To the Editor:

While excellent in both content and craftsmanship, The Star’s reportage of the April 2 PSEG new substation presentation in Montauk contained two inaccuracies.

Over 500 individual informational pieces of literature were distributed to attending individuals during the entire event. Two hundred-plus people attended the presentation in the morning/afternoon period, and over 300 attended that evening. Afterward, PSEG executives stated it was the largest and most successful event of its kind in PSEG Long Island history. The utility also stated that the huge and uniform negative volume of Montauk citizen reaction, and the consistency of facts relative to the inappropriateness of the site, made ultimate corporate rejection of Flamingo Road a certainty.

The Star also gave far too great individual credit to Montauk United for the huge success of the above effort. This major Montauk victory would never have happened if it were not for the extraordinary dedication and leadership of Shaun and Izabelle DeJesus, assisted by Bonnie Brady, Tom Ciccariello, John and Irene D’Agostino, Eddie Ecker, Julie Evans, Ken Giustino, the Anthony Testas, and Lee White. A very special and positive contribution of effort was also made by president Linda Barnds and the entire membership of the Montauk Citizens Advisory Committee.

Most important of all was the united and overwhelming encouragement and support of the citizens and friends of Montauk by way of a 3,000-plus signed petition, hundreds of supportive emails, and enthusiastic, positive group participation in all our efforts.

Powerful and formidable elements were opposed to our efforts. PSEG, a multibillion dollar incredibly influential business entity, was days away from purchasing the Flamingo Road properties and determined to locate a huge industrial facility at that site. Led by Supervisor Van Scoyoc and Councilwoman Overby, the East Hampton Town Board on four separate occasions unanimously refused to support any and all efforts to prevent the purchase from happening. Montauk’s own Concerned Citizens of Montauk also declined direct Flamingo Road support.

In the end, none of it mattered.

Through unity, the people of Montauk prevailed.

TOM BOGDAN

Montauk United