To the editor:
The third annual Out Run Rett 5K was held last Saturday in New Suffolk. Out Run Rett raises funds for promising research involving gene therapy and honors two young Southold residents, Maren and Rachel, who suffer from the disorder. READ
To the editor:
Adults know the best way to teach children is by example. But we adults are the ones getting schooled and it’s time we learn our lesson — because our children are paying the price for our failures. READ
To the editor:
I am heartened by more than one article in the Feb. 22 Suffolk Times. I appreciated the words of Steve Choi, the executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, who responded to Lee Zeldin’s bill, identifying it as “shameless political posturing.” Such a bill would cause many respectable immigrants to be apprehended for no reason at all, and cause citizens to be unnecessarily alarmed. READ
I have lived in Cutchogue so long I am now a grandmother. I am also an American historian who has taught for many years.
The request to the Greenport Village Board by Walter Gezari, owner of STIDD Systems, to use a helicopter to make his business more efficient is not much different than many other American companies that use general aviation. READ
This small, antique — and still working — mailbox on Main Street in Greenport is slated to be removed and replaced with a more modern collection box up the road. Some who live in or work in the area aren’t happy about that. (Credit: Paul Squire)
Thank you for the article on the historic metal mailbox at the foot of Main Street in Greenport. I hope by calling attention to the unjustifiable elimination of a perfectly functional, fully restored and pleasing reminder of our past we can persuade the powers that be to change their mind and preserve this piece of living history.
I spoke with the postmistress in the Greenport office asking why they would seek to destroy this valuable reminder of another era, and was given these explanations.
To address the thinking that efficiencies will be gained with the elimination of this pickup, I challenge the value of the incremental time gained to mean anything at all. The box is near a fire hydrant and there is no parking between the hydrant and the mailbox. It is easily accessed at all times of the year and can take no more than a minute, literally a minute, to pickup this mail by the truck picking up the mail at the boxes along Main Street. As to the comment that there is not enough mail in the box to warrant a pickup, I would suggest, that like all things in Greenport, it depends on the time of year. On occasions in the summer, that box is fully utilized, in the winter, that comment has some validity. And true big packages cannot be dropped in the small slot, but so what, most big packages are weighed in the Post Office for proper postage any way.
Not really surprising I suppose, Mr. Cosmo Infantolino, the apparent decision maker, will accept no phone calls or e-mails on this topic, but asks that all interested parties “write him a letter.” I ask everyone of you reading this to be an interested party. Send Mr. Infantolino, Manager Consumer Affairs a letter at 65 Maxess Road Melville, NY 11747 and ask him to stop this plan to remove this mailbox. Thank you.
This house in East Marion after it went into foreclosure in 2011. (Credit: Options Realty, file)
To the Editor:
Swaying in the wind, their presence hides an escalating problem that virtually affects us all.
Once the symbol of upward mobility and a promising future, real estate signs on front lawns in many cases signify another casualty inflicted by the high cost of living on Long Island.
Change is inevitable, we are told. That often overused phrase has more meaning now than ever before. For many, the suburban lifestyle that we have grown accustomed to is slipping away, not by choice but for economic reasons.
Surveys in the past, taken by Nassau and Suffolk residents asking if they planned to continue living here, showed the desire to exit is increasing dramatically. It should come as no surprise that many residents plan to leave the island. The cost of buying a home or renting one on Long Island has become exceedingly high and beyond the reach of many who would continue to live here, if they simply could afford to.
For many, living here is no longer feasible. The cost of owning and maintaining a home has become such a financial burden that the only realistic alternative is to relocate off the island.
Affordable housing has become a serious issue that continues to threaten the demographic profile of both Nassau and Suffolk counties. For many, the dream of owning a home and raising a family here has become just that: a dream.
A growing number of residents in the 18- to 24-year old demographic profile are either moving or are planning to leave the island, primarily for economic reasons. Although this is alarming, the fact remains that little is being done to retain this segment of our population. As a result, the demographic profile of our island will shift in favor of older, established residents, who can somewhat better handle the financial drain of living here.
This precarious situation is quite problematic as the status-quo of our island is undermined as this transition progresses. The void left behind by our newly evolving social landscape will not easily be filled. This is in stark contrast to an island that was a prime destination for countless young adults who wished to stay here and maintained a quality lifestyle.
As more and more residents are forced to vacate their homes, a sense of despair takes hold. Like characters from John Steinbeck’s ‘ Grapes of Wrath’, families are exiting Long Island in search of a better and most importantly, affordable lives.
Jason Hill, RIDGE
We have had a year of peace with no money stolen or wood missing. Since Dec. 1, 2012, our stand has been hit three times with an approximate loss of $100. However, we have the culprit on video and will have him in custody soon.
On the brighter side, below is a note on an envelope from an individual taking a tree and leaving money. We hope you print the note so that the individual can get back her $20. We want to return it as our hearts and faith have been renewed.
Have a happy and joyful 2013.
The note on the envelope:
“Hi,
Sorry I took a tree Xmas Eve for my 15-month-old daughter w/o anyone here, but music was on, hope you don’t mind. This is not something I would ever do, but feel bad if there’s no tree so here is $20. That is what its tag was marked. I so appreciate it – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Susie”
Bob Mohr
Mr. Mohr’s son, Chris, operates Chris Mohr Landscaping in Cutchogue.