Letters

Already shocked about the Farrell Company’s plan to increase the number of trailers from 14 to 93 at the Leiers Mobile Home Park, Eastport residents recently learned of a new proposal directly across the street from Leiers [“Eastport Residents Say Northwell Housing Proposal Is Too Much for Hamlet,” 27east.com, August 21]. The new project, pitched by Northwell Health, proposes 217 senior units and 60 workforce units. Northwell representatives are asking the Southampton Town Board to vote to consider the project, allowing it to move on to a formal application.

Here’s the problem: Farrell/Leiers isn’t subject to state environmental quality review. Apparently, the site enjoys approvals that predate SEQRA, meaning there will be no impact studies on traffic, schools, environment, community character, etc. So, 93 units are going in pretty much under 1975 regulations.

What can Eastport expect? Well, we don’t know. In a 27east.com article, the developer stated, “It’s the greatest affordable project ever to be in the Hamptons.” The developer’s attorney later stated, “Most of the project is going to be market rentals. Affordable housing will be a very small part.”

Eastport residents reached out to Assemblyman Fred Thiele, asking if Farrell/Leiers is violating New York State’s Green Amendment, which reads, “Each person shall have a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” Mr. Thiele replied that there is no regulatory authority on any state or local agency, and that the new amendment doesn’t have much case law interpreting its meaning.

So, Farrell/Leiers is a great unknown, and there’s not much that Southampton Town government can do about it — nor can residents rely on the Green Amendment. Now, add Northwell to the mix. Combine both projects, and you can very conservatively expect 700 people added to Eastport. Two projects increasing Eastport’s population by over 35 percent.

A few years ago, the Southampton Town Board approved appropriately sized multifamily apartments in Southampton (Sandy Hollow Cove, 28 units) and Speonk (Speonk Gardens, 38 units.) Now the applications are getting larger and larger, and small hamlets are in serious peril of over-development.

The Town Board has a difficult job. I don’t envy them. They need to address housing, but that need shouldn’t outweigh the impact on existing homeowners. There needs to be balance. Sandy Hollow and Speonk Gardens got it right.

Northwell is asking to start the clock on a process cluttered with unknowns. Eastport is asking for a break.

Craig Catalanotto

Speonk