At the May 15th, General Meeting Legislator Bridget Fleming accomplished a great deal for the residents of the South Folk, delivering on key legislation, a Home Rule Message to transfer the Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock to the Town of Southampton, and appointing a new member to the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ).
One of the victories of the day was the approval of Introductory Resolution 1391-2018, to amend the 2018 Capital Budget and Program and to authorize the County Executive to execute an agreement with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to accept a 100% grant under the state and municipal (SAM) facilities program in connection with replacing the guiderails along CR 60, Noyack-Long Beach Road.
The resolution authorizes accepting $250,000 in grant funding from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. The project co-sponsored by Legislator Fleming will replace the current galvanized steel guiderails along Long Beach Road with wood rails that are more appropriate to the beautiful park setting. This is the result of several years of effort by Legislator Fleming working closely with Assemblyman Fred Thiele. After Fleming worked with the Department of Public Works to identify a rail system that would satisfy safety demands without disrupting the park vistas, Thiele was able to secure the funds. The efforts were prompted by significant public outcry regarding massive steel rails that were installed by County Department of Public Works in 2014.
“The replacement of the unsightly steel guiderails along Long Beach Road supports an ongoing beautification project that aims to enhance public enjoyment of Foster Memorial Beach and Long Beach Road. Wooden guiderails are more appropriate for the beautiful park setting and are appealing to residents and visitors. Suffolk County is partnering with the Village of North Haven and New York State to complete the beautification project which may include walking paths to increase accessibility for our residents and visitors, burying of the unsightly overhead power lines by PSEG, and ongoing habitat restoration by the Suffolk County Water Authority to ensure native species can thrive on Long Beach Road once again.” said Legislator Bridget Fleming
“I am thrilled Suffolk County is moving forward with replacing the steel guardrails along County Road 60 with wooden guardrails, and I’m pleased that the State can assist with $250,000 in capital funds for this replacement,” said New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele. “This stretch of road is one of the most scenic public vistas on the East End, with a one-mile long public beach, a boat launching area, fishing spots, a bicycle lane and substantial pedestrian use. The steel guardrails were installed without consultation with local government, elected officials, or civic organizations, and all agreed that they undermine the area’s unique natural beauty and parkland setting. Legislator Bridget Fleming is to be commended for listening to her constituents and proactively addressing their concerns.”
The Legislature also passed Home Rule Message #2-2018, a bill sponsored by Legislator Fleming to support State Legislation introduced by Senator LaValle and Assemblyman Thiele to authorize the County to discontinue the use of a portion of County parkland known as the Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock, and to transfer it to the Town of Southampton for recreational purposes.
“Suffolk County currently has an agreement to pay for 50% of the capital improvements at the Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock. The dock is currently in poor shape and is costly to maintain. By transferring the dock to the Town of Southampton we protect taxpayers from covering capital costs and simultaneously allow the Town to improve the dock to better serve the thriving fishing industry that operates from the dock. This is simply good government in action.” said Legislator Bridget Fleming
“I’m thrilled to be working with Legislator Fleming on this project. This will be another unique destination for our residents and tourists and it is exciting to support our local fishermen and economy. The Town has already begun the refurbishment and cleanup of the dock area and we expect this project to be a big success and a destination that our residents and tourists will enjoy for decades.” said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman
Caption: Legislator Al Krupski, newly-appointed CEQ Member Andrea Spilka, and Legislator Bridget Fleming at the May 15th General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature.
Another highlight of the day was the approval of Introductory Resolution 1348-2018, to appoint Andrea Spilka to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). Her nomination comes as result of Gloria Russo resigning her post in December, 2017.
“Andrea’s commitment to serving the people of her community, the Second Legislative District, and Suffolk County is exactly the type of representation we need. She has worked very hard and tirelessly on many issues, and has advocated countless times to protect the environment and communities of Suffolk County. I am confident in her abilities to serve and protect our nature resources, and I am excited to have such a well-qualified individual as a member of the CEQ,” said Legislator Bridget Fleming.
The Council on Environmental Quality was established in 1970 by Article I of the Suffolk County Charter otherwise known as the Environmental Bill of Rights. In 1972 the County established the Suffolk County Historic Trust and appointed the CEQ members as trustees. The Council’s primary responsibilities include providing advice and assistance to any department, board, commission or agency of Suffolk County government on the implementation of and compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
Andrea currently serves as President of the Southampton Town Civic Coalition, a member of the East Moriches Property Owners Association (EMPOA), Brookhaven Town Open Space and Farmland Acquisition Advisory Committee, League of Women’s Voters of the Hamptons, and the Southampton Water Protection Alliance.
She is deeply committed to public service and will now be a part of the 11 member council that can make recommendations to the County Legislature and County Executive regarding county-owned property dedications, the County Nature Preserve or Historic Trust, and potential property acquisitions for purposes of dedication.
