Shelter Island Reporter Letters to the Editor: Oct. 16, 2026
WhO IS RESPONSIBLE?
To the Editor:
Without going into the questionable legality of the recent ad hoc decision by the majority of the Town Board to approve the Colligan application for a basement ADU located in the near shore overlay district, the majority has made a serious mistake setting precarious precedent for future ADU applications.
The controlling impetus for the decision to interpret (ignore) code and re-zone the property is affordable housing. Our Town Board chose to favor this issue rather than the protection of the Island’s character, environment and welfare.
The question becomes, after many years of talks and committees, what has this town done to implement workforce affordable housing? What, if any funds, plans or programs have been created to provide housing for those who contribute to our community? Has it become the responsibility of individual property owners to come forward to resolve this dilemma?
Perhaps we should look to Nantucket for some viable solutions and guidance. Piecemeal applications for ADUs without oversight and enforcement regulations is reckless and poor Town management.
It is the responsibility of the elected Town Board, and not that of homeowners, to resolve this problem with concrete, viable funded programs. Our Town must intelligently create housing for those deserving without disregard of the well thought-out laws enacted to protect our island.
KATHRYN CUNNINGHAM, Shelter Island
DISMANTLING THE NYSODD
To the Editor:
In a triumph of what Codger has aptly called “the good old boys and girls network,” Supervisor Brach-Williams, Deputy Supervisor Larsen, and Councilwoman Hanley have out-voted Councilmen Dickson and Dyett to grant an unprecedented spot zoning application to remove a 0.28 acre property in a 2-acre AA zone from the Near Shore and Peninsular Overlay District (NSPOD). This will allow the applicant to get around the Town Code prohibiting ADUs in the environmentally-fragile NSPOD.
The Town’s favored consultant PW Grosser provided a fig leaf for this approval. It uncritically followed the biased narrative prepared by the applicant’s well-connected permit expediter in concluding that only one of the five criteria for inclusion of the applicant’s property in the NSPOD was met (under the Code, only one of the five needs to be met for inclusion). It ignored evidence that other criteria were met, particularly the elevation of the water table over sea level.
The Board majority, having closed the hearing before this report was released, silenced the public’s ability to highlight its flaws, then refused to apply the Code, proclaiming the one criterion that their own consultant said was met, despite being in the Code for decades, isn’t “an adequate measure.”
Let’s not be fooled. This was a brazen display of favoritism and disregard for the Code, which the entire Town Board was sworn to uphold. It is yet another sad example of the feckless governance of Shelter Island, frequently for the benefit of special interests. It’s also the first step in dismantling the NSPOD by allowing construction of ADUs in it. That’s been a long-time goal of Councilwoman Hanley and the Housing Board who enthusiastically embraced the application as a Trojan horse to accomplish this.
The applicant’s permit expediter will doubtless be back with other spot zoning applications to capitalize on this precedent.
JAN SUDOL, Shelter Island
ANYTHING GOES
To the Editor:
Good news! Now anyone who wants to change their zoning out of the Near Shore and Peninsular Overlay District, even if the land drains toward creek or bay waters, increasing potential pollution from surface or below-ground drainage can write a check for $2,500 and voila it’s done.
You don’t even need to submit construction plans for future development within the application. And if you already have an accessory structure with sleeping quarters, so much the better. Change your zone, add a kitchen and charge any rent you want for any time frame you choose. Thank Supervisor Brach-Williams, Deputy Supervisor Larsen and Councilwoman Hanley for this opportunity. No restrictions are required other than an upgrade to your septic system to an I/A system approved by Suffolk County Department of Health for the increased density, water demand and sanitary flow.
You don’t even need to submit any other permits or area variance approvals within the application even though the application itself requires them. So much for upholding the protections and criteria stated in the Town Code for the NSPOD that ensure that our groundwater and surface waters are safe and healthy for generations to come. So much for the updated Comprehensive Plan vowing to strengthen the Near Shore and Peninsular Overlay District.
PAM DEMAREST, Shelter Island
DOUBLED DOWN
To the Editor:
Rather than constructively addressing the concerns raised in my recent letter — that the public is being deprived of an adequate opportunity to review the September draft comprehensive plan — those pushing the plan have doubled down.
Your latest issue reports the Supervisor stating “[w]e have been working on this for a year,” and “[t]his is not rushed.” In fact, the Town has been working on the plan in fits and starts for six years. There were opportunities for public participation over many months in 2022-2023, but none since. This history hardly excuses now limiting public discussion to two hearings within a week of each other in November. What could be more rushed?
Tellingly, the Town has now not only removed from its website the 2022 schedule for extensive public discussion my letter cited, but key documents that reveal to the public how the proposed new comprehensive plans turns its back on the existing one. Gone is the 1994 comprehensive plan itself. It called for greater environmental protection and limitations on development and expressed caution about public water. The current draft plan opens the door to greater development virtually everywhere and identifies the Suffolk County Water Authority as a “partner.”
Also just removed from the Town website is the generic environmental impact statement (GEIS) done in connection with the 1994 plan. Many people believe that, over 30 years later, we need a new GEIS. A GEIS is recommended by state guidance, was suggested by the Suffolk County Planning Commission when reviewing a prior draft of our plan in 2023, and many other towns have undertaken one in connection with their comprehensive plan. Nevertheless, the pro-development majority on the Town Board is setting the stage to limit environmental review and avoid a GEIS.
Let more sun shine in on their agenda.
STEPHEN JACOBS, Shelter Island
APPROPRIATE
To the Editor:
Unfortunately, I find myself addressing the Reporter again about appropriateness (Sept. 8, “Dickson Resigns: An often independent public voice,” and “Our View”).
First, Albert Dickson deserves better recognition and appreciation after serving many productive years on the Town Board and on Town committees, rather than rehashing “Ancient History” (which you have previously written about). The inappropriateness of this article is shameful; you give new meaning to kicking a man when he is down.
Second, also from last week’s paper the misrepresentation that the two Democrats are the cause of not filling the empty seat on the Town Board in 2024 is totally incorrect.
If you want to place blame on that unfulfilled seat it belongs to all of the Board members at that time. Instead of getting your information from the speculation of a Republican leader, you might want to verify the information from all sides. I personally have tried to defend the Reporter, because everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes and bias are two different things. Your bias is evident and disturbing.
GORDON GOODING, Shelter Island
Editor’s Note: There is no bias, and this paper stands by its reporting from the time, using multiple sources closely involved with the issue, and not just one political leader, but both. This paper heartily endorsed Mr. Dickson for election, noting he “has always been up to speed on all issues facing the Island and had sound ideas to improve the lives of residents. He has been an independent voice, with no fear of controversy …” In the article from last week we noted Mr. Dickson is “a strong advocate for ensuring the Island has clean water — the issue that he will be remembered for.”
SOMEONE TO AGREE ON
To the Editor:
Once again, I opened to the editorial page to find Democrats blamed on anonymous speculation, this time for a 2024 deadlock that Republicans were equally part of (“Not a time for games,” Oct. 8). The Reporter must be “playing games,” because at that time its own editorial (“Finally a full Town Board,” Dec. 15, 2024) faulted all four members and added, “This is not to disparage the efforts the four made, but to recognize it takes a full and focused Town Board to tackle the major issues facing the Town.” Now the Reporter has revisited those same events and found only two people to blame.
Amber Brach-Williams’ election as Supervisor in 2023 left a vacancy on an evenly divided Town Board. After interviewing 11 candidates, the four members split 2–2 and could not agree on an appointment. A deadlock takes two sides. Any one of the four, Republicans included, could have crossed over. None did.
In February 2024, Councilmen Dickson and Dyett voted against asking the governor for a special election. Councilman Dyett reported that he and the town attorney had been told one was unlikely to be approved so close to a general election. With the next election eight months away, waiting to decide was a defensible choice, not sabotage.
With Councilman Dickson’s departure, the Board is once again split 2–2. I hope all four members, Democrats and Republicans alike, find someone they can agree on, someone with Councilman Dickson’s dedication and priorities. That would be the best answer to this editorial.
And perhaps, as we all move forward, the Reporter could try accentuating the positive in our community.
DAVE GENTILE, Member, Shelter Island Democratic Committee
A TRUE ONE
To the Editor:
I am at a total loss to understand why an article about Town Board member Albert Dickson, who grew up here and has served this community far beyond the call of duty, should contain a lengthy discussion of something that happened many years ago — that voters clearly dismissed as an issue, since he was elected by an overwhelming margin.
Mr. Dickson is an honorable public servant who has made the difficult decision to resign from the Town Board, after a distinguished record of service, due to serious illness.
This man is a true hero and should be recognized as such, consistently defending our island’s natural environment and particularly our water. His suggestion of an Island Housing Authority deserves serious consideration, given the complexity of the Island’s needs.
I would also like to ask a question. Immediately prior to the midterm election, the Reporter has now published not one, but two editorials disparaging the Island Democrats. Why? Why now?
NATASHA STOWE, Shelter Island
WHAT GUIDES HIM
To the Editor:
We have had the pleasure of hearing Albert Dickson’s strong, independent voice on the Town Board for many years. What is the leadership value of someone who was born and raised here? Everything.
Albert governs only with Shelter Islanders in mind and what the future may hold for Islanders. There is no other thought that guides him. He knows what works, and what will harm the Island down the road with painful, burdensome litigation.
He did a magnificent job and will be missed. Albert, thank you for speaking up loud and proud for the issues that sincerely matter.
KATHRYN & DAVE KLENAWICUS JR., Shelter Island
DR. KELT
To the Editor:
In the Thursday, Sept. 24 and Oct. 8 editions of the Reporters, articles stated “there is currently no full time doctor on the Island ….”
These statements are incorrect. Dr. Peter A. Kelt has been my PCP for over 40 years and is still taking care of me and many others. Dr. Kelt is knowledgeable, hardworking, dedicated and caring. In his early days, sometimes he put in 120 hours per week and now puts in no less than a full 40 hours per week.
He is supplying superior health care and deals with complicated health issues of the young and old. He is here full time and the only doctor that has stayed full time (except Dr. Grunwaldt). Dr. Kelt has been loyal to his patients and stuck it out through past problems with the Town and deals with larger health entities, which could never keep a doctor here long enough to establish any kind of continued local care. He is a superior full-time doctor and is a Shelter Island resident who deserves our recognition, support and thanks, as do his wife Jean and his superior staff.
PAMELA L.L. JACKSON, Shelter Island
ENCOURAGED AND PROUD
To the Editor:
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who organized and participated in the recent Reporter panel discussion on aging here on Shelter Island.
As a chiropractor practicing on the Island, I found the experience both enlightening and inspiring. Listening to the five other panelists describe the many services, resources, and programs available to senior citizens was a wonderful reminder of how much this community has to offer. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassion were truly impressive.
I was also grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective on the role that chiropractic care can play in helping older adults maintain mobility, manage certain types of pain, and continue doing the things they enjoy. As we age, staying active, moving comfortably, and preserving our independence become increasingly important. Supporting healthy movement and function can be a valuable part of an overall approach to healthy aging.
What stood out most to me was the spirit of collaboration among everyone who spoke. Each of us approaches the needs of seniors from a different perspective, yet we share a common goal: helping our neighbors enjoy the healthiest, most active, and fulfilling lives possible.
Shelter Island is fortunate to have so many caring individuals and resources devoted to its senior population. Thank you to the Reporter, fellow panelists, and everyone who attended for making this such a worthwhile and memorable discussion. I left feeling encouraged by what the community is doing and proud to be part of it.
JAMES A. HINSCH, D.C, Mattituck
APPRECIATON AND DEDICATION
To the Editor:
On Oct. 12, I was confirmed by the Shelter Island History Museum Board as President. My first communication is to thank Mary Fran Gleason who achieved so much during her tenure as president.
Mary Fran re-energized our Board to actively reflect so many in our community who appreciate our unique legacy. A Shelter Island High School graduate, who returned to this special place, her final year included: our energetic participation in the Semiquincentennial 250th celebration including the parade; Havens House exhibit; and the Red White & Blue Gala.
As I take on the responsibility of leading the Museum’s Board, it is my goal to continue the important initiatives that were launched as part of our strategic plan.
These include informative and entertaining programs and exhibits for all ages related to Shelter Island History, and continued collaborations with the Island’s other organizations, cultural and civic. We will continue and strengthen our programming with Island Senior Days and with Shelter Island students.
My parents brought our family to the Island in the early 1950s, and we have had a great appreciation for the families who are the fabric of this special place.
Our plans this year include expanding our Living History video series on so many of the Island’s legacies by conducting more interviews and developing ongoing showing of videos at the museum. Our Acting Lab for children will return for its 6th year with a new performance about our Island.
Our summer exhibits will include works by three longtime Island artists, Dale Clark, Billy Clark III and Dorie Hagler as they represent the trades, locations and seasons of the Island. Additional exhibits are being planned.
We plan to increase participation of student interns year-round. We have already added evening hours to meet the schedules of students and those who work during the day.
Admission to the museum continues to be free. We rely on donations and grants to support our operations.
Consider volunteering. We have positions just right for your skills and availability. Research your family, your home, old maps, Island correspondence with our archivist.
Please check our website for updates and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our activities. There is always something new happening at the museum.
We welcome your visit.
CHRISTOPHER CAREY, President, Shelter Island History Museum
