July 2015, Letter from the NSCA Officers and Board of Directors

We thank you for attending the annual meeting and sharing your thoughts and concerns.  In addition to our annual reports the meeting provided opportunities for open dialogue between community members. 

Many of you may have heard statements criticizing the New Suffolk Civic Association’s (NSCA) involvement in serious issues concerning the wellbeing of our Community. We have been criticized by some for expressing our position on different issues; therefore it is time to remind each other what is the real function of a NSCA?
 
In order to clarify the mission of the NSCA, we need to revisit our purpose as stated in our by-laws.

  • to protect, conserve and, if possible improve the rural atmosphere and unique beauty of this village
  • to protect, maintain and promote the property values situated within its boundaries
  • to secure the maximum amount of public services from the state, county and town agencies for the village and it's residents
  • to stimulate the public interest in civic affairs and to encourage and sponsor such social activities for the members of the association as in the judgement of the Board of Directors may tend to advance the purpose of the association.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Initially the NSCA was in support of the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund’s (NSWF) project as demonstrated by a $2,500 contribution from Italian Night in September of 2012. Dozens of NSCA members, residents, families and friends volunteered time, effort and considerable financial support to aid the mission of the NSWF.

At that time, the NSWF leadership professed their desire to conserve and protect the land of the downtown area with minimal commercial development. The NSCA began to seriously question the NSWF’s intent when their subsequent request for approval of a 66 seats restaurant was granted by Southold Town and the County Health Department.

It was clear that our hamlet and rural environment would be compromised by additional septic systems, water quality, parking, traffic, noise and litter.

The community was then made aware of the NSWF's plan to sponsor special private outdoor tented events at their property on First Street and downtown area in order to financially maintain their goal. In addition to the community’s clear desire not to have a destination restaurant, there was also a strong resistance to private outdoors events.  As per NSWF newsletter dated fall 2014, they stated outdoor private events were not needed to cover yearly operating expenses.   The question of transparency of the NSWF, which had been troublesome in the past, once again rose to the surface.

The Town Supervisor quoted in Southold local dated November 5, 2014, these large destination events lead to concerns related to parking “This has gone beyond the scope of what we locally envision, it’s become an industry, and it’s problematic. "



NEW SUFFOLK CIVIC ASSOCIATION LOOKS FOR ANSWERS
 
In order to develop a better understanding of the community's thoughts the NSCA developed a survey which was distributed to all New Suffolk residents, businesses and property owners. The survey had a large response with clear preferences. 

These results were OPENLY shared with the community at a public meeting on September 13, 2014. Based on the strong community opinion the NSCA could not in good conscience support the NSWF and its project.

Once again, looking at our purpose statement, the NSCA continues to protect and support our hamlet in a variety of ways.  Proceeds from annual events, such as yard sale, bake sale, community table have been donated to the school via New Suffolk Enrichment Fund for the past three years, including this year.  2013, 2014 have been earmarked the playground. The same thing will be done with this year’s donation.  
 

Beyond the school playground repair and replacement, the NSCA efforts include:
 

  • Contributions have been made to the school enrichment fund to support educational opportunities for our students.
  • Donated ice cream coupons to all students for opening day of the New Suffolk School.
  • Donated books to all students at the New Suffolk School for a Halloween celebration.
  • Provided a science/horticultural experience to all students through a local field trip to plant hydrangea seedlings.
  • Presented gifts and citations to graduating students of the school.
  • Supported pancake breakfasts throughout the years.
  • Involved the students in our annual spring clean-up.
  • Promoted New Suffolk school activities such as Mother’s day plant sales and book sales.
  • Continued previously established community activities such as spring cleanup, annual social events (winter pot-luck, 4th of July parade, summer and winter gatherings).
  • Presented the annual New Suffolk Spirit Award and recognized our new Post Office employee with letter of commendation to the USPS.
  • Received permission from the New Suffolk School Board to refurbish the baseball field at no cost to the school district or New Suffolk tax payers.
  • Contributed to the Friendship Walk at the Cutchogue-New Suffolk by purchasing a brick in the name of New Suffolk.
  • Continued to keep lines of communication open between community members and the civic association through surveys, meetings, newsletters and the development of on line accessibility to the NSCA website.

 
The North Fork is undergoing serious changes, some are good, some are questionable, Civic Associations throughout the North Fork are involved in similar issues, and we must remain vigilant.

The NSCA has never wavered in its mission or purpose. Its financial transparency is clear. With all due respect, the NSCA is and will continue to work in the best interest of our residents, families, friends and visitors.

It is our sincere hope to come to some kind of productive, constructive understanding so we can begin to open a true communication between everyone concerned.

CURRENT UPDATE

At the Southold Town meeting of June 30, 2015 the town board rejected any idea of the waterfront using the public beach parking lot for their events stating, “The waterfront has a site plan that includes parking and should not host events that exceed their parking capacity”.

THE ABOVE LETTER HAS BEEN COMPOSED AND SUPPORTED BY THE PRESENT OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE NSCA.  THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME AND INTEREST IN KEEPING OUR CHERISHED COMMUNITY A PRIORITY.

A Letter to Post Office Officials

This week, NSCA Paul Cacioppo will be sending a letter to Post Office Officials regarding the present staff at our post office.  The text of the letter is quoted below.


"The New Suffolk Civic Association would like to share some thoughts about our post office. Our small hamlet on the East end of Long Island is unusual in that we do not have an option for home mail delivery. Our residents must walk or drive to the post office to collect their mail, making it an important meeting place and an essential part of the fabric of our community.


Following the retirement of our long-time postmaster, Kim Norkelun, we experienced a revolving door of substitute USPS employees. This coincided with three very challenging circumstances:  1) the holiday season, with its massive influx of mail and packages; 2) the USPS’s new practice of accepting packages from private carriers, such as FedEx, and 3) the new postmaster’s rigid stance that all packages arriving at the post office without a PO Box number be immediately returned to sender.


Clearly, you can see the problem that transpired. Private carriers used the post office as a drop off points for hundreds – if not thousands – of packages that residents expected would be delivered to their door, and the substitute USPS workers were immediately sending them back. Many holidays were ruined as a result, and many residents have still not be able to rectify all of their items gone missing.


This is why we were so grateful that on December 27, 2014, Mr. Homer Clare reported for service at the New Suffolk Post Office. Mr. Clare worked extremely hard to remedy a difficult situation by working with residents and box holders to resolve their mail and delivery issues. Things are now running smoothly once again, and Mr. Clare is single-handedly responsible for this turnaround. His kind and compassionate approach to his duties is greatly appreciated by our community. 
Accordingly, the New Suffolk Civic Association would like to state for the record that we would be extremely pleased if Mr. Homer Clare could be assigned to the New Suffolk Post Office on a permanent basis.


We ask that this letter of commendation and endorsement be added to all of Mr. Clare’s Official Personnel Records. Thank you in advance for the attention that you will give to this letter."
 

NSCA Offers to Refurbish the Ball Field

It was recently brought to the attention of the New Suffolk Civic Association, that the New Suffolk School baseball field was in such poor shape that local organized t-ball and Little League baseball teams could not play on it.  Up until four or five years ago, it was regularly used for organized youth leagues. According to Little League officials, the field needs new bases, a pitcher’s mound, and baselines plus some topsoil to fill in holes, depressions and ruts.  Many New Suffolk children are currently playing in the Mattituck Cutchogue Little League and have to travel as far as Laurel to play on a Little League approved field.

 
At a New Suffolk School Board meeting on May 12th, NSCA President Paul Cacioppo made a proposal to the School Board and audience.  The NSCA will organize and fund the repair of the baseball field so that the T-ball and Little League games can be played there, as well as provide a safer place for the school’s physical education classes.   The improvements will also make the field more user friendly for other sports and recreational activities for the community such as kite flying, soccer, lacrosse and even bocce’.  It will fulfill the hamlet’s need for usable green space.
 
In order to secure the field and have a demarcation between New Suffolk School District property and Town of Southold property, the NSCA is looking into installing a low wooden fence similar to the one in the beach parking lot.  This low profile fence would prevent children from inadvertently running off the field into the street without ruining the bucolic surroundings of the neighborhood.
 
Several local residents recall that during the 30’s and 40’s, North Fork towns had their own baseball teams.  The schoolhouse field regularly hosted games of that league.  The games were a big part of the social life during the warm weather here in New Suffolk.
 
Joe Polashock recalls that the field was a meeting place for all of the children in the neighborhood back in the 50’s and 60’s.  During the spring and summer, there were daily baseball games with most of the local children participating. 
 
Many residents are very happy with the proposal made.  Yvonne Duffy said she looks forward to walking down the block to see Ryan play baseball rather than driving to Mattituck or Laurel.
 
Community support will go a long way to repairing the field and preserving a piece of our heritage.  The NSCA is looking for volunteers for the project, as it will require some sweat equity.  If you are interested in helping out, feel free to call Tom McCloskey at 516.680.0118.  Since this is going to be privately funded, the NSCA would also be looking for donations to assist. For donation information, please contact Joan Doherty at 631.734.6167. 

Top Ten Reasons to Support the New Suffolk Civic Association

 

  1. Fourth of July Parade
  2. Seasonal Social Events
  3. Community Updates
  4. Community Outreach
  5. Work collaboratively to maintain the historic beauty and quality of life in New Suffolk
  6. Maintain open dialogue with all community members regarding topics of mutual interest
  7. Monitor and Address traffic issues in New Suffolk (speeding, parking boat ramp, special events)
  8. Address overcrowding of the beach in New Suffolk with Town of Southold
  9. Ensuring the Hamlet of New Suffolk receives the appropriate amount of resources from the Town of Southold
  10. Support of the New Suffolk Schoolhouse, students, staff and playground replacement

Yes,  the NSCA's 2014 - 2015 Annual Membership Drive is still on and we are missing some of you! We don't want to lose you, because your involvement is important to us and we need your continued support.The membership year runs from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.  Membership fees are  $25 for a family, or $15 for an individual. Please mail your check to and contact details to: 

New Suffolk Civic Association
PO Box 642
New Suffolk, NY 11956

If you are not sure if you have paid your membership dues for this year, please contact Linda Auriemma, Vice President for Membership, atlaurie6656@aol.com or 631.734.8122.

Spring Clean Up, the Aftermath


 

As part of our effort to improve the Hamlet of New Suffolk, The New Suffolk Civic Association (NCSA) hosted a spring cleanup of the neighborhood .  Civic minded adults and students met last Saturday at the beach parking lot for gloves, plastic bags and of course, the occasional photo that can be seen below.

The volunteers went far and wide across town collecting trash and debris.  After an hour and a half of work, Paul Caccioppo delivered 180 lbs of trash to the dump.  The Spring Clean up is just another example of the service the New Suffolk Civic Association provides the community.  In order to continue to serve the community in this and other ways, the New Suffolk Civic Association needs your support.  

Yes,  the NSCA's 2014 - 2015 Annual Membership Drive is still on and we are missing some of you!  We don't want to lose you, because your involvement is important to us and we need your continued support.

The membership year runs from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.  Membership fees are  $25 for a family, or $15 for an individual. Please mail your check to and contact details to: 

New Suffolk Civic Association

PO Box 642

New Suffolk, NY 11956

If you are not sure if you have paid your membership dues for this year, please contact Linda Auriemma, Vice President for Membership, atlaurie6656@aol.com or 631.734.8122.

Letter to the County Executive

Last week several residents of New Suffolk plus several members of the New Suffolk Civic Association met with Legislator Al Krupski to discuss concerns about pollution of the bay and water table.  Mr. Krupski suggested contacting the Suffolk County Executive Bellone.  Quoted below,  is the text of the letter.  The NSCA suggests that, if you have similar concerns, you should write to the County Executive as well.

"Honorable Mr. Bellone,

     I am writing this letter on behalf of the New Suffolk Civic Association and the residents of New Suffolk that we represent. We are all very concerned about the quality of the bay waters surrounding our hamlet as well as the fresh water that lies beneath. At present, the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund is in the process of relocating the restaurant and the required septic system that is associated with it. This is being done with town approval. We realize that the only item the County has any control over through the Department Of Health is the septic system. The Waterfront Fund is determined to build this out to the maximum allowable size, which will introduce significant pollution into an already overburdened and threatened resource. Our bay and surrounding creeks are being shut down at an alarming rate due to commercial and residential pollution. The addition of a sixty six seat restaurant in such close proximity to the waterfront is going to be a further insult.

    By the process of sending all of our residents a questionnaire, the Civic Association found that the majority favored a small scale café style operation. The Waterfront Fund, who professed to want to do what the community wanted is no longer interested in hearing us. They are now just marching on with their plans for the large scale operation. We fear, that with the current required septic system, that the pollution stream will be in the bay in no time due to the permeability of the ground. We would love to see the Health Department cause them to move this septic system as far from the waters edge as possible or even require a downsizing of the septic system to help limit the impact on the bay and and groundwater.

    We all love the bay and all that it provides for us in the way of seafood and recreation. This year has been a banner year for the scallop industry. There has been a very large harvest of very large scallops and after speaking with Legislator Al Krupski, he has informed us that millions of Dollars have been pumped into the county’s economy. We would hate to see that lost or jeopardized in any way and it known that pollution from these septic systems, especially large commercial ones, can cause algae blooms and are detrimental to the seaweed and underwater vegetation that scallops need to reproduce And thrive.

 

Any help or guidance you and your staff can afford us will be very much appreciated."

New Suffolk Waterfront Fund Cancels Roundtable Discussions

In an email sent to those who signed up for the roundtable discussions starting on Saturday, the NSWF cancelled the meetings.  The message sent is quoted below.

"The New Suffolk Waterfront Fund thanks you for signing up to join one of our roundtables, scheduled for November 8, 12, and 17. However, due to recent developments, our attorneys have advised us that it is not appropriate to hold the roundtable discussions at this time as we had originally planned.  

We regret that events have occurred which compel us to cancel these roundtables, however, an alternative approach will be developed which will enable us to gather broader community input as we move ahead with plans for the Galley Ho café.

We thank you for your interest and look forward to your input on the Galley Ho café."

NSWF Declines to Make a Decision

Update on Waterfront Survey and Plans

NSCA President Paul Cacioppo and Vice President Joe Polashock have had numerous meetings with the Officers and Directors of the NSWF at which time the critical concerns of the community have been discussed at length.  On every occasion Paul and Joe have been told the NSWF wants community input and were willing to adjust their plans to address these concerns. As yet, proof of that commitment remains to be seen.

The response to the survey conducted by the Civic Association clearly favors a café or snack bar at the Galley Ho but not a full restaurant. While the survey also indicates that the community is supportive of various fund raising activities,  the majority of responders clearly expressed they do not want any private, outdoor tented events.  In response to this aspect of the survey, the Waterfront Fund’s recent Newsletter, Fall 2014, reads “….Understanding the community’s concerns about renting part of the property for private events, our board established a policy limiting such events to three per year, for large capital project funding, when necessary.”   However, this policy still concerns many in the community, and it is hoped that a more palatable solution for the Waterfront’s fund raising needs can be found.

On October 11th at a meeting between both Boards, the results of the survey were discussed. It was requested by the NSCA that the NSWF have a goal of zero private outdoor-tented events, as accurately shown by the survey results.   10 days later the NSCA received the following response from Pat McIntyre.  “…we discussed the goal, but tabled any decision as there are too many outstanding issues at this time.”  

The Waterfront Fund Board has announced that it will hold Roundtable discussions at the Cutchogue - New Suffolk Library on Saturday Nov. 8 at 10:30 am, Wednesday Nov. 12 at 6 pm, and Monday Nov. 17 at 6 pm. The Waterfront will hold additional round table discussions to accommodate as many residents as might want to attend. The Civic Association encourages all those interested to take advantage of this opportunity to discuss your views of plans for the waterfront, by sending an email tonewsuffolkfund@gmail.com (include name, phone number, email address, and what session(s) you could attend), or by phoning 566-0806.  At the October 11 meeting, it was agreed by the Waterfront Board and the Civic Association Board that a member of the Civic Association Board would attend each of the Roundtables.

The Civic Association is still waiting to hear from the Waterfront Board for more definitive plans for the future development of the waterfront in keeping with the results of the Survey.

The New Suffolk Civic Association Board is working to help our Hamlet return to the friendly and open-hearted spirit that has always been a hallmark of New Suffolk.  Only by working together in a respectful, honest and transparent manner will this renewal become a reality. 

 

The People Have Spoken

Pursuant to the NSCA community Meeting on September 13, 2014, below are the results of the waterfront survey.  The NSCA is sending this out to fulfill a commitment made to the community to provide the residents and property owners with a voice and representation of their concerns.   

New Suffolk Civic Association Waterfront Survey

Results

1. About You

     I live in New Suffolk                 123   Full Time                44  Part Time

     Home Ownership                     149  I Own                      16  I Rent      

     Residence Location                 72  In the Grid                 90  Out of the Grid

 

2.  The Galley Ho Building

Pending regulatory approval and general permits, the NSWF hopes to move forward with plans to renovate the former Galley Ho building.  However, the ultimate use of the building has not yet been determined.

Which of the following uses for the Galley Ho building would be appropriate?

 (Please rate each of the following possible uses (1=Good;  2=OK;  3=Undesirable)

 

_______Full Restaurant ­ Good 37;  OK 20;  Undesirable 87

 

_______Cafe (more informal, more modest menu) Good 63;  OK 31;  Undesirable 49

 

_______Mixed ­use community facility with a snack bar window or counter, and                                           some  available seating   Good 69;  OK 38;  Undesirable 38

_______Mixed-use, snack bar window only  - Good 25;  OK 62;  Undesirable 51

_______Mixed-use, no food service at all ­ Good 59;  OK 19;  Undesirable 68

 

3.  Special Events

The NSWF has indicated that special events may be necessary for fundraising and long term financial stability. 

Please indicate which of the following types of events should be allowed if needed.

________Small fundraising events inside the Galley Ho, open to all

                  (Art shows, cocktail parties, etc.)  Yes - 152;  No - 14            

                  If  yes, how many per year?  65  1 to 4;   43   5 to 9;   39  No limit

________Large Fundraising events outside on the property, open to all

                  (Chowderfest, 5k race, etc)  Yes - 128;  No -  30

                  If yes, how many per year? 90  1 to 4;   28  5 to 9;  10  No Limit

________Private events indoors within the Galley Ho building

                  (Local organization dinners, corporate retreats, private parties, etc.)

                  Yes - 108;   No - 44

                  If yes, how many per year? 41  1 to 4;   32  5 to 9;   30  No Limit

________Private outdoor tented events on the property

                  (Weddings, reunions, conventions, etc.)  Yes - 69;  No - 84

                  If yes, how many per year? 47 1 to 4;  15  5 to 9;    7   No Limit

 

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