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Oyster harvester urges year-round use at Grace's Lane as board weighs working‑waterfront rules
Summary
A long-time oyster harvester urged the town to allow year-round use of Grace's Lane bulkhead; board members cited summer safety and a DEC notice about disturbed grass and said they would explore stewardship, county agreements and possible working-waterfront policy options.
An oyster harvester asked the board to allow continued use of Grace's Lane for boat maintenance and oyster operations year-round, arguing that the site has functioned without problems for years and that restrictions to the "off-season" impose a hardship.
The harvester said he has used a pulley system and the bulkhead for decades and argued "all days are equal on Shelter Island." Board members and staff raised safety and recreational-use concerns during peak summer months, cited a DEC notice regarding disturbed grass at the site and discussed possible modifications to avoid grass disturbance (alternative pulley systems, stone access, or relocation to Daniel Lord Road). The board noted that Grace's Lane includes county interests and referenced the property’s CPF stewardship obligations, and suggested pursuing a working‑waterfront initiative or a stewardship-plan modification if a long-term solution is desired.
Members agreed to schedule a site meeting with the town engineer and the applicant to clarify DEC restoration requirements and to explore options that would allow commercial use while protecting sensitive areas. The board indicated staff will follow up to determine whether a stewardship-plan amendment or county sign-off is required.
