Letters

This letter is in response to the editorial of March 7, “Hit the Reset Button,” about the Marsden Street properties and their vicissitudes.

“Like it or not,” the editorial stated, “opposition is NIMBY-ism.” Generally speaking, “NIMBY” is a term denoting a negative reaction to developments that are yet necessary in a functioning community, such as mental health or drug rehab sites or supportive or subsidized housing. Such sites serve basic human needs for health care and shelter.

An athletic field is not a primary human need. Needed for sure, but not a primary need.

We could argue that restraint in the development of the Marsden Street site serves the health needs of the community. In its current state, the plants and vegetation of Marsden Street serve to cool, absorb carbon and support habitat health. Development with tree removal will cancel this healthy climate support. Plastic or asphalt surfaces will increase runoff in what is already a flood zone. Drainage from Marsden Street flows directly into the bays, already weakened by nitrogen and other toxic waste.

In these days of climate change, isn’t land and water preservation a basic human need?

Furthermore, there are primary student needs unaddressed by the current School Board. The elementary school has a remarkable percentage of children who are food insecure. That food insecurity is worsening every week. With the end of the child tax credit and the COVID SNAP benefits, and the soaring rents of 2022 on, many working class families are barely maintaining home and health. Every week, I know parents who choose between rent or food.

But Sag Harbor Elementary School has no hot lunch program for its students, and many kids feel embarrassed by the cold lunch that is offered. Children’s nutrition is a learning necessity, and if we can afford to spend $9 million on Marsden Street, we can afford a decent meal program for our students.

In fact, the athletic field and parking lot, far from being an imperative for the school, is a luxury item for this district right now. Kids are hungry, and the number of students who need tutoring and mental health services should put the school to shame.

My husband and I are school neighbors. We say yes in our backyard to providing essential services, such as food and mental health support.

Thanks for listening.

Leah and John Oppenheimer

Sag Harbor