Resident urges board to pull Sylvester Manor application, says concerts not disclosed

Mike Gaynor, a Shelter Island resident, told the board he had reviewed the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm site‑plan application and concluded it fails to disclose that the property will be used for concerts.

"There's not a mention of a concert venue being created here at all," Gaynor said, citing the 196‑page application and saying the public had not been told the full scope of proposed amplified music or large events. He warned that the zoning board of appeals had recently allowed two concerts per year and argued that the planning board's site‑plan review and the town board's forthcoming decision should be re‑noticed so the community can evaluate potential health, safety and traffic impacts.

Gaynor said the board should either pull the application from next week's agenda or require a refile and new public notice so residents can examine the materials: "The application needs to be removed from the agenda next week, and the community needs to be appropriately notified." He compared the possible effect to large festivals on the East End and emphasized potential scale of attendance as a public‑safety concern.

Moderator responded that staff would consider the concerns raised in the review process, noting the board would look for any missing disclosures as it examines the site‑plan materials. The board did not take a formal vote on Gaynor's request during the work session; staff said the planning board and town board would review site‑plan materials and the town would consider whether additional notice or documentation is needed.

Why it matters: If concerts or amplified events are a likely use of a property, zoning and site‑plan materials are typically expected to disclose that because amplified music, crowd sizes and event frequency affect traffic, emergency services, noise and permitting. Gaynor's request for removal and re‑notice seeks more time for public review before the town board's consideration.