Greenport Business Owner's Petition Asks For Stay In Donation Table Crackdown: 'The Strength Of Grass Roots'

GREENPORT, NY — A woman who set out to help others in need in Greenport by setting up a donation table has been faced with village opposition — and now, she's created a petition with an eye toward seeking solutions.

Sharon Sailor, who set up the donation table outside her business has been slapped with a letter from village officials demanding she remove the table within — or face hefty fines.

Sailor, owner of Front Street Station on Front Street, set up the table in 2020 during the pandemic to help those who were struggling and since then, has helped scores of residents in need find warm jackets, new clothes, or household items they might not have been able to afford on their own.

Sailor's Change.org petition, "Front Street Station Charity Table: Asking Village For A Stay And A Formal Voice," currently has 118 signatures out of a goal of 200.

"The quaint Village of Greenport is known for its vibrant community and historic charm. Yet, a pressing issue has arisen that threatens the spirit of philanthropy that is central to our village — Front Street Station’s charity table, operating for the past six years," Sailor, who created the petition, wrote.

"Therefore, I am requesting the Village of Greenport to grant a stay of enforcement on this ordinance immediately. A stay is crucial to allow for necessary negotiations and deliberations without the looming threat of penalties for non-compliance," she wrote.

"Furthermore, I propose an opportunity to discuss this matter formally at the next scheduled Board of Trustees meeting. During this meeting, we can explore potential amendments to the current code or explore alternative solutions that facilitate charitable activities."

She added: "Please sign this petition to show your support for granting a stay of enforcement and to ensure this important discussion takes place at the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting. "

That next meeting takes place on May 28 at 6 p.m. at the Third Street Firehouse.

Speaking with Patch, Sailor said despite the controversy, she's seen an outpouring of support from the community.

‘With every challenge comes a silver lining," Sailor said. "This situation has brought out the best in most people, uniting a community, drawing attention to its larger issues. I optimistically feel that we will be able to navigate this gracefully while holding fast to the idea that a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle — yet doubles it light!"

She added: "I feel that the strength of grass roots is our most powerful tool. The village will see the overwhelming support our cause has. I have faith that our government will find a way to do the will of the people and we can all emerge from this graciously and with a renewed empathy for those less fortunate."

Recently, Sailor received a letter from the Greenport Village building inspector stating that under village code, while a restaurant is a lawfully permitted use: "The placement of a table outside of a restaurant for the display of goods and products is not a) a use carried on inside a building, b) outdoor dining permitted in accord with village code, c) a parking or loading facility, or d) a customary accessory use to a restaurant."

The letter went on: "Accordingly, the continued use of the outdoor area for the display of goods, products or other items is not a lawfully permitted use."

Sailor was ordered and directed to remove the table and display area within 10 days or face daily fines, ranging from "$500 to $1,500 for the first violation, $1,000 to $2,500 for the second violation, and $1,500 to $5,000 for the third and each subsequent day of violation."

Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Steussi did not immediately return a request for comment.

Sailor spoke out on social media after receiving the letter: "I’ve had my table in the same spot for six years —quietly serving, contributing, and being part of this community. I’m not moving it because of pressure or noise. I belong here just as much as anyone else. I was even told by the building inspector that it would be 'no problem' if I just moved it to the back — but that raises a bigger question: If it’s not allowed, then it’s not allowed, right? There are far bigger issues that deserve our time and energy. Let’s focus on building each other up, not pushing each other out," Sailor said.

Speaking with Patch, Sailor added: "The way I see it. It’s selective enforcement. Six years, it has been there. I was told 'It was an eyesore' and if I just moved it to the back, there wouldn’t be any problems. Well, if it’s not allowed to be, then it’s not allowed to be, right?"

On social media Sailor showed photos of homeless individuals wrapped in sleeping bags and blankets on village streets — and cars buried under snow, stating that those issues were, apparently, "what's acceptable in Greenport Village. When you call to address these issues you get the same standard answer — 'There’s nothing we can do.'"

She added: "I am not disparaging the people or the situations in the pictures. I’m saying if there’s nothing you can do about that, then there shouldn’t be anything you can do about my table — which brings the community together. I would think the powers that be in this village have much more important things to worry about than what I give away on a table. It’s a classic case of NIMBY," which means "not in my backyard," she said.

"Everyone wants everybody to be involved — to repurpose, recycle, reach out to those less fortunate, save the environment — until somebody actually steps up and does it. Then it’s inconvenient, an eyesore. I’d also like to know if anybody else has been cited for displaying anything in front of their businesses."

Sailor's posts about the donation table have been beacons of hope for those in need year round.

In October, she wrote : "Christmas Countdown! I haven't had a chance to post for the outside world. But no, our magical table is still there every day with something new for everyone, so even though we've made the grand move to the west side of the building, the table is up and operational — help yourselves and stock up on some fabulous things. The floodgates have opened and the donations are pouring in!"

The table was born out of Sailor's giving heart.

In 2020, at a time when so many were faced with unprecedented challenges due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus, she quietly set up a table outside her restaurant to share discarded items that might mean everything to someone in need.

Sailor told Patch at the time that the idea for the donation table was born because she hates waste.

"I love to repurpose," she said. "I had things that I, and some family members, were no longer using. They were nothing ‘special’ to us, just everyday items we had outgrown or replaced. Yet I thought to myself that something that's so benign and that we take for granted can be life-changing to others."

Sailor decided to just leave the items out on the table overnight to "see what happens. We had two full tables the first night, and by the morning, one full table was gone," she said. "So an idea was born! I am community-oriented. Separately, we are just people and buildings. Together we are so much more a community. I am always looking for ways to give, to help, to give those less fortunate than myself the helping hand they need to progress. Sometimes all people need is to know that someone cares, that better is possible. Without hope what do people have?"

Since then, the table has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Sailor said; the only time it's not out is when rain is coming.

"I feel people may be embarrassed or uncomfortable to take things during the day. Although I do get many day-takers," she said.

There are no restrictions on the items, no criteria, no income limits, Sailor said. "If you see it, like it, and feel you can give it life and make use of it, please take it."

Sailor regularly shares photos of the table and its treasures on Facebook.

"The sharing also prompted others to contact me that they had things to offer," Sailor said.

Several community members have dropped off wonderful items, many brand-new, which are soon up for grabs on the table, she said.

All items are new or gently used and laundered.

Surprisingly, baby clothes are not a hit, Sailor said, so whatever was donated was repurposed and given to a church that could use them. Coffee makers, pants, and household items are the biggest movers, she added.

Sailor shared why she decided to set up the table: "I have been very fortunate and blessed in my life as far as health and family. Now that I am a business owner and able to participate on a larger level I live by two mottos: 'Your candle doesn’t burn brighter by blowing out someone else’s. Light theirs and you double the light,'" she said.

The other adage, Sailor said, is: "'You can get everything you want in life by helping others get what they need.' Hopefully, I am a small example of that."

The donation table is not the only way that Sailor gives back. She is a force behind he Paul Drum Life Experience Project, which according to the organization's website, "affords children ages 7 to 12 the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

The donation table is set up outside Front Street Station, located at 212 Front Street in Greenport.