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In regards to elections (national, state, local), Bellport.com imposes a 48 hour “Blackout” period before Election Day. In other words, assuming Election Day is on a Tuesday, any letters from the candidates or members of the community that are received after 5:00pm on the Saturday prior to Election Day, will not be published by Bellport.com. We do this in order to prevent last minute claims being made and “Fake News” that don’t give sufficient time for which to respond.
May 18, 2019
Improvements in Bellport Village
I attended a Village Board meeting recently and heard good news about our
new bowling alley. I also found out that the end of the marina lot will be
restored this fall for parking and driving – looping the D – as they say.
Many residents were advocating for a pedestrian area instead. The board
discussed, then dismissed it. Along with plans for a driving range that
they originally kept from the public, it was a disappointment.
I love Bellport – a sweet, scenic and caring community which is why I’m
running for mayor. Our current mayor and board works hard. But I wonder
how much they think about the little things that contribute to our quality
of life. Here’s a list-in-progress of the small stuff, which I tend to
sweat because I’m an idealist:
1. Glass recycling. Rather than be a leader, our board and mayor seem to
be okay with letting residents toss glass in the trash. Even if glass
recycling isn’t economically viable for Brookhaven Town, other communities
across the country have figured out how to keep it going.
2. Lunch, flies at Ho Hum -- Issues other than the pavilion: Apparently
ground water safety ended our sandwiches. But maybe we can figure out how
to get them back? Also, our greenhead flies are increasing with warmer
weather despite the fly traps provided by BVPF. A breed of dragon fly eats
them as happened on the Jersey Shore several years ago. Is there a
conversation to have with Cornell Cooperative Extension about a study?
3. Streetlights. Many of the new LCD models, chosen by a previous
administration, throw off bad glare. They can be adjusted so they don’t
ruin our night skies. It’s a small fix that could still provide security
while restoring a feeling to our charming village streets other than
prison yard.
4. Leaf blowers. Communities including Southampton and DC have new laws to
tone down noise and air pollution by replacing gas blowers with electric.
Do we have a mayor and board willing to investigate or is it easier to
live with what we have?
5. Golf course, country club. Many (not all) don’t like the proposed
driving range behind yards on South Howells Point Road, with 40-foot nets,
thwacking golf balls, traffic. Most ranges in Suffolk aren’t in quiet
residential areas near wetlands with birdlife. The Mayor and Board argue
it will make money. Can we do better with our club building or the two
unused buildings behind the pro shop slated for demolition? Would the
board investigate options to open an inn? What about a pool – a community
boon for kids and seniors? Finally, is our golf course a leader in
sustainability? Our bay needs our help.
I know it’s easy to throw ideas around. But I want to see the kind of
transparent, open minded leadership that sweats the small stuff along with
the big. I love Bellport. I want to love it even more.
Bob Morris, Candidate for Mayor
Bellport, NY
May 12, 2019
Karen Johnson for SCCSD BOE Trustee
A whole new school board is coming at South Country with 4 open seats. I
urge everyone to get out to vote for our new leaders! Please attend Meet
the Candidate Night to see where the candidates stand on important issues
our community is facing.
I am writing today to ask you to consider voting for Karen Johnson for
Trustee. I have had the pleasure of personally knowing Karen for the past
5 years. She has two children, a nineteen year old Bellport Graduate (soon
to graduate Cortland University) and the other, a 5th grader at Frank P.
Long.
Like most of us, Karen is a concerned parent looking to bring necessary
changes to this district. I know she will be an advocate for our children
as her and I have collaborated on several community projects that we
developed. Some of you may remember the Atlantic Point Christmas Sing
Along, or the Blood Drive we ran for Long Island Blood Center. Recently,
we staked out at Medford’s Stop and Shop and collected food and monetary
donations for a local food pantry. Karen excels in bringing the community
together to bring positive changes. Karen goes above and beyond when she
dives into a project!
Karen’s only intention in running for school board trustee is to implement
positive changes and make sure our tax dollars are used to benefit the
students and teachers by providing a healthy, modernized learning
environment.
We will all be very lucky have Karen Johnson on our school board. She will
spend thankless hours standing up for what she believes is just.
Gena Ancona
Bellport
May 5, 2019
South Country School District’s Trustee Election
There is an important election on May 21st for the South Country School
District’s Budget Vote and Trustee Election. The Bellport Teachers
Association has endorsed the below candidates for Trustees on the
District’s Board of Education.
We believe they got it right.
Clyde Parker is a retired successful businessman who started a company
that employed 190 people here and abroad. He presently serves on the Board
of Directors of both the Long Island Community Hospital and the Bellport
Boys & Girls Club. Clyde’s concern for our youth is exemplified by his
organizing a bus with parents and kids that went to the demonstration in
Washington DC after the Parkland tragedy.
Anne Hayes is a Bellport attorney and civic leader whose legal expertise
will be an asset in dealing with contracts and litigation issues. She’s a
member of the Strategic Planning Committee for South Country School
District. Anne and her husband David Smith have lived in Bellport Village
for 40 years, and their two sons graduated from Bellport High School.
Melissa Aruta is a teacher who can give advice on the challenges facing
students in our school system. If elected, Melissa would be the only
teacher on the Board and her perspective is needed. She and her husband
Joseph live in East Patchogue and have two children presently attending
our schools.
Cameron Trent is a graduate of our South Country schools and now serves as
trustee on our local Library Board. He also volunteers on the finance and
facilities committee for South Country School District. Let’s have at
least one young person on the Board who knows the schools inside and out.
We believe these four candidates represent a balanced slate of experience
and expertise. We are grateful for these neighbors who are willing to
volunteer their time to see that taxpayers’ dollars are spent wisely on
the education of the next generation.
Please Vote, Tuesday, May 21st, in the Trustee Election and Budget Vote at
the Bellport Middle School on Kreamer St.
Jane and Larry Tierney
Brookhaven Hamlet
April 16, 2019
The Burning of Notre Dame
The building of Notre Dame (Our Lady) Cathedral was started in mid-1100’s
and finished about a century later and stood majestically since the 1200’s
til 2019, some 9 centuries until fired gutted it yesterday. The beautiful
paintings in the naves and stained glass windows was the way one’s
catechism was often taught to the masses who could not read nor understand
Latin. To walk into Notre Dame was like entering heaven to people for
centuries; even in modern times -- certainly when I entered-- one looked
up automatically in awe. Its great western rose window in the afternoon
sun was a mass of jewels. I worked in Paris for two years (‘77&’78) as a
young lawyer with Cravath, and quickly fell in love with Paris and France.
I attended recitals on the grand organ given on Sundays afternoons in
Notre Dame scores of times, and sat to read or contemplate in the garden
behind the Cathedral and watch the boats chug by on the River Siene. Jim
and I have vacationed in Paris more than any other place on earth. The
French firefighters kept the twin bell towers wetted and saved the
Treasury, praise be. President Macron vowed to rebuild Notre Dame and
pledges are coming forth. I am saddened that I and adults will not be
alive when the reconstruction is complete many, many decades from now.
Now, we just have our just memories and videos of what stood for nine
centuries. Let us all donate and help France in their noble cause to
revive this magnificent symbol of civilization.
Recall that France came to the aid of the American colonies in their fight
for independence. General Lafayette came to help Alexander Hamilton
strategize and General Washington in battle. The French navy fleet arrived
to blockade the bay of Yorktown after Cornwallis was there, thus allowing
the Colonialist and French troops to end of the War of Independence in
1781. And of course, the Statue of Liberty in the Verrazano Narrows, New
York City was a gift of the French people to the American people in 1886.
(Sadly, the stanza at the pedestal of that Lady -- “Give me your tired,
your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” – is anathema to
President Trump who hates immigrants and his ICE troopers put children and
adults in separate 10’ high chain-link cages, even though his mother
immigrated from Scotland and his current wife is an immigrant from
Slovenia.)
Will Struyk
Bellport Village
April 12, 2019
BJ's Gas Pumps Update
Just an update to the BJ's gas pumps... The Brookhaven Town Board has
voted to approve the zoning changes needed for gas pumps to be installed
at BJ's in Bellport.
Thanks to anyone who voiced an opinion.
Dennis Conley
Bellport Village
April 2, 2019
Gas Pumps at BJ's in Bellport
Your readers might be interested in knowing that there will be a
hearing/meeting at Brookhaven Town Hall on April 11th at 12:00 noon,
regarding gas pumps being installed at BJ's in Bellport.
There seems to be a concerted effort to block gas being offered at this
location. Nobody appears to be asking the residents or BJ's members what
their opinion on this is. They can contact their Brookhaven Town
councilman, Michael Loquercio @ 631-451-6968 and give an opinion on this.
Dennis Conley
Bellport Village
April 1, 2019
Some New Ideas for the Bellport Golf Course
Here I am spending the long winter months in the warmth of Florida but
keeping up with news about the Village of Bellport. Of course, there
always seems to be some controversy and this year offers several. The two
biggest revolve around the Ho-Hum pavilion and the golf course. Since, in
my old age, I have become more of a golfer than a beach-goer, let me
tackle that issue first and come back to the pavilion in a later letter.
The golf course is actually a many-faceted issue. The proposed
construction of a driving range—or “practice area”—is one part of the
controversy. But, since some residents have pointed out that the course is
“parkland”, there is a call for making it more accessible to residents who
choose not to golf. Additionally, there is the economic concern of how the
course can be made more profitable and, therefore, less burdensome to the
taxpayers. I would like to offer some solutions to all of these concerns.
The main opposition to the driving range seems to be that the netting
required to keep balls out of backyards would be visually offensive as
well as ecologically damaging. This is understandable. As a golfer and a
conservationist, I, too, object to ugly and dangerous netting. But I have
a solution to that problem: an invisible force field. Yes, I know it
sounds a little crazy, but reliable sources have assured me that this
technology is currently being developed by the joint alliance of the US
Department of the Interior and NASA for eventual use on the southern
border. They have not yet perfected the technology to cover wide expanses
of over a thousand miles, but it has been demonstrated to work in short
test areas ranging up to half a mile. Perfect for the use of a driving
range.
I have been informed that the government is currently looking for
practical means of testing the efficiency of the system on a small-scale
basis. With the grant-writing skills of our mayor and board of trustees,
we should be able to acquire the technology for the driving range at no
cost to the taxpayer. Also, it is completely invisible, silent, and safe
for both people and wildlife. Installed correctly it will provide a
virtual “wall” extending from ground level to a safe height of fifty-feet.
Now, some residents have expressed the need for a community pool on the
golf course. This is a capital idea and I propose that it should be built
near the fifteenth fairway overlooking Mother’s Beach. It might require
some bulkheading and landfill, but it would be accessible from the beach
parking lot by an attractive footbridge over the scenic creek. Perhaps
some golfers will appreciate a cool dip on hot summer days before
finishing their round?
Again, this could be done at little or no cost to the taxpayer. It can be
financed by selling the Village Hall, which sits on prime Bellport Lane
property worth at least $1.5 million. The village could then lease space
in the South Country Library taking over the reference section. The
library’s reference section could then be consolidated into the main part
of the library taking over part of the huge fiction area which is rarely
used by anyone. This would also add revenue to the library to offset
expenses and possibly lowering taxes.
Also, the village might give some thought to selling the aging and
antiquated community center. It requires expensive maintenance, and,
seriously, do we really need an antique bowling alley? The library has a
large meeting room and a theater in the basement which affords a perfect
venue for village meetings.
Another idea for making the golf course more available to non-golfers is
taking advantage of the serene and scenic creek that flows out to the
waters of Great South Bay. I propose that this waterway is a perfect place
for gondola rides. Every weekend there is at least one wedding taking
place at the country club. What more romantic opportunity for a wedding
party than a gondola ride on a moonlit night? This could be another
money-maker for the golf course!
I understand that some residents would like to have the course opened to
elderly walkers who can enjoy its scenic and traffic-free trails. This,
too, can be easily done with little liability and even a small profit for
the course. I propose that each senior citizen rent hardhats from the pro
shop each time they stroll out onto the course. The rental fee of, let’s
say, $3, could add up to several thousand dollars over the fiscal year. To
encourage participation in these meanders an official walking club might
be established. Might we call it, The Bellport Half-Fast Walkers?
Since we are going to make provisions for the older residents, why not do
the same for the young ones? I’ve often been bothered by the appearance of
the 2nd-fairway, where an ugly, weed-choked berm surrounds the base of the
cell tower. Besides being unsightly, it is a hazard that swallows a lot of
errant golf balls. This could be improved—at a profit—by building the berm
higher—say forty-feet—and facing it with an attractive rock-climbing wall.
Helmeted rock climbers—who are mostly young—would have a safe and
attractive place to practice their sport. I’m sure they would pay at least
$20-per hour. There might even be room at the base of the wall to have an
outdoor health bar serving wheatgrass smoothies, kale slushies, and other
healthy drinks. Very profitable! An added benefit is that some of these
young people might be encouraged to take up golf.
These are just a few practical suggestions that can be implemented with
little or no investment. More ambitious improvements could be discussed in
the future. For example, the beach at the end of the golf course is
currently only utilized by crabbers, clammers, and oyster-poachers. With
the addition of several truck loads of white sand extending from Mother’s
Beach to the western end of the course we could have a lovely bay beach.
Perhaps the Ho-Hum pavilion could be floated across the bay and installed
just offshore as a combination picnic pavilion, fishing pier,
bird-watching station?
So, the uses of the golf course are manifold. Let’s not get too bogged
down with just golf.
Richard Weissmann
Bellport, NY
March 27, 2019
To Complain or Sue: Fell’s Masterplan for Golf
Ref: Larry’s Editorial
and Letters from Carlos, Louise, Jennifer about Fell’s approved Driving
Range inside the Village.
Mayor Fell and Board approved a Bellport Golf Course Plan to erect a
multiple lane driving range costing $1 M++, largely through non-public,
subrosa meetings.
A) Louise notes the “entire population of Village Residents has had zero
input”. Right and that’s how Fell has operated previously in his Admin.
Clerk Kocay can confirm that the Administration has been chastised (but
not sanctioned) for performing via nonpublic meetings.
B) Residents cannot work toward a “Bellport Country Club Masterplan.” The
Mayor and Board never write/say “Bellport Country Club” – but only
Bellport Golf Course or Tennis club because years ago Bellport Village
ceded the right to use “Country Club” when it signed long-term lease of
the Clubhouse to Irish Coffee House of Islip. Only events held by Irish
Coffee House can say @ Bellport Country Club. [Peters on the Green is a
subtenant of Irish Coffee.] Twice I publicly suggested Trustee Rosenberg,
a retired corporate bankruptcy lawyer (who end/revise leases, contracts,
pension plans, employment contracts etc. etc.) get out of the harsh
restrictions in that lease with Islip Coffee House; but no
response/action.
Issues Presented:
A) Environmental – wetlands and wildlife: Has the State Dept.
Environmental Protection been alerted? The DEP can be rigid about
wetlands.
B) Aesthetics – giant nets 40-70 feet high by hundreds long (normally
located outside residential areas). Golfers don’t care about aesthetics –
they wear flamingo pink pants.
C) HUGE ISSUE: NOISE POLLUTION. If this driving range has 4 positions each
getting a bucket of 25-30 balls that’s at least 4 loud WACKs once per
minute per position = 16 WACKs per minute = 960 WACKs per hour from 6:30
to 7:30 daily, say 8 active hrs per day = up to 7,680 WACKs daily = 53,760
WACKs per week. If there are 8 driving pads double those figures.
Residents of So. Howells Point Rd. will not be able to sit outside, use
their pool, entertain or BBQ, etc., but might “go postal” due to wracked
nerves from WACK-WACK-WACK like water dripping torture. [Try this: sit
with family and yell WACK 16-32 times a minute for several minutes no
matter who complains. Now imagine that all day long.]
D) Constant noise = reduced value of one’s house – big time for sure.
Solutions:
A) NOW get a court injunction against Village from commencing building.
B) MOST IMPORTANT: concerned Village residents should engage Atty Lee
Sneed to represent “Several Bellport Residents vs. Mayor Fell and Board of
Trustees”;
>> these angry letters on Bellport.com are ignored by Fell and friends, so
>> you have to “sue the bastards” to get them to open their ears; your
property value is at stake plus your nerves.
C) Vote Fell out of office in June – enough of Ray already.
D) Elect 2 new trustees who are not septuagenarians or octogenarians.
My thoughts: Jason Crane for Mayor, Marylou Bono and John Kocay for
trustees (while allowing them to retain their paid posts as Heads of
Roads, Bldg. and Tax, and Village Clerk and their respective salaries
therefor and to hire an assistant per department. These three people are
smart, available to the public, and young enough to think logically -- and
not scurry about surreptitiously like rats over our sleeping bodies.
Will Struyk
Bellport Village
March 25, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent award.
Bellport.com's Award from Constant Contact
My heartfelt congratulations to you and Bellport.com for getting an award
from Constant Contact! That is a fine achievement and the fact that this
is your 7th award in a row speaks volumes about the value we as community
members have in your service. Many, many thanks for doing such a great job
with the news of Bellport/Brookhaven!
Jane Graham
Bellport Village
March 14, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Your Editorial About the Traffic Study
Having lived in Egypt for several years earlier in this decade, I’ve come
to believe that speed bumps (ubiquitous in Egypt) are the only effective
solution to speeding on local streets.
Speed bumps are simple, cheap and easy to maintain. They are effective
because they work on the principle of enlightened self interest: slow down
or wreck your own car! Given those two options, the vast majority of
drivers instinctively make the right choice.
Some say that speed bumps create their own kind of traffic noise as cars
slow down, traverse the speed bump and accelerate again. However, compared
to the typical roar of cars speeding by on South Country and Station
Roads, speed bumps would be quiet as church mice.
Marc Rauch
Bellport, NY
March 14, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Bellport Village Automobile Traffic
The problem with cars speeding in the Village has probably been around
since they were invented… as for enforcement forget it… When we went with
Suffolk County Police, the Village gave enforcement away. Bellport Village
is not a high crime area, Suffolk County Police are in high crime
areas…not in Bellport Village to enforce speeding cars. There has never
been an effective means to enforce speeding cars. The only system that was
put forth years ago and would most likely work is this ……. Put traffic
lights on all cross streets to South Country Roads in the Village, making
sure to time each one differently.. I am sure this will slow traffic down.
John D Langfeldt
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
February 28, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Traffic Study
The only real solution to the traffic problem on South Country Road is
enforcement.
Joe Varsalona
Bellport, NY
February 27, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Traffic Study Editorial
I enjoyed your article. What I think they really should do is...
1) No parking on Station Rd (between S Country and the middle school).
2) That will open up the road for easier access to the parking lots behind
Roosters etc.
3) Combine Roosters, IGA/CVS, and those offices parking lots (maybe even
combine the Library’s parking lot???)
The area behind Papa Nick’s Pizza and Roosters and unutilized. The village
is in desperate need of parking, especially the businesses on the north
side of S. Country. They really should connect the parking lot of Roosters
to IGA/CVS and then run an entrance or exit between Roosters and Papa
Nick’s / Rice Realty.
David M Duffy
New York, NY
February 25, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Make Bellport Country Club More Than Just a Golf Club
I, too, am opposed to building a driving range at the Bellport Country
Club for many of the same reasons that have been stated in the previously
published letters to the editor by Carlos Aparicio and Jennifer Vorbach.
However, I think there is a bigger issue at play than improving the golf
course and adding a driving range.
What I find most upsetting is the way this proposal for the Bellport Golf
Club Masterplan was initiated, reviewed and voted into acceptance by Mayor
Fell, the Village Trustees and the Golf Commission. The Bellport Village
Country Club is designated as municipal parkland which, as taxpaying
residents, we all bear the burden of fiscal responsibility and liability.
This entitles all residents to representation with regard to any and all
plans, especially a Master Plan. Yet, decisions regarding management,
capital improvements and planning are made by a committee of golfers based
on a survey of resident and non-resident golfers. What about the residents
of this Village that do not play golf? How were they represented in this
master plan which addressed only one, albeit the largest, component of the
Bellport Country Club? Was the general voting population in the Village
ever consulted about exactly what amenities other than golf would fit
their needs? Was a survey ever sent to Bellport Village Residents asking
what they would like or be willing to pay for?
The Bellport Country Club, for years, has functioned as a private Golf
Club. After questioning many Village residents regarding the Master Plan
and what they envisioned for the future of their Country Club, the
overwhelming response was to build a community pool. Additional
suggestions included expanding Peter’s on the Green, swimming lessons,
lifeguarding instruction, family community events, and extended tennis
court hours. Seniors expressed a need for designated walking periods on
the course paths as a way to safely exercise.
What an opportunity the Mayor and Trustees have to be inclusive and serve
the entire population of Bellport Village, not just residents who play
golf. Let’s give opportunities to residents who cannot afford their own
private pools now that we face issues with the eroding beach, the safety
of the pavilion and rebuilding the dock.
There is an entire population of Village Residents that have had zero
input when it comes to The Bellport Village Country Club. If one does not
play golf, one does not appear to have a voice, a vote, or representation.
If the Mayor and Trustees truly represent all residents Bellport Village,
I implore them to stop, step back, and reexamine the Golf Master Plan.
Hold open town meetings, create a commission representing a cross section
of the Village residents and allocate funds that represent the needs of
all.
Let’s work together to create a true Bellport Country Club Master Plan and
ensure that all residents are represented.
This country is suffering from political divisiveness. Let’s be proud of a
Bellport that is inclusive, not exclusive.
Louise T. McGuinness
Bellport Village
February 17, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Prospective Golf Course
Attached you will find a perspective that has been constructed over an actual photo taken from my property looking towards the DRIVING RANGE, as THEY very carefully never refer by its name. The net depicted is a 40' net, I decided to portray the lowest net possible, since even at 40' it is so outrageous it certainly did not need any extreme height. (some driving ranges go up to 60-70) The second one will give you an idea of what they are talking about.; it will take couple of readings of the Master plan to envision it, as they have worded is such a condescending way as if we are somehow stupid. LOL
As you can see it is simply a monstrosity that will absolutely destroy the
character of our Village.
The delicate balance of historical and nature that attracted me to
Bellport is under attack by an irresponsible Mayor and trustees that in my
view should be out of a job.
That us educated and reasonable human beings are put in a position that we
need to fight our own government over building a driving range 120 feet
away from homes, in a historical village abutting an incredible sensitive
ecosystem of wetlands where wildlife and inhabits along with plants of all
kinds.....sincerely leaves me dumbfounded.
I have read the Master Plan, the way that it has been carefully worded as
to appear to be sensitive and considerate.
It is again an insult to anyone that completed 8th grade.
We have named it:
FELL'S WALL
An excerpt from the master plan....read it for yourself.
"All of the recommendations are made with respect to the existing site
conditions and the traditional design style to ensure that renovated or
additional features blend compatibly with the golf course and compliment
the overall setting."
We need to kill this!
Carlos Aparicio
Bellport, NY
February 17, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Bellport Country Club at Risk
I draw your attention to the below, which headlines the Bellport Village website.
The idyllic description is apt. It describes
Bellport as it is today, and explains why so many of us have chosen to
make it our home. Bellport is quiet, low-key, friendly, and just lovely.
The serenity of our community is now under threat. The surreptitious plan,
which Bellport.com unveiled, puts a proposed driving range, with attendant
40 foot nets, adjacent to the wetlands on the eastern boundary of the
Country Club. This plan, if executed, will irrevocably change the tone of
our historic Country Club, and the Village that harbors it.
The Bellport course was designed by legendary golf architect Seth Raynor,
and is touted on the village website as one of the oldest and most
beautiful courses in the country. Adding a driving range to this majestic
landscape is akin to building a Superdome in the Grand Canyon.
Unthinkable.
Board members have stated that down-the-road revenue from the Country Club
may eventually repay the debt to the Village. But it’s we, the taxpayers,
who would be fronting the money and assuming all the risks and
liabilities. The Board acknowledges that, at best, their scheme may break
even. Who in their right mind would invest in a such a weak business plan?
Bellport has pressing issues: the foundering docks, the drowning Pavilion
at Ho Hum, road repairs, and general maintenance. With our tax dollars at
stake, let’s get our priorities straight and make sensible investment
decisions.
It has been said that golf is a good walk spoiled. What this plan proposes
is a golf course and a village spoiled.
Jennifer Vorbach
Bellport Village
February 6, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Golf Course
I met you a few summers ago with Harriet and Stuart
Levine, I have been building my home at 20 South Howells Point Road for
several years.
The situation with this driving range, is simply a nightmare. As a Harvard
trained architect, I am shocked that this insensitive, outrageous idea has
gained any kind of hold in our village.
The way this Mayor and his group have gone about this project in the most of
clandestine of ways leave not only speechless , but incredibly angry.
The impact that this low class, transient, short sighted development that
completely ignores the aesthetics ( the 19th century sensibility) , property
values, and quality of life for us residents that will be directly abutting
this crap, is too large to even begin to comprehend.
We are getting ourselves organized as residents of South Howells Point Road
and the many friend that are simply outraged at this monstrosity.
I wanted to thank you for writing the piece from the bottom of my heart. I
am presently working on a perspective of what this RANGE will look like.
Insulting us (the Mayor) by changing the name from a driving range to
practice area (for it to go unnoticed) is a disgusting move.
All resident of this village that love Bellport, should scream to the top of
their long We Don’t want this!
A Mayor that is willing to hurt village residents and the village as a whole
this way is hard for me to comprehend.
Again, thank you and we can see all the help we can get….
Carlos Aparicio
Bellport, NY
February 6, 2019
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Practice Area/Driving Range
When I moved here 28 years ago I didn't have much
time for golf but I would play here occasionally. It was a nice course, in
pretty good condition, and as a resident the price was right. I would go
down as a single in the morning and the starter would join me up with a few
other players and we'd enjoy a few hours of golf together. I didn't know if
they were residents, members or the very rare I would come to find out
"resident member".
I started to play more often over the years and I was noticing the decline
of the courses conditions. The greens that were perfect were becoming beaten
up, fairways bare, bunkers unplayable and yet people were paying a premium
price to play here.
I started referring to the course as an example of the law of diminishing
returns. Members were spending thousands to play there only to see their
money be used to offset the residents taxes. Less money was spent on the
course, conditions suffered, membership declined steeply and it was a
whirlpool of failure. Membership had fallen from over 650 to less than 300
over a twenty year span. I had become a "resident member" as my free time
increased and spent more time on the course. Most of the people I played
with were non-residents and they were appalled at the declining course
conditions. It got so bad that I joined another club that was 15 miles away
and more expensive, but I'd rather do that than play here. It was a dump.
I stayed away for five years but then three years ago I returned to find the
course in fabulous condition. I had played here over that time but it took a
while for the course to respond to the care and attention given it by the
new maintenance crew that was hired. I rejoined as did many of the member
friends that had left over the years.
Your op-ed seems a bit misleading. I've attended the golf commission
meetings and there are no lights mentioned for the range, not to mention
"tall" night lighting. There would be no increase in traffic, as only
members, guests and residents would be allowed to use the range. Traffic
light? Decrease in property values? They have increased dramatically the
last few years so any decrease would probably be normal economics.
You refer to when the course was created as a reference to membership and
use. It was built in 1890 something and it was probably used by the wealthy
homeowners at the time. Over the last 125 years it has morphed into today's
semi-private club.
I don't understand the position on non-resident members. It seems that the
course has always had a majority of those members, that's what makes the
course survive. If you want a golf course then you need members who will pay
double the membership fee of what a resident pays. They all do that as well
as spend money in the restaurants and other village establishments. The
course wouldn't be affordable without them.
Most golf courses I've played at have driving ranges/practice areas and
adding that to the BCC would greatly benefit the membership. The membership
was surveyed if they wanted a range and how they would pay for it, they will
be paying for the range with an increase in dues to cover the cost. There
was no Electoral College and the majority vote wanted it and may get it...
Mike Mislin
Bellport, NY
February 6, 2019
Running for Library Board
I’m running for the South Country Library Board of
Trustees! For nearly 5 years I worked at South Country Library. I started as
a page, moved up to clerk, and then began running the Outreach Program
delivering books to our homebound residents. My time as an employee taught
me the power that libraries give to communities. I am running for the Board
of Trustees position to ensure South Country Library maintains it’s positive
impact for the people of our community, and to advance it onto new horizons.
I hope to have your support on Tuesday, April 2nd!
Jack Nix
East Patchogue, NY