This letter was submitted to the Southampton Press:
To the editor:
My father's family emmigrated from what is now Ukraine in the 19th century. I sometimes hear about grave desecrations in eastern europe and wonder whether the graves of my Jewish forbears are still preserved.
In 2000 members of the Shinnecock Nation and civil rights activist Bob Zellner failed to stop developers from building over a sacred burial ground in the Shinnecock Hills area.
Now, another Native American burial ground may become a neighborhood of McMansions. A 13 acre property along Montauk Highway west of the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton Town was recently cleared of trees in order to create a new housing development. This land is a burial ground sacred to the indigenous people on Long Island.
The Native Americans are asking for public support for ongoing negotiations between Southampton Town and Suffolk County to purchase the land with Community Preservation Funds. Even though Mr. Romaz, the owner has been granted approval to move forward with the development, he is still willing to sell the property for preservation purposes.
If you agree that this sacred land should be preserved, just as the gravesites of your ancestors should be, call the Southampton Town Community Fund Director, Ms. Mary Wilson at 631-283-6000 or write to her at Southampton Town Hall, Hampton Road, Southampton, New York, 11968. Also you may contact Suffolk Legislator Jay Schneiderman at 631-852-8400. Tell them Southampton respects all our ancestors.
Anthony Ernst
Southampton, NY
