Shelter Island Town Board raises senior property tax exemption to 65%; ZBA approves two variances
The Shelter Island Town Board voted unanimously on June 29 to raise the senior property tax exemption to up to 65%, the most consequential decision in a busy two-week stretch of local government meetings. The same meeting approved a site plan allowing the Shelter Island History Museum to convert an accessory barn into habitable space.
Town Board: June 29 decisions
The board approved three items unanimously, according to official minutes:
- **Senior property tax exemption**: Increased to up to 65%.
- **History Museum barn renovation**: Site plan approved for the Shelter Island History Museum to convert an accessory barn into habitable space.
- **Dock code correction**: Scheduled a public hearing to fix a scrivener's error in the dock code.
A local law granting tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers was tabled due to lack of quorum.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Two variances approved
On June 24, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variance applications, each by a 5-0 vote:
- **44 Gardiners Bay Drive** (Alphanest LLC)
- **44 St. Mary's Road** (Shelter Mary Property LLC)
No other substantive decisions were made at that meeting.
Town Board work sessions: agendas only
Minutes have not yet been published for several Town Board work sessions, so only agenda topics are known.
June 23 work session topics included outdoor assembly applications for fireworks fundraisers at Salt, a request from Oyster Keepers Inc., a dock code update to section 53-8 G subject to a public hearing, Water Advisory Committee recommendations for drought restrictions, and proposed local laws for tax assessment exemptions for seniors, fire/EMS volunteers, and accessory dwelling units. An executive session on contract negotiations was also scheduled.
June 30 work session topics included results of a Wireless Communication Master Plan survey, an outdoor assembly permit for a Taylor's Island Foundation fundraiser, an amendment to the SCWA/WNW operating agreement, a grant application for a payloader, and site plan applications for STARS at White Oak, Sylvester Manor, and a Suffolk County Water Authority project.
Capital Planning & Grants Committee: June 23
Agenda items (minutes not yet published) included review of capital requests from multiple departments: police body-worn cameras, Crescent Beach cameras, a Congdon Road boat ramp, a work boat, AI training for the Building Department, HR software, and a car for the Senior Center. The committee also planned to discuss ferry flood hazard mitigation and hear a report from Jennifer Mesiano, and to approve May 12 minutes.
Water Quality Improvement Advisory Board: July 2
Agenda items (minutes not yet published) included review of a rebate application, WQI #02-2026 (TB), from Davidson at 9 W. Thomas Street, an update from the Peconic Bay Regional Advisory Committee, discussion of commercial I/A grants, a search for new board members, and review of June meeting minutes and a financial report.
Coming up
- **July 7, Town Board** (work session and special meeting): The special meeting will vote on a Sunset Beach outdoor assembly permit for a free World Cup final viewing event on July 19, 3–6 PM, with conditions. The work session will discuss a Tot Lot grant application, outdoor assembly permits for Sylvester Manor and Lions Club events, and an SCWA/WNWD operating agreement amendment for past due accounts.
- **July 8, Taylor's Island Preservation and Management Committee**: Will review June 17 minutes and discuss cabin maintenance, landscape and grounds work, bank balances in Chase Public Funds and NYClass accounts, and outstanding AT&T dividend checks.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Shelter Island Raises Senior Tax Exemption to 65%, Approves Museum Barn Plan
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.