Gov. Kathy Hochul has again vetoed a bill that would have reinstated the Montaukett Indian Nation's official state recognition, of which the tribe was stripped some 115 years ago by a court ruling that's widely regarded today as a grossly racist land grab.
New Affordable Housing Complex Is Officially Open
Officials from East Hampton Town, Georgica Green Ventures, and the East Hampton Housing Authority celebrated the official opening of The Green at Gardiner’s Point, a new affordable housing community in Springs, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 18.
December 26, 2024
Police & Courts
The Shinnecock Indian Nation has found itself on the defensive once again over its electronic billboards on Sunrise Highway, which have been operating since 2019 and continued to do so this week despite a court ruling demanding they go dark.
Dec 19, 2024
East Hampton Village police charged a local man last week with stealing $2,450 worth of merchandise, a class-E felony, from the Louis Vuitton store at the corner of Main Street and Newtown Lane.
Dec 19, 2024
A dumpster fire sparked at the recycling center on Springs-Fireplace Road on Friday afternoon. East Hampton firefighters arrived and tamed the blaze.
Dec 19, 2024
Planning Board Chair to Be Demoted
“I only know that I have been advised that I’m not serving next year as chair,” said Samuel Kramer, who has served as chairman of the East Hampton Town Planning Board since January 2019. The decision, which requires a vote of the entire town board, won’t become official until a resolution to that effect is passed at the reorganizational meeting on Jan. 2.
Dec 19, 2024
A Longtime Legislator Retires With Distinction
For Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. of Sag Harbor, the last several weeks have been filled with proclamations, plaques, parties, and praise for the work he accomplished over the course of a nearly 40-year career as an elected official, including 29 in his current post in Albany. Like all lively dinner parties, popular television series, and the Mets’ playoff run this season, good things must at some point come to an end: Mr. Thiele, 71, is officially retiring from government.
Dec 19, 2024
Government
In its second discussion about adjusting maximum house size based on lot area, the East Hampton Town Board seemed swayed by public opinion, calling the original numbers too restrictive, especially for small lots. Comments from the public, nearly 20 of them, were divided between those saying the work group’s original recommendation was the only thing that could save the character of East Hampton, and those saying that that recommendation would surely ruin the town.
Dec 19, 2024
Twice a year, the Town of East Hampton awards money to homeowners and businesses to incentivize water quality improvements. On Dec. 16, applications opened to award $1 million to fund eligible projects for 2025.
Dec 19, 2024
East Hampton lifeguards performed a record number of rescues, 226 total, during the 2024 season at town beaches, according to the town’s chief lifeguard, John Ryan Jr. Of that number, 202 rescues occurred at protected beaches, while 24 took place at unprotected beaches. Both of those numbers doubled from last year’s totals.
Dec 12, 2024
The Springs General Store has been shuttered since the end of the 2022 summer season, and while the new owners are getting closer to winning approvals for changes they plan, one of them, Daniel Bennett, confirmed via text last week that the store will remain closed for the summer of 2025.
Dec 12, 2024
Arts
Introducing ‘The Bonackers’
Joanne Friedland Roberts's film weaves interviews, archival film footage, and photographs to tell the story of the men and women who have fished and farmed the East End for almost 400 years.
Dec 19, 2024
The third annual Bonac Print Shop Art Showcase at Ashawagh Hall in Springs will feature work by 35 East End artists.
Dec 19, 2024
National Theatre Live will bring Noel Coward's "Present Lives" to Guild Hall, where Susan Stroman, the director and choreographer, has been named president of the Academy of the Arts.
Dec 19, 2024
Doc Fest names audience award winner, violin virtuoso at The Church in Sag Harbor, workshops for women from the Cowgirls, music at the Masonic Temple.
Dec 19, 2024
Villages
Ultra Runners Tackle Grand Canyon
In October, Craig Berkoski and Andrew Drake ran a legendary Grand Canyon route known as a "rite of passage" for ultra runners. The so-called Rim to Rim to Rim trail involves descending 4,500 feet down the South Rim, crossing the canyon floor and the Colorado River, and then running up the nearly 8,000-foot North Rim, and back.
Christmas Birds: By the Numbers
Cold, still, quiet, and clear conditions marked the morning of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in Montauk on Dec. 14. The cold proved challenging, if not for the groups of birders in search of birds, then certainly for the birds.
Shelter Islander’s Game Is a Tribute to His Home
For Serge Pierro of Shelter Island, a teacher of guitar lessons and designer of original tabletop games, his latest project speaks to his appreciation for his home of 19 years and counting. Called Shelter Island Experience, it’s a card game that showcases the “nuances of what makes life on Shelter Island so special and unique.”
