tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426564676901744915.comments2008-09-30T13:51:13.891-07:00Sustainable Southoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15332308885249838833noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426564676901744915.post-24940573405922007632008-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:002008-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:00I've just built a house in Greenport, trying to use as many green features as possible, and it has been an exciting experience. Sometimes there are frustrating limitations on how green one can be. For instance, solar panels may not be practical if there are lots of trees in the area, and one is torn between the protection of the trees and the harnessing of solar energy. But many small efforts add up to something significant--Glynis points out how much energy is wasted in houses--and, perhpas most impoortant for me, the effort to be green in my own circumstances has given me a much larger understanding of environmental issues of several kinds. Finally, I must say that Glynis is a wonderful exponent of green building--knowledgeable and committed, without being doctrinaire. I should know; she and her husband Hideaki Ariizumi designed my new house!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05558334734148255273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426564676901744915.post-64991845434034967452008-09-27T02:00:00.000-07:002008-09-27T02:00:00.000-07:00Hello, Anne, hello, everyone. As some of you know, I've been busy on another mission, one that is fundamental to every proposed coastal project (such as this one) in our town, and that is the efficacy, legitimacy, and authority of the town trustees. I realize that some of the issues I have raised in public seem arcane or legalistic. However, as the projects and adversaries get bigger and more sophisticated, further attention to matters of law will improve the town's citizens and government in grappling successfully with them.<BR/><BR/> My comment here applies to Howard's article about the need of a comprehensive plan, especially, but like most “arguments,” specific examples are key in convincing people. This proposed project, and others like it, prove without a doubt how vulnerable the town 's precious quality of life is. That is because we do not have a comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan, where a community defines itself and its values, and zones accordingly, would stand up in a court of law against this project, and others like it, as well as assist us in regulating docks and other activities. Unfortunately, out town is so far behind the times / cutting edge in this capability, it is scary.<BR/><BR/> I refer everyone to an article in the Group for the East End's Fall 2007 newsletter, “Acting Locally: Consider Formula Business Restrictions.” Although the article is mainly about restricting box and formula stores, it really provides a scenario for how our town can (and other towns are doing it!) control its future:<BR/><BR/>“Usually a community can justify such zoning laws if they fulfill some of the goals-such as protecting community character and local economic investment-set forth by a comprehensive plan.”<BR/><BR/> The article cites strategies and approachs that successfully guard against the invasive commercialism and homogeneity from which most of us regard Southold as our haven. <BR/><BR/> Thank you for setting up “Sustainable Southold,” the real voice.<BR/><BR/> Tom Rozakis<BR/><BR/>c: Scott Russell<BR/> Southold Town SupervisorTom Rozakishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17185459294052970754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426564676901744915.post-42030173674314011552008-09-10T18:17:00.000-07:002008-09-10T18:17:00.000-07:00Hi there,<BR/><BR/>The more the word gets out about light pollution and the more people become aware of what it is and why it's a problem, the more the problem will continue to be addressed.<BR/><BR/>Thankfully, it's becoming a major issue in many towns and cities prompting dark sky ordinances and laws. <BR/><BR/>I have a website dedicated to promoting dark sky outdoor lighting options. If interested, please visit http://outdoorlightingchoices.com.<BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/>Cheryl Marlandlavenderstreakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387181081821072175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1426564676901744915.post-6088214981801343012008-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:002008-07-16T12:16:00.000-07:00Right on the money!Sustainable Southoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15332308885249838833noreply@blogger.com