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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Correspondence From: Lois de Menil <Idemenil@aol.com> �k M! V AAT a Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2018 12:45 PM J,3 To: Lanza, Heather �.. .' u..� .._. , . � Subject: [SPAM] - Fwd: Fishers Island waste management project NOV �Van. sorry, I typed your address incorrectly. irh� Board ri From: Idemenil@aol.com To: nate.malinowski@gmail.com, wbsoper@comcast.net, heather.lanza@tyown.southold.ny.us, scott.russell@town.southold.ny.us Cc: prafferty@fishersisland.net, rdevans@fishersisland.net Sent: 10/9/2018 12:42:35 PM Eastern Standard Time Subject: Fishers Island waste management project [)ear Neighbors, My husband and I were present at the Community Board meeting Saturday, most of which was devoted to elaboration of a new waste management project to relocate all aspects of waste management to one location and to enlarge it at a cost of $4 million + to local taxpayers. You invited us to send our reflections on the project, and I propose to offer mine as a voting resident of Fishers Island, and among those paying high taxes whom you acknowledged, in response to Bob Evans' question at the meeting, would be footing the cost for this project. Back a few years, I was among the few who read the Yale Study from beginning to end. I did so because I taught government for many years at Harvard and Princeton before moving to France for professional reasons, and the issues of self-government involved therefore interested me. While there was division of opinion around the recommendations concerning issues of government on Fishers, there was one proposal that seemed to me personally both insightful and fundamental. That was the recommendation to build a second village center around the ferry area and the warehouses, the school and the community center, where higher density housing as well as other facilities might well serve the island in useful ways. With or without the Yale study, this is now already happening on its own, and it is a good and positive direction. George and I have just pledged a contribution to the park that Lucinda Herrick has spearheaded, and which will transform the unsightly area of parking and weeds that greet our arrival on Fishers into a verdant park landscaped with native vegetation, with benches and a pathway along the shore leading to the warehouse that Brad Burnham is now renovating. This will be a wonderful contribution to the island. Two nationally prominent architects in a neighboring warehouse, who have already contributed so much to our community, are lending their services. In short, those ugly warehouses with weeds surrounding them are now becoming increasingly a desirable new core of our community. There is soon to be community housing on the 2nd floor of the ferry freight office, next to the community center. There was a project to build small houses for year-round residents right next to the community center on the other side, close to the glass cruncher. Perhaps that might happen. What is more important to the island than increasing the prospects of housing for year round residents? Why on earth would we wish to expand the garbage collection activities in precisely that vicinity, so close to the wonderful transformations that are already taking place there? What is the present need that is driving such a huge undertaking? -- and especially, even before the anticipated new environmental regulations that are expected soon have even been announced? I would certainly not do that as a prudent homeowner. I would wait to see what was required, and then address the issue with those regulations in mind. Not move forward, only to add cost by inevitable further changes to bring facilities into conformity with new government requirements. In short, I believe this project, however well meaning, to be premature, and I do not see its necessity. Whatever we do, we are certain to have to do more, whereas we might incorporate it at lower cost into a new, perhaps more modest project once the new rules are in place. Meantime, we can have a broader discussion about its siting. The current composting station is located in a close-by, but fairly remote area of the island, where it impacts no one. It is on high ground, though the road leading to it is lower in some areas. ( It is relatively easy to raise a road, should that become necessary under new regulations.) It is also relatively close to the ferry and the current pit dump. But, above all, it is not in an area that is gentrifying by the minute. And there is ample space for expansion surrounding it. While grouping "everything" in one spot may indeed sound rationally appealing—sure, why not?-- what is actually the driving purpose behind such a present need.. The current waste management arrangement seems to works reasonably well, provides income to the ferry, and seems to be under no challenge now. It is close-by, and I cannot imagine whom it could possibly inconvenience; whereas it would seem clear that garbage collection, with increased large truck traffic, and frankly just the idea of an adjacent garbage dump are really detrimental to all that is increasingly happening in the school/ferry/community center area. I highly recommend that we leave things as they are, put this project on extended "hold", and reexamine our options in light of a substantive challenge, such as Connecticut actually being unwilling to continue to service our garbage collection (not the case now) or new environmental regulations posing concrete questions that we need to address. Until such time, I would not like to see our already very high taxes increased by a project whose cost is enormous, while its need seems for the moment less than compelling-- and potentially detrimental to the numerous recent efforts being made to develop in a positive direction for the community the whole area in which it is intended to be located. Why are we rushing forward with this project? I do not believe it has had full community discussion. Above all, let's wait until we have a real issue before us. Sincerely, Lois de Menil, Ph.D. From: Lucinda Herrick <lucindajherrick@gmail.com> , Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 5:52 PM G, 1. r� C_. To: Nathaniel Malinowski; B Soper Willard; Louisa Evans; Lanza, Heather; , C james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Russell, Scott -..-- Subject: Opposition to the Fishers Island WMD plans ;J(. � w i11 � ut "Tbc A', .� To Those Concerned with Planning Policy on Fishers Island,NY: t�lfri:n1t�aarri m.._. ._...�._.g.�m..ar You will have already received a great deal of correspondence regarding the FI WMD 2030 Plan and the WMD Consolidation Plan. This letter aims to underscore how both WMD plans are contrary to important planning goals established over the years by the Town of Southold, in conjunction with Fishers Islanders. These current FI WMD plans directly contradict goals, carefully established and revised since 1984. From the Town of Southold Hamlet Study: Fishers Island Strategic Plan(2007), Chapter 5 INVENTORY "The 1988 and 1994 versions of the Fishers Island Growth Plan(FIGP)were based on an earlier body of work consisting of natural resource inventories,maps and a report, all of which had been prepared in 1984(and subsequently updated in 1987)by the Trust for Public Land. The Trust reports examined the current state of development on Fishers Island and the Island's capacity to accommodate future growth without impacting the natural environment. The 1988 FIGP, as summarized in the Southold Town Local Waterfront Revitalization Program(LWRP)(Section II J. Each 10, p.2), "...included a series of assumptions aimed at protecting the unique environment and community character of Fishers Island. The Plan Assumptions were:" 3. The Island should remain a residential community... In recent years there has been a great deal of investment and numerous community initiatives at the island gateway,on the western-most end of the island, referred to as the Fort Wright area,to enhance the year-round community. These include a new community center, development of year-round housing, a residential arts center with community outreach, restoration and major redevelopment of public and private buildings and property that had, until recently, deteriorated over decades. The LSWMP proposes building a large consolidated waste management complex in precisely this area that also includes the island school,the school playground,playing fields and the community recreational tennis courts. The proposed complex will be on the most elevated point of the area with approximately 200 degree pristine coastal views including out to Race Rock Lighthouse. The WMD complex is expected to be visually incompatible with other structures in the area.Concerns also include 1)the volume of traffic that will use roads on two sides of the school 2)machine noise 3)off-putting smell 4)attraction of vectors 5)irreparable damage to a beautiful site that could be otherwise repurposed. The current system of island waste disposal works well and could benefit from OSHA-mandated upgrades. The current system has modest human environmental impact that could be improved by relocating the composting function away from community buildings and closer to the airport. 4. The natural environment must be unequivocally protected. The Fishers Island Conservancy has restored native grasses and shrubs to the vast meadowland known as the Parade Grounds. A comprehensive landscaping plan is being developed for most of the buildings and grounds in the Fort Wright area,from the Ferry Terminal to the Community Center and over to the coastline. Invasive species will be replaced with native salt-tolerent plants, shrubs and trees. Similar to the Parade Grounds, a long-term maintenance program will be implemented. Creating an industrial Waste Management complex on a beautiful site is at cross purposes to preservation of that particularly beautiful site, especially within the context of the emergence of the Fort Wright area as a vibrant center for the year-round community. The WMD plan includes some"landscaping"however,that is hardly the same as protecting the environment. There is considerable concern about the particulate matter and noise from the composting operation that is already located a short distance from the Community Center and the school. 5. The Fishers Island school ... should be strengthened... Creating a consolidated Waste Complex near the island school is counterproductive given the many adverse impacts including: traffic, smells, noise,vector attraction and particulate pollution. It is obviously not a sound town planning decision to locate a large consolidated waste complex next to the town school, playground and playing fields. 6. To protect and strengthen Fishers Island, all people and organizations must be made aware of their interdependency ... encouraged to work for the common good ... You will note by the quantity and content of opposition letters from our small community that the WMD Plans are thoughtfully and vigorously opposed by a significant contingent of the Island community,both year-round and seasonal residents. Many families,both year-round and seasonal,have been on the island for generations and care deeply. It is apparent that the WMD Commissioners are very much in the minority in wishing to create the proposed consolidated complex. Apparently the Community Center has threatened to close the road in front of the building to prevent truck traffic as it does not want an expanded Waste Complex across the road.A private initiative to construct three small homes for year-round residents was abandoned due to, amongst other factors,the threat of an expanded Waste Complex Attendees at the Island Community Board (ICB)meetings have voiced unanimous opposition to the WMD plans ever since the Commissioners began making them public. A reduction of the waste removed from the island would reduce a critical revenue source for the Fishers Island Ferry District. The Ferry shortfall would have to be paid by the same taxpayers who are being asked to fund the unnecessary Waste Complex. These are a few of many examples of the WMD's refusal to cooperate with many in the community who are working"for the common good". 7. All Fishers Island residents should generously support the programs of the Island Museum and similar organizations which use private initiative and land protection strategies to preserve the remaining open space on Fishers Island. Numerous public and private initiatives have revived the Fort Wright area of the island,that until recent years had deteriorated and become desolate with largely abandoned buildings and overgrown vegetation. There are a number of community-supported building and land protection initiatives underway. These include: community sports facilities,two cafe/restaurants under consideration, artist-in-residence initiatives and landscape reclaimed from invasives. An unneeded, unwanted, ugly,costly and financially unworkable waste industrial complex can in no way qualify as "land protection". Updated in 1994,the concerns and assumptions expressed in the 1988 plan were reaffirmed including the following points: -Fishers Island must have a viable year-round population -The Island should remain a residential community -The natural environment must be unequivocally protected Fishers Island already produces .76 pounds of waste per person,very close to the DEC goal set for 2030. There are no capacity constraints in the current waste management systems. There is no obvious need to `fix what isn't broken' with a$4.3 million facility that will irreparably blight a naturally beautiful and now vibrant area of the small island community. This huge sum will add substantially to the already high taxes on Fishers Island that are already a source of discouragement to the year-round population. I hope that the Planning Board will take into consideration priorities established over the years in the Southold LWRP of 2004 and the Fishers Island Growth plans of 1984, 1987/8, 1994 that rightly underscore the importance of both maintaining the island environment and enhancing community strengthening measures. The WMD LSWMP and the Consolidation Plan do not support these priorities. As you are witnessing, rather than strengthening our community the creation of these plans has been highly divisive.The WMD plans are detrimental to the goals, established and refined by Planning authorities over the past 35 years,that have proven to be the foundation fora major translormaaation at tine Fishers Island gateway. 1 sincerely hope that all decision-making entities will refuse to support plans that would only be detrimental to this small community. Respectfully, Lucinda Herrick 883 Ocean View Ave Fishers Island,NY 06390 From: G Carter Sednaoui <csednaoui@carsed.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 4:23 PM To: fiwastemanagement@gmail.com Cc: james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott; nate.malinowski@gmail.com; Louisa Evans;wbsoper@comcast.net Subject: comments on Draft Plan p a N k_%(�ncT To the Commissioners of the Fishers Island Waste Management District: F C E h� w Copy to: James Wade,New York DEC 18 Heather Lanza, Town of Southold Planning Board a LI Scott Russell, Board, Town of Southold Willard So er, Island Community Board, Fishers Island, NYruaVro�ck p Y planning p lioLrq The Honorable Louisa Evans, Fishers Island,NY I am writing in opposition FIWMD's draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan 2018-2030 (the "Draft Plan") for several reasons: 1) The Draft Plan calls for FIWMD spending well in excess of$4 million in capital expenditures that has not been, but should be, put to a vote of the Fishers Island community, which is comprised of seasonal and year- round residents. At a meeting at the Island Community Board in September, Greg Thibodeau of FIWMD agreed to hold off on plans for such capital expenditures until the greater community could provide input, but at the October meeting of FIWMD, it was apparent that such a forbearance was not going to occur. Instead, it was pointed out that FIWMD has no legal obligation to put the huge capital outlay to a vote by the people expected to pay for the outlays, primarily the seasonal population that owns a supermajority of the real estate on Fishers Island. I would like to point out that the FIWMD was created in 1952 based on the petition signed by owners of 62% of the assessed valuation(78% of the petitioners' assessed valuation was from seasonal residents); in no way did they contemplate that Southold would allow FIWMD to impose taxation without representation (FIWMD allows only year-round residents to be elected commissioners of FIWMD, which thus creates "taxation without representation" for the seasonal residents, who own well in excess of 80% of the assessed valuation of Fishers Island). Further, FIWMD is not even willing to put the proposed huge capital expenditure (which exceed FIVE times the annual budget of FIWMD) to the vote of the year-round population. 2) Many of the assumptions in the Draft Plan are without merit, such as: A) The seasonal population exceeds 4,000 (from page 1 of the Executive Summary of the Draft Plan) is inaccurate because the FIWMD has no conclusive method of establishing that as fact. There are certainly in excess of 4,000 seasonal residents and visitors, but not all at once. If FIWMD is correct, then FIWMD has already met the 2030 MSW goals of the NYS DEC Beyond Waste Plan. B) Seasonal population projections by FIWMD imply a 25% increase in the next two years (from 4,000+ now to 5,151 in 2020), but does not factor in the fact(see Table 1 of Section 1.1 of the Draft Plan) that most of the buildable lots on Fishers Island have been permanently preserved as open space, so it is not possible to reach 5,000 seasonal visitors even by 2030. C) Table 2 shows 647 dwelling units, even though Fishers Island Electric Company has only 600 meters (more or less). Based on aerial counting from Google Earth, I agree with the 600 estimate. Further, in Table 3, FIWMD estimates that there are 8 people in each seasonal house at all times during July and August, which is higher than the 5-per-house estimate used by Suffolk County, and does not take into account people that work off the Island during the week, children away traveling or at camp, and other reasons to be off the Island. D) FIWMD has indicated that it wants to relocate the transfer station to the same facility where the compost facility is situated, but has not provided any indication of reduced staffing (or increased staffing). E) Table 13 shows an increase in the customer visits to the transfer station, but there is no distinction between homeowners and contractors; there is no attempt to determine the cause for the increase, such as fewer homeowners using contractors, increased construction or redecorating activities, or the like. F) The Draft Plan calls for a new building to be used for holding items under"one mail's trash is another man's treasure". This is unnecessary because most such item.s are "recycled" via the church thrift shops. G) The Draft Plan calls for turning the existing garage at the Compost Station, into meeting roorns. Why should any entity on Fishers Island build meeting roorns when there are facilities already available for use by the community about 100 yards away at the: Fishers Island Community Center? H) Why does the Draft Plan call for large new facilities when the current facilities are more than adequate, especially since: FIWMD has indicated that MSW volumes have been declining? 1) Why doesn"tthe 'Draft Plan show a pro forma budget assuming that the Draft Plan is put into effect? Capital expenditures and operating expenditures are equally important to the people who are paying the taxes, 3) FIWMD, should apply to the NYS DEC for,ail exemption to tile mandate (and it is unclear as to whether there is as legal obligation by the FIWMD to comply, with such a mandate) that a community has to keep 100% of its refuse. As I understand it, Fishers Islarid is the only island in the United States, let alone in New Yorl(, that is closer to and accessible by ferry to, a state of which it is not a part, e.g. Connecticut. Thus,FIWMD should continue to ship MSW to Connecticut for processing, even though the tipping fees will increase in May 2021 if a new SCRRA agreement is executed. 4) FIWMD commissioners seem to be oblivious to the fact that "eliminating" costs such as ferry fees don't benefit the FI taxpayers, inasilluch as the Fl Ferry District will have to offset that, loss ofrevenue by increasing the taxes billed to the F1 taxpayers. Similarly, imposing user fees for taxpayers to ruse the FIWMD facilities, oil top of already high taxes that are proposed to increase substantially more if the Draft Plan is implemented, is an additional slap in the face. 5) Fishers Island is blessed to have a very experienced and talented seasonal population that could benefit the operation of FIWMD, at the very least by e1hninating the need to spend well over 10% of the annual, budget on consultants; any Draft Plan should call for a change in the:charter to make everything triore democratic by allowing seasonal taxpayers to serve as and vote for FIWMD commissioners, 6) FIWMD Should have to perform an environmental impact Study to determine how the proposed facilities will affect the community (air quality, dust, smells, vervain, etc.) adjacent to FIWMD, including the Community Center, Fishers Island School, and the new and existing housing in the Fort Wright area. I am certain that there are certain upgrades that may be necessary, but I am not willing to support any of'them until there is total transparency and FIWMD agrees to treat the taxpayers, both seasonal and year-round, the way that the commissioners would want to be treated personally if the roles were reversed. Sincerely, G. Carter Sednaoui ­�6ubF 76, Lucius L. FowlerV �', ( C 2 f)111 President �m. Fishers Island Community Center, Inc. ' 66 Hound Lane .. . Fishers Island,NY 06390 October 23, 2018 Mr. Donald Wilcenski, Chairman and Members of the Planning Board Town of Southold 54375 Main Rd. P.O. Box 1179 Southold,NY 11971 Re: Fishers Island Waste Management District Dear Mr.Wilcenski and Members of the Planning Board, This is to formally express the Fishers Island Community Center's concerns about the Fishers Island Waste Management District's (WMD) current activities and our opposition to the proposed$4.2 million project to consolidate waste management operations and to build a new composting facility and other structures. We oppose the project because we believe it will negatively impact the Community Center,the health and well-being of residents and visitors to Fishers Island,and the peace and tranquility of the Island, and because the project is contrary to the policy of the Town of Southold to preserve and revitalize its coastal areas,as outlined in the LWRP documentation. • Contrary to the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP): The WMD proposes to build more than 7,500 square feet of new buildings on the historic Fort Wright coastal site with views of Race Rock Lighthouse, Fishers Island Sound and Long Island having a permanent impact on the beauty and unique character of the area.With Race Rock as its focal point,the site should be preserved,not developed with unsightly industrial warehouse buildings.The WMD project will jeopardize ongoing efforts to revitalize the area,including the development of a proposed park, the installation of paddle tennis courts by the FICC adjacent to the public tennis courts and more much-needed year-round housing under development in the neighborhood. • The WMD's SEQRA review(State Environmental Quality Review Act) is dated and inadequate. The review doesn't take into consideration the Community Center,the public tennis courts,the new homes and proposed residences in the neighborhood,as well as the school property adjacent to the facility.To the extent WMD's consultants relied on an earlier report done in the mid 1990s,it would not have taken into consideration the significant new growth and development in the area. • Pedestrian Safety: The increased traffic that will be brought through the residential core of the Fort Wright neighborhood on Whistler Avenue and by the School and Community Center as trash is transported to the proposed "consolidated"transfer and composing station threatens the safety of residents of the area,children who attend the Fishers Island School, members and visitors to the Community Center,people who use the Town's public tennis courts across the street and passengers of the Ferry.While the WMD proposes sending all heavy trucks down Hound Lane by the Community Center and tennis courts,it is a private road with no sidewalks, making it even more dangerous. • Pollution: The operation of industrial wood and brush chippers and grinders has created increased dust and particulate levels that threaten the health and well-being of members and visitors to the Community Center,the children, teachers and staff of the Fishers Island School,people using the public tennis courts and all the residents of Fishers Island.Levels have risen dramatically since the WMD began expansion of its heavy machinery operations several years ago; thus,we have no confidence that the WMD's proposed project will improve matters. Instead,we think it will make things worse.The Community Center has had to close windows and install air conditioning in most of the building to reduce the particulate matter from the WMD's chipping and grinding operations. Noise Pollution: The noise from chipping,grinding and glass crushing machinery and the operation of heavy equipment violates the Town of Southold policies on the Prevention of Noise (Chapter 180) and threatens to alter the unique character and tranquil nature of Fishers Island. The noise impacts one of the most densely populated areas of the Island and can be heard by the residents of the Fort Wright area, Hay Harbor and all the way into the Village depending on prevailing winds. It starts at about 7:30 AM and some days doesn't let up until closing time. • Environmental Impact: We believe the proposed project and the WMD operations will do more harm to the sensitive environment of Fishers Island than simply sending the waste to the mainland where it can be processed more effectively by facilities with the expertise to handle the small volume of trash generated on Fishers Island. • Fiscal Irresponsibility: With an annual budget that is proposed to increase another 27% next year,we believe that spending by the Waste Management District has been excessive,increasing by more than 90% from$566,000 in 2017 to more than$1million in 2019.The Board of the Community Center shares the view of many homeowners that with a budget that is already too high for the small community served by WMD,the new project will cause costs of the WMD to spiral further. • Tipping Fees &Increased Taxes: In addition to increasing taxes,the WMD's proposal to charge fees (per pound) for dropping off trash,inspect residents'trash in a drive-thru warehouse facility and require residents to purchase bags for garbage from the WMD will add to the already too high expenses and tax burden imposed. • Ferry District Impact: Lastly,the proposed project will have a negative impact on the Ferry District and Walsh Park's proposed project to build apartments above the Fishers Island freight office. The WMD's proposed project is simply environmentally and fiscally irresponsible and will likely cause more damage to the environment than sending the waste to facilities on the mainland which have the expertize and capacity to deal with it more effectively. Since Fishers Island's current operations far exceed the current New York State DEC requirements,the proposed project and the WMD's heavy equipment operations are simply unnecessary. In summary, on behalf of the FICC and all of its members,we vigorously oppose the WMD's proposed expansion and consolidation project that threatens the Community Center, as well as the health and well-being of residents of Fishers Island.The current operations of the WMD are already creating excessive noise and particulate pollution. Instead of the expansion of its operations on Fishers,we believe the goal of the Waste Management District Commissioners should be to seek alternatives to the District's proposed project that do not threaten the well-being of Island residents from a health, safety and fiscal prospective. Respectfully, O-JAk )L'�'- Luke Fowler President Fishers Island Community Center,Inc. CC: Nate Malinowski-ICB Willard B.Soper III- ICB Louisa Evans,Esq. Ms. Heather Lanza- Planning Department p ryry Cl l From: Arthur Patterson <apatterson@ACCEL.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 24 2018 11:55 AM To: james.wade; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott;wsoper; nate.mallinowski Cc: crisppo@me.com; gdemenil@gmail.com; Idemenil@aol.com; ploughboy@gmail.com Subject: [SPAM] - Fishers Island Waste Management Plans to Consolidate Their Sites and Expand Their Operations Dear Commissioners , A Consolidated Waste Facility for Fishers Island clearly has a long history and has consumed a lot of diligent and well meaning effort over the years. However, as the numerous letters from citizens have pointed out, circumstances have changed dramatically on the West End over the last 20 years. Simply put, this means that the proposed project will create a lot more problems than it solves. I'd urge the Commissioners to step back from the details of the Project's new plan and ask if it meets the common sense criteria of"if it ain't broke, don't fix it". As the expert Independent Consultant, Nat Egosi, points out unequivocally in the ICB Report (page 8-9) dated this October, the current system is not broken. While there are some minor issues ( mostly thanks to OSHA), these can be easily remediated without undertaking the building of a major new consolidated facility. A lot could change between now and when such a facility might actually be needed. Battles with Regulators for approvals develop a life of their own. However, the "Outstanding Questions" in the same ICB Report make clear the many dubious aspects of the project. I'd also ask the Commissioners to reflect on whether it is good policy to adopt an uncertain and technologically aggressive waste disposal strategy ( according to the same ICP Report) on an island far removed from relevant engineering/maintenance resources. Keeping things "as simple as possible" should be a primary guide to any infrastructure project on Fishers. Respectful submitted, Arthur Patterson — Seasonal Resident since `52 Sent from my iPad From: john brim <johngbrim@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2018 11:25 AM To: james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott;wsoper@comcast.net; Louisa Evans; nate.malinowski@gmail.com Cc: �ja�u� +�'�- Maria Elena A. Brim; rcostin; Ruglet50;Jdcrary;jesser5l; kinsharris22; bgwittner; cynniecook; stephenacook; cassie�k44; gharvey47; mail;wendyhenderson; millertinac; hilary.hwh; hbialek; courtneysmacdonald; trughouse; annefredd; sgoss;janevasiliou;jan; j-Idwinell; mcuwcu; marnie.franklin; claudiavanhengel; alysonhwalker; susansrand; 1 clraffusa; acbcook; peterconze; okeefe.ann; annehpolk; heidighflinn; annwanthony; fourkidsrfun; Imuhlfeld; apatterson; louise.d.gaumond; lawrenfam; elleboz; kkbartels; m,wa,.ors ashleyburrl;Wendy; Kathrynparsons Subject: Fwd: Proposed change in Fishers Island Waste Management system Dear officials and parties considering a proposed change in the Fishers Island waste management system: My wife Elena and I are 35 year seasonal residents of Fishers Island. We are substantial tax payers, as well as significant donors to several important organizations that are attempting to better the western end of the island.These include the Island Community Center, the Lighthouse Works, and the new moderate income housing project in the "fort" being conducted by Walsh Park. We strongly oppose the new proposal, which we understands borrowing over $4 million and greatly raising taxes, to close the existing waste facility near the airport and to construct an expensive new facility to the west, near the existing composting facility. We believe that the current waste management system, perhaps with some modest improvements, is adequate to the island's needs. We have not seen credible scientific evidence to the contrary. Nor as residents have we observed any serious problems in handling our island's waste. The new proposal entails throwing a huge amount of borrowed money at what is essentially a non-problem. We have a very small year-round population that swells during the summer months. It makes sense to utilize existing and available waste management facilities on the mainland to cope with our summer surge, not to build very expensive new facilities on-island to cope with a brief annual peak load. There is also no serious flooding +risk. This is a red herring. We have never seen flooding in the well-located current waste processing area, and in any case the waste is contained in equipment that is placed well above ground level. Most importantly, relocating a very expensive, debt-funded, and dust and odor producing new facility upwind of the Fishers Island School and the new cultural and moderate income housing facilities being constructed in the ferry terminal and fort areas makes no sense at all. If we are to borrow new money supported by our taxes, let's have a community-wide discussion with Southold officials of how the funds might best be used. Road and sidewalk repairs, reconstructing our 100+ year old badly leaking water system, expansion of our moderate income housing stock, and repair of our community theater are examples of more genuine needs of our community that a public bond issue could support. Let's focus on better training our residents to reduce, compact, and better sort their waste flow. Let's perhaps fine-tune and upgrade the existing facility. But let's not undermine our vibrant school and the very welcome new west-end cultural and residential developments by dumping odors and fine waste residue on them. Let's do more efficient waste handling, but without wasteful expenditure of borrowed money. Respectfully submitted, John G. Brim f From: John and Kathryn Harris <dokajoharris@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2018 2:42 PM ��� S�b� To: To:james.wade; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott;wsoper; nate.mallinowski Subject: [SPAM] - Fishers Island Waste Management Project Dear Sirs/Ms. - Having been a seasonal member of the Fishers Island community for over fifty years, I am writing to go on the record as opposing the new waste management project. Although well intended the plan appears to be "overkill" with the cons far outweighing the pros. As a regular user of the FI Community Center located near the current " Compost and Recycling Center"(the proposed new site) the noise and dust pollution are already substantial. In fact the FICC was forced to install new AC in the gym to prevent damage to the equipment from open window dust. Given the plans for potential new housing, restaurant, and commercial space within close proximity of the proposed site, a fully operational recycling and large scale composting operation generating more noise, glass and metal dust, and rotting stench will be a huge deterrent, negatively impacting property values, and creating significant health hazards for the Island's residents and school children. No matter how much costly modern technology is employed there will be more noise and air pollution. Combine that with the excessive cost of the project, and it's hard to believe that it makes sense for such a small island, a stable low growth population, and a seasonal waste surge of only three months. Why "reinvent the wheel" at great cost to the taxpayer? Shipping our waste off Island to large waste management contractors continues to make the most sense. Surely the existing transfer station can be modified and improved to eliminate possible groundwater contamination at a fraction of the cost and with far less environmental impact. Respectfully, John M. Harris i Subs 1 We have been summer residents of Fishers Island for more than 10 years. We are actively involved with many of the island's non-profit organizations that play important roles in the islands infrastructure such as Walsh Park, Island Community Center and the Fishers Island Conservancy. We are familiar with the FI Waste Management District's plans to consolidate the two facilities, expand their operation, and add processing equipment. We understand that there are some safety measures that need to be addressed at the current sites (which we endorse) as well as consideration of the need to accommodate increased utilization by current and future residents. However, we are not in favor of the current efforts to consolidate and expand the present facilities which are well run and entirely satisfactory to meet current and foreseeable future needs. We feel expanding the current footprint of the Waste Management area with this project could undo some of the past, present and future efforts that show great promise to rejuvenate the area surrounding the ferry building and school zone. Sincerely, Ralph and Lauryn Carbone T'4,4-�L�MT� .. EMILY R. CRISP 2357 EQUESTRIAN AVE. e. FISHERS ISLAND, NY 06390 October 23, 2018 Mr. Scott A. Russell -Town Supervisor Ms. Heather Lanza- Planning Department Town of Southold 54375 Main Rd. P.O. Box 1179 Southold, NY 11971 Board of the Fishers Island Waste Management Fishers Island, NY 06390 Dear All, I have spent all or part of the last 72 summers on Fishers Island and care deeply about the future of our island. The plans that have been proposed by the Fishers Island Waste Management District (WMD) are of great concern to me and I am staunchly opposed to the proposed $4.2 million project to consolidate waste management operations and to build a new composting facility and other structures. My opposition to the project is based on the negative impact it will have on the health and well-being of residents and visitors to Fishers Island,the peace and tranquility of the Island and because the project is contrary to the policy of the Town of Southold to preserve and revitalize its coastal areas, as outlined in the LWRP documentation. Specifically, • Contrary to the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP): The WMD proposes to build more than 7,500 square feet of new buildings on the historic Fort Wright coastal site with views of Race Rock Lighthouse, Fishers Island Sound and Long Island having a permanent impact on the beauty and unique character of the area. With Race Rock as its focal point, the site should be preserved, not developed with unsightly industrial warehouse buildings.With a proposed park,the installation of paddle tennis courts adjacent to the public tennis courts and more housing under development in the neighborhood,the WMD project is contrary to efforts to revitalize the area. • The WMD's SEQRA review (State Environmental Quality Review Act) is dated and inadequate. MThe review doesn't take into consideration the Community Center, the public tennis courts,the new homes and proposed residences in the neighborhood and the school property adjacent to the facility. Since the Community Center has now been open for more than ten years,we suspect the WMD's consultants copied an earlier report done in the mid 1990s and didn't take into consideration the new growth and development in the area when updating it. • Pedestrian Safety: The increased traffic that will be brought through the residential core of the Fort Wright neighborhood on Whistler Avenue, by the School and Community Center as trash is transported to the proposed "consolidated" transfer and composing station threatens the safety of residents of the area, children who attend the Fishers Island School, members and visitors to the Community Center, people who use the Town's public tennis courts across the street and passengers of the Ferry. While the WMD proposes sending all heavy trucks down Hound Lane by the Community Center and tennis courts, it is a private road with no sidewalks making it even more dangerous. • Pollution: The operation of industrial wood and brush chippers and grinders has created increased dust and particulate levels that threaten the health and well-being of members and visitors to the Community Center, the children, teachers and staff of the Fishers Island School, people using the public tennis courts and all the residents of Fishers Island. Levels have risen dramatically since the WMD began expansion of its heavy machinery operations several years ago; thus,we have no confidence that the WMD's proposed project will improve matters. Instead,we think it will make things worse. The Community Center has had to close windows and install air conditioning in most of the building to reduce the particulate matter from the WMD's chipping and grinding operations. • Noise Pollution: The noise from chipping, grinding and glass crushing machinery and the operation of heavy equipment violates the Town of Southold policies on the Prevention of Noise (Chapter 180) and threatens to alter the unique character and tranquil nature of Fishers Island. The noise impacts one of the most densely populated areas of the Island and can be heard by the residents of the Fort Wright area, Hay Harbor and all the way into the Village depending on prevailing winds. It starts at about 7:30 AM and some days doesn't let up until closing time. • Environmental Impact: I believe the proposed project and the WMD operations will do more harm to the sensitive environment of Fishers Island than simply sending the waste to the mainland where it can be processed more effectively by facilities with the expertise to handle the small volume of trash generated on Fishers Island. • Fiscal Irresponsibility: With an annual budget that is proposed to increase another 27% next year, spending by the Waste Management District is clearly out of control increasing by more than 90% from $566,000 in 2017 to more than $1million in 2019. The Board of the Community Center shares the view of many homeowners that with an expanding budget already of concern,the new project will cause costs of the WMD to spiral further out of control. • Tipping Fees &Increased Taxes: In addition to increasing taxes,the WMD's proposal to charge fees (per pound) for dropping off trash, inspect residents'trash in a drive-thru warehouse facility and require residents to purchase bags for garbage from the WMD will add to the already out of control expenses and tax burden imposed. • Ferry District Impact: Lastly,the proposed project will have a negative impact on the Ferry District and Walsh Park's proposed project to build apartments above the Fishers Island freight office. The WMD's proposed project is environmentally and fiscally irresponsible and will likely cause more damage to the environment than sending the waste to facilities on the mainland which have the expertize and capacity to deal with it more effectively. Since Fishers Island's current operations far exceed the current New York State DEC requirements,the proposed project and the WMD's heavy equipment operations are unnecessary. Therefore, I oppose the WMD's proposed expansion and consolidation project that threatens the health and well-being of residents of Fishers Island. The current operations of the WMD are already creating excessive noise and particulate pollution. Instead of continuing this uncontrolled activity and expansion of operations on Fishers,we believe the goal of the Waste Management District Commissioners should be to seek alternatives to the District's proposed project that do not threaten the well being of Island residents from a health, safety and fiscal prospective. Respectfully submitted, Emily R. Crisp From: Bidwell, Jr., J. Truman <jbidwell@sandw.com> Sent: Monday, October 22, 2018 7:55 AM To: nate.malinowski@gmail.com'• 'wbsoper@comcast.net• Lanza, Heather�, Russeo, Scott Cc: Ludmila Bidwell' Subject: [SPAM] - Proposed Fishers Island Waste Management District Project, r , 4 �f (. 1 .. Gear Sirs/IlMadam. o��� I write with respect to the subject above. I am a long time ���� ����'"��� ��. Fishers Island resident and have for many years been a contributor (of modest means) to virtually every non-profit organization that has worked over the years, and continues to work, in order to improve the Island's infrastructure, which is of great concern to all' of us who have had the privilege of owning homes on the Island. Thus, I am strongly in favor of the work of such organizations- however, I do not believe that the proposed waste management project falls within the parameters of a project that will enhance the Island's infrastructure. Rather it seems to fall within the orbit of a project which is unnecessarily grandiose and expensive to meet any problems (of which I perceive very few) at the present facilities. As to the need- I understand that there are some safety measures at the present sites which may need to be addressed, although I would note that the safety record at the two present facilities seems quite excellent. In addition, I. assume that consideration needs to be given to increased utilization by future generations of islanders, although I would note that our concerns are not the growth of the population of the Island- but rather to the contrary, the maintenance of our present permanent population and hopefully future modest growth- the increased costs which every resident will occur to construct and operate the proposed facility is not consistent with these objectives. For the foregoing reason and the others set out herein, my wife and I are both strongly opposed to the current proposal, p which does not respond to any problem, perceived or real. The present facilities, as noted, above have an excellent safety record and are brit 'iantly run and entirely adequate to the needs of the present and foreseeable needs oft the island's residents, both full and part time. I am advised that knowledgeable and impartial consultants have opined not only that planned facilities are not required but have estimated construction costs in excess of USD million and increased annual operating costs in excess of USD 280,000 per annum. While the incurrence of such outlandish costs for a facility for which there is no need is certainly a sufficient basis to terminate this proposed project, the noise, odor and construction traffic which will accompany this project and will cause disruption to the school, the Community Center and other businesses and neighbors at that end of the Island is another major consideration. In short, the proposed project is an unnecessary solution to a problem which does not exist. In sum, we do hope the you will authorize such minor improvements in safety and operations as may be necessary at the present facilities and cancel the proposed plan of the Waste Management District which is totally unnecessary. Respectfully submitted, Truman and Ludmila Bidwell 5ubk 4 Edward T. Hendersons 954 Belle Hill Avenue ; Fishers Island, NY 06390 ., October 23, 2018 Mr. Scott A. Russell - Town Supervisor Ms. Heather Lanza - Planning Department Town of Southold 54375 Main Rd. P.O. Box 1179 Southold, NY 11971 Board of the Fishers Island Waste Management Fishers Island, NY 06390 Subject: Proposed Fishers Island Waste Management District Project Dear All, I have been a summer resident on Fishers Island for 28 years and I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the current efforts to consolidate and expand the FI Waste Management District's two facilities, expand their operation, and add processing equipment. The current facilities are well run and entirely satisfactory to meet current and foreseeable future needs of the island. I am familiar with the FI Waste Management District's plans to consolidate the two facilities, and I understand that there are some safety measures that need to be addressed at the current sites (which I endorse) as well as consideration of the need to accommodate increased utilization by current and future residents Knowledgeable and impartial consultants have opined that the plans under consideration are not required, will involve substantial costs (over $ 4.1 million estimated capital costs plus increased annual operating costs estimated to be $ 281,000 per year) and that there is no requirement that the existing machinery needs to be relocated out of the floodplain. In addition, the noise, odor, and increased traffic will be objectionable to the school, the Community Center, businesses and other neighbors who are located nearby. Lastly, the Ferry, which has always functioned with a tight budget, would lose an important source of revenue from the removal of refuse. During recent years there has been a meaningful effort to attract organizations and individuals to settle on the west end of the island and significant progress is being made at the present time. Important projects are being cancelled all because of the planned relocation and expansion of the Waste Management facilities. This is a MAJOR disappointment, which MAY be resurrected if the Waste Management Project can be shelved or canceled. I urge that the minor recommendations to improve safety and operations be implemented and that the Proposed Plan of the Fl Waste Management District be cancelled or shelved indefinitely. Respectfully submitted, Edward Henderson J I� 1 i Lucius L, Fowler President Fishers Island Community Carter, Inc. �.....,.k 1 66 Hokind Lane Fishers Island,N(06390 October 2Z,2013 Mr.Donald W"dcenski,Chairman and Members ofthe Planning Uard Toy m of Snvtbold 54375 Main Rd. P.O.Box 1179 Cauthold,NY 11971 Re: Fishers Island Waste Management District Dear her.Wiltenski and Me oit ers of the Planning Board, This is to formally express the; Fishers Island Community Centeils, coneerr s about the Fishers Island Waste Management Nstr ices (WMD) current activities and our opposirion to the proposed$4.2 million project to consolidate waste management operation,and to build a new composting facility and other structures. We oppose the project bemuse we believe it will negatively impact the Community Center, the health and wel)-being of residents and Asitors to Fi,hers Island,and tate peace and tranquility of tie Island,and because the project is contrary to the pa)icy of the Town of Southold to prey rve and revitalise itti coastal arms,as outlined in the LWRP dacamentation. • Contrary to the Town Qf SoU th cd d Lara l Wa wrl-romt Revita t izatio n Progm3m (LWRP):The WWII)proposer to hi.zild more than 7,500 square feet of new buildings on the historic Fort Wright crustal site wi th views of Race Rock Ugbthouse, Fishers Island Sciund and Long Island having a pem)anent impact on the beauty a nd unique character of the area.With Race Rock as its foulpaint,she site should be preserved,not d�:vetvpe{i with unsightly Ind ustrial wa rehouse a buildings.The lArM D project+mil]jeopardize ongoing efforts In revitalize the area,including the development of a proposed park, the installation of paddle tenn is cDurts by the FICC adiatent to the public t.enn35 courts and more much-heeded year-r,>t�nd mousing under development in the rtei�bortt4od. T i&W lYs SEQRA review(Stag Eav'irenmental Quality Review Act)is dated and amdegaate. 'Me mEvie?w doesn't take i pto consideration th.e Community Center,the public:tennis courts,the new home:and proposed residences it) the neighborhood, well as the school property adjacent to the facility.To the extent b1rMYs consult;-Ants relied on an earlier report doni� in the mid 1990s, it woaWd, not have taken into Consideration the significant new growth and development in the area Pedesu'la u Safety: The i Ocze-ased traffic that will be brought diroogh the residential core of the Fort Wright ne'(ghborhood on Whi$tlerAvenue and by the School and Community Center as trash is transported to the proposed "consolidated"traEnsf�r and composing station threatens the safety of residents of the area,child rert who attend the Fishers island 56ovl, Mern bers and visitors to the Comma o ity Center,people who lase the Town's public ten nis courts across the Street and passengers of the Ferry. While the WMD proposes sendiU all heavy trucks down Hound Lane by the Community Center and tennis courts. it is a private road with no sidew As, makingit even more dangerous. • Pollution: The operation of industrial wood and brush chippers and grinders has created increased dust and particulate levOs that threaten the be lth and .ell-being of members and visitors to the Community Center,the child ren, teachers and staff of the Fishers Isla of School, people using the public tennis courts and all the residents of Fishers Island_levels have risen dramaticaj.Ey since the WM D began expansion of its heavy machinery operations several years ago, thus,we have no conh`dence that the'"WM D's proposed project'will improve matters. histc:ad, we think it will make thrngs Worse-The e Community Center has had to close windows and install air cvnditionint; in most of the bu ilding to reduce thy: particulate!natter from the ArMU's chipping and grinding operations. Noise Pollution:The noise from chipping„grindi"and glass crushing nlachi nery and the operation of heavy equipment vicAates tite Towin of Southold polkies on the Prevem.tiion of Noise(Chapter 180)and threatens to.alter the unique character and tranquil nature of Fishers 151and- 1fie noise i•reipact,one of the most densely populated areas of the Island and t be heard by fe residents,of the Fort Wright area, Hay Harbor and all the way intra the Village depending ori preirailing winds,It starts at atKpvt 7,30 AM and some days do-tsn't let up until,clasiug time. • Environwental Impact We believe the proposed projectand the WMD operations will do more harm to the sensitive environment of Fishers Island than simply sending the waste to the mainland where it can be processed more effectively by fadlities with the expertise to handy a the small volume of trash generated on Rashers ls(and. Fiscal Irrespoxxsibilfty. With an annual budget that i, proposed to increase another•27%. next.}'Par,we t>el•ieve rhat spending by the Waste Management District has been excessive. increa-zarig by knurl than 901M fron) $566,000 in 017 to more than$1 mi llioo in 2019.The Board of the Comrnunity Center shares the view of many homeowners that with a budgetthat is already too high for the small community served by WMD,the.new projoctwill cause costs of the WM D to spiral further_ Tipping Fees lac Increased Taxes: In addition to increasing taxes,the WMVs proposal to charge fees (per poured) for dropping off trash,inspect residents'trash in a.drive-duu warehouse facility and require residents to purchase hags for garbage from the WM D wrll add to the already too high expenses and tax burden impose& 40 Ferny District Impacu 1, Ay,the proposed project will have a n ative impact on the Ferry-District and Walsh.Parles proposed protect to buOd apaKnnents above the Fisbers Island freight oFfire. The WMD's proposed project is simply erzvi nonmentally and fiscally irresponsible and will likely cause more damage to the environment than sending the waste to facilitiev on the mainland which have the expertize and capacity to deal with it more effectively. Sind Fisber.s Island's current operations far eaceed the CUrent New York State ITEC requirements, the proposed projectand the WM D's heavy equipment operation.,are simpl-v vnnece=ry_ In sum Mary,on behal f of the FICC and all of its members,we vigorously oppose the WAD's pr po,,c� d ewtpansion and ci)nsoIitlaUoa project that threatens the Community Center, as well as the health and well-being of residents of Fishers Ivlzin&The current operations of the WMU are already creating excessive noise and particulate pol lutaon- Instead of the expa'nslon of its operations on Fishers.we believe tale goal of the Waste Management District Commissioners should be to eek alternatives to the District's proposed project that do net threaten the well Ding of Island residents from a health,safety and P5W prosper-tivi-_ Res,pe~;tfully, Luke Fowler President Fishers Island Community Centel.,lrLc- CC: Mate Malinowst., -ICC Willard li_Soper [[I- ICC Louisa )✓+raps,Esq. Ms. Heather Lanza - RIanring flepartn)en t Subs Subject: RE: WMP From: nancy parsons [mailto:nancywhunt@yahoo.com] Sent:Sunday, October 21, 2018 5:22 PM To:james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather<heather.lanza@town.southold.ny.us>; Russell,Scott <scottr@southoldtownny.gov>; Louisa Evans<lpevans06390@gmail.com> Subject: WMP To whom it may concern re the Waste Management Proposal for Fishers Island: As the former President of the Civic Association for 6 years and a 50 year resident of Fishers Island as well as a taxpayer (summer resident), I am in absolute opposition to the Proposal as currently written and believe that the road to the transfer station could be raised in order that it conforms to flood regulations. That can be accomplished with a minimum of effort. The other suggestions (backed up by facts) posed by residents have been well thought out and expressed in the various letters that have been written and sent to you. Please do not go forward with this proposal and listen to us. Thank you for your serious consideration. Sincerely, Nancy Hunt Parsons From: aha95@aol.com Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2018 2:45 PM To: james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott;wsoper@comcast.net; nate.mallinowski@gmail.com 'Saes Subject: Fishers Island Waste Management Project 76,"L.mv Iac- To: James Wade, New York DEC 1 Heather Lanza, Town of Southold Planning Board 21; ' Scott Russell, Board, Town of Southold Willard Soper, Island Community Board, Fishers Island, NY . .o The Honorable Louisa Evans, Fishers Island, NY October 21, 2018 Dear Sirs/Ms: I am a Fishers Island landowner, taxpayer and summer resident of more than seventy years. I am writing to take strong exception to the proposed Fishers Island Waste Management Plan. While I have considerable respect for the amount of attention and work that has gone into the plan, I believe it is both misconceived, very expensive and may cause significant damage to the Island, including in particular to those who live on the west end. Four aspects of the Plan are particularly problematic. 1 . Absence of need. The Waste Management district has made a point that over time the Island has dramatically reduced the production of waste per capita, which is now at the lowest point in its recent history. It seems contrary to believe that a new, enlarged, state of the art facility is needed -- or needed so urgently that it cannot endure further study of its effect, or it's financial consequences, or the possible alternatives. 2. Environmental consequences. Because of the prevailing westerly winds, any facility on the Island's west end will have an effect that could encompass the Island as a whole. Communities that will be most severely affected will be the Island's most populated areas, including the school and the ferry area. It is my understanding that new state of the art composting facilities are known to give off far more odors over a wider distance than was expected before they were built. 3. Capital costs, operating costs, absence of a financial plan. $4.15 million is an extraordinary amount to impose on the Island and will result in major increases to landowners' tax burdens. It is not clear what new manpower needs may be required on a continuing, year-on-year basis. There appears to be no business plan for the new facility that clearly outlines the costs involved over time. It is particularly concerning that no serious study seems to have been given to alternative, less expensive means of treating the Island's waste. The Island is being asked to take it as it is, no change. 4. Effect on Ferry Revenues. I should not need to add that the "savings" from diverting shipments to the mainland will significantly diminish ferry revenues -- which then must be made up by increased taxes to Island property owners. I have no doubt that the Island's waste management facilities need to be upgraded. I would likely approve an upgrade that is more modest, is consistent with the Island's needs, has an adequate financial plan, and that does not contribute to the Island's air or other pollution problems. But the current waste management project is, in my view, an abomination, as onerous as it is unnecessary. Respectfully From: Meredith Rugg <ru let50@ ahoo.com> f �...,. Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2018 6:47 PM To: To: ames.wade; Lanza, Heather, Russell, Scott Subject: [SPAM] - Fishers Island Waste Management Project it 181 Y To: James Wade, New York DEC Heather Lanza, Town of Southold Planning Board Scott Russell, Board, Town of Southold Willard Soper, Island Community Board, Fishers Island, NY The Honorable Louisa Evans, Fishers Island, NY October 21 , 2018 Dear Sirs/Ms: I am a Fishers Island landowner, taxpayer and summer resident of more than fifty years. I am writing to take strong exception to the proposed Fishers Island Waste Management Plan. While I have considerable respect for the amount of attention and work that has gone into the plan, I believe it is both misconceived, very expensive and may cause significant damage to the Island, including in particular to those who live on the west end. Four aspects of the Plan are particularly problematic. 1 . Absence of need. The Waste Management district has made a point that over time the Island has dramatically reduced the production of waste per capita, which is now at the lowest point in its recent history. It seems contrary to believe that a new, enlarged, state of the art facility is needed -- or needed so urgently that it cannot endure further study of its effect, or it's financial consequences, or the possible alternatives. 2. Environmental consequences. Because of the prevailing westerly winds, any facility on the Island's west end will have an effect that could encompass the Island as a whole. Communities that will be most severely affected will be the Island's most populated areas, including the school and the ferry area. It is my understanding that new state of the art composting facilities are known to give off far more odors over a wider distance than was expected before they were built. 3. Capital costs, operating costs, absence of a financial plan. $4.15 million is an extraordinary amount to impose on the Island and will result in major increases to landowners' tax burdens. It is not clear what new manpower needs may be required on a continuing, year-on-year basis. There appears to be no business plan for the new facility that clearly outlines the costs involved over time. It is particularly concerning that no serious study seems to have been given to alternative, less expensive means of treating the Island's waste. The Island is being asked to take it as it is, no change. 4. Effect on Ferry Revenues. I should not need to add that the "savings" from diverting shipments to the mainland will significantly diminish ferry revenues -- which then must be made up by increased taxes to Island property owners. I have no doubt that the Island's waste management facilities need to be upgraded. I would likely approve an upgrade that is more modest, is consistent with the Island's needs, has an adequate financial plan, and that does not contribute to the Island's air or other pollution problems. But the current waste management project is, in my view, an abomination, as onerous as it is unnecessary. Respectfully Meredith Rugg From: Rubenstein, Marc <marc.rubenstein@yale.edu> Sent: Friday, October 19, 2018 9:45 AM To: fiwastemanagement@gmail.com;james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott; Louisa Evans Cc: Prish Pierce; Harry Parker; Lucinda Herrick .. Subject: Fishers Island Waste Management District Project Proposal Sirs: As a Fishers Island property owner on Fishers Island of over thirty ears, I would like you to const er' K6 fd1lowin p p Y Y Y Y g ....mA comments I made in response to the review of the FIWM proposal by Willard Soper and Nate Malinowski of the September 2018 FIWM Draft Proposal, presented at the Oct. 6 meeting of the Island Community Board. I have also read carefully the Draft Proposal itself. Let me go on record as respecting the considerable effort the FIWM District has put into this proposal, and in no way questioning their good intentions, but also as opposing the implementation of the proposal in its current form and timetable. 1. There is no indication that the FIWM has actually visited sites with comparable composting facilities to gain first- hand knowledge of manpower and maintenance needs, as well as management of odor and pest issues. It's hard to imagine that the sorting of waste and its deposition on composting pads wouldn't require a significant increase in staffing—unlike the original (c. 1997) assumption that the consolidation of sites would result in manpower efficiencies. Similarly,there has been no discussion of the servicing needs and related technical expertise required to maintain and run a complex, sophisticated composting system. 2. The Project, as presented, runs the risk of appearing to be insensitive to the concerns of taxpayers. The scale and cost of the proposed project seem out of proportion to an island of this size. Since the FIWM's own data seems to show that FI currently has reduced its production of waste per capita close to the goal set by the State of NY for 2030, there does not appear any urgency to the proposed state-of-the-art composting plan. This may underline the importance of phased implementation of any version of the FIWM project, avoiding premature and costly commitment to technologies that may not only be difficult to sustain but become outmoded even as they are implemented. 3. The "Opinion of an Independent Consultant" on pages 8 and 9 of your Preliminary Report was startling and worrisome. It adds to the concern I have heard from at least one waste management professional (I can provide his name if requested)that experience with these sophisticated composting systems is invariably disappointing, i.e. they always smell bad, and anecdotally from others who live near larger composting facilities in NYC. 4. 1 know FIWM board feels that the ICB and the community are coming late to a public process underway for the last 20 years. However, I believe that the ICB and the island at large have been engaged with this matter regularly for the last three or four years, when the FIWM's consultant's report was first presented to the ICB, with repeated expression of concerns about siting, community impact and costs,from the moment that the FIWM's intentions were made known publically. 5. The decision to consolidate the two sites was made in 1997, when it might have made sense to describe the compost station as"isolated" from residential areas.The situation has changed considerably since the FIWM came to our attention in 2015. At that time,the Yale Study, with its proposal for development of the west end of the Island, had all but disappeared from view. Other than the school, the Community Center and Todd and Billie's home,there were no signs of actual development at that time. Since then, however, a number of projects have emerged which are changing the character of the west end—the amazing development of the meadow on the former parade grounds for one thing. The former bakery is being repurposed to include a cafe and apartments, six apartments are planned for the second floor of the freight office building, Lucinda Herrick is leading the creation of a major park along the shore at the ferry landing, the Burnhams are rebuilding the former ordinance building (and exposing its lovely site on the shore), and of course Lighthouse Works,with their frequent shows and talks, have transformed the old Coast Guard building and made it an active part of community life. There is now only a single contractor maintaining operations in that area. All of this appears to change, and possibly change radically,the importance of the FIWM's composting acreage as a key factor in the emerging importance to the island community of the ongoing transformation of"Fort Wright. 6. It is not clear how seriously the FIWM has pursued alternative sites, most notably the expansion of the Transfer Station site. When this option has been raised, its location in a flood plain has been the primary objection, although it has also appeared that there are ways of dealing with this.The wish of the FIWM to be able to combine all their work in one site, on property they themselves own is understandable, but so is the growing interest of the FI community in limiting the industrialization of the existing composting station. 7. 1 fear that the process of island-wide discussion that we have embarked on may be seriously unbalanced. There is considerable momentum to the FIWM's Project, with the bonding proposal (for which they have become the lead agency) already on the table in Southold and plans to complete the Project in the next fifteen months. There was concern expressed at the last ICB meeting that the FIWM Project is a "done deal." The FIWM has standing and legitimacy as a legally established, tax-payer supported entity. It seems likely that the ICB will become the de facto voice not just for those who are concerned or outright opposed to the FIWM Project in its current form, cost, and time table, but also for the growing importance of the west end,with its renewed recreational and residential activity. I would not question the seriousness and good intentions behind the FIWM's Project, but it is obvious that equally serious and well-intended questions are being raised about many aspects of it, particularly its high cost and the decision to combine the two FIWM sites at the compost station. It will be a major challenge for all parties, with the help of the ICB,to engage in a constructive dialogue on this very real conflict of island priorities. 8. For all the above reasons, I propose a delay in approving the Project in its current form, with perhaps the exception of moving ahead on meeting basic OSHA safety requirements. Thank you all for your attention in this matter, Marc Rubenstein 1178 Madeline Avenue PO Box 701 Fishers Island, NY 06390 From: Lyn Lord <evelynslord@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2018 7:56 PM To: james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather; Russell, Scott; Louisa Evans; c Prish Pierce; Harry Parker � � Subject: [SPAM] - Proposed relocation of waste management facilities �. Hello. ( w a � am a property holder on Fishers Island, at 106 Lower Shingle Hill Rd. I am writing to oppose m� idea of relocating the current waste management facility to the area where the composting facility now exists. There has been a wonderful revival of the Fort area near the compost facility, and I would hate to see that community resource limited and made less appealing by such a relocation. Fishers is a small commuunity and the resurgence of the Fort as a resource for all is significant. The Commmunity Center, the development of buildings along the water, the work done to make the former Parade Grounds an attractive conservation and recreational space is terrific! I gather there are other plans being funded by individuals to additionally impove the area. Rather than spending our money on projects that are very expensive and seem to yield little for us overall, let's try to find alternatives for the facilities to remain as they are and allow the exciting projects planned join with the already transformed buildings we all now enjoy!!! Thank you, Lyn Lord " I J of From: Tod Williams <tod@twbta.com> 1 Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2018 4:54 PM To: Lucinda Herrick; Nate Malinowski;Willard B. Soper II; Lanza, Heather; james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Russell, Scott Subject: [SPAM] - Fwd:Against current plans for Fishers Island Waste Management As a concerned homeowner and architect, Please accept this letter as additional to that of my wife, Billie Tsien who has already sent an email. While we agree on most all things, Billie and I view issues from very different perspectives and I believe together they will provide a more nuanced and rounded sense of the reasons why we both are so opposed to the Proposed Waste Management Plan. I DO view consolidation as an excellent goal, but I feel the existing site is wrong. 9 years ago when we bought and began to restore the former Army warehouse on Hound Lane we saw this area as one of ruined beauty and unrealized potential. This potential is now being realized with the development of affordable housing, artists residency studios and renovated army structures all also located on Hound Lane and which would become the primary route for vehicles in and out of the proposed consolidated waste management plan. Today our awareness of environmental challenges has evolved, as has our understanding of waste management practices and principles. The island too has changed, and without raising too much of a fuss about it, in times when the world is ever more divided, it seems the island is more united, committed to the issues we most value: Family, Environment and Community. Old structures such as the Ordinance,the Bakery, the Ferry building,The Lighthouse Works Studio building have been or are being restored, brought back to life. Billie and I and our family believe like many others that this landscape and adjoining bunkers should be made safe and as natural and public as possible. They are so very proximate and visible to the entrance and exit to this island. Rather than being considered for a consolidated Waste management site, the land should be repurposed and be valued as an historic public park. If the existing two sites were to continue to be used (and I understand there is support and logic for this) this westernmost recycling site should continue to be to be used during limited hours for bulky items such as timber electronics household items. Recycling and composting should occur in or adjacent to the existing Transfer Station and what today is Race Rock's rather vast and well organized compost and salvage area. The Transfer Station would ideally be purchased or rented long term and made more environmentally sound. DO firmly stand with Billie and all others concerned with noise,safety and pollution and what is clearly a bulked up and unnecessarily expensive facility. I also wish to give thanks and support to the ICB's efforts to help organize and prioritize the many on island organizations. This is and will remain an important balancing act. Tod Williams FAIA Fishers Island homeowner and architect Michaelis, Jessica From: Lanza, Heather 5�b Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 8:54 AMNi_ fl To: Michaelis, Jessica Subject: FW: [SPAM] -Waste management on Fishers Island For the mail and file. Qru:tlPn�VJ G pow G^i=n'W Board From: Billie Tsien [Li, lI.;x.[��91��^���?�w ��,�.r ���L ] Sent:Tuesday, October 16, 2018 4:07 PM To: Lanza, Heather<h ataier Iqpla L P r M��t��lK a l tl : � ..t >; Russell, Scott<s ott� � � im�a la aln�itoALn � Cc: Kip Williams < qa m3 oll_a r ]q��ta cor >; Luke Fowler<:lmc�l ltl°: y � @ t �r� r:ow;,>; Nate Malinowski Tod Williams<tod@twbta.com>; liau �i i�lplwa�u�,i t � m�nmimik a �; rl µ� ma tr x� �a Gn�A:L��t Subject: [SPAM] -Waste management on Fishers Island ^ As a homeowner on Fishers Island I write against the new waste management plan which would relocate the transfer station and a new recycling facility to the end of the island. While I believe this plan was done with good intentions it is now outdated. Originally the area around the proposed site had few people living nearby. In the ensuing years that condition has changed. More and more people will be in this area. The community center and their tennis and basketball courts are located on either side of the Hound Avenue which will act as the primary entry for the recycling center. A new restaurant is being planned for Hound Avenue across from the Community Center. As well there is a six unit apartment complex that will be located in the upper level of an existing building also located on that same stretch of road. Even now residents rush to get to the transfer station before it closes. As well the heavy construction trucks rush to drop off their refuse in order to make the ferries. The possibility of an accident involving children crossing the street either to the athletic courts or to the elementary school has become exponentially higher. You must already be aware of an existing elementary school which will receive both the smell and the particulates generated by the recycling center. Times have changed the planning on this end is the island and this plan should be rethought with the new conditions in mind. Sincerely Billie Tsien 166 Hound Avenue Fishers island NY Michaelis, Jessica From: Lanza, Heather Sent: Monday, October 15, 2018 8:22 AM To: Michaelis,Jessica Subject: FW: Proposed Fishers Island Waste Management District Project eC mV For the mail & file _..(A"T J 5 Zi�Mi From: Peter Crisp [rirzaiiU::. cr is,, pq rnLr11e.c(,,)r��1j ru.. � Sent:Sunday, October 14, 2018 2:45 PM Plamirrrg Board To nate.rnm ,,iqungws Willard B. Soper< fl lerie7j)conicas t>; Lanza, Heather <q���al;hel.JanzaAV w��. a r�stB� �1 Rml .� >; Russell, Scott IT. ,r'my> Subject: Proposed Fishers Island Waste Management District Project I have been a summer resident of Fishers Island for more than 55 years ........I am actively involved with many of the island's non-profit organizations that play important roles in the islands infrastructure (such as: Walsh Park - low income housing for year round residents and the Fishers Island Community Center). I am familiar with the FI Waste Management District's plans to consolidate the two facilities, expand their operation, and add processing equipment. I understand that there are some safety measures that need to be addressed at the current sites (which I endorse) as well as consideration of the the need to accommodate increased utilization by current and future residents.-----However, I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to the current efforts to consolidate and expand the present facilities which are well run and entirely satisfactory to meet current and foreseeable future needs of the island. In addition: knowledgable and impartial consultants have opined that the plans under consideration are not required, will involve substantial costs (over $ 4.1 million estimated capital costs plus increased annual operating costs estimated to be $ 281,000 per year) and that there is no requirement that the existing machinery needs to be relocated out of the floodplain. Furthermore, the noise, odor, and increased traffic will be objectionable to the school, the Community Center, businesses and other neighbors who are located nearby. Finally the Ferry, which has always functioned with a tight budget, would lose an important source of revenue from the removal of refuse. During recent years there has been a meaningful effort to attract organizations and individuals to settle on the west end of the island significant progress is being made at the present time—however—recently, a particularly important project involving the construction of new "Tiny Houses" by a public spirited individual investor/philanthropist was canceled. This project, which would have attracted year round residents by building new, small units in an effort to attract year round residents who staff the fire department, utility company and ambulance and other critical services was cancelled all because of the of the planned relocation and expansion of the Waste Management facilities. This is a MAJOR disappointment which MAY be resurrected if the Waste Management Project can be shelved or canceled. I urge that the minor recommendations to improve safety and operations be implemented and that the Proposed Plan of the FI Waste Management District be cancelled or shelved indefinitely Respectfully Peter O. Crisp i Michaelis, Jessica From: Lanza, Heather : � Sent: Friday, October 12, 2018 3:17 PM P El" 11 V To: Michaelis, Jessica � ' Subject: FW: Fishers Island WMD Plan and Project Objections (i: " ,?Ii - SKPN��BPm For incoming mail FWr°l¢rfiar FI Waste Management District Site plan application file From: Lucinda Herrick [mailto:lucindajherrick@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 12, 2018 2:10 PM To: Beth Stern <fiwastemanagement@gmail.com>;james.wade@dec.ny.gov; nate.malinowski@gmail.com; wbsoper@comcast.net; Lanza, Heather<heather.lanza@town.southold.ny.us>; Russell, Scott <scottr@southoldtownny.gov> Subject: Fishers Island WMD Plan and Project Objections To Whom It May Concern, I would like to express objections to the Fishers Island Waste Management District DRAFT Local Solid Waste Management Plan (LSWMP) 2018-2030 and the proposed Consolidated Facility Plan. From the LSWMP Executive Summary p 1 "elected by the residents of Fishers Island" is misleading. I believe it is pertinent to clarify that the Commissioners can only be elected by the full-time residents of Fishers Island. This is a (probably small) subset of the taxpaying population. The Executive Summary refers to the "full-time resident"population and the "transient"population. Nowhere do they reference the tax-paying population. Fishers Island is a small community with many families having been here for generations. Most people tend to know almost everyone, their parents and children. There are no facilities for tourists here. No taxis, no public conveniences, hotels etc. Just about everyone who comes here are homeowners, their families and friends. There is a population of renters, however they generally have ties to the island and would not be considered "transients". To refer to the tax-paying population as "transients" is misleading. Perhaps a better description would be "seasonal". An increasing number being `three seasonal'. This population pays a high percentage of island property taxes. This island is cherished by most, if not all, who come here, irrespective of for how long. (There are a few"transients" who come to the island by boat and stay at the Yacht Club.) The Executive Summary states that "In 2010 the MSW disposal average in NY State was 4.1 pounds" and at Fishers Island we have already achieved a rate of".76 lbs/person/day'. This is very close to the stated goal of ".6 pounds per day by 2030". The Summary guesstimates the Fishers Island seasonal population to increase approximately 15% by 2030 and the year-round population to increase by 20 people. There is no indication that the current facilities for waste disposal cannot handle this increase. In fact, it is hoped that with education the average MSW disposal rate will continue to decline. The Executive Summary states that the District has `improved its community engagement process". I would like to go on record, having been to a fair number of the WMD presentations, that presentations have been made and I objections to the $4.2 million "combined facilities upgrade" have consistently been expressed by the community. The WMD Commissioners seem not to acknowledge and take into consideration this increasingly vigorous tax-paying, island-loving community feedback. According to the Tax Assessors office, the island has 899 tax-paying parcels with a number of individuals owning more than one parcel. There are approximately 600 electric-metered residences and retail structures on the island. The WMD "consolidated facilities upgrade" proposes the erection of a 10,000 sq foot industrial building, additional buildings and infrastructure changes at one of the most scenic sites on the west end of the island. This site is surrounded by coastline, town land, the island school and the community center. In recent years private initiatives have invested $ millions in rejuvenating this long-neglected and deteriorating area at our island gateway with the ambition of enhancing the island attractiveness, thereby growing the year-round population. The construction of industrial buildings, plus noisy, smelly, particulate polluting waste disposal infrastructure in this sensitive area makes no sense, particularly when the island is already very close to achieving the MSW disposal goal established for 2030. In summary, the LSWMP and the Consolidated Facility Plan are based on the assumption that approximately 600 people will be forced to pay approximately $4.2 million to reduce MSW disposal by .11% in the next 12 years, at a time when waste disposal rates are already decreasing. There is no valid reason to change current MSW practices on Fishers Island. It is acknowledged that investment should be made at the existing stations to make them OSHA compliant. The erection of a costly and unsightly complex of buildings and facilities, for do walk] t ason, is obviously deeply objectionable to the tax-paying population and anybody who cares deeply for this beautiful small island. I hope that all decision-making authorities will take the above into consideration when reviewing the Fishers Island Waste Management District LSWMP and the Consolidated Facility Plan. In advance, thank you, Lucinda Herrick 883 Ocean View Avenue Fishers Island, NY 06390 2 Michaelis, Jessica From: Lanza, Heather ? - Sent: Monday, October 15, 2018 8:21 AM g ED � To: Michaelis, Jessica I Subject: FW: Re: Comment on WMD Consolidation Plan 1 5 2018, Southold Tam For the mail and FI Waste file Plann4ig Boar -11 From:fimuseum fishersisland.net [mailto:fimuseum@fishersisland.net] Sent: Monday, October 15, 2018 7:02 AM To: Lanza, Heather<heather.lanza@town.southold.ny.us> Subject: Fwd: Re: Comment on WMD Consolidation Plan Heather: Are you being copied on these letter about FI Waste Management? Should I forward them or not? Best, Pierce ---------- Original Message --------- From: Beth Stern<fiwastemanagement@gmail.com> To: gdemenil@gmail.com Cc: Liz Burnham <flcommunityboard@gmail.com>, Pierce/Museum <fimuseum@fishersisland.net> Date: October 15, 2018 at 6:20 AM Subject: Re: Comment on WMD Consolidation Plan Thank you. The District is currently taking comments on its draft Local Solid Waste Management Plan dated September 2018 and any comments related to this Plan, will be addressed in a summary document and filed with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation after October 31, 2018. Any comments related to the facility improvement plans will also be reviewed. We invite you to attend our meeting on November 26, 2018 at 9:00 am, where the District will be discussing its facility improvement plan. Beth Stern On Sun, Oct 14, 2018 at 4:53 PM George de Menil < gdcnicnil(i�ggni Lifl.c,onj> wrote: Anne Banks, Chair, and Tim Patterson, Treasurer October 14, 2018 Board of Commissioners, FI Waste Management District Tom O'Neil, President Fishers Island Community Board Pierce Rafferty Fishers Island representative on Southold Planning Board Dear Anne,Tim,Tom and Pierce, i At the recent Community Board meeting, the Board asked those present to write and give their opinions on the waste management proposal discussed at the meeting. I am writing to register my opposition to the WMD Consolidation Project. I live,vote, and pay taxes on Fishers Island, where my family and I have owned property for over 40 years. Fishers Island is our home. We care deeply about the community and its future. Over the years, we have contributed to Walsh Park, the Island Health Project,the Community Center, Lighthouse Works, and many other Island projects. I am a stockholder of Goose Island Corporation. Disposal of solid waste is an important community function.The Waste Management District has long debated separately upgrading versus consolidating the two facilities that it uses to fulfill that function.Three years ago,the District decided to consolidate the two facilities on land it owned near the Community Center, and initiated a plan to that effect,for which it is now seeking approval. It argues that consolidation, though it entails a higher capital cost, will make management of the combined facilities easier. The problem is that consolidation means moving the collection of garbage, trash, recyclables, paper and cardboard from open, undeveloped land behind the airport to a location directly adjacent to the Community Center,the Fishers Island School, and the community tennis courts.The space devoted to waste management at that location would be significantly increased.The trucks which pick up the containers holding these items and carry them to the ferry for transfer to Connecticut, would regularly load up near the Community Center and proceed from there to the ferry. A new, noisy,glass crusher has already been installed near the Community Center location. I omit the smell and the discharge of particles into the air. When consolidation was first considered,the outlook for the Fort Wright area was very different from what it is today.The Community Center had not been built.Two internationally acclaimed architects had not yet transformed one of the Navy warehouses into a residence workplace and become major supporters of the Island community.The former Coast Guard station had not yet been renovated and become the home of one of the outstanding centers for artists on the East Coast. Permits for conversion of the second floor of the Ferry freight building into six Walsh Park apartments for new year-around residents had not yet been applied for. A major regeneration of the Ordinance property was not yet under way. Funds had not yet been raised for a new park area along the coastline, proximate to the ferry dock. All of these developments are recent,tangible signs of the renewal of the Fort Wright area, and its emergence as a new and lively hamlet on the Island. Consolidation of waste management at the end of a central street of the area will discourage and perhaps halt the further development of the Fort Wright area. One affordable housing plan funded and spearheaded by a generous member of the Island community was cancelled a few months ago, at least in part because of the planned move of the dump and transfer station to the Community Center site. The "Wee House" project would have been directly adjacent to this new facility. The community tennis courts and Fishers Island School are across the main street. Anyone who might doubt the impact of the waste management expansion on the development of the Fort Wright area should ask themselves, "Would you like to live across the street from a garbage facility?" 2 Providing affordable housing and a lively community to which to attract new year-round residents is vital to the future of Fishers Island. A personal anecdote brought this home to me recently. Returning to Fishers on the Ferry a week ago, my wife and I struck up a conversation with a woman who had recently moved to the island with family and children. We asked her what she felt the Island most needed. "More people," was her simple answer. The acuity of that need is perhaps nowhere more evident than at the Fishers Island School. I recently had occasion to help a senior with his college application and got to know the school better in the process. It is an exceptional school, with remarkable teachers, and unique programs in science and music,to name just two areas. Half of the students are now selected magnet students from Connecticut,who pay to attend, and who ride 45 minutes on the ferry morning and afternoon to get to and from school.They and the Island students benefit from a program and a natural setting that many small, private boarding schools cannot offer.The number of local students is declining, as the local population itself declines.This trend threatens the very viability of the school, perhaps the most important year-around institution on the Island. The development of the Fort Wright area as a higher density housing location will make an important contribution to revitalizing the community and to restoring the Island population to a sustainable level, both directly and indirectly. Centralizing garbage collection at the end of the main street of the area would slow and perhaps halt that development. Upgrading the present Transfer Station site and continuing to manage solid waste in two close-by locations is certainly a viable alternative.The Transfer Station is in a location that is vacant, yet nearby, a location where it disturbs no one and for which there are no current plans. It is behind the approach to the airport. The consolidation project may at one time have seemed a reasonable project. It was certainly conceived and painstakingly developed by people of good will. But circumstances have changed. Today, it would seriously impact one of the most promising prospects for increasing the size and vitality of the Island. Finally,the scope and cost of this project do not seem warranted. For all these reasons, I oppose the expansion project, and encourage the Waste Management District to set it aside, and to reconsider a more modest upgrade to the present facilities. Sincerely, George de Menil 3 Michaelis, Jessica From: Lanza, Heather Sent: Monday, October 15, 2018 8:22 AM To: Michaelis, Jessica Subject: FW: Expansion and Consolidation Project of Fishers Island WMD "�„11E "i 201 For the mail & file So�atl jrjTorn Planning Board From: George de Menil [mailto:gdemenil@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2018 10:54 PM To:james.wade@dec.ny.gov; Lanza, Heather<heather.lanza@town.southold.ny.us>; Russell, Scott <scottr@southoldtownny.gov> Cc: wbsoper@comcast.net; Louisa Evans <Ipevans06390@gmail.com> Subject: Expansion and Consolidation Project of Fishers Island WMD Dear Supervisor Russell, Planning Director Lanza and Commissioner Wade, I am writing to register my opposition to the A WMD Expansion and Consolidation Project. I live,vote, and pay taxes on Fishers Island,where my family and I have owned property for over 40 years. Fishers Island is our home. We care deeply about the community and its future. Over the years, we have contributed to Walsh Park,the Island Health Project, the Community Center, Lighthouse Works, and many other Island projects. I am a stockholder of Goose Island Corporation. Disposal of solid waste is an important community function. The Waste Management District has long debated separately upgrading versus consolidating the two facilities that it uses to fulfill that function.Three years ago, the District decided to consolidate the two facilities on land it owned near the Community Center, and initiated a plan to that effect,for which it is now seeking approval. It argues that consolidation, though it entails a higher capital cost,will make management of the combined facilities easier. The problem is that consolidation means moving the collection of garbage,trash, recyclables, paper and cardboard from open, undeveloped land behind the airport to a location directly adjacent to the Community Center,the Fishers Island School, and the community tennis courts. The space devoted to waste management at that location would be significantly increased. The trucks which pick up the containers holding these items and carry them to the ferry for transfer to Connecticut, would regularly load up near the Community Center and proceed from there to the ferry. A new, noisy, glass crusher has already been installed near the Community Center location. I omit the smell and the discharge of particles into the air. When consolidation was first considered,the outlook for the Fort Wright area was very different from what it is today.The Community Center had not been built.Two internationally acclaimed architects had not yet transformed one of the Navy warehouses into a handsome residence workplace and become major supporters of the Island community. The former Coast Guard station had not yet become the home of one of the outstanding centers for artists on the East Coast. Permits for conversion of the second floor of the Ferry freight building into six Walsh Park apartments for new year-around residents had not yet been applied for. A major regeneration of the Ordinance property was not yet under way. Funds had not yet been raised for a new park area along the coastline, proximate to the ferry dock. All of these developments are recent, tangible signs of the renewal of the Fort Wright area, and its emergence as a new and lively hamlet on the Island. Consolidation of waste management at the end of a central street of the area will discourage and perhaps halt the further development of the Fort Wright area. One affordable housing plan funded and spearheaded by a generous I member of the Island community was cancelled a few months ago, at least in part because of the planned move of the dump and transfer station to the Community Center site. The "Wee House" project would have been directly adjacent to this new facility. The community tennis courts and Fishers Island School are across the main street. Anyone who might doubt the impact of the waste management expansion on the development of the Fort Wright area should ask themselves, "Would you like to live across the street from a garbage facility?" Providing affordable housing and a lively community to which to attract new year-round residents is vital to the future of Fishers Island. A personal anecdote brought this home to me recently. Returning to Fishers on the Ferry a week ago, my wife and I struck up a conversation with a woman who had recently moved to the island with family and children. We asked her what she felt the Island most needed. "More people," was her simple answer. The acuity of that need is perhaps nowhere more evident than at the Fishers Island School. I recently had occasion to help a senior with his college application and got to know the school better in the process. It is an exceptional school, with remarkable teachers, and unique programs in science and music,to name just two areas. Half of the students are now selected magnet students from Connecticut, who pay to attend, and who ride 45 minutes on the ferry morning and afternoon to get to and from school.They and the Island students benefit from a program and a natural setting that many small, private boarding schools cannot offer.The number of local students is declining, as the local population itself declines.This trend threatens the very viability of the school, perhaps the most important year- around institution on the Island. The development of the Fort Wright area as a higher density housing location will make an important contribution to revitalizing the community and to restoring the Island population to a sustainable level, both directly and indirectly. Centralizing garbage collection at the end of the main street of the area would slow and perhaps halt that development. Upgrading the present Transfer Station site and continuing to manage solid waste in two close-by locations is certainly a viable alternative. The Transfer Station is in a location that is vacant,yet nearby, a location where it disturbs no one and for which there are no current plans. It is behind the approach to the airport. The consolidation project may at one time have seemed a reasonable project. It was certainly conceived and painstakingly developed by people of good will. But circumstances have changed.Today, it would seriously impact one of the most promising prospects for increasing the size and vitality of the Island. Finally, the scope and cost of this project do not seem warranted. For all these reasons, I oppose the consolidation project, and encourage the Waste Management District to set it aside, and to reconsider a more modest upgrade to the present facilities. Sincerely, George de Menil 4015 Isabella Beach Road Fishers Island z