To: County Executive Gaffney
888 Veterans Highway
P.O. Box 6100
Haupaugue, NY 11788

Fm:
Fair Harbor, NY
Mail:

Re: Town of Islip Services

Dear County Executive Gaffney:

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 various retail establishments. The recreational value of the beaches is no doubt an important asset.

Recently, evidence is mounting that the Town of Islip, under Pete McGowan’s governance, has decided to distance itself from the management and needs of the beach communities. Witness the termination 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. This could possibly mean that Town of Islip and Suffolk County Law Enforcement will arrest bathers this summer with no lifeguards on duty. I am sure you can imagine the bad-will that could create.

The public safety issue is very dear to our hearts. I have been informed that the community in fact has placed the Town on notice for the resulting risks to residents, including children.

I ask you to set aside your many County obligations for a moment and look into how the Town of Islip is handling its obligation to equally and equitably provide municipal services to the residents, taxpayers, and voters on the beach. I further urge you to use your influence and political knowledge to communicate with Supervisor McGowan on these subjects.

Please give me a call at (xxx) xxx-xxxx (wkds),  (xxx) xxx-xxxx (wkdy eves), or (xxx) xxx-xxxx  (work) to discuss these and any other matters.

Your attention to my/our concerns is greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely,