Week of July 6, 2006

For an updated East End Report click here

In this week's report: [ click on any of the bold headers below ]


Luxury Homes Over Gravesites Re-Approved

Defending the Bill of Rights Still Necessary

Bill of Rights - Amendments 1-10 of Constitution

More McMansions to Replace Grave Sites?

Peace & Justice Calendar

Suffolk Peace Vigils

Counter Recruiting Schedule

Alternative Media for Eastern LI

Support Independent Media: WUSB and WPKN/WPKM need your support.
Go to wpkn(dot)org and wusb(dot)fm and contribute on line.

Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez: Monday- Saturday on Riverhead/Southampton/Southold Channel 20.

Monday 10pm
Tuesday 9 pm
Wednesday 6am
Thursday 5pm
Friday 7pm
Saturday 8pm

See the North Fork People of Conscience web site

Also see the Suffolk Progressive Vision web site for links to more local events.

The East End Report is compiled by Tony Ernst.

Send comments, corrections and event listings to eastendreport@yahoo.com

Luxury Homes over Grave Sites - Re Approved

Development in the Shinnecock Hills has been the subject of scrutiny recently. In particular a 13 acre parcel owned by Romaz Properties has been clear cut at a high point along Shinnecock Bay. The property can be viewed from Montauk Highway just east of Peconic Road.

A plan to construct expensive homes over what is thought to be a native burial ground was re-approved by the Southampton Town Planning Board last month. This was after the Town Board canceled a planned hearing on variances requested by Robert Romeo, the owner.

In a letter to the Southampton Town Planning Board in 2001, Stephen Biassetti of the Group for the South Fork enumerated the natural features of this site including 363 feet of bay frontage with a steep slope from high bluffs to the water (a 60 foot drop in a 175 horizontal distance ) and similar changes in elevation away from the bay frontage and a wide variety of plants and animals.

Biasetti remarked that there is hardly any publicly protected property in Shinnecock Hills.

In a April 2006 letter to Town Supervisor Patrick Heaney, Ms. Jo-Ann McClean of McClean Archeological Consultants advised that work by Dr. David Bernstein of Stony Brook University which involved an investigation to shallow depths on the property reserves the potential for the presence of "deeply buried human remains" on the site. Dr. Bernstein advised that "an archeologist be present during the initial grading and excavation on the property ...to eliminate all possibility of mortuary remains".

Typically Indian burial sites were at high elevations such as this property and an adjacent property is recognized as a native burial ground.

Proposals to purchase this property are under consideration by the Town Community Preservation Fund.

An opportunity for the public to inquire about this development will occur at a meeting of the Community Advisory Committee which covers this area on Thursday evening July 6. The meeting is scheduled for 7pm in the second floor conference room at Southampton
Town Hall.

More Info regarding the proposed development: Lisa Votino-Tarrant at lmvotino@optonline.net

Also: More McMansions to Replace Grave Sites

More Info regarding the CAC: dalsimer@optonline.net

Defending the Bill of Rights - Still Necessary

In Southampton Village, a dispute over whether church and advocacy groups for the Bill of Rights and against the Iraq war could march in the July 4 Independence Day parade was resolved Monday morning, July 3 by a federal judge.

The First Ammendment rights of the groups were affirmed by Judge Joanna Seybert of the Federal Court in Islip. Judge Seybert issued an order saying plaintiffs were able to march and freely engage in political speech at the July 4 parade.

Last month, members of the Peconic Quakers, the South Fork Unitarian-Universalists, the East End Bill of Rights Defense Committee and the East End Vets were told by organizers of the parade, a Southampton Village commission * that they could not march with signs of protest as they had done in previous years.

Attorney James Henry worked diligently to bring this issue to the federal court. At one point over the weekend the attorney for the Village offered to produce a letter from Mayor Mark Epley giving permission to the plaintiffs to march. Their response was to go ahead with the court action, reasoning that the mayor has neither the authority to cancel our First Ammendment rights nor to reinstate them.

In the event, those marching in support of our rights - to free speech, of religion, of the press, to peaceably assemble, to petition the government with greivances, to bear arms, from unreasonable search and seizure and all the rest were roundly applauded by 99 per cent of those who lined the parade route.

We hope that Mayor Mark Epley and the members of the commission have learned something about our system of government. But we know there are some diehards who still don't get it. They were among the handful who pointed thumbs down or refused to take a copy of the Bill of Rights offered by one of the marchers who held a sign with the words "DEFEND THE BILL OF RIGHTS".

That defending the first ten ammendments to the US Constitution is necessary is an unfortunate reality.

Thanks again to the plaintiffs and attorney Jim Henry. A law suit filed by the plaintiffs is still pending and should hopefully prevent another attempt to deprive us of our rights in this burg.

-----------------------
* an earlier account of this controversy incorrectly identified the organizers as a private group.

Bill of Rights

Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution

The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
-------------------

from http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm

Peace & Justice Calendar - Starting July 6

For details about the following events - scroll down:

* July 6 (Thursday): Community Advisory Committee for Shinnecock Hills, Southampton & Tuckahoe Meets in Southampton at 7 pm

* July 8 (Saturday): Green Party Meets in Holbrook at 1pm

Repeating Events:

( see Counter-Recruiting for listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations)

* Sunday Nights: "Bush is a Liar Choir" rehearses in Lindenhurst from 7 to 9pm

* First Thursdays: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm

* Every Thursday evening - Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30

* "Herstory" Writing Workshops on Wednesdays in Farmingville (Spanish and English) 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays in Spanish only in East Hampton at 7 pm

* Second Tuesday of Month: South Fork Chapter of LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30 pm
_______________________________________________________________

July 6 (Thursday): Community Advisory Committee for Shinnecock Hills, Southampton & Tuckahoe Meets in Southampton at 7 pm

The CAC for Shinnecock Hills, Tuckahoe and Southampton meets at Town Hall on Hampton Road in Southampton in the second floor conference room at 7pm.

Development in these areas, particularly in the Shinnecock Hills has been the subject of scrutiny recently. In particular a 13 acre parcel has been clear cut at a high point along Shinnecock Bay and a plan to construct expensive homes over what is thought to be a native burial ground was re-approved by the Southampton Town Planning Board last month. Proposals to purchase this property are under consideration by the Town Community Preservation Society.

More Info regarding the proposed development: Lisa Votino-Tarrant at 631-383-1066
More Info regarding the CAC: dalsimer@optonline.net
_______________________________________________________________

July 8 (Saturday): Green Party of Suffolk Meeting in Holbrook at 1pm

The Green party will meet at 227 Trumpet Lane in Holbrook at 1pm to Elect Suffolk County officers. Also on the agenda will be the Malachy McCourt campaign for Governor and the Green Party of New York State Peace Slate.

More information: www.gpsuffolk.org or Kimberly Wilder at (631) 422-4702 or votewilder@yahoo.com
______________________________________________________


Repeating Events:


See Suffolk Peace Vigils for a complete list of weekly and monthly vigils.
See Counter Recruiting Schedule for a listing of weekly and monthly demonstrations.
________________________________________________

Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst: The Bush is a Liar Choir
wants you to join their political action singing group.

Participate in songs regarding environment, anti-war, labor, multiculturalism, civil rights, and other issues. Sing historic songs of struggle and social change. Explore the role of music in political movements. Experience singing musical arrangements, in four part harmony.

Perform these songs for others. Contribute to the progressive movement while becoming culturally enriched. If you've ever wanted to be in a singing group, now is your chance! Experienced and non-experienced singers are welcome. All we ask is that you are able to sing on pitch.

Rehearsals take place, Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 in Lindenhurst.

Anyone interested, please call Lisa Fishbein at: (631) 957-4954

________________________________________________

First Thursday each month: Waging Peace - Meditation and Visualization in Westhampton Beach at 7pm A community gathering designed by a psychotherapist to combat feellings of helplessness and powerlessness. 32 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach from 7 to 8pm.

Contact Nancy Privett at 325-1402 or nlprivett@yahoo.com
___________________________________________________

Thursday evening Book Study Group in Water Mill at 6:30 pm

The group meets at the Lutheran Church at Hayground Road and Montauk Highway on Thursdays at 6:30pmContact Pastor Vita at 631-537-1187 or pastorvita(at)verizon(dot)net
____________________________________________________

"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English

Wednesdays in Farmingville:
Herstory Writers Workshop meets every Monday afternoon at the Farmingville branch of the Workplace Project from 3 to 5. Both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking women come together to share and shape their life experiences through memoir writing. The workshop is conducted in both English and Spanish. Call 631-723-0150 for more information and directions to the center.

Thursdays in East Hampton:Every Thursday Spanish-speaking women come together to share their writing with one another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their lifewriting.

The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents and is conducted entirely in SpanishIt meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128 Springs-Fireplace Road.Call 631-723-0150 for more information.
___________________________________________________

Second Tuesday each month:

South Fork Chapter - LI Progressive Coalition Meets in Water Mill at 6:30pm The regular monthly meeting of the South Fork chapter of the Progressive Coalition is at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Lutheran Church on Montauk Highway & Hayground Rd. between Water Mill and Bridgehampton.

Info: 516-541-1006, ext.55 or www dot lipc dot org
_____________________________________________________

Send event listings for next week's report by 5pm Tuesday to eastendreport@yahoo.com

Plain old text would be appreciated!