Letters

We are writing regarding two important projects occurring along Lake Agawam. The first involves the south end parking area, which is being reconstructed with improved drainage, walkways and plantings. This project is being overseen by the Southampton Town Trustees.

The second project involves the installation of a significant wetlands buffer along the southeast shoreline of the lake. This project began back in 2021 under Mayor Jesse Warren and has finally come to fruition under Mayor Bill Manger.

Working closely with the village and the superintendent of public works, the Lake Agawam Conservancy has coordinated and funded the project (without tax dollars), using local experts and contractors, many of whom donated services. Invasive plants were removed, the buffer was regraded, drainage was installed, and, over the past two weeks, ecologically appropriate plantings were added.

In the spring, the conservancy will plant native grasses and wildflowers to further enhance the buffer. They have also agreed to maintain this and other buffers/bioswales in highly flooded areas of the village at no cost to taxpayers.

Please drive by and see the work if you have not already done so.

While there has been some last-minute discussion over the process, the Lake Agawam Conservancy received unanimous approval from the Village Board. The village submitted the required approvals and paperwork to the Department of Environmental Conservation, which then approved the project. Please visit the Lake Agawam Conservancy website for more information.

We hope all will see the wisdom of clarifying the process going forward while celebrating a successful public/private partnership that benefits our entire community.

Jay Diesing

Rainer Greeven

Marie Glinka

Walter Deane

Executive Board

The Southampton Association