Crowd Turns Out For First Greenport Community Association Meeting

GREENPORT, NY — An engaged and enthusiastic group turned out Saturday for the first meeting of a new community association in Greenport.

About 35 residents filled the room at the Floyd Memorial Library with excitement, energy, ideas — and a shared love of their cherished Greenport community.

"We are kicking off the new year with a community conversation about forming a Greenport Community Association, a dream several of us have wanted to do," said Penelope Rudder, who's helped to shape the plan

The goal, Rudder has said, is for individuals to share both what they love and what they need, with an eye toward building together for all, in a series of "Community Conversations."

"This started from a 'Wish List' conversation Randy Wade and I had this past summer sitting on a park bench in Mitchell Park," Rudder said. "We both felt a need for such a group, shared this with a few wonderfully supportive people who have given their insightful guidance."

Wade kicked off the meeting by discussing how much volunteer activity is ongoing right now in the village. She realized a community association would be a way to focus energy and the question was raised: "How can we make this something people are willing to give up precious time for?" she said.

Personally, Wade said she is concerned about issues including potential development in Moores Woods and condition of the water in Stirling Harbor.

Wade said she and Rudder looked to other community groups including the Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association and the East Marion Community Association for inspiration and guidance. The goal, she said, is to have the group up and running in about six months.

To start, all in attendance introduced themselves and shared their reasons for wanting to be a part of the group. Greenport Village Trustee Mary Bess Phillips and former Trustee Val Shelby, as well as Southold Town Councilman Jim Dinizio were among those present.

Residents said it would helpful to see greater attendance at village meetings; unless the topic is a "hot button" issue, attendance is often low. "Social media is great but voices need to be heard at these meetings," one woman said.

Shelby, who has also been on the school board, shared her love for the village. "I want to make Greenport great," she said.

Others said there was "strength in numbers" and said they wanted to affect positive change in areas including quality of life issues, maintaining a working waterfront, retaining the small-town feel of the village, and helping to celebrate the diversity of the area.

"I'm here to find out how we can get a $5 hamburger," one woman said.

Others said they'd like to know more about services for seniors.

"I live in Greenport. It saved my life and my sanity in more ways than one," one woman said.

Another woman said she recognized the importance of balancing an economic base with the values all cherish during a time when the "village we all love" is changing.

Others lauded popular village activities such as Dances in the Park and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

"We want to hear from folks who don't know how to make their voices heard," one woman said.

"It's more than just people who live in a place. It's about community for me — that's why I'm here," one resident said, echoing a sentiment of all present.

Another said it's important, with potential large businesses moving in with plans, that the community let their voices be heard, not be "a rubber stamp" for corporate interests."

"Right at this moment we are all Greenporters. That’s what really counts, that we're all in this room together. I love it," a resident said.

Others said their concerns center on availability of transportation, child care, the needs of seniors.

"Everyone wants to have a sense of belonging by finding their spot," Rudder said. "The goal is to make sure we develop a community by putting people first, connecting to one another, and making quality of life richer."

Breaking up into groups, attendees discussed what they cherished about Greenport as well as issues of concern.

Things all loved included Dances in the Park, school youth programs, natural beauty, the village's diversity, quality of life, the energy among residents, Greenport's unique character, the movie theater, the commercial/residential mix, small businesses and hometown character, the working waterfront, the library, the Christmas decorations, the farmers' market, the Turkey Trot, the sense of community, and the sense of community.

Concerns included trash, affordable housing, parking, public transportation, senior needs, a way to make immigrants feel more included and not isolated, a need for local businesses where it's possible purchase everyday necessities, lighting, maintaining the working waterfront, a dog park, young people leaving, and a need to harness community diversity.

Resident Debra Riva, who helped to organize the meeting, said she's only lived in Greenport seven years but feels the community association is a wonderful addition; she embraces the village's diversity.

"There's a divided community here. This is an opportunity to bring our community together." She said some of the immigrant community might be afraid to join a group or speak out because of the nation's political climate. "We don't have to be hostage to that," she said.

Also, she added, the community association will help to bring neighbors together. "Living here a short time, at first, I didn't know anybody; it took me awhile to connect. I know what that feels like. For me, people are the most important thing. Everything is about relationships."

Looking ahead, Riva said she is thrilled to see the group take shape. "I'm excited about the possibilities," she said. "It's important to hear other people's stories. You can talk to someone from across the world, and share a story, and it's something you can relate to. That's how things happen."

Next, a second meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m., covering the same discussion topics, to offer those who missed the first meeting a chance to be involved.

Then, on Saturday, Feb. 9, the next meeting is planned at 2 p.m. at the Floyd Memorial Library; Mary Eisenstein from the Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association will share a short program on the group's events and interests.

The March meeting will be Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. with a community potluck; location to be announced.

Patch photos by Lisa Finn.