July 19, 2007

Mayor Miron Responds to Cablevision's Editorial on Long Beach West

Recently, Cablevision expressed hope that the Stratford property known as Long Beach West would become available for the recreational use of the public and not just left as a place for wildlife now that the longtime occupants of the summer cottages there have finally left.

I'm Jim Miron, Mayor of the Town of Stratford, and I'd like to assure Cablevision and its viewers that we share that goal. Over a decade ago, the Stratford Town Council determined that this ecologically unique and beautiful peninsula was best utilized for the good of all of Stratford's citizens, not just a select handful of families.

When I ran for mayor, I was the only candidate to make Long Beach West a campaign issue. I pledged to bring this decade-long legal battle to a close and to develop strategies based on the best interest of the town's people. Less than 18 months into my term, the first part of this goal has been accomplished, and we are well on our way toward completing the second.

Working together with the Town Council, we are currently in negotiations with preservation-minded groups including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Land Preservation Trust. But we want to make sure some important conditions are met should any such entity take over.

First, Stratford must receive fair compensation for Long Beach West. Second, costs of clearing the cottages and other structures from the area should not be charged to the town.

In addition, Long Beach West must be maintained as passive and open recreation space. And, most importantly, the people of the Town of Stratford and others who wish to visit must have access to Long Beach West at all times.

Working together with the community and our Town Council I will ensure Long Beach West is open to the people as well as the wildlife.