Since August, I had been collecting signatures for a petition to make Island Hills a park. That would be agreed to as part of a hamlet study that updates Greater Sayville's zoning laws, which haven't been updated since 1967. On October 22nd, I delivered that petition to the Town of Islip Board: https://www.youtube.com/live/mubgBiwKAs4?t=3760s

Thank you to everyone who signed!

Importantly, over 6,700 people viewed the petition. That sort of awareness should demonstrate to the Town how important this issue is to the people of Greater Sayville.

The video link is set for my comment during the Town of Islip's public comment period (1:02:40/1:30:52). The snapshot in this post also captures where in the public session I offer my comment.

In addition to delivering our petition to the Town clerk during public session, I emailed it to each board member of the Town of Islip.  I heard back from Town of Islip (TOI) Supervisor Angie Carpenter that she forwarded our petition to the TOI Planning Department.

Additionally, Supervisor Carpenter shared that the TOI has a consultant currently reviewing zoning town-wide as part of the Town's plan to create a new master plan.  She indicated I shouldn't be surprised if they contacted me. 

I appreciate being shown that respect.  My belief, though, that this green space should not be developed and that we need a fully transparent process that uses modern (and convenient) modes of communication are non-negotiables.  I only want to "be in the room" if others (like our fire departments, civics, Chamber, school districts and historical societies) are also "in the room." 

We need to be factual, civil and persistent in advocating for our way of life. The only time we lose is when we quit. I don't think we have it in us to do that.