Government Briefs 06.21.12

East Hampton Town

Beach Business

    The East Hampton Town Board has put on hold a number of requests from surf camps and others seeking permission to give classes or tours to paying customers on public beaches. Under current town law, a commercial mass gathering permit is needed to do so.

    In consultation with the town trustees, the board has resolved to develop a policy governing such commercial use of public places, requests for which are increasing. Board members hope to make decisions in early July, and will not issue permits for activities stretching throughout the summer months until then.

Babinski Barn Permit

    The town board voted on Tuesday to issue a construction permit for an already partially constructed barn on the Babinski farm in Wainscott, although members were split as to just how to make a positive determination.

    A town code provision says the town board must sign off on permits for structures on land where the town has purchased development rights, such as the Babinski farm, although planning board approval has already been issued. The town board held a hearing on the proposal earlier this month.

    However, Councilwoman Theresa Quigley argued at a board meeting on Tuesday that the board’s best stance legally was to grant its approval of the permit based on a previous hearing in 2005, when the development rights were purchased.  Though Councilwoman Sylvia Overby and Councilman Peter Van Scoyoc argued that it would be better to base a decision on the recent hearing, a majority of the board voted with Ms. Quigley. Mr. Van Scoyoc abstained from the vote.    J.P.

New York State

Preservation Credit to Increase

    The New York State Assembly has passed a bill to make a historic preservation tax credit more generous, raising the maximum award from $5 million to $12 million. The move is intended to make preserving high-cost properties on the East End and in other high-priced areas of the state more attractive to builders. According to State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., the bill is expected to become law.