Poquott Village Closes Beach Access Pathway

Citing concerns over the safety of the aging staircase at the beach access pathway in Poquott known as Steve's Path, the Village Board has closed that access route until further notice.

The path is a public right-of-way between two private properties on Tinker Bluff Court which leads down to Walnut Beach. Poquott deputy mayor Carol Lane said the path was built in the late 1980s when the beach was expanded.

"Steve's Path is in very, very poor shape," she said.

The village is awaiting a report from its engineer which will enable it to decide whether to repair, replace or remove the staircase. Lane said the board is concerned the removal of the staircase may cause increased erosion in the area.

A "closed" sign was placed at the entrance to Steve's Path, along with a chain barring access. But deputy clerk Joe Newfield said the sign was removed a day after it was put up.

"Someone ripped it right off the chain," Newfield said.

The board resolved to replace the sign and document it with photos, just in case it disappears again and a resident is injured in an attempt to use the closed pathway.

A couple of residents at Thursday night's board meeting expressed a preference that the staircase should remain at Steve's Path.

"If it's village property, it should be taken care of," said one resident. "I think the stairs should be replaced."

Decision on Moratorium Postponed

The Suffolk County Planning Commission reviewed the village's proposed ban on certain types of solar and wind energy devices but took no action, essentially giving the village a green light to act.

The decision, however, was postponed until the board's August 27 meeting to accommodate clarifications to the wording of the law.