Though many families were settled on Shelter Island by the late 1600s, Shelter Island Town was not founded until 1730. Today, a town supervisor and a town board create legislation for a population of 2,228, according to the 2000 U.S. census. The Town Clerk, the Building Department and Town Assessors work out of offices near the center of the island on North Ferry road. The Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of appeals hold their meetings at Town Hall.