Trustees’ Appeal of Court Decision Puts Environmental Laws at Risk

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In response to a lawsuit by The Peconic Baykeeper to challenge and environmentally-damaging marina expansion at Dockers Waterside Restaurant in East Quogue, the New York State Supreme Court overturned the Southampton Town Trustees’ decision to approve this project. The court decision was based on the Trustees’ lack of compliance with the state-mandated environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

We Support Comprehensive and Standardized Environmental Review
SEQRA is the most important comprehensive environmental statute in New York State because it provides for the careful examination of environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and project alternatives in an organized and public fashion. It does not change or take away the jurisdiction of any agency, but rather it provides for the greatest amount of agency and public input before a final decision is made.

Trustees Plan to Appeal Supreme Court Decision and Move Ahead at Dockers
We believe the NYS Supreme Court’s ruling clarifies the required review process in the best long-term interest of the environment and community planning. Unfortunately, the Trustees have indicated that they plan an appeal, which could challenge the strength of SEQRA and undermine the review process for future development applications.

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