The Sag Harbor School District has scheduled a public forum "addressing the proposed acquisition" of five wooded properties on Marsden Street for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Pierson Middle and High School auditorium.
A proposition will appear on the May 16 budget ballot asking Sag Harbor district taxpayers to approve a $6 million bond and the release of $3.425 million from a capital reserve account for the purchase of the properties. For several months, the district sought to build a sports field and related infrastructure there, but has more recently stated it will decide the exact use of the land at a later date. The district is attempting to purchase the land on its own from a private owner who has indicated that the lots will be developed into houses if the purchase falls through.
The issue has divided the community, with signs on utility poles and people's lawns popping up either supporting or opposing the purchase and tense discussions on social media. The school district recently pulled out of a potential deal with Southampton Town that would have provided $6 million from the community preservation fund for a scaled-down sports field project, with school officials ultimately saying it would not meet its needs.
Wednesday's forum will also be accessible via Zoom at this link.