Mayor flags legal, tax hurdles to acquiring Shoreham 'Triangle' property; residents raise construction and park safety concerns

Mayor Thomas P. Spier said the village is exploring acquisition of the Triangle property for a designated "special use," acknowledging that Town of Brookhaven back taxes and potential legal costs may complicate formal transfer proceedings. He said counsel is involved and that officials expect clarity on the definition of residency by March 24 and that a public hearing will be scheduled.

Residents used the public-comment portion of the meeting to raise neighborhood issues. James (Jim) DeSario questioned construction at 117 Briarcliff (aka Ledgemere), asking whether permits were issued and whether a three-car garage was authorized while house repairs continue. Michael Brogden asked whether the village will replace the snow fence at Suffolk Down and Woodville basin because children are congregating in the drainage basin; he also asked whether residents could remove dead trees in Major Hopkins Park for firewood (the mayor said the village would consult counsel) and requested flags on hydrants to make them easier to find and dig out after heavy snowfall. Clerk/Treasurer Laura Spillane suggested Mayor Spier present a TSVA veterans program on Memorial Day to display village veterans' materials.

The board did not make any immediate decisions on the construction or park requests; several items were referred to counsel or to staff for follow-up.