Government Briefs 04.20.17

East Hampton Town

Water Protection Projects

East Hampton Town’s water quality technical advisory committee, convened under the new law that allows the town to spend up to 20 percent of community preservation fund revenue on water quality protection and improvement, has begun rating prospective projects. Using a ranking system based on legal criteria, they will make recommendations to the town board as to what should move forward; a list of projects that are ready to commence has been prepared. The town board will vote on whether to proceed with each initiative, individually, after holding a public hearing.

Amagansett’s New Loo

The new public restroom in Amagansett, constructed by East Hampton Town in the municipal parking lot to the north of Main Street, will be officially opened on May 8 at 6 p.m., a half-hour before the May meeting of the Amagansett Citizens Advisory Committee begins. The committee has long had the loo on its agenda.

Discussion of and plans for a public facility in the hamlet have taken place over many years and several town administrations, with one plan after another delayed and waylaid. The final wrinkles, having to do with county health department approvals, have been ironed out, and the restroom has been readied for its first user, who has not been selected.

Affordable Housing: Apply Now

The application period for those interested in buying a house or condo through East Hampton Town’s affordable housing program ends on Friday, April 28. Those who would like to be included in the lottery selection process for the opportunity to purchase the next available residences can contact the town’s Office of Housing and Community Development, or fill out an application available online at the town website, ehamptonny.gov.

‘Drug Takeback’ Day

Pharmaceutical drugs that are no longer needed or are expired can be safely disposed of on “drug takeback” day, April 29, when a collection point will be set up between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Town Hall.

In order to avoid drug contamination of drinking water or the environment, drugs cannot be flushed down the toilet or thrown into the garbage. The East Hampton Town Police Department’s Wainscott headquarters provides a safe drug-disposal box in its lobby, and there are others kept at various pharmacies in town.

Hamlet Studies Advance

Continuing the town’s hamlet study effort, presentations of draft plans for each community’s discussion are expected to take place from June 1 through 3, Councilwoman Sylvia Overby, who is overseeing the effort, announced this week. 

A tentative schedule includes a discussion of plans for East Hampton and Springs on the evening of June 1, an overall presentation by consultants for the town board on June 2, an evening meeting later focusing on Montauk’s dock area and downtown, and a June 3 morning presentation regarding Wainscott.