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 Year Plunges for Food Pantries
Plungers will be “freezin’ for a reason” at ocean beaches in East Hampton Village and Wainscott on New Year’s Day, their mad dashes into the frigid surf arguably motivated by desires for personal renewal and for their fellow citizens’ well-being, inasmuch as the proceeds from the usually very well-attended events go to food pantries in Sag Harbor and East Hampton Town.
December 19, 2024
Police & Courts
Sag Harbor Village police spotted what appeared to be 12 drones flying at different altitudes over the Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter Bridge last Thursday evening, after a caller reported seeing around seven of them that same night.
Jan 2, 2025
Multiple swastikas were found spray-painted on signs Wednesday morning at Shadmoor State Park in Montauk by a New York State Parks employee doing routine maintenance.
Dec 19, 2024
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
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 project here, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 18.
Dec 26, 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
Government
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
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
The East Hampton Town Board passed a somewhat rushed resolution Tuesday, allowing the town to spend just over $500,000 to acquire five pieces of land, including one 7.7-acre tract, from Suffolk County. Four of the five parcels would be used for affordable housing and one unbuildable lot in Montauk would go to open space. Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez explained that the county had set tomorrow as a deadline to authorize the expenditure.
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
Arts
The Many Layers of Esly Escobar
Esly Escobar is a Guatemala-born, East End-based multimedia artist, D.J., music producer, fashion designer, and technician at LTV Studios.
Jan 2, 2025
Works & Process, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting performing artists, is bringing a weekend of dance performances to The Church in Sag Harbor, Guild Hall, and the Watermill Center.
Jan 2, 2025
Whit Stillman will be at the Sag Harbor Cinema with his 1990 comedy of manners "Metropolitan," which earned him an Oscar nod for best original screenplay.
Jan 2, 2025
The Southampton Playhouse, formerly the Southampton Cinema, has announced its inaugural executive director and artistic director in advance of its 2025 opening.
Jan 2, 2025
Villages
Sag Harbor's Sylvester & Co. Is Closing Its Doors
After 35 years as a mainstay on Sag Harbor Main Street, Sylvester & Co. will close its doors for the last time next week.
Item of the Week: Keeping Up With LTV’s Time Clock
This still image from a 1988 video from the LTV Archive features a spoof by the artist Robert Janz, as he tries to draw a clock face on a timepiece in motion.
Cause of Whale's Death Cannot Be Determined
A 38-foot adult female humpback whale washed up on the shore at Napeague State Park in Amagansett on Dec. 17, but according to Joanne Biegert, a representative of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, because of the whale's advanced state of decomposition the organization cannot determine a cause of death.
