New Lots In Northwest

Northwest Woods is being primed for a new wave of pioneers. The East Hampton Town Planning Board granted final approval to one large subdivision last week and is just a step away from stamping approval on another twice its size.

When the ink dries, 50 new house lots will be on the market for development, covering 113 acres of what is now contiguous forest. Another 170 acres will be left undeveloped.

The Planning Board signed the final approval for Grassy Hollow Estates at its meeting Jan. 22. The cluster subdivision will create 16 new lots on 91 acres to the southwest of Alewife Brook and Hand's Creek to Ely Brook Roads.

Cluster Model

Meanwhile, the map of the 190-acre Northwest Estates has come back from the County Planning Commission and is awaiting final approval from the board. Only a few questions over roadway clearing remain before the 34 new lots are carved out.

Planners have touted both subdivisions as "model" cluster plans that preserve a significant block of forest. Review of the two plans was coordinated so that the preserved areas of both could be linked. As a result, 170 acres of contiguous privately owned land will remain untouched.

As for the lots, brokers agree they won't take long to sell. "It's a very desirable area right now. Prices are up and builders are looking for prime lots," said Frank Newbold, a partner in Braverman Newbold Brennan. Spec-house builders have been some of the main buyers in the area.

Selling Well

"Builders are doing good quality work and their houses are selling quickly," Mr. Newbold said. "It's really rocking and rolling up there."

Depending on size, topography, and other factors, the Grassy Hollow and Northwest Estates lots, averaging two acres, could fetch between $125,000 and $185,000, Mr. Newbold said.

The County Planning Commission approved the Northwest Estates plan Jan. 8, but raised several concerns. They included emergency vehicle access, ownership of the reserved areas, wetland protection, and the location of a road entrance. The Planning Board last week ruled that most of the concerns were already addressed and the board overrode the county's conditions.

Once the final road plans are agreed to and approved by the Town Highway Superintendent, the subdivision will be ready for final approval.