u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eA Letter from the Presidentu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIn pursuit of our mission to inform you about issues that are relevant to our community, this summer newsletter touches on the topics of Emergency Preparedness, Best Practices for Protecting Water Resources, and upcoming Town Board discussions on Short Term Rental Code changes and a Community Housing Plan. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIncreasingly, homes are being used exclusively for short-term rentals. Houses that are turned into Airbnbs are not available for year-round homeowners or renters, exacerbating the problem of the lack of affordable or even market rate year-round rental housing. The existing short-term rental code has been difficult to enforce, and the Town Board is considering some changes to the code that will help with enforcement.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe Town Board is also going to be discussing a Community Housing Plan at their work session on u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=713808005.00u0022u003eAugust 15thu003c/au003e. This plan, currently in draft form, is a comprehensive review of affordable housing in Southold Town. It includes recommendations for managing and spending the new community housing fund as well as ways to create new housing opportunities in Southold. There is no easy fix for the lack of affordable housing, but Orient needs to think about how we could increase housing options for people who want to live here. Some food for thought: almost any home can be converted to a two-family house, and as a special exception, accessory buildings can be converted to accessory apartments for the use of a family member or someone with a qualifying income.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eOur involvement with the Orient Water Study, and the coincident discovery of high levels of PFAS in some wells in Orient Village, have increased our awareness of the fragility of our water supply. There are things that we can all do to help sustain the precious resource of clean water. It is much harder to clean up contamination than to avoid it in the first place. We have compiled some resources for “Best Practices” that will help you do your part.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eWe wanted to share with you some pointers from a group of Orient citizens who have formed an Orient Emergency Management Committee. Climate change has brought increasingly intense fires and storms around the world, and we need to be prepared for such events. The North Fork Civics is also thinking about climate change, and several Orient Association members are involved in a committee that is looking at developing an analysis of coastal resilience in Southold Town.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe Orient Association is hosting some events for the Fall. We don’t have a date yet, but we are hoping to have Mary Anne Taylor return to talk more about the Orient Water Study. As you may know, Scott Russell is leaving his post as Town Supervisor at the end of the year. The North Fork Civics is organizing two forums for candidates for the office of Town Supervisor and for two Town Council seats. One of the forums will be held at Poquatuck Hall on u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=720194405.00u0022u003eSaturday, October 28th at 10:00u003c/au003e. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eHope to hear from you soon about issues that are on your mind.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eImportant Dates:u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003enu003culu003enu003cliu003eu003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=713808005.00u0022u003eAugust 15thu003c/au003e – Town Board Work Session- Community Housing Planu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eu003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=714153605.00u0022u003eAugust 19thu003c/au003e – Hazardous Waste Day!u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eu003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=715017605.00u0022u003eAugust 29thu003c/au003e – Town Board Public Hearing on changes to Short Term Rental Lawsu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eTBD – Orient Water Study Reportu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eu003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=720201605.00u0022u003eOctober 28thu003c/au003e – Candidates Forumu003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enu003cpu003eBarbara Friedmanu003cbr /u003ePresident, the Orient Associationu003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eSouthold’s Community Housing Planu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eAt their u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=713808005.00u0022u003eAugust 15u003c/au003e work session, the Southold Town Board will once again be considering a proposed Community Housing Plan (hereafter “Plan”). This scheduled review is a follow-up of an initial presentation of the Plan on u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=735753605.00u0022u003eApril 25u003c/au003e. After a series of community meetings in June and July the Board will be reviewing the public comments at the work session and deciding whether to go forward to a public hearing on the current draft or to prepare amendments to the Plan prior to a public hearing.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eMembers of the Orient Association Board of Directors working in conjunction with the North Fork Civics Coalition have reviewed the Plan and have forwarded comments to the Town on two occasions. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe creation of this Plan follows a u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=689619605.00u0022u003eNovember 8, 2022u003c/au003e approval by Southold’s voters of a local law to establish a one-half percent (0.5%) tax on real estate transfers creating a Southold Town Community Housing Fund. One provision of this local law is that the Town must adopt a Community Housing Plan that identifies how and for what purposes this Fund can be used prior to any expenditure.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe current draft of the Plan (dated u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=703785605.00u0022u003e4/21/2023u003c/au003e) was prepared by the Community Housing Fund Advisory Board, Southold Town planning staff, and a consultant. While the details of the Plan are too numerous to recount here, the main goals of the Plan include:u003c/pu003enu003culu003enu003cliu003eIncreasing the inventory of community housingu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eMaintaining and supporting existing community housingu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eIncreasing home ownership opportunitiesu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eHousing education and counseling servicesu003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enu003cpu003eIt is important to note that the definition of community housing is fairly broad. It can include residential units up to $1,200,000 in cost and eligible families of 3 or more people with up to $204,000 annual income.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe Plan’s key recommendations for expenditures that support the goals can be summarized as follows:u003c/pu003enu003culu003enu003cliu003eLow interest loans for construction of new units (single and multiple) and accessory apartmentsu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eGrants for maintenance of existing community housingu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eLow-interest loans or grants to first-time homebuyersu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eInterest-free loans to first time homebuyers who a U.S. active military, veterans, health care workers, or emergency service volunteersu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eGrants to organizations that provide community housing counseling within the Town of Southold.u003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enu003cpu003eCommunity members are encouraged to explore the Town website to review the complete draft of the Community Housing Plan.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eTown website link: u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=3e859f13dbu0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022 data-saferedirecturl=u0022https://www.google.com/url?q=http://southoldtownny.gov/1943/community-housing-fundu0026amp;source=gmailu0026amp;ust=1692042802713000u0026amp;usg=AOvVaw0p6ym2WPCabUGP9GwwPPQ6u0022u003esoutholdtownny.gov/1943/community-housing-fundu003c/au003eu003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eShort Term Rental Codeu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eThe Southold Town Board is scheduled to hold public hearings on u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=715017605.00u0022u003eAugust 29thu003c/au003e about proposed changes to the rules regarding short term rentals. Since 2015, it has been illegal to rent a home for less than 14 days in the Town of Southold, yet there are over 700 properties currently listed on Airbnb and many are available for less than 14 days. At a recent party two couples from out of town reported that they had rented Airbnbs in Orient for just ONE NIGHT. It’s nice to have visiting friends staying in a house nearbyu002du002d it is also nice to know your neighbors and not have a perpetual parade of strangers next door. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe Town has found it difficult to enforce the current code, and short-term rentals are the number one area for complaints to Code Enforcement. Currently, Chapter 207, Rental Permits, requires that all rentals have a rental permit. This ensures that the property has basic safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, handrails, and proper egress. The new Code provisions would require that rental permit numbers be included in all advertising and promotional material. This would allow enforcement to identify properties that are illegally renting for shorter terms. Fines for illegal rentals would be drastically increased under the new rules. First offense fines, which are now set at $500-$5,000, would be increased to $3,000-$10,000 or the published 14-day rental rate, whichever is higher. Second offense fines would change from the current $1,000-$10,000 to a new rate of $5,000 to $20,000 or the published 14-day rental rate, whichever is higher. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eProposed changes to the Chapter 207 and Code Chapter 280, Zoning, also involve the “transient rental of amenities.” The website “Swimply,” which launched in 2018, currently lists three swimming pools in Southold that are for rent on an hourly basis. The new code amendment would prohibit “the rental of any parcel amenity, accessory use or yard area, including pools, barns (except for storage only purposes), sports courts, or waterway access not in conjunction with a permitted rental occupancy.”u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eProposed changes to Chapter 207- Rental Permitsu003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=60dd8f7d87u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttp://southoldtown.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_LegalNotice.aspx?ID=2250u003c/au003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eProposed changes to Chapter 280 - Zoningu003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=c01056eff3u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttp://southoldtown.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_LegalNotice.aspx?ID=2251u003c/au003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eIf the short-term rental code is an issue that is important to you, we urge you to attend the public hearing on u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=715017605.00u0022u003eAugust 29thu003c/au003e in person or via Zoom. u003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eEmergency Preparednessu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eWith Hurricane season already upon us, the Orient Emergency Management Committee continues to encourage Orient residents to prepare for storms that may lead to long term power outages. Prepare now to mitigate some of the potential difficulties. Last month a checklist on Hurricane Season Preparation was distributed by Orient Associationu003c/pu003enu003colu003enu003cliu003eMake a Communication Plan: Talk to your family and make a disaster plan with your household members to prepare what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in an emergency; especially if evacuation is required. Make sure to plan for everybody's needs including seniors, people with disabilities, children and pets. u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eEmergency Supply Kit: Create a kit of essential supplies of food, water, medication, important documents, and chargers whether you stay or evacuate your home.u003cbr /u003eFor additional information go to: u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=390698f569u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://www.ready.gov/plan u003c/au003e u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eStay Informed: Local radio, TV or NOAA weather radio stations are good sources. Know what actions to take to protect yourself during disasters. Learn first aid and CPR to be able to help your family and others. u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eSecure your home: If you are a homeowner, make sure your home is properly insured. Flood and wind damage are not covered in a basic homeowner's policy.u003c/liu003enu003c/olu003enu003cpu003eSince most Orient homes rely on wells, powering up a portable generator can help a household get back on its feet. Even a small portable generator can run a few lights, refrigerator, the well pump and chargers; however, don't overlook the basic safety measures in using such equipment. Here is a link to u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=4f72a8ca31u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eSafety Tips and Guidelines for Portable Generatorsu003c/au003e for you to keep handy in case of power outages and the need to utilize a generator. Plan now to stay safe.u003c/pu003e
u003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eBest Practices to Protect Water Resources u003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eOrient is surrounded by water and has only one, thin freshwater aquifer from which all of our water is drawn. To preserve the health of our ground water and the surrounding water bodies, we need to be mindful of the fact that what we put down our drains or onto our lawns ends up first in our drinking water and eventually in the bay or Long Island Sound. Several community members have asked about best practices, so here are some helpful resources for maintaining a healthier home and hamlet:u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWhat can you do?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eUse safer personal care and cleaning products:u003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eThe cleaning products you use inside can impact your environment. Careful selections of non-toxic products can both protect the aquifer, source of your drinking water, as well as your health by improving indoor air quality. u003c/pu003enu003culu003enu003cliu003eChoose cleansers that are certified by Green Seal or Ecologo, free of fragrance and free of triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds. Avoid products with ammonia and chlorine bleach. u003c/liu003enu003cliu003eAvoid scented products, including laundry aids.u003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enu003cpu003eFind recommended personal care and other household products. The environmental working group and EPA have rated thousands of products: u003c/pu003enu003culu003enu003cliu003eEnvironmental Working Group u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=ad0a7c8d56u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/u003c/au003eu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eEPA u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=a5fb5e697bu0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products u003c/au003eu003c/liu003enu003cliu003eThe Spruce u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=bdb56aa03fu0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://www.thespruce.com/the-best-septic-safe-household-cleaning-products-4175069 u003c/au003eu003c/liu003enu003c/ulu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eProperly dispose of pharmaceuticals and hazardous products:u003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eNever dispose of pharmaceuticals or hazardous waste materials by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them down the drain. Don’t be fooled by the appearance of storm water drains on the streetu002du002d these are not sewered drains. There are no sewers in Southold Town except in Greenport Village. Your home does not have sewers that treat your wastewater! We all have septic tanks or cesspools, which do little to no filtration of harmful contaminants. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eNarcotics can be disposed of at the Police Department, and most other pharmaceuticals can be put in the trash or taken to the ELIH pharmacy for disposal. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eSouthold Transfer Station (aka “the dump”) accepts hazardous waste on hazardous waste days four times per year. On those days, they will accept oil-based paint, paint thinner, toilet cleaner, pesticides, herbicides, carpet cleaner, kerosene, motor oil, and other hazardous substances. Proof of residency may be requested, but permits are not required. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eTHE NEXT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY IS u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=714142805.00u0022u003eAUGUST 19th from 9:00-3:00u003c/au003e.u003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eFor a full list of accepted hazardous materials visitu003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=572cdbb10du0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttp://www.southoldtownny.gov/149/Hazardous-Wasteu003c/au003e u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eMaintain or update your wastewater systemu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eMaintain your cesspool or septic system—or, better yet, consider installing an advanced septic system to reduce the nitrogen released by your wastewater disposal system. Find out more about these systems here: u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=d72da824a0u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://reclaimourwater.info/Septic-Improvement-Program u003c/au003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003ePick up after your petu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003ePet waste contains harmful bacteria and nutrients and other contaminants that could reach the water. While your dog may only contribute a small amount of waste-it adds up. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eAvoid PFAS-containing products and get your water testedu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eOrient’s aquifer has pockets of high levels of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals. While the major sources are being investigated by NYSDEC, every household is likely to contribute to these “forever” chemicals, which can cause serious health effects. Fabrics with stain/waterproof repellent coatings, such as Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, Polartec, or Gore-Tex will likely contain PFAS chemicals. They are found on pan coatings, fast-food wrappers, pizza boxes, some watch bands, and even Oral-B glide floss. Choose personal care products without “PTFE” or “FLUORO” Ingredients. Check “performance” fabric specifications when purchasing furniture.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThe Suffolk County Department Health Services is still providing free PFAS testing within the Orient Village survey area and is now including PFAS testing for everyone in the $100 private well testing program. Call u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022tel://(631)%20852-5810u0022u003e(631) 852-5810u003c/au003e for more information. Make sure you request that PFAS testing is included in your test. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eAvoid products with 1,4-Dioxaneu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eThis emerging contaminant of concern can be found in many personal care and household cleaning products. Since it is a manufacturing byproduct in many of these products, it is not included in the list of ingredients. Read more about it in this recent Riverhead Local article:u003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=157c780787u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://riverheadlocal.com/2023/08/11/yale-researchers-seek-participants-for-study-of-14-dioxane-in-long-island-drinking-water/u003c/au003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eLimit the use of fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and fungicidesu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eRemember that everything you put on your lawn can seep into the aquifer. Reduce or, better yet, eliminate fertilizer use. Don’t apply fertilizers when rain is forecast, as it will likely just leach into the aquifer or wash away as stormwater run-off. Leaving at least 3 inches of grass when mowing will help roots to remain strong. Grass clippings left on the lawn can restore nitrogen naturally. Suffolk County has a ban on fertilizer use u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:event?ts=720547205.00u0022u003ebetween November 1 and April 1.u003c/au003e See the Suffolk County’s website for best practices:u003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=83941af337u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttp://healthylawns.suffolkcountyny.govu003c/au003e.u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eThis brochure from the u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=d8ffa19c10u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ePeconic Estuary Partnershipu003c/au003e is a useful resource for learning alternatives to pesticide use: Pesticides Near the Bay – Peconic Estuary Partnership. If you feel that you MUST have your lawn sprayed for ticks or other pests, never allow the application of spray just before a heavy rain or under windy conditions. u003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eLimit household water consumptionu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eWith only one thin aquifer to draw from, water is a precious resource. Our aquifer is very vulnerable to saltwater intrusion from rising sea levels, flooding and/or excessive pumping. To reduce use, consider installing EPA Watersense fixtures.u003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=bc9f9f2b2du0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ehttps://www.epa.gov/watersenseu003c/au003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eLimit irrigationu003c/strongu003eu003cbr /u003eWhile much of the water we use indoors returns to the aquifer as wastewater, much of the water used outdoors is lost to evapotranspiration. On the East End of Long Island, we use more water per household than the national average. One of the biggest culprits is lawn irrigation. Too much water can actually be detrimental to the health of your lawn. Lawns only need about one inch of water a week, which rain usually provides. Also, a brown lawn will recover. Ideally irrigation should only be used to establish plants – one year for grass, two for bushes, and three for trees. See the County’s guidance on best practices for lawn watering:u003cbr /u003eu003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=897c010698u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eHealthy Lawns, Clean Water (suffolkcountyny.gov)u003cbr /u003ehttps://healthylawns.suffolkcountyny.gov/lawn/watering.htmu003c/au003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eYou might also consider reducing the turf area and planting native species or installing a rain garden. A rain garden is a wonderful way to capture run-off from your home, diverting it to a pleasurable amenity. An excellent example has been installed at the North Fork Audubon Society, Roy Latham Nature Center at u003ca class=u0022canaryHiddenLinku0022 href=u0022canary:map?Street=65275%20County%20Road%2048u0022u003e65275 County Road 48u003c/au003e in Greenport. For more information on which plants do well in a rain garden, see u003ca href=u0022https://orientassociation.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d2527662a98ee877cd7c2e0e1u0026amp;id=82fdbcc1f6u0026amp;e=c56d4af298u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eCornell Cooperative Extension’s guidanceu003c/au003e.u003c/pu003e