Residents raise safety, property-rights objections to proposed dock at 6 Bluff Avenue; applicant offers compromises

The Shelter Island Town Board on April 27 heard a continuation of the public hearing for a proposed dock at 6 Bluff Avenue, where neighbors expressed safety concerns and applicant counsel said the proposals comply with the Town’s older dock code and federal and state authorizations.

John Armentano of Farrell Fritz, counsel for the applicant, submitted revised exhibits showing two dock options and told the board both have received New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approvals. Armentano argued the application “falls under the Town’s ‘old dock code’ and is not prohibited by zoning,” and said his client would accept conditions including covenants to bind parcels, removing a dolphin pile to shorten the dock, or adding a staircase for public passage.

Multiple residents opposed the dock. Robert Waife told the board that “docks are a privilege, not a right,” urging the board to weigh riparian rights against broader community interests and safety. Other commenters — including Stella Lagudis speaking for the Shelter Island Heights Property Owners Corporation and residents Tim Purtell, Lorraine Walker and Kirsten Lewis — raised questions about maneuverability near existing moorings, safety in exposed waters and deed or precedent issues they asked the board to investigate before voting.

The Waterways Management Advisory Council report, read by Councilman Albert Dickson, showed a split recommendation (3–3–1), and the Town Clerk read correspondence from SIHPOC counsel Jeffrey L. Bragman and a written opposition from Matt Williamson into the record. Brian Moorhead, an employee of the applicant, said the boat size would be made to conform to whatever dock is approved.

Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams took no immediate vote; the hearing was closed for this session. Board members and the town attorney were asked to review deeds and prior approvals, and the applicant offered several conditions that, if accepted, could narrow the scope of the permit. The item remains under consideration with the board having received both legal argument favoring allowance and community testimony urging restraint and safety protections.