwater remediation through the following sources: (1) Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan ("LWRP") for watershed management plans, including stormwater projects; (2) New York State Dept of Transportation; (3) the Peconic Estuary program; and (4) New York State Heritage Area Program/NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation We would like to know whether the Town has applied for any junding for stormwater management and remediation, and whether any of these funds will be allocated jor Orient. We would also like to understand the Town's priorities and goals with respect to the LWRP, and we would like to be considered for funding through the LWRP. According to Steve Ridler, Bureau Chief Local and Regional Programs, there is $23 million available this year, and the deadline to apply is November 30, 2007. We also understand that Southold may be required under EPA Phase II regulations to undertake storm water mitigation. The final Impaired Waterbodies report issued in July 2007 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continues to Keri A. Christ, Esq. 22715 Main Road Orient N.Y. 11957 E-mail: kachrist@rcn.com identify waterbodies in Southold as impaired. We would like know whether the Town has been or will soon be required by EPA to undertake stormwater mitigation. Meetines with officials. Going forwazd, the Hamlet Stakeholders group intends to meet with the Southold Town Storm Water Committee, the Trustees, Jim McMahon from the Department of Public Works, and Cornell Cooperative Extension to further identify and discuss the stormwater issues in Orient. We look forward to meeting with you on October 29, 2007 and to discussing these issues with you. Sincerely, Keri A. Christ Ends. ~~~ ~d Apri14, 2008 Town of Southold Planning Department F;~~Eiv~~a z ~ 9-- 2r;. $oa:4:~~s s Tc,a;rn f.6erk I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for facilitating the road improvements in the Orient by the Sea development where I reside. I would also like to offer a possible long term solution to the Cross Sound Ferry Traffic problem that is affecting Orient. Move all Ferry Operations to Greenport. The restaurants and merchants of Greenport would surely benefit from this, as does the village of Sag harbor when ferries and boats bring visitors to their main street. This idea actually came from eleven year old son, who sincerely appreciates the remaining undisturbed nature of Orient, I think it is a great one, so am bringing it to you. I hope you will consider it. At the least do not allow the Ferry to increase its parking in Orient. Lets keep the natural beauty and tranquility intact of something that was given to us that way by past generations. ~erely, ' ;`~ Mr. Doric Capsi~ 1700 Plum Island Lane Orient Point, NY 11957 (3/25/2008) poric Capsis - Letter to Town Board re Ferry.pdf Page 1 li March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health 8 Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. • Water aualitv.Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and irtplement a stormwater mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells fortheir drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. • Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. (3125/2008) Doric Capsis - Letter to Town Board re Ferry.pdf Page 2 A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 b 200 times more pollution per passenger mik Bran cars, diesel buses and Veins. Add to this pollution, the pollution fromtheferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown b emit as much NOX (an omne precursor) in tire New York Area as 3OO,OOOvehkks. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has notdone so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rays in neighboring Greenport are 50 b 100% above expecEd incidence rates according b Ore New York Ss3>p Cancer Regisby 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growtlr offish and shellfish. Safety. The current level of ferry-induced Vaffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signsalong NYS Route 25. This refusal to postsignage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditionsatOrient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulderof NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage far CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its properly as zoned would not supportthis level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety Vack record. In January 2006, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. A CT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the __ -- (3/2512008) Doric Capsis -Letter to Town Board re Ferry.pdf Page 3 Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, a Vactor-traile r rolled off of the stern of a CrossSound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of CoastGuard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to showthat CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Ferry paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and are inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orients numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the apposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technologywhich would make it an environmentally ethical "goad neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cars and their airand water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and Vaffic to reasonable levels consistentwith the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, ///~~~ c Signature _ ~_ _ J'~`'~ _____ ~~~ , Name: `-Jt)~-•G GAPS J -- ---------- Address: ~~O O ~ LJh t ~ ~RIJ ~ ~-~~~ --------------------------=------ - p~~~~; c~~~ ~ ~~ ~iq5~ .. _ ~ Mazch 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Boazd of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 Deaz Southold Town Officials: 7J /T7~- P/3 RE~EIVi:~J r~aY ? ~ zoos Sou11,1:1 Iuvtn C-erk As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Feny's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with little or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate pazking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. Water quality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional pazking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air Ouality. EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating lazge amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines aze associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come anti) CSh"s marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that ferries produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to e»tit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles. New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport ate SO to 100ib above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect ow historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by ow waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available parking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Clearly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safety Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and marine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazardous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the ferry terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Ferry, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guard regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Feny paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Impacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic are a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropo-itan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. Natural sud Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmark"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature Name: Address: 3~ ub ~a- o~~N.~ . )~~5~ ~lr~- z~~ /~ March 18, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Town Hall Main Road Southold, NY 11971 RECEIVED ~"A~ ? 7 2008 SoutFc3d Tuvrn CfarM Dear Southold Town Officials: As a resident of Orient, I strongly urge Town officials to deny Cross Sound Ferry's application to create new off-street parking at its Orient Point Terminal. As you are surely aware, CSF's operations have increased exponentially in the last 10 years with -ittle or no federal, state or local control over its operations. The lack of adequate parking is concrete proof that the ferry has overreached and outgrown its current location. Orient residents cannot accommodate the existing level of service, and therefore the Town should under no circumstances pave the way for further growth by permitting additional parking on CSF's residential property. Health & Safety issues. Ferry-induced traffic is hazardous to the health and safety of Orient residents, and has adversely affected our environment and quality of life as follows. • Water puality. Ferry-induced traffic contributes to the storm water runoff in the form of sedimentation which has polluted our surface waters. The Town has recently been required by EPA to develop and implement a storm water mitigation program. Allowing additional parking, and therefore, traffic is inconsistent with the Town's responsibility to mitigate stormwater impacts. The residents of Orient rely upon private wells for their drinking water. We cannot afford further sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Air uali .EPA has concluded that marine diesel engines are important contributors to national air pollution, generating large amounts of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions. Diesel exhaust has been classified by EPA as a likely human carcinogen. According to EPA, the emissions from marine engines are associated with serious public health problems. However, new EPA regulations presently apply to newly-built marine engines only. Orient already tolerates CSF's marine diesel pollution, and will likely have to endure it for many years to come until CSF's marine diesel engines are replaced. A 2003 analysis of New York Harbor emissions showed that femes produce 20 to 200 times more pollution per passenger mile than cars, diesel buses and trains. Add to this pollution, the pollution from the ferry-induced road traffic and Orient becomes a significant source of air pollution. Ferry marine diesel engines have been shown to emit as much NOX (an ozone precursor) in the New York Area as 300,000 vehicles New York harbor ferries have already begun to implement clean ferry technology. CSF, with boats that date back to 1944, has not done so. Orient needs to protect its children and the elderly in Orient from the harmful effects of these pollutants. While there is sparse data for Orient, lung cancer rates in neighboring Greenport are SO to 100% above expected incidence rates according to the New York State Cancer Registry 1999-2003. We also need to protect our historic shellfishing and fisheries industry from the effects of these air pollutants, which are absorbed by our waters, and have been scientifically shown to adversely affect the habitat and growth offish and shellfish. • Safe .The current level offerry-induced traffic is unsafe and inappropriate to the physical characteristics of the ferry terminal site. Residents of Orient and the Town have requested the New York State Department of Transportation to place no-parking signs on the shoulder of the road which also contains bicycle paths. NYSDOT has refused to do so in writing, unless the Town allowed CSF to expand its parking facility. We strongly object to the NYSDOT's political pressure and interference and question the legality of its action in refusing to post no-parking signs along NYS Route 25. This refusal to post signage, and Cross Sound's uncontrolled expansion, are what have created the unsafe conditions at Orient Point, NOT the lack of available pazking. Cars of ferry customers that are parked along the shoulder of NYS 25 have the potential to interfere with fire and emergency services. These cars park in the bicycle path forcing cyclists out onto the road and causing unsafe conditions. The ferry and NYS DOT appear to be using this unsafe situation as leverage for CSF's request for additional parking. Cleazly, the level of current service is too large for Orient to accommodate. The ferry must reduce its levels of service. CSF knew when it began operations that its property as zoned would not support this level of service. It cannot hold the community hostage for increased service and to guarantee its profits. It has aggressively increased traffic with its casino-oriented business. CSF Environmental and Safetv Track Record. Moreover, we question CSF's environmental and mazine safety track record. In January 2008, CSF agreed to a settlement worth almost 1 million dollars for hazardous waste discharges into the Thames River in Connecticut. ACT state inspection of CSF's New London shipyard property revealed "numerous environmental violations, including poor waste management practices and virtually no established hazazdous waste water compliance program...and numerous unpermitted wastewater and storm water discharges to the Thames River." Given the lack of any environmental reviews of the feny terminal we can only imagine what kinds of environmental violation may have occurred in Orient. In 2003, atractor-trailer rolled off of the stem of a Cross Sound Feny, because its wheels had not been chocked by CSF per Coast Guard regulations. The driver who was sleeping in the vehicle died. He had not been asked to leave his vehicle, also a violation of Coast Guazd regulations. The Coast Guard stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that CSF operated its vessel in a negligent manner. In 2008 Cross Sound Feny paid $2.25 million to the survivors of the driver. • Visual Imaacts. The ferry operations and the induced levels of traffic aze a blight on one of New York State's greatest ecosystems, and aze inconsistent with Orient's status as the only rural area on the North Fork, as demonstrated by the Town's recent traffic study. CSF seeks to convert Orient into a metropolitan transportation hub. This is inconsistent with the village's historical and environmental character. • Natural and Historic resources. The ferry-induced traffic is inconsistent with Orient's numerous Federal and state environmental resources designations including: New York State "Critical Environmental Area; Federal "National Natural Landmazk"; Federal National Historic District; Audubon "International Bird Area"; NYS regulated freshwater wetlands; NYS rare plant habitat; NYS rare animal habitat; NYS Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The ferry has grown to become a public nuisance. It has not shown itself to be a good neighbor but quite the opposite, by failing to adopt environmentally-conscious controls or investing in existing technology which would make it an environmentally ethical "good neighbor." Orient refuses to accommodate any more parking spaces to attract any more cazs and their air and water pollution. Rather we want the town to DECREASE ferry service and traffic to reasonable levels consistent with the available parking, and sufficient to protect the health, welfare and safety of residents, especially our children and the elderly, and honor our precious historic and natural environment. Sincerely, Signature Name: Address: l3arv~c~`f- S G/ esnsFey%, l3av kw~- s~` pr'ien4 r N~(' 6l a S~- /~ PB 2 ~' May 12, 2008 Town Board Town Planning Department Town Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold Main Road PO Box 1179 Southold NY 11971 Dear Southold Town Officials: RECEIVED ~~~~AY 1 5 2008 Southold Town Clerk The Orient Hamlet Stakeholders Committee urges Town Officials to deny the application by Cross Sound Ferry to create additional parking at its Orient Point Terminal. From its inception, the Orient Hamlet Stakeholders have identified traffic resulting from increased Ferry usage as a serious problem for the Hamlet residents. Traffic calming along the Main Road, particularly the area from the Causeway to Platt Road, is a short- term goal of the Stakeholders and a priority to the residents of Orient. This was reinforced at the Public Meeting held by the Stakeholders in September 2007. The Stakeholders' survey showed 653'0 of residents rated traffic calming as one of three top priorities (with Open Space preservation and Gateway Property being the other two.) The Main Road through Orient begins with a 55mph speed limit on the Causeway, which reduces to 40mph as it approaches the Hamlet Center. In reality, traffic barely slows as it swiftly bypasses the Village Lane intersection, races past the church and the school and the fire departrnent, and continues unchecked to tbe Ferry Terminal. Existing ferry traffic already burdens the Village of Orient as the Ferry discharges passengers and cars semi- hourly throughout the summer months. The Stakeholders feel that the parking situation at the Ferry Terminal must not be considered as a single request. This application must be considered with an eye to assessing the impact of traffic and Ferry operations. The Stakeholders believe that it is unwise to allow increased parking for the Ferry until a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of ferry service and operations, including traffic, i~'orms and determines the parameters of operation for the Cross Sound Ferry. Respectfully, / \/~~ ` Margaret Minichini Chair Orient Hamlet Stakeholders Committee