I was very pleased by the meeting at Whyte Hall on Saturday to discuss the proposed boycott of the new commercial establishment in the Pines. The proposed boycott results from the new owner Ian Reisner's hosting a Republican presidential candidate opposed to LGBT rights. Approximately 300 people attended. Attendees included homeowners, renters and workers in the community. A wide range of opinions were expressed and the discussion was very civil. There was a shared community outrage at Ian's affiliation with Ted Cruz. Considerable support was expressed for co-owner PJ McAteer. Sentiment was expressed for Ian selling his interest and FIPPOA was asked if it was possible for us to buy it, which we are legally barred from doing, even if that were financially possible. There was a keen feeling that a boycott was not the correct action because it would have a significantly detrimental impact on the Pines and people having nothing to do with the matter. The general view was that a boycott would be unduly harmful and that the Pines should not suffer for the conduct of one person. There was a great deal of discussion of what Ian could do in recompense.
Recommendations included:
* A sincere apology from Ian that we can believe.
* A percentage of the profits of the properties or an outright contribution to organizations and/or candidates supporting LGBT rights.
* A contribution to the organizations that were encouraged to cancel events at the Out Hotel this week.
* A contribution to FIPPOA PAC to be distributed to candidates supporting LGBT rights.
FIPPOA was directed to convey to Ian the substance of the meeting and the recommended actions, which we will do. The Pines can be proud that we came together, expressed our views to each other, agreeing and disagreeing and resolving to come together and move forward.
The beach project FIMI is moving slowly. It appears now that Phase II which will involve the Fire Island Lighthouse and some of the western communities nearby will begin in the fall. We have no word on the timing of Phase III which will include the Pines, but it appears it will wait until the fall of 2016 into the winter of 2016/2017. Suffolk County has issued notices to ocean front homeowners regarding procedures for the use of eminent domain law to acquire the necessary properties along the ocean. The notice is a procedural requirement only. No decision has been made regarding the taking of property.
Planning for the new passenger ferry dock and the related work in the harbor is moving along. We had a meeting with the Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, our new Councilman Neil Foley and Town staff to plan for two Town Council meetings that will need to occur. We are anticipating that the work will take place between the 2015 and 2016 season.
FIPPOA is in the process of repairing the harbor lighting which took a beating over the severe winter. New pendant lamps have been ordered for the passenger ferry dock and other lighting in the harbor is being repaired or replaced as needed. Please bear with us as fixtures are back ordered. We expect to have everything in place for the July 4th holiday. A more extensive repair/replacement of harbor lighting will occur in the harbor infrastructure project planned for the winter. FIPPOA is undertaking a cleanup of the community in the next two weeks. All residents are encouraged to clean up in front of their homes and adjacent property. Regarding the Boulevard, we are in discussions with service providers in the immediate harbor area and we hope to have enclosures and sheds completed this season.
The NYSDEC has confirmed that the southern pine beetle blight is in the Pines. Homeowners will want to be on the lookout for these trees. For more information you can read the
Fire Island Association update. The Pines Conservation Society will order trees for delivery in the fall.
Orders can be made here and must be received by August 1, 2015.
This coming Saturday there will be a Memorial service for Alan Brockman, our longtime president. The service will take place at Whyte Hall at 12:30. All are invited to attend. The service will be followed by a luncheon. Please RSVP by return email, if you haven't already.
The Spring community meeting will occur on May 16th at Whyte Hall at 10:30 am. There will be a continental breakfast at 10 am. The membership will be voting on an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation/By-Laws to lower the number of directors to 15. The current board size does not comport with modern practices for the governance of not for profits. Our Board of Directors unanimously recommend the change.
The Pines Post Office has opened for the season with new postmasters Larry Tallamy and Kent Dillon. Larry and Kent are ready to supply all the postal needs of the community. You can also pick up your wagon stickers at the Post Office from 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Tulane University in New Orleans has established a new center dedicated to the study and teaching of entrepreneurship. The new center is named in honor of Albert Lepage, a generous donor to Tulane. Congratulations to Albert for this distinguished honor.
Longtime residents Carl Krumholz and Richard Limoges were married on April 25 in Philadelphia. Carl and Richard are of different faiths and there was both a church and temple services. Carl told me that he would only say "I will" at the church, but waited to be under the chuppah to say "I Do". Congratulations to Carl and Dick.
