The East Hampton Town Planning Board made the right move recently by demanding additional study of a planned 50-unit industrial park in Wainscott. This would be a supplement to a draft environmental impact review of the proposed changes at a 70-acre combined property just off Montauk Highway. Front and center among the town’s concerns is the history of the site, used for decades as a sand mine and masonry supply businesses and how possible soil contamination could affect nearby Georgica Pond.
Fifty commercial lots and the traffic they would generate is something that the property owner and his representatives must also deal with in the review documents. Though not subject to the planners’ immediate request for the extra environmental study, vehicle use and noise will also be considered.
Also under consideration is an alternative development more in tune with the goals of the town’s comprehensive plan. In this concept some of the proposed lots would be set aside for a public park, affordable housing, and a train station. But going this route would require that the town or county acquire portions of the property, something beyond the planning board’s ability to ask of the applicant.
Whatever happens, the property will significantly change the Wainscott commercial corridor. This requires the town’s greatest degree of scrutiny.