Afloat: A matter time

Spring is still off to windward, yet the scuttlebutt on the waterfront is already freshening. Sources close to the source have told us that heirs of Pogatticut, grand Sachem of the Manhanset tribe, the original inhabitants of Shelter Island, are disputing the granting of their maritime rights in the second 1652 conveyance of the Island to Captain Nathaniel Sylvester, et al.

Emboldened by recent Canadian courts’ Native rights, decisions, as well as New Mexican Native rights treaty claims, attorneys for Pogatticut’s descendants challenge anyone to show them the words “water” when the Native Americans conveyed the Island. According to their lawyers, the “turfe and twige” conveyed in the New London closing is glaring proof that the “oar and paddle” was never mentioned.

Thus, all the bays, harbors, and sounds adjoining the Island are still theirs, so say the lawyers. Insiders told us that Pogatticut’s people have confederated with the Pequots who run the enormously profitable Foxwoods Casino and its allied ship building operation to build a casinocanoe for them. Confidants of the tribe have shown us plans for a 500-foot enclosed casino in the shape of a canoe. She’ll be 450 feet on the waterline with an 80-foot beam.

The Island’s old salt when it comes to nautical history thought she was a little squat in the stem but otherwise “a classic.” Spokespeople said she’ll be powered by a small nuclear reactor-type device. Fuel will be free as the canoe will recharge the reactor by intaking water up-Island and downstream from the Brookhaven Nuclear Lab. The reactor will drive 250 carbon fiber, canoe-style paddles which will automatically compensate for both tide and wind, allowing the gamblers a smooth time, as the canoe continuously circumnavigates the Island in a clockwise direction.

In keeping with the Native American theme, the all-steel canoe will have an authentic birch bark look and feel. Players will embark and disembark by the bow of the canoe which will open and close using hydraulic lifters.

Informants close to the operators have told us they envision a fleet of swift craft bringing customers to and from the casino.

Reportedly, a bid request for 25 such launches may be submitted to an Island yard already familiar with this type of boat. Sources tell us that local waterfront property owners and real estate brokers are very excited about making deals for their land to serve as a “beachhead” for the craft. On the hush-hush, we were told that several Island contractors were going to be asked to help fabricate the casino’s interior as the tribe wanted to utilize as much local labor as possible.

One builder told us, “We’re busy, but the tribe is talking over $300 per square foot. We may have to delay some current jobs for that rate.” Sources close to the Chamber of Commerce were quoted as saying, “The tribe’s ad budget will be enormous. We’ll save a bundle not having to pay for those full page ‘Come to Shelter Island’ ads. They’ll do it for us!”

A senior citizen spokesperson who asked to remain anonymous told us that the tribe had promised “senior odds” in the bingo room as well as a big contribution for a proposed re-vamped senior center. The tribe also pointed out that at other casinos, seniors make up a big part of the workforce serving as croupiers, dealers, and slot machine attendants. Plans are for the canoe to be down the skids and floating by summer. She’ll be towed here from across the Sound. Rumor has it that our two ferry companies are competitively bidding for the towing contract. Supposedly one of them has said, “We always welcome new revenue.”

Town legal eagles are already reviewing the descendants’ claims, but as one observer pointed out, “a verbal deal was good enough for them in the LILCO power cable/property tax case, so it should be good enough in the Pogatticut’s.”

The Waterways Committee has been asked to comment on the canoe, but hadn’t scheduled any meetings as of press time. An Historic Society spokeswoman, welcomed the plan.  She hoped to receive funds for a virtual reality Native American village to be placed in the basement of the Manhanset Chapel.

Closer to homeport, this columnist’s management at the Reporter has implied that covering this expanded waterfront activity may necessitate a big raise! Chips ahoy. Oh, and Happy April Fool’s Day.