The truth is, we live in an environmentally sensitive area vulnerable to harm from human activity. The truth is, we have zoning regulations to preserve and protect our neighborhoods, environment and people. The truth is, we know that gas stations and casino/conference centers have tremendous carbon footprints and create environmental dangers.
The truth is that the Shinnecock Nation has cleared land in a residential area along Peconic Bay, and has begun construction of a massive travel plaza with gas station. The truth is that the Shinnecock Nation and its construction affiliate have ignored and defied a stop-work order.
What is the truth about our shared environment, and where is there a conflict between words and actions? Here are a few items to ponder:
In 1992, the Peconic Estuary became the 20th estuary in the nation to receive the designation as an “Estuary of National Significance” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
If we accept the sensitivity of the waters and surrounding lands of the Peconic Bay, then we must pay attention to the actions that impact its balance. It seems as if the Shinnecock Nation’s actions are putting our environment at risk and are actions in opposition to their own words.
In 2013, the Shinnecock Nation made commitments to protecting land and sea. From the Shinnecock Nation Climate Change Adaptation Plan, October 2013, the Shinnecock Nation plans to:
• Mitigate shoreline erosion.
• Further research sea level rise and seek the consultation of local experts.
• Decrease groundwater contamination
• Reduce tribal carbon footprint.
• Improve air quality through … lessening the number of trees cut down annually, and the planting of new trees.
Yet, acres of trees have been clear-cut. Gas tanks are set in place. Lance Gumbs, vice chair, Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees, has announced plans to move forward with construction. Architectural drawings show additional plans connected to the travel plaza — massive buildings included in a conference center hotel complex on the bluff of the shoreline.
The Town Board is putting the health, safety and welfare of the community, environment, Peconic Bay and aquifer in danger and at risk every day that they allow this construction to go on. Tribal leadership speak of their connection to the land and respect for their neighbors, but their actions seem contrary.
Lisa Goree, the council’s chairwoman, and Town of Southampton sole assessor, told The New York Times: “The casino on the reservation was not ideal — we don’t want it to upset our living conditions here right now.”
Our bays, the land around it, our trees and animals and oceans, do not lie, and we will see the impact if we are not true to our pledge to protect.
Maria Theresa Garber
Hampton Bays
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