Preservation, Water, Referendum on Board’s Agenda

With fair attendance at the Southeast Town Hall, the Town Board met to discuss, among other issues, a possible land preservation acquisition.

Dr. Michael Klemens of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies delivered some of his findings advocating for the acquisition of a 160-acre parcel known as Haines Pond.

Dr. Klemens has been consulting the Town of Southeast for about two years regarding the possible benefits of this large area that borders Connecticut. Should the land be acquired, it would come at a cost of $5 million from funds appropriated by the Open Space Bond Fund and adjoin two watershed ecosystems.

The connection of these two watersheds between New York and Connecticut would allow for an “undeveloped watershed divide” and would promote

thriving ecosystem to help preserve declining and rare species,” according to Klemens. He described this total 1000-acre area to be a “keystone piece to a biological corridor.” Further assessments need be completed to affirm the overall value of the area, along with negotiations regarding costs and figures before the board makes motion, he said. Studies conducted on Haines Pond are published on the Cary Institute’s website at ecostudies.org.

Among the other items on the board’s agenda was the imbroglio regarding water on Peaceable Hill. In a contentious scenario involving the Town of Southeast and the Village of Brewster, board members expressed that they were “working to alleviate” the “astronomical water rates” residents are to pay for municipal water. The ongoing controversy stems from flat-fee water rates charged to residents of Peaceable Hill. It was brought up to the board that twelve residents have water-wells, but still pay for water.

Deliberations by the board highlighted the complexity of the situation, and led to a unanimous vote by the board to maintain the current rates.

Come Election Day, along with votes for political appointments, Southeast residents will vote on a resolution concerning appropriation to refurbish Old Town Hall. Board members discussed a resolution regarding the restoration of the building. Board member Dwight Yee was a proponent of the referendum, citing that “sparking interest in Old Town Hall” is beneficial to “revitalize the Village of Brewster.” He continued further to express the need to spend money to make money, in that refurbishment will result in prospective sales revenue. The board encouraged voters to learn about the referendum and related issues to understand this refurbishment project currently budget capped at $3.836 million.