Letters

I don’t understand the Shinnecock Nation freely ignoring regulations in clearing and building in Hampton Bays. The nation believes that the practices and laws that are in place for safety and resource guarding of Peconic Bay (national wetlands) can be ignored. During the presentation of the gas station to the Town Board, Bryan Polite said that the nation didn’t care what permits were needed — they were going ahead with all their plans, and they did/are.

It does surprise me that the nation would disregard and disrespect the environment the way they have. The nation made an enormous complaint about a beech tree that was taken down in Southampton. Their protest signs read, “Ecological Catastrophe” and “Honk for Mother Earth” — and yet they removed thousands of trees with no regard for the environment or the animals in that location. During one night, a roadway was cut through to a small town road, one lane east and one lane west.

Now, the nation wants to sell gas tax free to anyone who will buy it. The only tax-free fuel purchasers are “qualified Indians” who show their New York State form (see State Department of Taxation and Finance Form TSB-M-85(13)(S), Chapter 44 — still in effect since August 27, 1985).

I’m sure this little-known law will not be enforced by the nation either. They will get their profit at the expense of other local gas stations, New York State taxpayers and New York State.

The stop-work order issued by Southampton Town needs to be enforced.

Karen Murcott

Hampton Bays