To the editor:
Just what I need to accompany the helicopters all summer is the stench and flies of a shrimp factory.
I googled “shrimp farm”. The nearest one is in Amagansett, Multi Aquaculture Inc., located on “Industrial Zoned” land. You can read for yourself the reviews in Yelp.com, comments include, “smelly”, “flies”, “the place reeks”, “ there’s also a filthy pool of water”, “smells”, “too gross”, “attacked by flies” and that’s located on “Industrial Zoned land”.
Tank raised shrimp and fish can be raised on dry land, miles from salt water. Sky 8 Shrimp Farm is in Stoughton, Mass., inland near Worcester, it is in an “Industrial Park”.
At the Southold Town Code Committee Meeting on 12/4/14, a draft of amendments to Chapters 219 and 280 of the Code of Southold Town were discussed by Supervisor Russell; no minutes where taken.
The town printed a meeting agenda; the following are quotes from this agenda:
“280-13. Use regulations. In A-C, R-80, R-120, R200 and R-400 Districts”……….”B. Uses permitted”……”(17) Aquaculture/ mariculture operations”, ……..”a minimum of 100 feet from any property line”.
At this meeting Supervisor Russell explained to me that aquaculture (fish factories) are presently permitted only in Southold’s Marine Districts and this amendment would permit them in residential zones. He encouraged input from the public on this zoning amendment.
These are the residential zones that we live in.
Once this zoning is changed, the building goes up, the flies, stench and noise complaints will come to Town Hall, the “fish farmers” will claim protection under the NY State “Right to Farm Law.” What about a processing plant and sales, “Right to Farm Law” again. The “fish farmers” will claim Agricultural District property tax exemption as our legitimate farmers presently do. You know the burden of these increased taxes will be placed on the backs of John and Mary lunch pail, always have and always will.
The next Town Board Meeting is on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall or call 631-765-1889.
I just want to enjoy my yard, not too much, nothing from the Town, just please leave me alone.
Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a healthy New Year.
Sincerely,
John Skabry Sr.
