NOT ENCROACHING ON THE CREEKS

To the editor:

We wish to correct a misunderstanding as reported in last week's Independent regarding our family's proposal before the Planning Board. Our family loves the Creeks, and we would never do anything to encroach upon or to damage that very fragile and important environment.

Our dilemma is the same as that faced by many Islander families - we are attempting to plan for our children. The Rosen family has owned land at Harbor Terrace, behind Marine Lumber for more than 60 years, since "East Creek Road" was simply "Way to the Creeks."

Following the death of Leo and Lucille Rosen, our next generation inherited the land. One brother and one sister continue to come as summer visitors. We (the other brother and his wife) are proud to be yearround residents. Like many families that inherit a single parcel, our family seeks to be able to divide the lot so that each member of the family can provide independently for their children and for their future. Our family does not propose any significant development. We are very conscious of the Creeks, and the property itself is on Town water and sewer.

Our family has only proposed that the two parcels, 12 and 14 East Creek Road, would become four parcels, each of which would meet all Wetlands restrictions. In order to meet frontage requirements, we are required to have a small private interior roadway. This would not increase traffic in the area on Orange Street, East Creek Road, or Harbor Terrace. The interior road would have no impact on the Creeks, and all drainage would be controlled according to planning board and conservation commission rulings.

If this property were not to be subdivided, it might have to be sold in its entirety to meet future death taxes. If purchased by a developer under that circumstance, the property could become an RC zoned commercial development. Our proposal prevents this outcome. There are now two houses on the property - four would be the maximum allowed, ever.

We intend to work with the residents of our neighborhood - we believe that we all share the same concerns and the same love of our island. We will do nothing to harm or to encroach upon our beloved Creeks.

Sincerely,

- Michael & Rachel Rosen