Group for the East End

News, Updates, Action Alerts

Southold Conservation Agenda to be Released March 12th

clock March 8, 2010 06:40 by author Group Staff

MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Kate Schertel
(631) 765-6450, ext. 208
kschertel@eastendenvironment.org

SOUTHOLD CONSERVATION AGENDA TO BE RELEASED MARCH 12th
New Guide Addresses North Fork Environmental Issues Ahead of Comprehensive Plan

    

WHO:

Bob DeLuca, President, Group for the East End
Jeremy Samuelson, Environmental Advocate, Group for the East End
Representatives from the Long Island Community Foundation
Representatives from the Town of Southold
Representatives from local community organizations

WHAT:   

Press conference announcing the release of the Southold Conservation Agenda, a user-friendly, 15-page guide with fold out maps will assist residents, school groups and local government to explore the connections between the natural world, public policy and personal practices. New guide will inform the forthcoming comprehensive planning process in Southold Town and enable residents to be involved.

WHEN:   

Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:   

Group for the East End offices, 54895 Route 25 in Southold
(North side of the road, across from the Bridgehampton National Bank)

PHOTOS:   

Enlarged replica maps will be displayed for viewing and reference. Distinguished representatives from Group for the East End, the Long Island Community Foundation, the Town of Southold and local community organizations will speak about the project and its timely release as the Town begins its comprehensive planning process.



Save Orient Beach State Park

clock February 26, 2010 10:06 by author Group Staff
Save Orient Beach State Park

Attend a Rally to Oppose the Closure of the Park
Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Meet at Orient Beach State Park


In an effort to close state budget shortfalls, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation has recommended closing Orient Beach State Park. Orient Beach State Park is one of the few public beaches on the North Fork, serves over 110,000 people annually, and is an engine for the local economy. Its closure will undoubtedly have an effect on North Fork tourism. Over 5,500 people have joined a coalition on Facebook to oppose these budget cuts. For more details and to stay updated on this issue, join the coalition against state park closures on Facebook.

See this Newsday article to find out what else Long Islanders are doing to help.

Read more to find out what you can do.

More...



88.3FM Opens the Airwaves to Group for the East End

clock February 10, 2010 05:50 by author Group Staff

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Kate Schertel
(631) 765-6450, ext. 208
kschertel@eastendenvironment.org

88.3FM OPENS THE RADIO AIRWAVES TO GROUP FOR THE EAST END
New Radio Program Will Focus on “Going Green”

Join Group for the East End President Bob DeLuca as host of “Going Green,” a new radio program that explores what each of us can do to live a more environmentally conscious and sustainable life.

The program’s premier episode will air live on Friday, February 12th at 9:00 a.m. on the East End’s new community-owned radio station, 88.3FM Peconic Public Broadcasting.

During this Friday’s show, Anita Wright and Mariah Bruehl will join Mr. DeLuca for a discussion of the issues, activities and experiences that shape and nurture a lasting environmental ethic, from children to adults.

More...



ACTION ALERT: 60 Condos Proposed Over Toxic Plume in Speonk

clock February 5, 2010 00:13 by author Group Staff


Attend the Town Board Hearing
Southampton Town Hall
Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m.

Tell the Town Board to say NO!

Consequences of a toxic plume beneath the site are unknown.
State and local agencies have been extensively studying the Speonk Solvent Plume but have not yet completed their final reports (due in March).  Without accurate information the Town Board should halt the review of this application. 

Density proposed is four times the allowable limit.
A large-scale sewage treatment plant would be required to accommodate the project, which is more than four times the density permitted by the Town’s zoning code. Although the project claims some community benefits, these benefits will never outweigh the traffic, sewage and suburban sprawl burdens the community will bear if the project is approved.

Join us -- Urge the Town Board to deny Serenity Estates.
Given that the application is a Planned Development District (PDD), the Town Board has the right to deny a change to the underlying zoning. Unlike a typical project where the applicant is allowed a certain density as of right, the Town Board can simply say no to a PDD. As of today, we are unsure where the Town Board stands on this project. If this application makes it to a Planning Board review, there is little that can be done to stop it.

Read more from The Southampton Press.
Contact us if you have questions.


More...



NEWS: Great Appliance Swap-Out Starts February 12th

clock February 1, 2010 08:43 by author Group Staff

Are you thinking of buying a new kitchen appliance? If you can, hold off on that purchase to take advantage of New York's Great Appliance Swap-Out from February 12th through 21st.

During this time, New York State residents can trade in their existing old appliances for energy-efficient models and get a cash rebate!

More...



2010 Winter E-news: Peconic Estuary Program Update

clock January 4, 2010 09:10 by author Group Staff

By Jennifer Skilbred

Did you know that Group for the East End coordinates education and outreach for the Peconic Estuary Program (PEP)? This year, we are disseminating information about the two most recently adopted management plans, working with PEP members to organize the 2010 State of the Bays Conference, and developing many other exciting outreach programs.  

Two Peconic Estuary Program management plans were approved in 2009 -- an updated version of the Habitat Restoration Plan and an Eelgrass Management Plan for the Peconics. The Group has weighed in on the development of both strategies and will continue to ensure that important recommendations move forward.
 
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Winter E-News 2010: Environmental Impact of Northwind Village Condo Project a Concern

clock January 4, 2010 09:09 by author Group Staff

By Jenn Hartnagel

On October 28th, I testified in opposition to a 128-unit condominium project known as Northwind Village.  The project is proposed for a 17-acre parcel of land located in the Town of Southold on Route 48, just east of Chapel Lane near Greenport.
 
The most reported and distinctive feature of the application is a request to incorporate the parcel into the Village of Greenport. Both Southold Town and Greenport Village must approve this annexation. If either municipality denies the request, the project as proposed will not be approved.

More...



2010 Winter E-News: Over Ten Years with SEALS and OWLS

clock January 4, 2010 09:07 by author Group Staff

By Anita Wright

To think that many of the East Hampton 5th graders, who participated in the first SEALS (Science Encompasses All Life & Systems) program thirteen years ago, have already graduated from college makes my head spin a little.   When I began at the Group in 1998, the SEALS program was already in full swing and being expanded to the sixth grade as the OWLS (Outdoors While Learning Science) program. Over the years, Group educators have had the opportunity to work closely with 5th grade teachers, John Ryan and Linda Cameron, and sixth grade teacher Brian Smith to design classroom lessons and field excursions that connect students to our natural world and inspire a conservation ethic.
 
This fall, the entire 5th grade team moved from the Middle School to their new wing at the John Marshall Elementary School. During the first SEALS classroom lesson in October, students acted as taxonomists and classified specimens of local animals (turtle shells, bird mounts, skulls and seashells as well as spider, ant and beetle specimens in collection jars) into groups according to common traits. 
 
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2010 Winter E-News: Intern Continues on Environmental Path

clock January 4, 2010 09:06 by author Group Staff

By Kate Schertel

Over the years, Group for the East End has sponsored and worked with many interns and volunteers. We have found some extremely special and inspiring people along the way, and why not shine the spotlight their way in gratitude? We thank them for their dedication, but also for helping our organization realize its vision to inspire people to embrace a conservation ethic.

As an intern from 2007 through 2008, Katie Magee was involved with almost every aspect of Group for the East End's programs. Her accomplishments ranged from securing an appointment to the Mayor's Greening Task Force in Sag Harbor, to reviewing development projects and providing testimony before governing boards, to securing a full spread of exclusively "eco-friendly" sponsorship items for the goody bag at our annual summer benefit.

More...



2010 Winter E-News: Southampton Town Approves Dark Skies Legislation

clock January 4, 2010 09:05 by author Group Staff

By Jenn Hartnagel

After a long battle, we are happy to announce the Town of Southampton approved a dark skies law on December 8, 2009.  The intent of the law is to limit excessive lighting, reduce skyglow, mitigate road glare, prevent light trespass, conserve energy and protect a shared resource – our view of the nighttime sky.  
 
Prior to the passage of this legislation, the highly politicized and hotly debated issue of whether to address existing homes and businesses saturated the dialogue. There were nine public hearings held between June and November!
 
Despite widespread community support, including 500 supportive petition signatures, over 60 letters of support, letters to the editor and multiple presentations from the Group and well-renowned dark skies advocates, the Town Board avoided addressing light pollution from existing homes and businesses.
 
More...


News Feed

New House No Bigger Than Old
The Shelter Island Reporter
March 4, 2010

Orient Rally Cry: Keep Park Open
The Suffolk Times
March 4, 2010

Band of Salty Protesters Turn Out to Decry Closing of Orient Beach State Park
North Fork Vue
March 1, 2010

Water Authority in Hot Water: Agency Grilled on Orient Project
The Suffolk Times
February 26, 2010

Town Board Facing Off with Water Authority
The Suffolk Times
February 18, 2010

Residents Criticize Plan to Construct Senior Citizen Condo Complex in Speonk
The Southampton Press
February 10, 2010

Southampton Town Approves Green Codes for Commercial Buildings
The Southampton Press
February 10, 2010

East Hampton Looks to Create Climate Change Action Plan
East Hampton Star
February 9, 2010

Board Balks At Condo Application
The Southampton Press
February 4, 2010

Trail Moves Forward (Scroll Down)
The Suffolk Times
February 4, 2010

State Rebates on Appliance Purchases
27east.com
February 1, 2010

Green Logic Energy (Interesting Article)
27east.com
February 1, 2010

Causeway Debate Goes Public
The Shelter Island Reporter
January 28, 2010

Group Creates Environmental Documentary, In the Running for $10,000 Award
27east.com
January 21, 2010

Bridgehampton CAC Protests Bulls Head Inn Plan
The Sag Harbor Express
January 8, 2010

Dark Skies Passes 4-1
The Sag Harbor Express
December 11, 2009

Can Orient's Groundwater Be Saved?
The Suffolk Times
December 10, 2009

Environmental Groups Warn on LI Open Space Purchases
Newsday
December 8, 2009

Upcoming Events


MASHOMACK: JEWEL OF THE PECONICS
RESCHEDULED: Saturday, March 13
(10 a.m. to noon)

Mashomack Preserve – encompassing nearly 2,100 acres – makes up fully one-third of Shelter Island. Join us for an informative three-mile hike through the woodlands, wetlands and grasslands of this special place. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

HOORAY! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME CELEBRATORY HIKE!
Monday, March 15
(5:30 to 7 p.m.)

The days are getting longer!  This year, Daylight Savings begins on Sunday March 14th.  Join us, the very next day, on a hike at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue (Southold Town) to celebrate the added daylight!  Come learn about the site’s unique history.  For reservations or more information, please contact Jenn Hartnagel at 631-765-6450 ext. 211 or jhartnagel@eastendenvironment.org.

EARLY SPRING WILDLIFE ON THE BARRIER ISLAND
Sunday, March 28
(noon to 2:30 p.m.

Hampton Bays’ barrier island provides excellent wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the year. During this early-spring search we hope to find harbor seals, loons, great blue herons, great egrets, long-tailed ducks, snow buntings, marsh hawks, and perhaps a short-eared or snowy owl. Binoculars are required. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org.

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