Close-knit Orient divided over public water plans

Living at the tip of the North Fork, linked to the rest of Long Island by only a slender causeway, the residents of Orient have learned to agree on most things.

They have been united in opposing ferry traffic and the New London ferry terminal expansion. They were all for keeping their state park open and stood together in bitterly opposing expanding biohazard research at Plum Island, which they can see across the water on a clear day.

But now, an issue has come along that has divided the tiny community - a plan by the Suffolk County Water Authority to extend a public water main along Route 25, the only road to Orient, and provide public water to anyone who wants it.

It seemed, at first, a popular idea. A federal stimulus grant would pay half of the $3.8-million cost to run the new line from East Marion to the 24 homes which make up the Browns Hills community. A low-interest federal loan would cover the rest.

And, the houses at Browns Hill need pure drinking water. Currently, individual filters in those houses provide potable water, but only from one tap.

But, the idea of public water was seen by some in the community as opening the door to new growth. They have been putting up little yellow protest signs: "No Water Main. Save what's left."

They believe the new water line will mean pressure to rezone, which will add children to the tiny school district and more traffic on local streets.

"Have you ever seen a place that has public water not be developed?" asks Linton Duell, who runs the community general store and says he does not need it. His well works just fine, he says. "I've never seen as galvanizing an issue."

But, others say extending the line would be a good thing.

The Orient Volunteer Fire Department has strongly urged that the project be approved as a way of insuring enough water pressure for hydrants to battle fires. The firefighters do have a pumper, which can be tricky.

"It would lead to lower fire insurance rates as well," said Scott Harris, a department commissioner and a former town supervisor.

In March, at a public hearing the reaction from Orient was mixed, and town officials decided not to support the extension.

Supervisor Scott Russell said the board was not convinced that the residents of Orient wanted the new line, and added that he feels the town - not the SCWA - should be the agency that initiates the project.

But the town board decision only puts off a court battle over whether the town has the actual authority to block the work.

Last month, the town trustees - a separately elected body in Southold - informed the water authority they would have to apply for a special permit because they were planning to work within 100 feet of a tidal wetlands.

"That was a surprise to us. We don't believe other utilities have to get it," said Water Authority chief executive Jeffrey Szabo. He said the SCWA would be applying for the needed permit.

But, he added, the issue will remain moot for several months, since no work could be done on the project until the end of summer at the earliest. "It's unlikely the State Department of Transportation would give the Water Authority permission to open the roadway in the summertime because of the traffic and tourism."