Government Briefs 09.29.16

East Hampton Town

New Clean Water Committee

A new clean water and community preservation committee, with members from local conservation and advocacy groups such as the Nature Conservancy, businesses, elected officials, and other concerned citizens, will meet tomorrow morning at 11 at the East Hampton Town commercial dock at Gann Road on Three Mile Harbor. To be discussed is the case for a “yes” vote on Election Day on a referendum that would extend the life of the community preservation fund program and expand its use for water quality protection.

The group, which is urging residents to approve the proposal, will discuss the importance of the preservation fund in land preservation as well as the key role it can play in stemming nitrogen pollution in local waterways.

Now, $10 for Airport Parking

Long-term parking at East Hampton Airport now costs $10 per day, after the institution of a paid parking system this week. The meters require use of a credit card. Short-term parking, for up to 30 minutes, remains free of charge.

Other projects at the airport that are moving forward, according to a report last week by Jemille Charlton, the airport manager, to the town board, include the construction of a new aviation fueling facility, anticipated to take place this winter, construction of a new section of taxiway, for which plans will soon be solicited, and an investigation as to the state of repair of runway and taxiway pavement at the airport, which is in process.

Other ongoing projects include extension of a perimeter fence and clearing or topping trees in an area along Daniel’s Hole Road, in order to meet Federal Aviation Administration runway clear-zone requirements. The town was put on notice some time ago that that situation must be remedied.

Southampton Town

Regarding Energy Efficiency

The Southampton Town Board approved two amendments to its code regarding energy efficiency at a meeting on Tuesday night. The first promotes solar energy systems as an accessory use. Ground-mounted solar panels with at least a 5,000-kilowatt output that take up no more than 4,500 square feet will be exempt from clearing restrictions. Homeowners could clear up to 2 percent more to make way for such a system. The amendment also more clearly defines solar energy equipment.

The second was in response to changes to the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, effective Monday. The town decided to adopt more stringent requirements for the energy efficiency of newly built or substantially reconstructed houses of between 4,501 and 6,500 square feet. Applicants will have to submit a certificate verifying that the house design meets the home energy rating system index, a nationally recognized industry standard.

Bullying Awareness Month

The town will recognize October as bullying prevention and awareness month with two programs that will provide information and resources for families about bullying and cyber-bullying through the Southampton Youth Bureau. The programs are scheduled for Oct. 20 and 27 at the Hampton Bays Community Center and Southampton Town Hall. According to a town board resolution, the youth bureau’s 2011 Teen Assessment Project Survey showed that 21 percent of teenagers reported having been bullied or harassed.

To Maintain Noyac Roads

Four roads in Noyac are now part of the town’s highway system. Northview Drive, Old Noyack Road, Northview Hills Court, and Eastview Court have been accepted after review by Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor, which means the roads will be maintained by the town, including plowing during snowstorms.

Grants Available

The town will soon be accepting applications for 2017 grants for organizations that provide services to town residents. Human services grants are available for organizations that provide services like counseling and child care, while cultural arts and recreation grants can help organizations that offer visual or performing arts and recreational programs.

Applications will be available on the town’s website starting Monday. Copies are also available at Town Hall. The deadline for submission is Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.