Letters

Native Americans deserve economic well-being, but we must do better than allowing them to push tobacco and gambling. We also must help them to thrive in ways that do not result in the wanton destruction of our natural environment, which is what they are doing in Westwoods in Hampton Bays.

The gas station that they are building, without permits or oversight, as well as the road they are building off the residential, narrow Newtown Road, and their plan for a huge hotel and convention center immediately on Great Peconic Bay, would destroy the natural environment and the quiet, uncrowded, peaceful way of life we have all, including the Shinnecock, come to appreciate in Hampton Bays.

It’s ironic and tragic for all of us that the Native Americans who have prided themselves as the protectors and stewards of nature have gone so far as to ravage a natural forest and beautiful bay.

Our town, state and federal representatives must stop this tragic project, and assist the Shinnecock in helping them to thrive in other ways.

Richard Kane

Hampton Bays