READ THEN SIGN OUR PETITION TO SAVE HAVENS BEACH
(CLICK BUTTON AT BOTTOM & ADD NAME ON PETITION FORM)

Everyone who knows Havens Beach agrees that the water quality and the shape and texture of the beach itself has been impacted by the dirty storm water now being siphoned into the bay via the large drainage ditch that bisects the Havens public recreational space. These negative effects are also felt at the SANS beaches to the east. 
 
We are seeing  high bacteria counts in the water, making swimming unsafe. Stagnant dirty water pools at the outflow putting children especially at risk. Erosion is occurring and there is a dangerous squishy tar-like concoction underfoot near outlet.
 
As we witness the effects of climate change and over-development on the East End, we need to look at the science in the nature-based climate adaption strategies to remedy water quality issues, erosion and storm water run-off. We need to change the business as usual approach to our environment and adapt for future challenges now.
 
However, the Village Trustees are getting ready to “remedy” both these situations at once with a proposal to construct a new concrete pipe in the ditch change the filters (that do not work) on the drain, mow the phragmites, build rip rap structure that they hope will contain erosion. This work will be connected to a new drainage pipe at Hempstead Street, facilitating more road run off to enter the ditch, and thence the bay.
 
In fact evidence presented in a scientific study of the impact from Hurricane Sandy put the value of preserving and strengthening wetlands (including leaving phragmites as they absorb large amounts of nitrogen and hold strong in storms preventing erosion) at a saving of more-than $625 million.
 
A smart science based adaptive strategy would be to widen the wetland areas, break up the direct discharge system currently in place and have the storm water go through a nature-based filtration system.
 
At its next meeting on June 10th the Harbor Committee is being asked by the Village to review the proposal to see if it is consistent with the goals of the LWRP. It would seem a no-brainer that it is Not consistent with the goals of safe water, and public health and recreation.
 
But the way the proposal is being put is that it’s better than the mess we have now. Friends of Havens Beach asks that the Harbor Committee not fall for this ‘logic”. We ask that they recommend to the Village Trustees Villages Not to implement this this project. Instead that they recommend:

  1. The Village notify Friends of Havens Beach when any decisions or projects are being considered. 
  2. The village works with proven environmental engineers on a comprehensive plan for street drains in Sag Harbor that allows for storm water to be absorbed by green infrastructure rather than run into the bay at the Village's only public swimming beach. Or anywhere else.
  3. That –instead of a single ditch--at least part of the  almost twenty acres behind Havens Beach be restored to wetlands as part of a coastal park, able to the absorb both storm water  and the inevitable hurricane surges - Friends of Havens Beach wish to support taking action to increase coastal resilience.

Grants and sustainable plans to deal with storm-water run off are readily available and the science of these systems is robust. Friends of Havens Beach will gladly assist with this aspect!
 
Please hold off on this project. Let’s save our efforts  for something that will truly benefit the Village.

Yours Sincerely,
 
Carol Williams, Jean Held, Joan Butler, Kate Plumb, Helen Roussel

Peconic Baykeeper
Group for the East End
Surfrider Foundation Eastern Long Island
Defend H2O
​Save Sag Harbor

April Gornik
Kelly DeSesa
Chris Alotta
Kryn Olson
​Loren Unger
Liz Joyce
Aubrey Peterson
Laurie Marsden
James Monaco
Marc Roussel
Olivia Brauer
Diane Hewett
Jane Fasullo
Victoria Homan
Loren Unger
Nessy Rice
​Pitt Reeves
​Debora Oppenheimer
Aura Winarick
Mare Dianora
​Thomas Muse
Hilary Loomis
Robert Cohen
James Rogers
Jill Musnicki
Rebecca Smith
Cathleen Civale
Jane Johnson
Leslie Edwards
Joel Cohen
Judi Caron
Rebecca Curtis
Pat Field
Blair Seagram
Stephanie Joyce
Rebecca Curtis
Constance Judson
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