Letters

The recent statements made by the Southampton Town Board at its December 19 meeting regarding the nation’s gas station travel plaza — that the Council of Trustees was not willing to share any plans, etc. — is completely false.

The Trustees hosted a meeting on September 9, at the nation’s office, where we met with Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, Councilman Michael Iasilli and Town Attorney James Burke. We were very forthcoming with our plans and answered several questions about the project. It was suggested by the town supervisor that a committee be formed, which would include the town’s planning and development administrator, Janice Scherer, so that communication would continue as the development progressed, which the Council of Trustees agreed to.

We met again at the nation’s office on October 3, this time with the entire Town Board and James Burke. The town provided the Council of Trustees with a list of questions and concerns ranging from the environment to safety, services, etc., which we were able to answer and address their concerns.

At the conclusion of that meeting, we agreed to meet again, and it was asked if we could have plans available at the next meeting for Janice Scherer to review; again, we agreed to this request.

Unfortunately, that meeting never occurred — and that was the last of any communication with the Town Board. They never formed a committee, which they suggested; they never asked to meet again to review any plans.

So, let’s set the record straight: It was not the Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees who did not uphold their agreement.

As history has shown and proven, we have always attempted to be good neighbors and keep communication open. We’ve met with the Hampton Bays Civic Association on several occasions, who have taken our words, twisted them and used them against us. Chairwoman Lisa Goree and Secretary Bianca Collins stated that trucks arrived at Westwoods in the night, which is typical when transporting large equipment or machinery; however, no trees were knocked down in the middle of the night.

Bryan Polite

Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees