Letters: Housing plan and the river

The Carmans River plan calls for the destruction of delicate ecosystems in several hamlets and in some instances calls for hamlet studies to be violated ["Keep trying to save Carmans," Editorial, March 11].

The destruction of golf courses and the bulldozing of open space, coupled with the "down-zoning" necessary to allow builders greater density, would be a stake in the heart for many hamlets that are already overdeveloped and overcrowded. In addition, this plan was conceived and compiled behind closed doors with developers, selected town employees and a handful of conservationists. Civic associations, hamlet-study participants and taxpayers did not provide input. This is an example of backroom politics at its worst.

This plan would result in a reduced quality of life and property value. We say no to the overcrowding in our school districts and roadways, and to increased air and noise pollution.

Louis Antoniello, Terryville

Editor's note: The writer is the treasurer of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association.
 

For a year and a half, stakeholders have been working with professional planners on a way to protect the Carmans River and direct development that would otherwise occur there, away from the river and from existing residential neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, some members of the Brookhaven Town Board blocked, not the plan itself, but allowing review and discussion among town board members and the public. One espoused reason was the objection by a few board members to multifamily housing in their districts -- housing that is needed by our young people and empty-nesters.

Even after Brookhaven officials, including Supervisor Mark Lesko, agreed to remove development from objectors' districts, they've persisted in opposing any consideration of this creative plan.

The resolution to debate the plan's merits will be back on the town board agenda on March 29, the last date on which the board can accept the plan and still make the June approval deadline of the New York State Legislature. If the plan cannot be made to satisfy its detractors, board members can defeat it in June, but public responsibility requires that they at least give its consideration a chance.

Richard Amper, Riverhead

Editor's note: The writer is the executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, an environmental advocacy organization.