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Resident letter urges town not to rename Big Indian without resident consent, USPS confirmation
Summary
A written letter from resident Alan Shiner argued that changing the hamlet name from Big Indian to Winnisook would create significant burdens — including mailing, emergency services, and record updates — and asked the town to hold a dedicated hearing and obtain USPS confirmation before any action.
A letter submitted to the Shandaken Planning Board argued that renaming the Hamlet of Big Indian to "Winnisook" would impose substantial, real-world burdens on residents, businesses and property owners and should not be pursued without explicit local consent.
The letter, submitted by resident Alan Shiner and read into the record by the board clerk, warned that a hamlet name is embedded in mailing addresses, property records, insurance files, medical records and government benefits and said changing it could create "real burdens and risks for the people who actually live there." The letter cited USPS publication practices and noted that "USPS publication 28 states that addresses should use approved last line city names from the USPS city state file," urging the town to confirm mailing-address consequences before moving forward.
Shiner urged the board to hold a dedicated public hearing in Big Indian, mail written notice to affected property owners, collect written comments, and require a clear showing of local support before adopting any renaming resolution or map change. He also requested a written cost-impact report identifying affected record types, likely direct costs, transition period and proposed reimbursement sources.
"A hamlet name is part of daily life," the letter said, arguing that ceremonial recognition of Native history could proceed through historical signage or educational programming rather than an enforced renaming that could disrupt mail, emergency response and legal records. The board received the letter as a communication item and placed it with comprehensive plan materials for consideration.
