The Big Number

Too late to be included in an editorial in our print edition last week was the number of undeveloped parcels of land within the boundaries of East Hampton Town. Including vacant commercial and residential land in the two incorporated villages (Sag Harbor and East Hampton), there are approximately 2,580 lots classified as open. 

This figure comes from the East Hampton Town Planning Department, with an cavaet: Among the total are an unknown proportion of substandard urban renewal lots that might not be buildable. But on the other hand, another unknown percentage of the total number of parcels might be dividable, through the subdivision process, into more than one house lot. 

As it stands, the vacant property in the town that has not been preserved in one way or another amounts to more than 10 percent of the total number of private parcels. If they are not saved as open space, most (though not all, due to presumed ecological or other constraints) eventually will be built upon. The overarching question for planners and elected officials is whether the South Fork can reasonably accommodate another 2,000 or more houses from Wainscott to Montauk. The impact of construction and property services here is felt in neighboring areas as well, making East Hampton’s ultimate build-out a matter of regional concern. 

The number, give or take a couple of hundred, is known. It’s a shame that no one in elected office or even among local civic organizations or political groups is even asking what, if anything, to do about it.