Government Briefs 01.16.14

East Hampton Town

Affordable Housing Committee

       An East Hampton Community Housing Opportunity Fund committee is to be formed, comprising seven residents who will discuss ideas for the establishment of affordable housing — an item on the new East Hampton Town Board’s agenda.

       An advisory committee to oversee use of the fund — which, Councilwoman Sylvia Overby reported Tuesday, has some money remaining, but “not enough to complete a project” — is required under the town code but had not been empaneled for five or six years. Ms. Overby asked fellow board members for nominees, and interested members of the public were asked to call Town Hall.

Town Offices to Recycle

       After a town board discussion about working to increase the rate of recycling throughout the town, Supervisor Larry Cantwell issued a directive last week calling on all town offices to recycle paper products. In a release, he noted a lack of recycling bins at Town Hall.

       “If we ask our residents to increase their recycling efforts, the town must do so, as well,” Mr. Cantwell said in the release. The recycling will help accomplish two goals, he said: protecting the environment and reducing the town’s garbage-disposal expense.

Solar Energy in Sight

       A request for proposals from companies interested in setting up solar energy systems at various town properties yielded 13 inquiries, Councilwoman Sylvia Overby reported this week. The town’s energy sustainability committee is vetting the responses.

       Under a program sponsored by the Long Island Power Authority, the energy generated would be fed into the power grid, reducing the need for power generated elsewhere. Once approved by the town, the proposals must be sent by the end of this month to LIPA for final approval.

       Supervisor Larry Cantwell pointed out an opportunity for “multiple wins” for East Hamptoners — in generating and selling solar power as well as in gaining revenue from leasing town property for “substantial sums.”

       J.P.

Federal

Bishop Speaks on Washington

       Representative Tim Bishop will present a “Washington update” on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton. The library has asked that those attending sign up in advance at myrml.org or by phone to assure a seat.

       Mr. Bishop, a six-term Democrat, is seeking re-election in November. He is expected to face New York State Senator Lee Zeldin, whom he defeated in 2008.