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Letters to the editor must be submitted via email and
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The purpose of Bellport.com's Letters To The Editor section is to encourage the free exchange of ideas and experiences in our community. While Bellport.com and its staff try to make every effort to see that no libelous statements, inaccurate or misleading opinions or statements, or "Fake News" appears on Bellport.com we wish to make it clear that the opinions expressed in the letters, articles, correspondence, etc. herein are the responsibility of the contributor and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Bellport.com and its staff. Accordingly, Bellport.com and its staff accept no liability whatsoever for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading opinions or statements.
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the candidates or members of the community that are received after 5:00pm on the Saturday prior to Election Day, will not be published by Bellport.com.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.
August 11, 2018
J Walking
Well boys & girls
I know I have been remiss in providing you the much anticipated Rog
Rants....
Well tonight just sent me over the foxtrot edge! Had a great dinner at Catch
(in Patchogue) & figured to cap it off with an ice cream cone from Carla
Marla. After fighting my way thru the very unfriendly crowd (none of whom I
knew) and leaving with a cone filled with deliciously cool ice cream. I
headed down the "Lane" to hoop the D. That is when I encountered a group of
"J walkers" in the street (a dark portion of the "Lane" at 10pm +/-). Now
Bellport Code Enforcement has a pension for enforcing to the letter of the
law, but apparently the letter of the law does not include "J walking".
When driving down the "Lane" I encountered a group of pedestrians walking in
the street. When I stopped and asked why they were not using the sidewalk
the response was " The sidewalk is unusable because it is uneven and we
don't live here."
So if I run you over you in the street when there is a sidewalk available
you will contact your City lawyer to sue me and Bellport Village. I will
need to contact my Country lawyer and in turn sue the Village for not
enforcing the "J walking" statute and only the Lawyers will come away with
the $$$$$. Unless I run the whole mess of you over, creating another whole
situation and then the estates will take over, more lawyers.....
Now lets go back to the "I am not from here" comment. So not being from here
gives you the right to march down the road instead of using the sidewalk.
MMMM guess the sidewalks are for residents only (with Village ID)? Well go
the foxtrot back to where ever you came from and walk in the middle of the
street there!
I also would like to inform the Village of Bellport that there are
pedestrians not using the sidewalks in the Village in violation of the "J
walking" statute. Having served this notice I will not hesitate to use the
appropriate portion of the thoroughfare designated for motor vehicle
traffic!
Roger Baker
Patchogue, NY
July 31, 2018
Accessibility, Again
I suspect that this letter won't get any more
response than my last one but it seems worth a try. The latest indication
that the organizations and powers that be in the village have little
interest in residents with disabilities happened on Bellport Day. I was
really looking forward to the exhibit at the Historical Society. Sadly, I
never got to see if because there was no way I could get in with my scooter.
A friend went to check and was greeted with what can only be described as
indifference. Yes, there was a back or side door but all the doors other
than the main entrance, the one with steps, were locked and nobody seemed
the least little bit interested in letting me in.
There is a large sign in front of the building indicating that a Federal
money was used during the restoration. This alone should require that the
building be ADA compliant. If the organization has received any government
grants the same applies. I will be contacting the appropriate agency . I am
done with feeling like a second class citizen. The Village and organizations
such as this need to be held accountable.
Johanna Green
Bellport, NY
July 30, 2018
Street Sign Saga
After returning home from Bellport Days, this past
Saturday, I see a News 12 van and car parked right at the foot of my
driveway on Country Club. I walk over to ask what’s going on. Is there a
celebrity at the country club, a golf pro, did someone win the lotto? No it
was all about the proposal to change the street signs.
I said “oh, that is a troublesome decision for the Village board”. I shared
with them that at the last Village meeting, many people against the wooden
vertical signs spoke at the “open to the public” session last Monday. These
were our teachers, traffic experts and Bellport historians that spoke out.
Nobody seemed to be in favor of it, well I guess except the Bellport
Improvement Fund attendees in the audience. But they didn’t speak, they
seemed just to be there to listen to any opposing view.
I watched this Saturday evening filler news clip on News 12, and lo and
behold I couldn’t believe what I saw. A very strong spin on the debate, that
favored the new style vertically written wooden toothpick pole.
I was astonished, and wondered who really called News 12 in to promote this
slanted news feature and why wasn’t News 12 at the Village meeting to hear
the opposing views from many of our residents.
Bellport Village Board Members, please listen to your residents and think
safety first and stop chasing the almighty dollar. I am so angry at this
issue, that I refuse to support the Bellport Village Improvement Fundraiser
this year. Village Board, please stop dragging your feet and give yourself
permission to just say NO!
Lorraine Kuehn
Bellport, NY
July 18, 2018
I Support Perry Gershon For Congress
I would like to express my gratitude for the
overwhelming support I received from South Country voters in the Democratic
Party primary election. In an election with Democratic turnout nearly twice
as high as it was in 2016, you helped me receive the second most votes in a
hard fought five-way primary. Perry Gershon won with 35% of the vote. As a
result, all four of us who didn’t win are supporting Gershon against
Congressman Lee Zeldin.
I would also like to address concerns regarding my candidacy for Congress on
the Women's Equality Party line. Before the Democratic primary election, I
accepted the endorsement of the Women's Equality Party and, as a result, I’m
on the ballot in the November general election. If I can remove my name I
will, but it may not be possible. I will not be actively campaigning on that
line and I do not wish to split the vote to replace Zeldin. In the end, a
vote for me on the Women’s Equality line would be a wasted vote.
Please join me in voting for Democrat Perry Gershon this November to be our
next congressman.
Kate Browning
Former County Legislator, 3rd District
July 17, 2018
Safety Before Nostalgia in Street Signs
I live in an 1843 historic Bellport house, so I
understand the emotional issue of wanting to revert to what some believe are
historic vertical white and black street name markers. However, in a
previous career I worked at Harvard University researching how people read
and process text in all forms including while driving, and that
understanding leads me to recommend strongly against the street markers
proposed by the Bellport Village Program Fund. Research shows that vertical
text is slower to read than horizontal text; all caps is slower to process
than sentence style; non-reflective font at night is harder to see than
reflective font. And drivers look first for street signs at height rather
than on the ground, where they can be obscured by snow piles and privet
hedges. The village has trouble now getting residents to trim hedges to 4’
at intersections; think of the problem if this street level prototype
replaces higher street signs.
If street-name signs are to provide guidance while driving at village
speeds, they must be easily detectable at a distance and immediately
readable for anyone aged 16 to 106. There exists a boatload of research
behind the state’s recommended street name designs that maximizes legibility
and minimizes identification time during various weather and lighting
conditions, and the village should pay attention to the state standards.
Safety, not cost and certainly not nostalgia for horse and wagon times,
should be the deciding factor in the street sign replacement decision.
Residents can do their own research: Ask an out of towner, not familiar with
our street names, to drive as a passenger at night towards one of the three
prototypes (So. Country/Country Club; So. Country/No. Howells Pt;
Otis/Baycrest). Start counting seconds (1001, 1002…) when your passenger
definitively identifies the street name out loud and stop counting when your
seat passes the sign. Do the same thing on a different street with one of
the green street signs and one of the Victorian street signs. Which of the
three styles could your out of towner read most easily and fastest? I know
which I would choose with evidence-based research but which would you choose
based on your own experience. Email your results to the village clerk,
clerk@bellportvillage.org.
Barbara Flagg
Bellport, NY
July 15, 2018
How to Make Friends and Influence People
This morning I attended the Bellport Village Board of
Trustees Meeting to speak in the “Open to the Public” portion of the Reports
from Trustees; 2. Discussion: Street Signs. Thirty (30) minutes were
allotted for discussion and the street signs were the only topic discussed
by the public. I was the last person selected by Mayor Fell to speak,
however I have previously addressed the board about their consideration to
install costly signs that don’t meet current Federal or NYS guidelines.
The village residents that spoke today, and one who submitted a letter, were
not in favor of the three proposed sample sign posts which have been in
place since last summer. Since last summer the board is still in the process
of conducting a cost analysis for each post sample. They have also not
compared the cost of installing decorative metal vertical signs which could
be purchased off Town of Brookhaven contracts to save village taxpayers
costs. Being that this information was still being sorted out by various
village committees, I was confused about the purpose of this “Discussion”.
Apparently Mayor Fell doesn’t include non-residents in the “Open to the
Public” portion, even if one is volunteering their expertise and advocacy in
the best interests of the village. Federal and State Manuals of Traffic
Control Devices are updated periodically as a result of traffic studies and
changes in traffic conditions such as speeds, sight distances, as well as
day and night visibility. Given the villages increase in summer rentals and
out of town tourists (Country Livings 10 Best Places) makes sign consistency
a priory over distinction.
Decorative metal street name signs can be fabricated with breakaway posts,
recommended reflectivity, and letter size to reduce potential accident and
emergency response time problems.
I urge village residents to voice their opinions about the boards proposed
vertical white street name sign posts.
Pauline M Dubick-Hazard
Bellport, NY
July 11, 2018
Why Vote For A Sure Loser
I was very interested see David Cox’s Letter last
week suggesting we all hold our noses and vote for Perry Gershon, the
Democratic candidate for Congress. Gerson is a sure loser and voting for him
will absolutely guarantee Lee Zeldin another term in Congress. The
Republicans have already pinned a nickname on Gershon a la Trump and are
starting to call him “Park Avenue Perry.” That says it all about Perry. Kate
can still win if we stand firm. We have three months to make that possible.
Elaine Hendrie
Bellport Village
July 11, 2018
Unify the Vote
One of the worst things that Democrats could do in
this upcoming election is to split their votes between two candidates (and
parties) so that each is weakened and the chances of the incumbent being
returned to Congress are improved. I refer, of course to Kate Browning and
Perry Gershon both Democrats and both in opposition to Lee Zeldin. I am
disappointed that Kate did not win the primary, but she didn’t and that is
spilt milk! Let’s focus on the real prize and all vote on the Democratic
line. There is a real chance here to remove another Trump sycophant by being
true to the objective of electing the Democratic candidate.
Graheme Williams
Bellport, NY
July 9, 2018
Re: Political Decision
Those of us who supported Kate Browning in the
Democratic primary elections last month are understandably disappointed at
the outcome, but we must move on and recognize that Perry Gershon won by a
sizeable margin. I am afraid that to now vote for Kate on the Women’s
Equality line in the November elections will split the Democratic vote and
all but guarantee the reelection of Lee Zeldin. I would instead urge Kate’s
supporters to overcome their disappointment and unite behind Perry Gershon.
I do not think that there is any other way to defeat one of Donald Trump’s
most vocal supporters.
David Cox
Bellport Village
July 6, 2018
Accessibility
I have lived in the Village since 1968 and have
rarely missed "Artists on the Bay". This year was exceptionally enjoyable
due to the decision to block off a part of Bellport Lane. However, my
pleasure came to a screeching halt when I went in search of a nice lunch in
an air conditioned setting. The experience served to reinforce how little
the village does for its disabled residents.
I use a mobility scooter to get around and find it increasingly difficult to
walk more than a few steps. Stairs are a real problem. Do you know that the
only restaurant in the village that is easily accessible is Roosters? They
also have an accessible bathroom . After a lovely lunch I did a quick
survey. I cannot get into most of the village shops either. I cannot even
get my beloved iced tea at the deli.
The worst offender is the village itself. A few years ago when the front of
the Community Center was updated I had hopes that there would be a ramp
included in the updates. It didn't happen. I am not even sure it was
considered.
I read in this week's Advance that the village was given money to fix the
ramp at the side of the building. Sounds good doesn't it? Wrong! In order to
use that ramp someone has to make sure the door is open or someone is
watching to open it and that there is a clear path from the door to inside,
and you have to reverse the process to leave. It is frustrating and
embarrassing. Some of the money could be spent for an automatic door opener.
Even better, scrap the whole thing and build a nice ramp in the front. I
won't even begin to describe what happens if you need to do business at
Village Hall!
It is possible that some of the restaurants and businesses have alternate
entrances but if they do it is a big secret. My immediate solution is to
refuse to shop at any store or eat at any restaurant that doesn't treat all
people with disabilities with respect. I didn't see any other scooters on
the Lane but there were a fair number of wheelchairs and walkers. I have a
feeling the population of the village is getting older and something needs
to be done. I am not working much these days and am looking for ways to keep
busy. Perhaps there are others out there who would like to get involved?
Johanna Green
Bellport Village
July 3, 2018
Political Decision
To all those who wanted to see a candidate with the
background and the smarts to win against Lee Zeldin in November and so voted
for Kate Browning but saw her defeated in the Democratic primary recently
take heart. ALL IS NOT LOST! Kate is still running!
She will be on the ballot, running as the Women’s Equality Party Candidate.
So skip the other candidates on the ballot and stand firm for Kate. It will
be the best political decision you make all year.
Elaine Hendrie
Bellport Village
July 1, 2018
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
That Robo Call
Larry, I couldn't agree with you more! I was aghast
to see that humungous, (that means ridiculously) large full-color poster,
not in Bellport village but on the road to, in East Patchogue for 2 sitting
village trustees who have spent "more-money-than-sense" this year than is
warranted for our "small-village" election!
What is worse is we had to continue looking at it after that election!
Barbara Knowles
Bellport, NY
June 20, 2018
Editor's Note: This letter is in reference to our recent editorial.
Regarding Your Recent Editorial About the Car for Sale
A picture is worth a thousand words..but in your case
you provide both... Thanks for helping the Bellport Village to be the
greatest..
Joseph Gagliano
Deputy Mayor
June 18, 2018
Kate Browning for Congress
I urge all Democrats to vote in the primary election
to be held on June 26th to select the Democratic candidate to oppose
Congressman Lee Zeldin, an ardent Trump supporter.
In order to defeat Zeldin we must pick the most electable candidate of the
five candidates running in this primary election. I believe that Kate
Browning is that candidate because she’s a proven vote getter.
Kate Browning is a Shirley resident who won election six consecutive times
as the Democratic candidate for County Legislator. In Kate’s last election
before being term limited out she won 63% of the vote compared to Trump’s
55% in the same district. In polling conducted by the Democratic Party,
Browning was rated the strongest candidate against Lee Zeldin.
We live in a swing district were Trump beat Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Browning’s strength is that she can attract Independent and Republican
voters, not just Democrats.
Kate’s husband is a police detective and she has two sons in the military.
She has done so much for the South Country area as our County Legislator to
earn our support.
Kate is already on the ballot for November’s General Election as the Women’s
Equality Party candidate but needs the Democratic Party line as well to win.
Please vote on Tuesday, June 26th and send Kate to Washington to stop Donald
Trump from ruining our country.
Larry Tierney
Brookhaven, NY
June 10, 2018
Driveway at Rooster Luncheonette
Several weeks ago I sent a letter to one of the
Trustees regarding a public safety concern with the proposed opening of the
Rooster Luncheonette on Station Rd. Knowing what a popular business this
would be in the community I suggested improvements to the sight distance
exiting the driveway. The business has recently opened and the rear parking
lot, which will be utilized due to limited village parking, has an exit with
limited sight distance obstructions that have not been addressed.
I’m bringing this to your attention as I was retained as a traffic
consultant for the Meritage Restaurant by a previous Bellport Village Zoning
Board Commissioner. As part of this study it was determined that the bushes
on the north side of the driveway severely limited sight distance to
southbound pedestrians, and vehicles. Presently the bushes have overgrown
and require trimming. Since this study a UPS box has been installed this
adds to the problem and needs to be relocated.
After speaking with the Village Clerk on June 5, 2018 he informed me that my
letter and study was forwarded to him, however no action has been taken to
date to rectify this situation. Being that the village paid for my services
I feel obligated to forward my findings to the current board, as they still
apply.
I respectfully ask you to look into this matter and see that it is taken
care of by the appropriate village agencies as soon as possible. Thank you.
Pauline M Hazard
Bellport Village
June 2, 2018
Let's Send Kate to Congress!
Kate Browning served ably as our Suffolk County
Legislator (3rd District) for 12 years. She was able to work effectively
with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Kate has a demonstrated ability to win elections, having won 6 straight
times in a majority Republican district that includes Lee Zeldin’s home
town. Kate has strong name recognition and an excellent reputation in the
Town of Brookhaven, where the majority of voters in the 1st Congressional
District live. Kate’s life story will resonate with CD1 voters: She is a
military mother and the wife of a NYC police detective.
Kate Browning is our best Democratic candidate to defeat Lee Zeldin in
November!
Marc Rauch
Bellport, NY