Yaphank Taxpayers & Civic Association

Statement from Yaphank Taxpayers and Civic Assn.
regarding removal/theft of sign:

On Monday December 28th, 2009, at approximately 9pm, a person was observed removing a sign protesting SC Executive Levy’s Legacy Village. This sign was on private property at the intersection of Patchogue-Yaphank Rd.and Mill Rd. The person was confronted. The person produced a business card that identified him as a Town of Brookhaven employee. He was driving what appeared to be a TOB vehicle. When told he was on private property, he said it “didn’t matter” and the sign was illegal. The employee took the plastic sign and left the scene. Prior to leaving, the employee attempted to dismantle the rest of the sign’s wooden structure, but was unsuccessful due to the inadequately charged battery of his saw. A report has been filed with the Suffolk County Police Dept.

It is the position of the Yaphank Taxpayers and Civic Assn. that this act was a blatant attempt to stop our lawful and constitutionally protected right to free speech. The YTCA and members of the community have been vocal opponents to this project, and believe our elected officials should hear our voice, not try to stifle it.

At this time our elected Town and County officials have been notified of this event, and members of the executive board are awaiting the answers to our many questions.

We believe the public should be outraged, and should contact their elected representatives and demand answers. This is not how government should conduct business.