Politics & Government

East Hampton Notebook: Town Buys 26 Acres for $3.2 Mil with CPF

The town board also accepts a donation from Sloppy Tuna.

A $3.2 million acquisition of a Wainscott property, with money from the Community Preservation Fund, was approved by the East Hampton Town Board on Thursday night.

A public hearing was held earlier in the evening about the purchase of 25.7 of 26.7 acres of land located at 198 Six Pole Highway.

Gene Makl, representing the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society, said the group "whole heartedly" supports the acquisition. "There aren't too many 26 acre pieces left anymore and I think it behooves us to protect what we do have," he told the board.

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Makl said it is also contiguous with other 50 to 100 acres of already preserved properties. There are also existing trails on the subject property and connecting trails that can be made so that area can have more use by the residents, he said.

Nanci E. LaGarenne, a Democratic candidate for East Hampton Town Trustee, told the board acquisition price was "probably a steal" at $3.2 million.

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"We're not against that, we're always for preservation. There's not enough preservation in East Hampton," LaGarenne said on behalf of the Freetown Neighborhood Advisory Committee. She was there to remind the board of the interest to have an 8.9 acre parcel on the corner of Oak View and Middle highways in East Hampton preserved. 

"We're feeling a little neglected," she said, adding that the town did make an offer that was refused by the owner. LaGarenne claimed the town had the right to put pressure on the owners of the Oak View parcel in an effort to protect groundwater and drinking water.

"If we don't protect the groundwater we are all in big trouble," LaGarenne said. "Take another look at the...property and evaluate it." 

Councilwoman Theresa Quigley said the Board could not compel the seller to move on the property, with Councilman Peter Hammerle maintaining the Board was "stuck" offering the appraisal value. Councilwoman Quigley called the accusations that the town had neglected the neighborhood "inflammatory" and "offensive."

"The comment that it is a low priority is not true," Councilwoman Quigley said. Quigley said the Oak View property was one of only a third of potential properties to be appraised. "We understand the issues, we've done what we can. I am 100 percent behind the acquisition of this property." 

The town board's resolution said it is buying the property to preserve open space and community character. The seller is One One Nine Six Three Inc.

One acre of the land has been transferred to an adjacent cemetery through a lot line modification, according to the resolution.

Bathrooms Get Some Landscaping

The town board voted to accept a donation of landscaping around the new restroom facilities on Thursday night. , formerly Nick's Beach, is adjacent to the bathrooms, which were just recently built by the town. The restaurant and bar will pay for the landscaping and installation of a shed on the property.

More Dough for Vets

A budget transfer was made in the amount of $2,500 for fueling of a transport van. On a yearly basis, the town supplies fuel for the VFW van that drives veterans to medical appointments to such places as the VA hospital. As gasoline prices have been higher than expected, the cost to transport the veterans has gone up from last year, according to a resolution passed on Thursday night.

With reporting by Matthew Margolis.


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