How Much Polishing Does A Tree Code Require?
As with so much in Southold Town government, progress seems measured not in months but in years. I was encouraged to read “Southold Sets Zoning Priorities” in the June EEB and to learn that the town plans to update the zoning code in manageable pieces rather than attempting another all-encompassing overhaul. That approach at least offers the possibility of movement.
Unfortunately, the section titled “Appetite for Tree Code?” suggests that when it comes to protecting trees and regulating land clearing, Southold remains trapped in an endless cycle of discussion, study, revision, and delay.
According to your article, Supervisor Krupski circulated a land-clearing code being considered in Southampton to gauge interest among Town Board members in pursuing something similar here. He noted that a proposed tree code in 2024 was “a complicated matter” and “difficult to administer,” adding that it would be presented to the public “as soon as it’s polished up.”
After years of discussion, one has to wonder: how much polishing does a tree code require?
The Incorporated Village of Westhampton Beach adopted land-clearing regulations in 1987—nearly four decades ago. Has anyone in Southold examined that code? Has anyone spoken with Westhampton Beach Code Enforcement about how it has been implemented and enforced? Or is Southold once again determined to spend years reinventing a wheel that has been rolling successfully elsewhere since the Reagan administration?
At some point, residents deserve more than assurances that a proposal is being refined. They deserve a timetable, a draft, and a public discussion. Otherwise, “as soon as it’s polished up” begins to sound less like a plan and more like a postponement.
Sincerely,
Jean Schweibish
Mattituck
On Greenport Parking
To the Editor:
Apparently, the Greenport politicos have alienated themselves as well as Greenport residents. They have severely restricted free parking for all.They should have looked at other municipalities for guidance on seasonal parking.
Take Port Jefferson as an example. Yes, there is only paid parking. But the residents have it free. Also, on weekends, parking at the High School is free, with a free shuttle bus available. Following Port Jefferson’s lead might be a solution.
Joel Reitman
Peconic
Letters to the editor may be emailed to editor@eastendbeacon.com with “LTE” in the subject line, or sent via U.S. Post to P.O. Box 665, New Suffolk, NY 11956. Please include your name, and a telephone number for verification purposes, and don’t submit letters under false names. The Beacon will print all letters that are deemed to not be defamatory, obscene or advertisements, and may edit submissions for clarity and grammar. Due to space considerations we are only able to print one letter per writer per month, and we may shorten lengthy letters in print to fit available space.
Keep Independent News on the East End
The Beacon is able to provide all of our content online free of charge thanks to support from our readers. Be a vital part of keeping our community informed!
Advertisement
