Sustainable Southold

Southold 2020 Master Plan– Citizens for a Sustainable Southold Vision Statement

2011-01-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

Over the years the Town has conducted numerous studies, involving countless hours of community input, all of which came to the same conclusion: Southold is a unique and special place and we must protect our environment and preserve agricultural and maritime heritage. This in turn supports our local economy, fueled, in large part by tourism and second home ownership. If our farmlands are overdeveloped and our waterways, beaches and air quality are further degraded, Southold will become an environmental casualty.

Thus far, various Town Boards have fallen short of enacting legislation that would truly support the long-term vision and spirit of the various studies and plans produced over the last three decades. As a result, we have lost precious farmland to development, experienced inappropriate commercial overdevelopment and natural resources have been degraded (polluted groundwater, less bountiful and biologically diverse water bodies and marshlands are examples.) Rather than having concentrated growth in hamlets affording mixed housing opportunities, we have followed a pattern of sprawl.

There are more compelling reasons for the Town to have a clear and legislatively supported blueprint for moving forward in the coming decades: global climate change and the critical need to transition from expensive, dangerous carbon based forms of energy to forms of non-polluting renewable energy and the beneficial effects these will have on agriculture, natural resources and the economy on the North Fork. Finding solutions to these global problems on a local level is not at odds with goals previously identified by the Town. These pressing global problems are felt locally and can create the necessary momentum to get plans translated into law.

We can achieve a workable Comprehensive Plan if we acknowledge these issues and face them head-on. The challenges are great, but meeting them is doable if decisions are based on science and long-term community benefit. The Comprehensive plan process is an exciting opportunity to envision Southold as a diverse, sustainable and resilient community and to move this vision towards reality. Southold can be a model for other towns by becoming more self-reliant, managing our resources sustainably, and contributing to the larger issue of global stability. Our goal is to organize a group of citizens who share this vision and who will lobby for a sound Comprehensive Plan.

Goals:

Preserve Farming–The world food supply is stressed by increased production and shipping costs, the continuing loss of productive farm land, and by the effects of climate change. The food supply is further pressured by increasing world population and hence an increase in world hunger. In the face of this, it will become more critical to maintain Southold’s agricultural base and the ability to produce food locally. Incentives should be created for those who want to grow food for local markets. In addition, the Town should promote and support CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and community gardens.

Preserving farmland is beneficial to the local economy. Reducing build out will keep taxes down. All reputable planning groups agree that added housing raises taxes:
Please see the Economic Benefits of Open Space Preservation issued by the Office of the State Comptroller, March 2010: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/environmental/openspacepreserv10.pdf .

Currently, as codified in Town Law, Agricultural Conservation (AC) land can become residential development. Although the Town identified prime farm land and acknowledged the importance of preserving AC land to preserve farming, AC land permits the same uses as R80 (2 acre/res. unit) land. The Town has a fairly successful Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR), but it relies solely on the willingness of land owners to participate, the success of which is heavily influenced by market forces, and doesn’t guarantee farmland will be preserved. Current zoning has created a situation where farmland is often too expensive for farmers, especially for new farmers and those wanting to grow food crops as they are competing with developers for land.

The Comprehensive Plan must have mechanisms in place which will guarantee the best use for AC land is agriculture and stays in agriculture without residential development.

Protect Ground Water– Climate change is creating water shortages globally. The North Fork water is provided by a sole-source aquifer. We are bound to face water shortages in the coming decades and we cannot depend on out-of-town supplies of water to meet community needs. The heavy use of both residential and agricultural fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides have polluted both ground and surface waters and jeopardized human health. We must eliminate the use of dangerous chemicals, encourage best management practices, and phase out the use of household lawn and garden chemicals. In addition, we must carefully conserve our resource.

The Comprehensive Plan must have clear actions to protect our groundwater including ways to reduce the amount of dangerous chemicals that migrate into our aquifer, appropriate zoning for Special Ground Water Protection Areas (SPGAs) and effective conservation measures.

Affordably protect/restore wetlands, shorelines and water bodies and facilitate public access – Our beaches, wetlands and water bodies have been degraded by pollution, inappropriate shoreline development and overfishing. Subterranean septic systems are responsible for much of the harmful nitrogen that leaches into our groundwater and our surface waters, damaging wetlands, killing fish and encouraging the growth of invasive species. Current law regarding the maintenance of septic systems is inadequate, routinely ignored, and rarely enforced. Run-off from roads and farming operations has further polluted creeks and estuaries. Shoreline hardening in the form of docks, bulkheads and groins has hastened the erosion of our shores and limits public access to our shorelines. The accelerating rise in sea level confronting our hardened shoreline will result in the disappearance of salt marshes and intertidal zones. Episodes of storm surges launched from higher sea levels will cause destruction and financial hardship to public and private properties.

The Comprehensive Plan must include tangible actions that will strengthen and enforce septic codes, reduce road and farm run-off, decrease the use of agricultural and residential pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, prevent further shoreline hardening, and strengthen the wetlands code so it reflects current science. Finally, the Town must become a proactive partner in restoring regional fisheries. The plan must include mechanisms that limit or modify development in areas that are threatened by climate change and rising sea waters.

Limit/direct future residential development –Because Southold does have limited resources (especially clean, potable drinking water) and the community has agreed preserving farming and protecting our natural resources are priorities, build out should be substantially reduced from what is allowed under current zoning. In addition, rather than creating new subdivisions on AC lands, development should be limited to the Hamlet Centers, where opportunities for mixed housing, including work force housing, may be greater. Citizens have been skeptical of plans increasing Hamlet Density without a guarantee that the potential for an equal number of housing units would be extinguished elsewhere. This has led to the fear that sewers and public water in the hamlet centers (which may, in fact, prove better for the environment and for public health), would lead to increased development and would eventually extend into areas outside of the Hamlet (Halo) Zones.

The Comprehensive Plan must adopt mechanisms which will substantially decrease build out levels from what is allowed under current zoning. In addition, mechanisms must be in place to direct additional development to Hamlet/Halo areas while extinguishing a comparable amount of potential development elsewhere.

Encourage Development of Renewable Energy –The gulf coast disaster has revealed the real cost of continuing to rely on fossil fuels for energy. If we are to transition from carbon producing fuels and do our part to stem the tide of global climate change, reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources and become more self reliant, the Town must act proactively to promote this transition. This can be done in a number of ways including through tax incentives, more liberal laws in relation to wind and solar development (especially in AC land and SGAs) and Town Sponsored Renewable Energy projects.

The Comprehensive Plan must include mechanisms which will promote the development of renewable energy in a significant, local way.

Lower Southold’s Carbon Footprint–Our reliance on automobiles, our penchant for bigger and bigger homes and our clear-cutting of woodlands all contribute to global climate change.

The Comprehensive Plan must adopt “green building” standards that promote energy, water and resource conservation as well as requiring non-toxic building supplies, etc. Also, the town must adopt legislation that will reduce the square footage of new housing with legislation such as “pyramid laws”. In addition, the plan must include more stringent clearing and tree codes that reflect current science. Policies must be adopted that will promote pedestrian and bicycle traffic rather than cars, especially in our hamlets. The Town must work toward a regional transportation system which shifts from cars to light rail and bus.

Strengthen the Local Economy – The current economic trend in America – that wealth continues to flow to the affluent while middle and working class Americans find it harder to make ends meet – is a serious problem in our society. Southold is no exception to this socioeconomic malaise. Indeed, it is changing our community in ways that continue to rob our town of its special uniqueness. The exodus of working people and the young continues. Many young people want to stay in Southold but cannot survive here. We are a mostly senior community, and we risk becoming a community where only wealthy seniors and second homeowners can afford to live.

A recent demographic report (See Southold 2020 website) shows as of 2009 our population was 21,605. Of those 9,938 were employed. The retired population was 8,440 and those described as empty nesters numbered 3,231. (The report does not break out full time versus part time residents)

Tourism is main the economic engine for Southold, but if the economic downturn continues on for many years this could change. We must augment this by creating sustainable businesses that are not just tourist-dependent low-paying service jobs. We should seek new ways to create and sustain jobs through such things as tax incentives and encouraging the adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

We should explore creating a Sustainable Southold through obtaining federal and state sustainable community funding. See: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-131

Some ideas for sustainable businesses are: renewable energy research and development; green building retrofit and construction; marine science research, expanding aquaculture, creating a business incubator for entrepreneurs in Internet and technology-based businesses. A mentoring program could be set-up with retired seniors interested in sharing their expertise with young people. A survey could pinpoint town residents currently working from home in businesses in which workers can telecommute.

The city of Dubuque, Iowa committed to a sustainability, which it defined as “a community’s ability to meet the environmental, economic, and social equity needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” Its model has a three-part approach that addresses: environmental and ecological integrity, economic prosperity and social and cultural vibrancy. (See http://ia-dubuque.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=606 ) Although Dubuque is much larger than Southold, its programs are worth exploring for ideas we could implement in Southold.

The Comprehensive Plan must include mechanisms which promote a variety of sustainable job opportunities, thus ensuring Southold becomes a diverse community (good jobs for younger people) not one solely based on a tourist/service economy. Also, mechanisms must be adopted which ensure a meaningful amount of affordable housing stock.

Preserve Plum Island –Plum Island is both an ecologically diverse and historically significant island and must not be developed commercially or residentially. All environmental degradation and pollution resulting from the operation of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center must be remediated by the Federal Government before it vacates the island. Plum Island must be preserved as a National Wildlife Refuge as argued by the Preserve Plum Island Coalition. (http://www.preserveplumisland.org/)

The Comprehensive Plan must include zoning provisions preventing commercial or residential growth of Plum Island and facilitates the establishment of a National Wildlife Refuge which would encompass all or most of the island.

*Plans are good, but only if there is legislation to support the goals of the plan. In turn, there must be mechanisms in place to ensure that codes are enforced! The Town must dedicate the resources necessary to hire staff to accomplish efficient, fair enforcement, the cost of which could be offset by the levying of fines that truly fit the violation and are more than just the “cost of doing business” and can serve as an deterring example to those may be tempted to violate the Town Code.

Organic Farmer Looking for Volunteers

2009-06-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Gwynn and I met with Mark Ungar, a farmer working ten acres of land on Oregon Road in Mattituck. Propagating himself as example, His dream is to "get Long Island healthy", to spread his agricultural model from the North Fork throughout New York State

He is looking to build a cadre of volunteers--right now they are planting heirloom tomatoes--in return for a share of the harvest later on. These trained volunteers could also become an invaluable resource for other farmers.

We urge you to visit Mark and his group on the weekends--he is there from 10 am (he drives in from New Jersey), plant a few tomatoes, learn more about his operation and see how you can support his admirable project. They serve an excellent vegan lunch too!

More on his blog http://www.ny-natural-farm.blogspot.com/

Hazel Kahan

From the Ground Up: Building the East Marion Community Association

2009-04-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

by Ruth Ann Bramson

This article describes the creation of the East Marion Community Association and offers suggestions to others looking to establish their own community groups.

Community Need
In June 2007, a group of strangers met to discuss the ‘Oki-do’ (now Shizen) project proposed for the Oyster Farm property in East Marion. They decided that the residents of East Marion not only needed to oppose the out-of-scale Shizen development but also to monitor other issues of concern to the hamlet. This same group eventually became the founding board for the East Marion Community Association.

From its inception, the East Marion Community Association (EMCA) has had enthusiastic support and participation from local residents. The prospect of a large hotel spa operation being developed in our small community raised people’s awareness: We needed to organize in order to have an effective political voice. Other local issues were also on people’s minds in the spring of 2007. Many East Marion residents were alarmed by the news that the town was developing a plan to purchase land adjacent to the East Marion Post Office for a small commercial area and by the fact that they had been out of the process. In addition, there were persistent concerns about the increased residential development in East Marion in recent years, about the loss of farmland, about traffic, noise, illegal housing and other issues that were impacting on people’s quality of life.

We recognized a need for building a community. East Marion lacks a hamlet center and does not have many local organizations to bring people together. Many newcomers and part-timers found it difficult to get to know people and feel part of a community in East Marion. Lifelong residents and more recent arrivals had no place to meet and get to know one another.

Developing a Core Group
EMCA has been fortunate in its initial leadership team. The founding board members are a diverse, talented and committed group with backgrounds and skills that include expertise in local environmental issues, communications technology, layout and design, database management, community development, and organizational management. The original founding board has been augmented by additional members who bring special skills and provide links to parts of the community not represented on the original board. By making board meetings fun as well as productive and including food and time for socializing, board members have become not just colleagues but friends.

Developing future leadership for EMCA is an on-going process. We have four committees: government, action, history project, and membership. We identify leaders through one-on-one meetings designed to learn what is important to residents and how they might want to become involved.

Telling the Story
In engaging community members, we believe that it is important for each of us to have a chance to tell our stories. We use this storytelling approach in recruiting new leaders and members, in how we talk about EMCA and its goals, and in engaging participants in discussion topics at meetings. We think of this in terms of three fundamental stories: the ‘story of me,’ (sharing our individual stories about who we are and what is important to us,); the ‘story of us,’ (who we are as a community and as an organization, and who we want to be); and the ‘story of now’ (why it is important for people to be involved at this particular time in our community’s history).

The Importance of Structure
Critical to building a new organization is work on its structure. This includes establishing how the group makes decisions; meeting locations and times; legal status; funding; membership guidelines and dues; mission goals and objectives; and group dynamics. Creating this structure was a major effort during EMCA’s first year.

EMCA’s purpose and mission were developed by the membership through a process that gave everyone a chance to be heard. While there were several community members who in EMCA's earliest days advocated for an organization in which a small number of leaders could make decisions quickly and speak out freely on public issues, this sort of top-down decision making by a small number of people is not the way we chose to structure our community organization. We felt that people support the decisions they have a part in making, so at EMCA we are committed to reaching positions on issues through a participative process using consensus, whenever possible.

After deciding what kind of group we wanted to be and starting to accept dues we needed to take legal steps to formalize the organization. (It is difficult enough taking on Town Hall without complicating life by adding the IRS to our problems!) There are various ways to go about this: You can consult a how-to-incorporate handbook (available in many local libraries), borrow the bylaws from a similar group to use as a guideline, or consult an attorney. EMCA actually did all three.

How We Engage
Community change is best initiated when community members are in a room together. It is then that a shift in expectations is noticed and reinforced. We try to create the experience of belonging at meetings, by utilizing both small and large group discussions, by posing questions that engage people in discussing possibilities and their own power to initiate change, and by making it safe to express doubts and dissent.

We design hospitality into our meetings. We greet people personally and always provide delicious home-baked refreshments. Before diving into the agenda we often pose a connection question such as asking people to introduce themselves to someone whom they do not know in the room by describing an experience they have had with the issue being discussed at that particular meeting. Our February Cabin Fever Potluck Lunch and our August Ice Cream Social seem likely to become community traditions.

History as an Organizing Tool
We realized early on that very little attention has been paid to preserving East Marion’s rich history, which goes back to 1661. A priority for EMCA has been rediscovering a shared sense of our community’s history and rebuilding East Marion’s pride in its heritage and culture. It is our belief that local residents need to know about East Marion’s past as a maritime and farming community in order to feel passionate about preserving what is left of it. So far, we have hosted three gatherings to share old photos and artifacts from East Marion’s past and to hear people’s stories about the community. We are also collecting videotaped oral histories from long time residents.

Taking Action
EMCA is an action organization committed to advocating for the interests of East Marion with Southold Town officials and other governmental agencies. Fundamental to our approach is our Meeting Monitoring Team made up of members who observe all meetings of the Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Trustees and report back to the organization about any issues that may impact East Marion. They are our early warning system. The meeting monitors have also given East Marion a visibility in Town Hall that the community did not have in the past.

When it comes to taking action on issues we take several approaches. When an issue is of significant and lasting concern to our community we engage in a community education process and work toward a consensus. That is what we did in regard to the proposed Shizen project. We distributed fact sheets and over 70 members participated in a consensus meeting. On some issues where we do not have a compelling vested interest or firm position, we feel we can still be effective community advocates by having an EMCA representative appear before a governmental body to ask probing questions. That is what we did in regard to the proposed expansion at Plum Island. On other issues, such as the Oysterponds School budget, we provide background information to members and urge them to take whatever individual action they see fit.

Ms. Bramson is the president of the East Marion Civic Association.

Action Alert:Natural Resources Division Dropped

2009-02-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

by Anne Murray

The Town Board was set this week to vote on the establishment of the long-awaited Natural Resources Division – but a lack of support by three town board members meant the issue never even came to a vote.

The public has long sought a division to manage the town’s precious natural resources in a more efficient and science-based manner. We are very disappointed that the town cannot agree to enact such an important safeguard.

Board members Al Krupski, Bill Ruland and Vincent Orlando are opposed to the division, while Supervisor Scott Russell, Tom Wickham and Louisa Evans are in favor. The stalemate, after months of planning and discussion, led the disappointed supervisor to tell the board he would not bring up the issue again.

The proposed division within the planning department was discussed during many town board work sessions, and was the result of many months of work by principal planner Mark Terry and director of planning Heather Lanza.
"It's clear that the division of natural resources is a dead issue," Russell told the Suffolk Times. "I find it regrettable. The entire process turned out to be a monumental waste of time."
The Natural Resources Division was supposed to improve efficiency in application review by the various boards, such as the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Board and the Town Trustees, achieve greater continuity in the application processes, and establish a clear path of communication and accountability.

Although the measure was budget-neutral and would use existing staff, some board members said they feared the move might require civil service positions in the future.

If you agree that Southold needs a Natural Resources Division, you must act and make your voice heard to the town board members who are reluctant to establish this division. If enough voters pressure the town board they may revisit the issue;

Contact:

Scott Russell- 765-1889
Vincent Orlando - 369-4900 x 215
Bill Ruland - 298-9159
Tom Wickham - 734-6441
Al Krupski - 734-7841
Louisa Evans - 788-7054

A PRESENTATION BY CLEAN AIR NEW YORK

2009-01-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sponsored by The Riverhead Town Energy Advisory Committee

Riverhead Town Hall
Wednesday January 28th at 7:30 PM
The Public is Welcome to Attend

Clean Air NY is a dynamic collaboration of organizations and individuals in the New York metro area who are taking actions to improve our air quality. This initiative is sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation and Clean Air NY wants to help New Yorkers live better and breathe easier by improving the air quality.

Clean Air NY’s presentation explains the following:

Specific travel choices that every individual can make to help improve the air quality on AQAD and year round.
The causes of poor air quality in the New York metro area and the why we are working to improve it.
How the region’s poor air quality affects every New Yorker’s health, especially sensitive groups such as people with asthma, children, and the elderly.
Air Quality Action Days (AQAD) are days when the air quality is especially poor in the area and usually occur during the summer months.
When an individual, employer, or community organization joins the Clean Air NY network, they receive an e-mail or text message update the day before an AQAD.

For more information on Clean Air NY, please visit CleanAirNY.org. http://www.cleanairny.org/exthome.htm

HOW DO I GET RID OF MY OLD PC AND MONITOR THE RIGHT WAY?

2009-01-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

by Mark Haubner

As the subject of electronic recycling is very large, we're going to narrow this discussion to include Southold and Riverhead Towns' treatment of residential waste PCs and monitors. We will save our discussion of proper disposal of cell phones, TVs, microwaves, toner cartridges and batteries for a later time. Corporate electronic waste disposal also deserves a deeper look and we will search out the local businesses which are making an effort to make a difference by disposing of their many PCs and monitors properly.

It's 2009, and as far as electronic recycling is concerned, we're only slightly further ahead of where we were 15 years ago. A majority of American households now have more than one PC, and with ONE BILLION computers having been sold around the world by 2002 (Gartner Dataquest) and another BILLION at work today, each having an approximate lifespan of 3 years, they're turning to waste at a mind-boggling rate. We simply have to be much more conscientious about our disposal habits starting right now.

Keep in mind that 3-year-old PC may still be of some value to a non-profit organization of your choice—but by the time it reaches 5 years of age, it will be more of a liability than an asset to an organization. So let's focus on unusable PCs and the big, glass, CRT (glass screen) monitors that can’t even be used as boat anchors. Where do they all go? There are plenty of them going to the end of the driveway in residential settings, although many townships across the U.S. are working at un-curbing the flow going to the landfill.

Lead, heavy metals (selenium, chromium, etc.), silicon, PVC and a lot more are incorporated in the motherboard, power supply and various drives in a PC. If they are relegated to the landfill, the toxic metals leach out into the soil and find their way into the aquifer or run off into the bays, rivers or oceans.

When properly recycled, they are either shredded so that the components containing the desirable metals can be pulled out, or they are sent overseas (Pakistan, India, etc.) for people to unsolder the components by hand. (Some years ago these basic components--capacitors, transistors, etc.--were actually found being resold as new to computer manufacturers, leading to a lot of computer failures in the field and a high cost to the manufacturers in the way of customer service calls and parts replacements.)

If you have a Dell, HP, Gateway or Toshiba PC, their websites provide the following:

Dell: If you opt for the free recycling service upon purchasing a new Dell, they will take back ANY old PC and monitor. If you simply want to recycle a Dell PC for free, go to http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/recycling/en/product_recycle and follow the instructions.
HP: Go to https://h20212.www2.hp.com/recycle/ and you will find that they will take back ANY PC and/or monitor if you ship them at your expense.
Gateway: Go to http://gateway.eztradein.com/gateway/ to see how much they will offer for your old PC (but no CRT monitors) and to where to ship it at your expense
Toshiba: Has a tab on their homepage titled “Social Responsibility” which brings you to 50 more links to show their community efforts (old PC collection day, etc.) and actually suggests that we do an E-waste recycling event locally ourselves from time to time. For your own PC, go to http://explore.toshiba.com/innovation-lab/green and then find that this link redirects to http://toshiba.eztradein.com/toshiba, very much like the Gateway link.
Acer: No reference to any recycling in either the site or their search mechanism.

So what about a person who has the “worthless” 5-year-old PC and CRT (glass screen) monitor, can’t donate it, and doesn’t want to pay to ship it to New Hampshire but wants to dispose of it safely?

If you are a resident of Southold, you can take it to the Transfer Station (town dump).

According to the Town's Waste Management page: Electronic Waste (E-Waste) is now accepted at the Transfer Station daily during normal business hours. Residents may now dispose of their used computers, TVs, stereos, and other electronic trash safely on any regular business day, at no charge. This service is for Southold Town residents ONLY (proof of residency is required).

If you are a resident of Riverhead, you have two choices:

The Town of Riverhead has a S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) program during which times (May 30th and Oct 10th, 2009) they will take e-Waste.

If you don’t want to wait until spring you can and don’t mind making the trek to e-Solutions’ (Nick Gerbino, owner) facility at 200 Engineers Road in Hauppauge, they will take PCs and servers free of charge. They are charging only 20 cents per pound for monitors and TVs (about $6.00 for a 15” CRT) in order to maintain a viable commercial enterprise. Here they actually dismantle, shred, test and resell various parts (among other data destruction services) and are not part of the dumping of boatloads of junk on the Third World at all.

It’s hard being conscientious, but we also need to make sure that our elected officials and Town Departments are also working toward solving this huge waste problem at a grassroots level.

For a more in-depth look at this subject, see:

http://earth911.com/http://www.eiae.org/ the Electronic Industries Alliance's Consumer Education InitiativeeRecycle.org

http://www.nrc-recycle.org/ the NationalRecyclingCoalition

http://www.dec.ny.gov/ the New York State environmental agency

http://www.iaer.org/search/iaersearch.cfm the International Association of Electronics Recyclers

http://pages.ebay.com/rethink/ the Rethink Initiative effort

BUILDING A COMMUNITY ECONOMY

2009-01-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

by Hazel Kahan

This article first appeared as an op-ed in The Suffolk Times on Jan. 15, 2009; Reprinted by permission, Times/Review Newspapers Corp.

While the troubled national and global economy affects each Southolder in its own way, it also offers each one of us a role in sustaining our community.

My friends and I have been talking about the things we can do—or have done--to protect our community, regardless of how much we may have suffered (or gained?) in the financial downturn. We think of it as the new community economy, with some of the flavor of the underground economy but living firmly above ground, on home ground.

The unyielding torrent of dire information about the shrinking economy creates in us feelings of scarcity and pessimism, leading us to retreat, to keep ourselves to ourselves, to be less generous and outgoing.

But we don’t have to be like that.

Instead, we can change the lens through which we see things. What money things can we do without money? What if we look at money not as something for hoarding or buying but instead as a form of renewable energy, self-produced and transformative? What, to paraphrase Frosty the Snowman, can we do to let it flow, let it flow, let it flow?

My friends and I found that if we could replace our feelings of scarcity with sufficiency, we could start believing that we actually have enough. We find that our perspective changes once we shift from hoarding to sharing and once we discard the idea of life as a zero sum game in which I can only win if you lose and that your gain must mean my loss.

Here are some of the ways we are trying to build a community economy:

1. Spending as much of our money right here where we live. Almost everything we need is available right here and, if it’s not, maybe we can do without it. And if it’s not exactly what we were looking for, so what? And, of course, we can find things here we couldn’t find anywhere else—and not just in the summer!

2. We take an hour or two to visit locally-owned retailers, dropping in for a chat and finding out how they’re doing or buying something from them, even if we don’t actually need it right then. We can always tuck it away as a gift for later.

3. As factors in local businesses’ cash flow, we try to pay our bills on time, if we can. This helps them which helps us keep our community stable.

4. We raise the question to local fuel companies that have customers on locked-in rates: do you really have to insist on that agreement? What might you gain by reducing your customer-neighbors’ anxiety?

5. If we’re not feeling as financially stressed as a friend or neighbor, we consider asking if we could pay them to do a chore we might otherwise do ourselves. Encouraging money flow through our community will help us all.

6. We look to see what goods and services we can barter with each other. For example, I’ll cut your hair if you help me carry my stuff out of my basement to the dump. Time and energy replace money in the community economy.

7. We’ve thought of buying space in our local media when we have something to announce or celebrate. A weakened media would greatly affect the sustainability of our community.

8. If by good fortune or business sense one of us is presented with a lucrative project, we ask ourselves if we could share some of the work with a less fortunate friend or neighbor. This way more of the ‘lucre’ will flow through more lives. This can’t be a bad thing.

Contributing to Southold’s sustainability by recognizing and building the community economy will, of course, yes, save gas but, more significantly, will help preserve the quality of our town. We look at Riverhead and Patchogue and see how difficult it is to revitalize towns that forgot their people.

Finally, a community economy directly caters to our self-interest by protecting our investments in our own houses. One of us asks: “Who wants to buy a house in a community that looks like a ghost town?”

THE HERITAGE –A HEALTH ISSUE FOR THE HAMLET

2009-01-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

by Howard Meinke

Across the street from the Cutchogue Post Office is a site of great controversy. Forty-six acres of open land has been proposed for development of an over-55 condominium community known as The Heritage, consisting of 139 units -- each with over 2000 square feet living space plus a swimming pool, clubhouse and various amenities. This project is in an HD (hamlet density) zone, which allows one residence per quarter-acre, and it requires either public water or a sewage disposal system.

Since the SCWA (Suffolk County Water Authority) water map does not show public water at this location it is up to the town to request water if they think it is the best solution. The project’s developer can supply a private sewage plant in the absence of public water.

The surrounding residents are concerned about drastic traffic increases and the likelihood of subsurface pollution contaminating their private wells as well as nearby Wickham’s creek.

The rational for approval of this project by the Suffolk County Health Department (SCHD) is questionable. SCHD has assumed public water to be available. This may or may not come to pass. An argument for tighter scrutiny and realistic regulation appears below.

According to the Environmental Assessment Review of the plan for The Heritage of March 30, 2007, the maximum allowable sewage discharge for this property (if handled by individual septic systems) is 22,625 gallons per day. The original 150-unit proposal for The Heritage discharged just a small bit over the 22,625 gallons allowed and a Chromaglass sewage treatment system was proposed.

The current plan, which calls for 139 units, discharges 21,615 gallons, a very small amount under the maximum limit, and no treatment plant is required. This plan is based on the theory that retirement housing only produces 150 gallons of flow per day while standard housing produces 300 gallons.

Then in July, 2008 the SCHD regulations were changed so that:

Residential units less than 600 sq. ft. produce 100 gallons
Residential units 600 to 1200 sq. ft. produce 150 gallons
Residential units over 1200 sq. ft. produce 300 gallons

The Heritage residences are currently designed to be well over 2,000 sq. ft. per unit.

If you apply the July regulations to the current project;
139 units at 300 gallons - - - 41,700 gallons
Obviously Sewage treatment is required.

The project could support 74 units at the 300 gallon criterion without the necessity of on site sewage treatment.

Obviously, the sewage flow criteria listed above were developed by SCHD in order to protect public health and environmental health. Therefore, as our knowledge is increasing over time it is clear that as new refined regulations are developed, they should immediately be put into effect.

We believe that it is logical to conclude that over time the discharge of maximum levels of concentrated waste could well migrate downstream in the subsurface flow of ground water and pollute wells and pristine water bodies. Previous testimony about the pollution of the Forge River in Brookhaven is case in point. Why risk repeating this disaster?

There are many instances of foreign material in our Southold well water and subsurface water. Fertilizers and pesticides come to mind as does Temik.

Erring on the side of health and the environment is obviously the right direction to go. Our natural assets, like the underground aquifer are easy to pollute and difficult to fix.

Requiring a private sewage treatment for these high density discharge situations should be a “no brainer.” Another alternative would be to allow only the safe, lower density development.

It was suggested at the Town Board meeting on November 5, 2008 that a consultant, an expert in subsurface water flows, the migration of in-ground pollution and etc. might be able to add weight to these ideas. The SEQRA report, financed by the developer, is to be required to include a consultant’s investigation into this problem. The Board members discussed what they see as a pro development, pro public water, and pro sewer plant mentality at the SCHD.

This all gets very complicated as we try to sort out the best mix of development for the HD and HB zones, balancing the ability to achieve affordable housing with economic practicality, human health protection, environmental sensitivity and respect for our Southold’s rural character.

This debate is still raging.

We urge you to attend the Planning Board and Town Board meetings and make your voice heard on this issue. Meeting dates, times and agendas can be found on the town website at http://southoldtown.northfork.net/index.htm

Peak Oil Seminar This Wednesday

2008-11-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited to join the Southold Town Renewable Energy Committee Wednesday,

November 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Southold Town Hall

The Southold Town Renewable Energy Committee, Hosted by Izzy Doroski, is presenting a seminar on “Peak Oil.”

This is a community awareness lecture on the growing problem of world oil depletion known as Peak Oil. Learn how Peak Oil is causing economic problems in our lives and what measures we can take to mitigate this coming dilemma. Peak Oil is the term that refers to the fact oil production in the world will reach a maxim point of production and then go into an irreversible decline.

It is apparent the world oil reached a peak in oil production in May of 2005 and is now in decline. When you see the gas price rise over $4/gallon you are seeing the beginning stages of Peak Oil. Energy prices will continue to increase and shortages will eventually appear. The lecture will discuss all aspects of Peak Oil, what our society must do to mitigate this dilemma and what you should do to prepare for it.

This lecture is presented by Isidore Doroski of Riverhead, NY. Mr. Doroski is a member on the Riverhead Town Energy Advisory Committee and holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and has been employed by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services for more than 28 years.
Mr. Doroski's goal is to educate everyone on the subject of Peak Oil and motivate people to be part of the solution to this problem. This presentation is appropriate for everyone, including residents, business owners, contractors, architects, environmentalists, civic leaders and Legislators.
We hope to see you at this very informative seminar!

Marie Domenici, Chairwoman
Southold Town Renewable Energy Committee - 516-510-7873

The "Master Plan" Story – A New and Urgent Chapter

2008-09-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

By Howard Meinke

Supervisor Scott Russell is forecasting a budget for next year that is markedly higher than this year. You know the insanity that accompanies a budget increase, “Cut, Cut, Cut” regardless of logic is always the mantra. To ensure that a Comprehensive Master Plan survives this budget insanity we must rally behind it!

Russell has put a Master Plan proposal from former town planner Valerie Scopaz, reported to be $70,000, in the budget. In addition, Heather Lanza, the current director of planning, is submitting a manpower budget and a subcontract budget for a Master Plan to the supervisor. We don't know with any certainty how this information appears in the budget.

What we do know is that there is a budget hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd at 3 pm at Town Hall. There is another hearing on Thursday, October 9th at 3 pm at the Town Hall annex. Southold citizens must be there to support a Master Plan and to hammer on the urgency of doing it before the economy inflates again. We can also make the point that there is room in the planning board agenda now to do a good part of this work with current town employees and that we should be able to squeeze prices for any outside work.

This is extremely important. Please attend, we need bodies at the hearing and cogent comments to insure a good result.

Public Comment Needed on the Ferry Fouling Our Waters

2008-09-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

EPA Establishing Regulations for Vessel Discharge - Public Comments Needed

By Keri Christ

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of establishing regulations for waste discharges from marine vessels, including large ferries. This is significant because Cross Sound Ferry (CSF) has been operating in and discharging effluent into the waters off our coasts for over 30 years and is subject to these regulations.

It is imperative that comments be submitted by North Fork residents and environmental organizations as soon as possible. Although the comment period closed on August 1, 2008, this week I spoke with Ryan Albert at the EPA, who agreed to accept and read my late comments. He advised that although EPA will not formally respond to our comments, he will read them and we still have the chance to affect management decisions.

Here is how to submit comments:

1. Make sure comments include the following identification:
Docket ID No. EPA HQ OWN 2008 0055 for the VIPS

2. Go to http://www.regulationsgov/ and follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.

3. In addition, email your comments to Ryan Albert (202.564.0763)at
CommercialVesselPermit@epa.gov . Ryan Albert, EPA Headquarters, Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management, Mail Code 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460

BACKGROUND

In June 2008, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision in a lawsuit initiated by Northwest Environmental Advocates which revoked a 30-year year exemption of "incidental discharges from vessels" from NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination Permits) required under the Clean Water Act. In July, following on the heels of the court's decision, two pieces of legislation were quickly passed exempting vessels less than 79 feet in length and recreational vessels. However, vessels greater than or equal to 79 feet are subject to the regulations. All eight of CSF vessels are larger than 79 feet in length and are covered by the regulations. CSF also owns tugs that will be covered.

In July, EPA issued a "proposed vessel general permit" and solicited public comments which were to be submitted by August 1, 2008. A public hearing was also held in Washington DC.

The EPA has published a Factsheet about the permit.

Those interested in submitting comments should review the comments made by Northwest Environmental Advocates, as well those submitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Protection (NYSDEC) and perhaps most importantly, those submitted by Cross Sound Ferry principles John Wronowski and Adam Wronowski.

The EPA has identified 28 different kinds of discharges that are to be regulated. As of the new deadline December 19, 2008, CSF will be required to obtain NPDES vessel general permits from EPA for these discharges and limit and report them pursuant to EPA regulations. They will also be required to educate crew members and the public about discharges as the regulations stand now.

I have not yet completed review of all of the documents/pertinent comments, but here are some thoughts on the points which need to be raised:

· Why weren’t the Orient State Park National Natural Monument and the Long Island Sound and Peconic Estuary which are presumably "federally protected in whole or in part for conservation purposes" included in Section 12 of the proposed general permit?

According to Ryan Albert, the EPA's contractor consulted lists of protected areas, but some may have been overlooked and only those areas which are well-defined were included.

We should urge the EPA to include the Long Island Sound and Peconic Estuary as well as Orient's national natural landmark in the Part 12 lists. We will have to submit implementing legislation/designation information to demonstrate federal protection of our waters and national natural landmark (NNL). I have the NNL designation information and will request this in my comments.

Mr. John Wronowski’s comments claim no environmental benefits to be gained and it is impossible for CSF vessels to acquire invasive species because they "operate in interconnected Lakes, Bays and Sounds", and do not operate in any waters included in Part 12, re: underwater ship husbandry.

· Support arguments and facts in the Northwest Environmental Advocates comments about large ferries; for the need for technology and water quality-based effluent limits, and more specific information regarding fleet vessels regulated under the permit -e.g. age, existing methods for handling waste etc., support large ferry oily water separators, same requirements re: gray water for ferries as for cruise ships, reporting of estimated volumes of gray water etc.

East Marion Hopes to Defeat Developer -- Spa is Not Sustainable

2008-09-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

By Anne Murray

A proposed upscale holistic spa set for Shipyard Lane in the tiny hamlet of East Marion moved another step forward recently when the developer submitted a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) on the project to the Southold Town Planning Board.

(rendering of proposed spa - beach view)

The East Marion Community Association met last week in order to organize opposition to this massive project – which calls for 28 buildings at the former oyster factory site on Gardiner’s Bay. The property, at the end of quiet, residential Shipyard Lane is slated to become the Shizen Hotel Wellness Center & Spa.

The developer envisions attracting wealthy clients to the exclusive spa, which will be gated and private and contain a pond, gardens and many other amenities. The community foresees the end of our quality of life, with the construction of a private marina and the arrival of a 114-unit transient motel, with a 72-seat restaurant, a 99-seat cafeteria, a 10-seat bar and their associate traffic. The developer proposes widening the Main Road and the addition of a traffic light in East Marion. The plan also calls for 189 parking spaces at the site, with 111 of these located in an underground garage. Only two acres of the 18.27 acre site will be left as open space - not open to the public -- just undeveloped.

We feel the spa is unsustainable and does not make sense for this community. If it goes forward, it will forever change not only the rural character of East Marion, but the town of Southold and the entire North Fork. You can view the developer’s proposal at the East Marion Community Association’s web site: http://www.emca.us/index.html If you would like to help us in our effort contact us here: board@emca.us

(rendering of proposed spa - street view - right)

Starting a Southold Food Co-operative: Sustainable and Money Saving

2008-09-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

By Heather Cusack

A group of people in Southold met recently to discuss the creation and opening of a Southold Food Co-operative with a storefront in Southold. The idea came up because the long time health food store business on the Main Road (Natural Choice) closed down.

Many people on the North Fork do have their own mini co-ops of a few families who order natural foods directly from United Northeast Food distributors; a truck arrives at their houses once per month delivering bulk and cases of food. Also, as we live in a farming and sea area much of our food comes from our own gardens, farms, and fishing/harvesting from the sea.

What is a food co-op and why would that be a good thing to have here in Southold? A food co-op is a non profit organization, organized with a board of directors, volunteer labor, and some paid staff. The food prices are low as there is no profit, and costs are the rent for the space, utilities, and any paid labor. Food co-ops exist all over our country and provide everything and more than a supermarket.

The current group did the legal work to form a not for profit, but were unable to get enough members to commit to renting the space the Natural Choice had, so the idea is in limbo now; but still it is a viable possibility! The best way to get started would be to use a space where there are very little costs; possibly a barn or garage or other space that is empty; to receive the bulk orders from the truck. People can meet to pick up what they order, and then eventually set up shelves, refrigeration, etc and sell to the public at a marked up price that would cover any expenses.

What can you get from a co-op? Items such as organic fruits and vegetables, grains, and beans, nuts, cereals, baking supplies, frozen and convenience foods, and all the other things that the group wants to stock, from toilet paper, to light bulbs, to shampoo would be available.

I recently went to an awesome, beautiful co-op in Bozeman, Montana while out there to visit Yellowstone National Park. Bozeman is a college town, which helps with the support of a co-op. Co-op members work 2 hours per week for a discount on food. The co-op there was huge, like a big Whole Foods market. The store was totally powered by solar panels on the roof; it had fresh baked breads and a deli full of delicious organic foods, soups, salads, and dinners of all kinds. It also had bins of bulk foods, nuts, grains, granolas, etc.

How is a food co-op a more environmentally sound way to buy food than a supermarket? The food is mostly in a bulk form so there is less or no packaging; members bring their own jars and bags for refilling. Co-ops can also carry the packaged health food, but that stuff is more expensive. The least expensive and most nutritious are whole foods: oats, flours, pastas, raisin, nuts etc., which the Co-op can buy in ten or twenty-five or one hundred-pound containers, and members can purchase these items by the pound. I was in a food co-op for many years in Rhode Island; it was great to go there and refill everything from empty shampoo and dish soap containers, to jars for beans and grains.

Is there enough interest in Southold to start a food co-op? I think so; it will take some education and commitment from a group of 10-20 people to get it going. Are you interested? If yes, email me or call me for more information: Heather Cusack-765-3301 or
hcusack@suffolk.lib.ny.us .

Cleaning Up a CFL Bulb Breakage

2008-09-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

by Marie Domenici

We now live in an age when everyone is becoming energy conscious, investing in alternative energy solutions such as solar, wind, geothermal. People are seeking a quick reduction in energy consumption by changing from conventional light bulbs to CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs. But very few of the people I have spoken with know what to do in the event a CFL bulb breaks. DO NOT clean it up as you would a conventional bulb or standard broken glass. CFL contain Mercury!

Go to LIPA's website http://www.lipower.org/efficiency/lighting_cflqa2.htm to learn how to safely clean up a broken CFL bulb and share this information with everyone you know.

2008 Innovation and Design Awards Program

2008-09-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

Fowarded by Glynis Berry, AIA, LEED AP

You could be eligible! We urge you to visit the site of the Long Island Chapter of the US Green Building Council. Please pass on this information to anybody who might qualify.

http://chapters.usgbc.org/longisland/competition.html

Submission deadline is October 3.

The Long Island Chapter of the U. S. Green Building Council is pleased to announce its first awards program for green building, sustainable communities and municipal leadership!Our aim is to increase awareness of green building, share successful solutions and recognize local efforts. A wide range of projects and programs are eligible for application, from buildings to interiors, product innovation and municipal programs to regulation.

Join us for a film and discussion

2008-09-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Escape from Suburbia:
Beyond the American Dream

A film by Gregory Greene

Thursday, September 18, 7:30 PM
Peconic Landing Auditorium
Greenport, New York
Click here for directions

Saturday, September 20, 7:30PM
Mattituck Presbyterian Church
Mattituck, New York
Click here for directions

For more info about the film, please visit
http://escapefromsuburbia.com/

INTERVIEW WITH GLYNIS BERRY, AIA, LEED AP, Green Architect

2008-09-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

By Hazel Kahan

SS: What makes a green architect different from other architects?

Theoretically, there should be no difference, but in fact there can be. Being green requires sensitivity to environmental concerns, at both the micro level—to the immediate context of the building—and at the macro level-- to the state of the wider environment.

Green architects who have LEED AP after their names are architects who took the time and effort to become acquainted with the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) green rating system, called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and who passed an exam on the subject.

LEED is a measurable rating system that is also informed by grass roots experience, and is constantly evolving. More information about both is available at http://www.usgbc.org/

SS: What will it take to turn Southold building codes green?

The easiest way would be to adopt Standard 189p when it is released next year for all buildings except low-rise residential buildings. This is a baseline standard for high-performance buildings devised by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers-http://www.ashrae.org/),), USGBC and the IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America—http://www.iesna.org/)

For homes, the Energy Star, LEED for Homes, or any other green, home-building, rating system either could be referenced or used to inform the Town's own version. Many municipalities across the country have adopted approaches that combine levels of compliance and verification. Some introduce innovative programs that further a green agenda. For instance, Aspen, Colorado assigns an energy budget to a home. If the building size or use exceeds this budget, that house must either provide the additional energy using renewable sources or contribute to a fund that advances renewable energy. Then the income generated by that fund could pay for the placement of renewables on schools and low-income housing, or even pay for the construction of wind farms.

Locally, Babylon, NY (http://www.townofbabylon.com/whatsnew.cfm?id=252) has just introduced a program for existing homes that is gaining close scrutiny across the country. Southampton just introduced a bill requiring larger homes to meet more stringent energy criteria.

SS: What steps does Southold have to take to join the ranks of these communities?
To be successful, it is important that a town staff member be the point source for supervising the project and educating both staff and the public regarding the program.

This staff member can be an existing person who should be trained and accredited with the USGBC. The more the Town is committed, the better it is: the “green” coordinator could be within an existing department, such as the building or planning department, in an independent office, or supervised by a Deputy Supervisor directly.

The coordination and communication among departments is critical: by its nature, a green program is interdisciplinary in approach, so there needs to be a willingness for all sections of government to work together. In the final analysis however, people are applying to the building department, so it makes sense to start there. It is also crucial that the Town’s facilities be green and this could be approached from several angles. The origin of focus for green programs varies between municipalities. For example, Austin started with energy conservation, Chicago with beautification, including tree plantings and green roofs, Scottsdale with water and waste management, Arlington County with smart growth concepts and land preservation. Ultimately all evolve to an integrated approach incorporating efficient building design. Some locations, such as Cascadia, Oregon, are challenging builders to develop structures that are regenerative. These man-made environments generate more energy and materials than they consume.

An advisory committee with public input also helps. People assume that a green building costs more. It can, but pay back periods could be assessed for each regulatory item, with the program only requiring actions with limited payback periods, thus advocating fiscal responsibility. Most rating systems offer choices, so that each applicant can pick and choose which applications are meaningful for the project. Governments can either incentivize green building programs or require them. Many municipalities start with a voluntary program and gradually adopt a regulatory structure.

SS: Is Southold undertaking any Babylon-like initiatives right now?

Southold has introduced legislation to allow the construction of windmills on farmland. The preservation of land outside hamlet areas could also be viewed as an important first step to a comprehensive program.

Southold could also look at zoning, regulations and operations to further green agendas. Some of its programs are already sympathetic to this view. But a more comprehensive plan coupled with will and vision could forward a greener agenda. Southold, with its sensitive environmental conditions, should be taking the lead on the development of sustainable communities.

SS: Where should the impetus for a greener Southold come from—the town, the builders or the residents?

It could and should come from all three. For government, leadership means not only reflecting its citizens’ needs but also educating them. The communities I’ve spoken to all advocated education as a key component in their planning process. Some communities had a probationary period for green building programs so that people went through the process, using the experience as both a teaching tool and a way to understand the impacts and tweak programs. With education, people come to realize that the payback period is actually more reasonable than they first thought and the benefits can include unexpected results, such as employee satisfaction.

SS: What is the most frustrating part of being a green architect? What is the greatest barrier to a greener Southold?

People are afraid of two things: increased cost and losing control of their property. They don’t realize that buildings contribute more CO2 emissions to the environment than cars do.

It takes will from the government and will from the people.

Perhaps we could put our suggestions before the board and vote on it. We have an Energy Committee, which has held informative sessions and introduced legislation on wind turbines, so maybe they could become more proactive regarding efficient building practices.

We should be asking: what’s next?

SS: Thank you, Glynis. We look forward to your ongoing participation with Sustainable Southold, the blog and the community. How can our readers contact you?

Yes, I’ll be happy to share what I know. I live here too!
glynis@studioabarchitects.com

Proposed Plastic Bag Ban Update

2008-09-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

By Anne Murray

The public hearing yesterday on the plastic bag ban at the Suffolk County Legislature was recessed. At the next meeting of the legislature members can either close the hearing or recess it again. Once it is closed, it goes back to committee and the proposal must be passed out of committee in order for further action to take place. If it passes out of committee it then goes to the full legislature for a vote. It looks like it will be some time before we know the fate of the legislation.

Meanwhile, grocery and plastics businesses spoke out yesterday against the proposal. You can read the
Newsday story here: http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/longisland/ny-posuff175846185sep17,0,526780.story

Stay tuned, Sustainable Southold will be speaking local businesses to get their opinions on the proposal and we will post their reactions.

Suffolk Takes a Sustainable Step -- Holds Hearing Tomorrow on Banning Plastic Bags

2008-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

By Gwynn Schroeder

The Suffolk County Legislature will hold a public hearing tomorrow (Tuesday, September 16) on I.R. 1791 – A Local Law prohibiting the distribution of plastic carryout bags by retail stores. The proposed law simply states: “No retail store, located and doing business within the County of Suffolk shall sell, give or provide plastic carryout bags to consumers.”

This is a major step in the right direction towards sustainability and we hope you will take a few moments to comment.

Written comments must be received no later than 1 PM tomorrow and can be sent to William.Lindsay@co.suffolk.ny.us . The hearing will be held at the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislature Bldg., 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge. The Legislature will begin public hearings at 2:30 PM.

You can also write to Southold's representative, Edward Romaine, to encourage him to vote in favor of the legislation at edward.romaine@suffolkcountyny.gov .

In addition, hearings will be held on the following proposed laws that may be of interest to our readers:
I.R. 1673 – A Local Law to establish a minimum altitude for operations of helicopters.
I.R. 1769 – A Local Law to provide parking for “Clean Pass” vehicles at County facilities

To read the proposed legislation in its entirety or to view the Agenda for tomorrow’s meeting, visit the legislature’s website at http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/legis/ . Click on Online Documents/Agendas and Packets of Resolutions/September 16.

A Comprehensive Plan Will Help Achieve Sustainability

2008-09-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

By Howard Meinke

As we contemplate all the twists and turns that the discussion of sustainability takes it becomes apparent that we need to have a mental picture of the “ultimate Southold” so that we can look at it through the lens of sustainability. Here we look at what we see as the best and most rewarding future for Southold.

Imagine Southold as a permanent retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Second homes, vacationing, wine tours, farm stand shopping, beach time, golf time, fishing, boating, art, culture and general relaxing as a prime product of Southold. We are close to the homes of millions of people who need the therapy that Southold provides. In today’s economic situation the minimal drive time and resource use to get here is important.

To preserve Southold in a sustainable way and to continue to meet this need will not be easy. We will need to preserve open spaces, the views of farm and bay, the working farms, the vineyards, the open access to bays, creeks and the Sound. We must keep the small town feel of the hamlets and support local business and our people while fighting off big chain stores and the infectious “shopping mall fever”.

Local agriculture is especially important. With rising shipping costs and the environmental damage from long distance diesel trucking; buying local is a strong advantage.

Over all population pressure and congestion brought on by uncontrolled development is the elephant in the room. It is generally true that the evils of overdevelopment are unstoppable by the time the building outcry gets attention. Control of growth with an eye to this greater purpose is another plus for sustainability.

The Comprehensive Master Plan, when written with the required input of the citizens and then supported by the necessary legislation is the strongest weapon that we have to maintain the Southold described above. If we follow the dictates of “the plan” we can preserve the Southold that we want while supporting the goal of sustainability.

Now, in a time of low economic activity is when “the plan” should be executed. When building and developing come roaring back to Southold it will be too late for legislation and we citizens will suffer the personal loss of Southold as well as the environmental loss. We can not let this happen.

The Story of Stuff

2008-09-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

by Gwynn Schroeder

This 20-minute film dramatically shows the impact of the all “stuff” we buy, consume and eventually throw out. From extraction of resources to disposal of “obsolete” products, this film demonstrates in simple yet powerful terms the disastrous effects this process has on workers, our health and our environment. It is well worth the investment of time and we enthusiastically recommend it to all our readers. Click here to watch the film or go to http://www.storyofstuff.com/ .

Light Pollution ABCs

2008-09-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

Information is provided by Susan Harder, resident of NYC and East Hampton. She is the Director of the NY State International Dark Sky Association and has been a “dark sky” advocate, working on the issue of night lighting, for eight years. She has helped enact local lighting laws for Suffolk County, Southampton, East Hampton Town and Village, Brookhaven, and Riverhead. She is currently working with Southold’s Renewable Energy Committee to develop a comprehensive lighting law for Southold that will address glare, light trespass, sky glow, and energy waste that is associated with night lighting.

LIGHT POLLUTION occurs when outdoor lighting is misdirected, misplaced, unshielded, excessive or unnecessary. As a result, light spills unnecessarily upward and outward, causing glare, light trespass, and a nighttime urban “sky glow” overhead, indicating wasted energy and obscuring the stars overhead.

THE SOLUTION:
Direct your outdoor lights toward the ground and turn them off when not in use. Install shielded fixtures or light bulbs that direct the light only where you need it, adjusting the wattage necessary for the task.

Stand on your property lines and check for light trespassing onto your neighbors’ property. When away, put indoor lamps on timers for security purposes or use an alarm. Outdoor lighting alone will not provide protection from theft, graffiti, or vandalism.

Find out about your local and state outdoor lighting codes. Ask your neighbors to do the same.

Write, call or email your state and local elected officials, urging them to strengthen and enforce outdoor lighting codes and to require businesses, schools, institutions, municipalities, and individuals to comply.
Ask your neighbors to do the same.

WHY?
Energy conservation through sensible lighting practices means less dollars spent on expensive electricity, and less pollution in generating that energy, primarily by burning fossil fuels.

Bare bulbs cause glare, interfering with night vision, especially for older drivers. Maritime navigators are blinded by off-shore glare which interferes with navigational markers.

The night is full of birds, animals, and fish whose habitats are negatively affected by artificial light. There is evidence that light at night is a health risk for humans, both for sleep deprivation and reduction in tumor suppressing melatonin.

Our stars are a natural resource. For generations before us and after us, with your help, the night sky can remain a source of inspiration, information, and contemplation.
Light Pollution can be eliminated without sacrifice.

For More Information please visit The Dark Sky Society.

CSAs Contribute to Southold’s Sustainability

2008-09-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

By Hazel Kahan, Mattituck

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a way for people to buy locally grown, organic vegetables directly from a local farmer and for farmers to sell their crops before they plant them.

CSA is sustainable because it is a subscription that creates a relationship between farmers and members, provides high quality, organic produce with a greatly reduced carbon footprint and eliminates some of the risk in small-scale farming. Because local residents are paying for their produce in advance, before the growing season starts, farmers can plan their planting and buy seed and fertilizers, knowing that a certain proportion is pre-sold, already “booked” in advance.

Local residents buy shares in the farmer’s produce, receiving weekly boxes of a variety of somewhere between six and ten different seasonal vegetables, in quantities sized appropriately for a single person to a larger family.

For more about CSA, please visit the Land Stewardship Project.

Three organic farms on the North Fork offer CSA memberships to local residents. The first of these CSA programs was started by Golden Earthworm, located in Jamesport. In this, their seventh official CSA year, in addition to the full 26-week membership, they are also offering a 12-week autumn share and, for the first time, a fruit share in collaboration with Briermere Farms. CSA has been such a successful venture for Golden Earthworm --“We sold out earlier than in past years,” says Maggie Wood -- that they have turned their farm “into a CSA farm almost exclusively. We grow for our members.” says Maggie Wood, who runs the farm with her husband Jim Russo and Matthew Kurek.

Garden of Eve, located on Sound Avenue in Aquebogue, is in its fifth year as a CSA farm said Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht who runs the farm with her husband, Christopher: “CSA members are the most important thing helping to keep local organic farms successful and sustainable.” This year Garden of Eve gave all their Riverhead members a cookbook specifically developed for CSA members “so they would know what all the unusual vegetables look like and what to do with them.” Garden of Eve offers a winter share consisting of fresh organic greens grown in solar tunnels, stored root vegetables, squash and fresh farm eggs.

Sang Lee Farms located on Sound Avenue in Cutchogue, offers partial and full shares as do the other farms. Their web site describes: “an actual mid Summer CSA box from August 15, 2007, Week # 12 , was: 1 bu. Mixed radishes, 1 8oz. bag of mesclun, several heads of Shang Hai Baby Bok Choy, 1 Green Boston head lettuce, 1 Red Leaf lettuce head, 1 Yellow Doll personal sized watermelon, 3 pcs. mixed eggplants, 1 bu. Italian Parsley, 1 ctn. Orange Sungold & Red Cherry Tomatoes, and 2 Heirloom tomatoes- Orange Blossum and Yellow Beefsteak.”

A fourth small farm is just getting into the CSA world. KK and Ira Haspel on Route 25 in Southold offer a “gourmet CSA”, for which orders can be placed as late as the night before the produce is needed. This is not a membership relationship but a custom, short order convenience that is based on what is available at the farm. “It helps me know in the morning how much of what I have to go out to pick in the morning,” says KK. Although this arrangement requires no upfront financial commitment from the customer, “I just ask that hopefully they buy from me every week they are around.” She hopes to repeat this version of CSA next year but may ask for a small amount of initial credit against which payments can be deducted. “This would help in the spring with all the set-up costs, when more money is going out then coming in.” For more information, KK can be reached on her cell phone 516-398-8731.

Since the content of CSA boxes depends on what is ready to pick in the farms’ fields and greenhouses, becoming a CSA member includes a built-in surprise each week.

Sustainable Southold encourages you to learn more about community-supported agriculture and to visit each of our neighborhood farms to see how you and the farmers can jointly engage in making Southold more sustainable.

One Fish, Two Fish, Blow Fish, Blue Fish?

2008-09-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stand in the fish market and wonder which seafood is safe to eat, or whether to buy farmed, wild or local fish? What species are being over fished and which seafood should be avoided because catching methods cause environmental damage? The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a great guide on their website that can help answer these questions. You can search by region, in our case the Northeast, or by specific fish. There is also a printable version that comes in handy when eating out or traveling.

Energy and our Lives

2008-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

by Izzy Doroski

Everyday when you wake up you enter a world of energy dependence. You may not think about it but your whole world revolves around energy production and consumption. You are a macromolecular machine that must consume energy to survive and be productive in this world. You may be surprised to learn that just as your car consumes hydrocarbons to produce energy you too consume hydrocarbons to give you energy. The hydrocarbons are different but they do have many similarities to each other.

Hydrocarbons are short to long chains of carbon atoms atomically bonded together that also have hydrogen atoms bonded on each of the carbon atoms in the molecular chains. The hydrocarbons that we eat (and enjoy) that give us energy include sugars, starches, proteins and fats. Each day a normal person doing moderate activity uses about 3000 Calories of food energy. One food Calorie (1 kcal or 1,000 calories) is the amount of digestively available food energy (heat) that will raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius. This is equal to 12000 BTUs of energy or 3.5 Kilowatt-hours of power or 145.4 watts/hr. This is a remarkable finding that 3000 Calories of food energy provides you with 3.5 Kilowatt-hours of power from food to power you throughout your entire 24 hour day. You are probably saying WOW. This is so because your body contains mitochondria within our cells that are the powerhouses of the body that convert the consumed hydrocarbons into available energy for you to function throughout the day.

A mitochondria powered human system is an extremely efficient system of producing energy. And this is the energy that has powered the human race up until the discovery of alternate sources of energy for the development of our society. It is estimated by anthropologists that the first use of fire was by ancient hominid species (prehumans) about 1.5 million years ago in South Africa. Our ancestors used wood, plant cellulose and dung to create fire for cooking, lighting and heating up until the first uses of oil which was probably in the form of plant & animal oils.

Within the last 2000 years the discovery of “rock oil” (petroleum), natural gas and coal was a turning point in human history. The amount of energy that could be produced from natural gas, coal and oil provided society with a quantum leap in industrial and agricultural development. This separated energy production from agricultural production and provided a fast track to modern development that you see today. This also created the negative effects of the exponential growth of the human population. This includes our dependence on these fossils fuels and pollution from their use.

Our dependence on fossil fuels has now become a “genie out of the bottle” problem that is of a much higher magnitude than anyone can imagine. This problem is a turning point in human history, an amazing event that will challenge the limits to our technology and our social structure. I will discuss this problem and all its implications in my next article to come. I will end this segment by quoting the great twentieth century scientist ~ Nikola Tesla.

“Science is but a perversion of itself unless it has as its ultimate goal the betterment of humanity."

Solar Panels Are a Good Investment

2008-09-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

By Marie Domenici

Investing in Solar panels turned out to be the best investment my husband and I ever made! Our home has all electric appliances and central air. In 2003, we started to investigate the possibility of solar. The size of a system is determined by your energy consumption. It was recommended that we purchase a 6,400 watt system. At that time, we did not have the funding for a 6,400 watt system, so we purchased a 4,500 watt system. The LIPA rebate was very generous, as they gave us $22,500 towards the purchase of system which cost $36,000. In 2003, LIPA was rebating $5.00 a watt. Today, LIPA is rebating $3.50 a watt; so you can see, time is money!

Fast forward to 2008…we purchased the additional 2,400 watts and we applied for and received another LIPA rebate. We now have the 6,900 watt system originally recommended.

Since July & August are air conditioning months, I was very interested to see how my July and August bills from 2007 would differ in 2008. The following information applies:

July 07 - $112.95 July 08 - $57.20 Savings - $55.75
August 07 - $175.39 August 08 - $34.31 Savings - $141.08

Did you know…from the beginning of 2001 through July, 2008, LIPA has increased its rates over 37%. This is the very reason why people like you and I invest in solar!

Here’s what you need to know when considering solar:
• Orientation
• Age of Roof
• Tree Shading

To maximize the energy production of photovoltaic electricity, PV systems are installed on southern, southeast or southwest exposed roofs and mounted parallel with the roof at a 35 degree roof pitch with no shading. However, roofs facing east or west may also be acceptable. PV panels should have their surfaces exposed to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day, with minimal or no shadows from trees, chimneys and gables between 9 AM and 4 PM.

If your current roof is nearing the end of its life expectancy or if you have more than one layer of roofing, it will be necessary to consider replacing and removing the old roof before installing the new roof. The concern for having more than one layer of roof is: 1.) weight bearing; 2.) potential for leaks.

LIPA has strict shading guidelines; no more than a 20% shading loss is allowed, otherwise you will not be eligible for the rebate. Therefore it will be necessary to consider either trimming or removing the tree or trees that may cause shading.

Solar panels are warranted for 25 years. There is no maintenance with solar. Does solar work during cloudy day? Yes! Have you ever been to the beach on a cloudy day and still gotten a sun burn?

After our solar installation, I found myself evangelizing about my experience with solar and could not stop singing its praises. So, finally, in 2007, I found a job in the solar industry. My meter runs backwards. I do the happy dance. Life is good!

Property Rights in a Changing World

2008-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

By Howard Meinke

Personal property rights are a cornerstone of our democracy. Since the earliest settlers, the concept of private ownership and control of homestead and farm and field has been jealously protected. As the country developed and population grew, people settled ever more closely together in towns and cities, and the meaning of property rights slowly and necessarily changed.

The need to build public infrastructure for the benefit of the country as a whole caused dilution of personal rights as it enlarged communal rights. A railroad right of way through a citizen’s north forty was approved and the track laid when the need was demonstrated.

It became obvious that a pig farm or slaughterhouse does not coexist with residential housing or retail business and that many common and necessary property uses do not comfortably coexist with others. Thus the zoning that we are familiar with today came into being. This zoning concept is nothing more than a rethinking and broadening of property rights to create an obvious societal, communal benefit.

Today we are constantly learning more and more about the interconnection of marshes and swamps and watercourses to the health of the bays and oceans, then to our potable water supply and finally to the precarious and threatened world food supply. We are learning the damaging effects of road run off, the poisonous effect of unmanaged human and animal waste and the careless use of fertilizers and pesticides.

As we amass this knowledge, changes in how we use the land that borders swamps, marshes, creeks and bays is inevitable. Where older houses may sit on desirable waterfront locations boasting bright green lawns to the water and less obviously cesspools in the beach, new construction is prevented and modification to these older houses is ever more closely controlled.

Here again the personal property rights of the waterfront owner are being modified to mesh with the property rights of all the other citizens. For some this is a difficult realization. But it is inevitable and the American way that advances in knowledge and scientific understanding as exemplified by the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, bring continuous modification of policy.