Shelter Island residents press board for details on planned 2 School Street purchase

Residents at Shelter Island’s special meeting pressed the town board for more information about its pending purchase of 2 School Street, saying the public has had limited opportunity to review the plan or the financial terms.

During public comment, Steven Jacobs told the board the public cannot rely on a permissive referendum for this borrowing and urged immediate engagement: "They have to speak out now." Several other residents asked whether the town had inspected the property, what the intended use would be and how the purchase would be financed.

Town counsel Thomas said the town has a title report and an updated survey and is "working out time with the referee and the purchaser" to close by mail; he said closing should occur "within the next few weeks." The supervisor said the initial money would come from fund balance and later be replaced by a bond anticipation note, adding that a public bond vote would be required if the debt were converted to a longer-term bond.

The board did not adopt a final decision on the property's use at the meeting and said the site will be part of an upcoming facilities master plan that will be the subject of public processes. Several speakers asked that related documents (surveys, title report) be posted to the town website to improve transparency; a board member said staff would circulate the materials and post them where appropriate.

The exchange combined demands for immediate information from residents with the board’s view that additional planning (and a facilities master plan) are needed before the town settles on a long-term use for the property. No formal vote on the purchase terms occurred during the meeting.