Government Briefs 03.23.17

East Hampton Town

Support for Immigrants

In response to recent expressions nationwide of anti-immigrant sentiment and new federal immigration enforcement policy East Hampton Town’s Anti-Bias Task Force has issued a statement expressing its support “of our immigrant community members and their rights to be treated with respect.”

“Fear of deportation has shaken families . . . to the core,” the committee said in a March 13 press release. The task force “believes it is a moral obligation to treat others as we want to be treated.”

“It has been said,” the group wrote, “that the strength of our community and of our nation is in its people. We pride ourselves in being called a diverse society. We are a country of immigrants.”

The group reiterated its mission of helping community members facing bias and of working to “bring people together in dialogue and help[ing] to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions while promoting unity.”

Chaired by Audrey Gaines, who can be reached by email at [email protected], the group is overseen by Town Councilwoman Sylvia Overby. J.P.

Seeking Recycling Help

The East Hampton Town Recycling and Litter Committee, which works to tackle roadside trash problems and encourage more recycling programs, is on the lookout for new members to join in its efforts. Those interested have been asked to contact Councilwoman Sylvia Overby, the town board’s liaison to the committee, at 631-324-2620 or by email at [email protected].

Southampton Town

A Bigger Meeting Space

Southampton Town officials have a bigger space at Town Hall in which to hold public hearings now that the auditorium, which had served as an office space and more recently as a storage area, has been cleared out. The town has held two hearings there in recent weeks pertaining to matters west of the canal, and it will be put to more use in the future.

Traffic Analysis Green-Lighted

After months of discussions among residents and town officials, the Southampton Town Board has awarded a bid for a pedestrian and traffic safety analysis of Bridgehampton’s Main Street. During a meeting last Thursday, the board approved a proposal from L.K. McLean Associates of Brookhaven with a price tag of $38,500 for the study’s first phase, in which engineers will review accident volume data, attend community meetings, and make recommendations for improving safety at specific locations. The first in-depth design in a second phase would cost $21,600.

In October, the town received five different proposals after having put out a request for proposals in late summer. The board was ready to approve McLean Associates’ proposal earlier this month, but needed to find funding, which was secured thanks to a surplus.