Government Briefs 07.17.14

East Hampton Town

Indian Wells Hearing

The East Hampton Town Board will hold a hearing tonight to consider a prohibition on alcoholic beverages for a distance of 1,000 feet east and west of the Indian Wells Beach road end in Amagansett on weekends during lifeguard-protected hours. The proposed legislation represents compromises reached with the trustees, most of whom opposed any restriction and suggested a 500-foot ban, while the town board initially sought a 2,500-foot distance.

The prohibition will not apply to Atlantic Avenue Beach, a provision the trustees strongly opposed. The trustees also insisted on stepped-up enforcement of existing code pertaining to poor behavior. The proposed legislation includes a sunset clause. Should the legislation be enacted, it will expire after the summer season and its effects will be evaluated.

Hearing on Chain Stores

A law that would restrict stores or restaurants defined as “formula businesses” will also come up for a hearing at the town board meeting tonight. Under the proposed code, the retail businesses to be regulated would be one of 15 or more in the United States that has two or more of five particular features such as offering a standardized menu or merchandise, and the use of a standardized decor.”

Under the proposed law, formula businesses would be allowed in neighborhood business districts as well as central business zones, by special permit. They would not automatically be prohibited within a historic district. Instead, the town planning board would be charged with determining if they “comply with the preservation goals” of a historic district.

All town board hearings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.