To: Ernest Cannava, Town Attorney
Town of Islip
655 Main Street
Islip, NY 11751
Re: Town of Islip Services
Dear Town Attorney Cannava:
I have been a resident of Fair Harbor, Fire Island for many years and
as such I am also a taxpayer. The fragile Island environment, the many
jurisdictions governing the Island, and the literally miles of open water
between here and the main part of Islip make Fair Harbor difficult to
administrate. But make no mistake; Fire Island provides important
protective features to the mainland that should not be forgotten. Major
tax revenue is generated from business serving the Island, the ferry
services, and retail business.
Recently, evidence is mounting that the Town of Islip, under Supervisor
McGowan’s governance, has decided to distance itself from the management
and needs of the beach communities. Witness the abandonment of the Dune
District, the lack of initiative to obtain FEMA/State grant monies for
code improvements, and very important; the missing leadership to maintain
beach safety by failing to obtain Public Beach Lifeguard Permits from the
Suffolk County Health Department. A recent FOIA request (5/14) reveals
that the Town’s Trustees not once discussed the Lifeguard issue since
February 1, 1999 !
The above public safety issue is very important to us. I have been
informed that the community in fact has placed the Town on notice for the
resulting risks to residents and visitors, especially children.
I understand that you have been for some time now the contact person
for a variety of issues for Fair Harbor residents. With that working
knowledge I urge you to reevaluate the overall services and attitudes
toward the residents, taxpayers, and voters on the beach and ask you to
encourage and counsel our political leadership to provide those services
more equitably among all the residents of the Town of Islip.
Please give me a call at ________________ to discuss these and any
other matters.
Your attention to my concerns is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
