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Letter from the Civic Association of the Setaukets re: Northville |
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Civic Association of the Setaukets To:
Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission Members Dear Sirs/Madams: The Civic Association of the Setaukets has represented the Three Village area for more than fifty years. With over five hundred members, we are an active voice in community concerns. As you know, there was the unfortunate Northville petroleum spill in the South Setauket Pine Barrens area over ten years ago. Litigation over this incident led to the Resource Restoration and Replacement Plan (RRRP). This clear plan created a fund - the Natural Resources Damages (NRD) account - with a well-defined timetable on how and when the monies are to be used on Long Island. The Civic Association of the Setaukets has always maintained that the Northville spill victimized the Three Village area in two significant ways: First by the severe environmental impact, and stigma, related to the spill, And secondly, by funneling the major portion of NRD funds into geographical areas that were not directly affected by the spill. To its credit, the RRRP recognized these two issues and committed $5 million of the $15 million fund to the Three Village area, following a 10-year waiting period. The terms of the RRRP made this community wait 10 years, thereby missing major opportunities for land acquisition in the local area. To change the RRRP now would break a long-standing promise to the Three Village Community. It is now time to follow the terms of agreement of the RRRP and return the entire $5 million to our community. Respectfully, Herb Mones, |
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