Happy Thanksgiving!
Though there's not much to show for it, just yet, if you've heard something that sounds like growling, or perhaps barking, from the general direction of Brookhaven Town offices, it may be more than the November wind playing tricks on your ears. Activity is furiously underway, on the enormous crazy quilt effort of gathering and exploring ideas, while also evaluating plans, proposals, timelines and options, not to mention chasing down permits.
As we give thanks for what we have, it's a time to, again, be grateful to those who prevented a much greater loss, the night of the 14th, than the significant one we suffered. We should also be mindful of the major work ahead, for some of us, to restore resources and services to our community.
That's about it, for now. In case you didn't see (or read) them, following are copies of a couple of recent (brief) situation updates.
– All the best, from your Sip·n·Twirl | Bistro | Pizza friends & neighbors
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▪ From Nicole LaFountaine, via FaceBook (Nov 22)
Okay, so I had no idea what an ordeal building a building on Fire Island in 6 months would be and I know we are just beginning. Again, I am so grateful for everyone's support. There are so many people in my TEAM making it happen. PJ McAteer is a freakin BULLDOG!! We are working around the clock. It's gonna be a CRAZY winter!! Stay tuned...
▪ From FIPPOA, via email (Nov 22)
A Fire Investigation Team has been to the site of the fire but no final determination has been made as to the cause of the fire. The Fire Marshal said that it may be deemed "undecided" in the end. They believe that the fire started in the general area between the two buildings. FIPPOA has reached out to our elected officials to inform them of the fire and seek their assistance in rebuilding. We have received many expressions of support and concern from the Town, County and Federal levels. All have expressed an interest in being of assistance in the rebuilding of the commercial sector.
I have attended meetings with the property owners and Mark Lesko, Brookhaven Town Supervisor, and his staff, to map out this assistance. Mark Lesko could not have been more supportive. He said that the Pines is an incredibly important community in the Town of Brookhaven, and that he would do everything [in his power] to ensure that the Town doesn't delay rebuilding. He also offered that, where a permitting issue is not the responsibility of the Town, he would personally call the county executive. Tim Mazzei, our Town Councilman, also attended these meetings, and offered similar pledges of support. I also received a phone call from Steve Bellone, the newly elected Suffolk County Executive, offering his assistance.
The affected property owners are only at the preliminary stage in their rebuilding. Nikki LaFountaine asked that I relay to you that she is working around the clock to get her property rebuilt and the businesses back in operation for the summer of 2012.
Andrew, Seth and Matthew from Pines Ventures haven't yet made any decisions about rebuilding the Pavilion. They see the fire as an opportunity to re-imagine and re-develop their properties in a manner that works better and is more beautiful. They are putting together a team to develop a plan as soon as possible. The community will be given an opportunity to provide input into that plan. Finally, Mark Lesko and Tim Mazzei will come to the Pines on Friday to inspect the site.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Jay [Pagano, President, Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA)]
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