Open Space Goals
By Sara Davison, Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation, Inc.
It is easy to understand why some people think there is no more land in the Village to purchase for open space. A careful examination of the landscape tells a slightly different story. There are quite a few important parcels, but they are small. Although we can’t buy our way out of thorny challenges such as parking and traffic, purchasing open space will help alleviate over development, protect village character and the village’s natural resources.
The new East Hampton Village Comprehensive Plan must prioritize the protection of the remaining open space in the village. Of most importance are vacant parcels of land adjacent to our precious ponds, streams, and wetlands. Preserving these lands will accomplish several objectives including water quality, open space, vistas, and wildlife habitat.
Second priority should be parcels that are adjacent to existing public or conservation land. Any opportunity to enlarge an existing park, public square or green should be seized. A great example of this was the Dayton land additions to Herrick Park.
Lastly, in some cases when a parcel of land could be restored to provide some important ecological function, purchasing land where there is an existing structure should be considered. This was accomplished at Hook Pond with the 1-acre purchase of a former house lot. The undistinguished house was removed and the land and shoreline were restored.
The CPF fund is the most immediate source of funds to meet these goals, but there are also NY State Funds for open space and water quality purchases and private funding can also be raised. Working in a public-private partnership is the way to go in the Village of East Hampton. The bottom line is that the new comprehensive plan should identify all open space opportunities and support the aggressive pursuit of these goals.