East Hampton Town Formally Bans The Sale Of Balloons

East Hampton Town unanimously adopted legislation on Tuesday that formally bans the sale of helium-filled balloons in the town.

Tuesday’s vote comes months after the measure was introduced with pleas from local students and members of the East Hampton Town Trustees.

Southampton Town voted in July to ban the sale of balloons in that town after conducting a survey of town residents that showed broad support for the measure — but staunch opposition from some business interests.

Some members of the East Hampton Town Board said they were skeptical at the outset.

Before voting, Councilman David Lys said that he had come around to supporting the bill thanks to the input from children, his own and others.

“I see a lot of things in town government through the lens of my kids,” he said. “Initially, I wasn’t in favor of it. Then we were at the beach, in our secret spot in Napesague, and kept seeing multiple balloons … and I asked my kids and they were fine with it … I think there’s other ways we can redesign fun for kids in a safe manor for the environment.”

“I was doubter going into this,” Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez echoed, crediting an outpouring of support from students at local schools for persuading her.

Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said that the number of balloons one sees when on a boat in the ocean off local shores is “astounding,” saying he filled an entire garbage can with deflated mylar balloons over the summer.

“I think this won’t stop the problem, but it’s the start of the solution,” he said. “Obviously, the balloons can travel across the county, but so can this awareness.”

The ban will take effect on January 1.