The Discovery Land Company of Arizona, the developers behind “The Hills at Southampton” proposed mixed-use planned development district in East Quogue, is now proposing the following 15 community benefits as part of its application:
• No children from the 118 residential units will attend the East Quogue School District, and homeowners will contribute about $4.4 million per year in school taxes.
• The developers will set aside $40,000 to fund various improvements at the East Quogue Elementary School.
• The developers will donate nearly an acre of land on Central Avenue, worth $250,000, to the East Quogue School District as a future site for an administration building.
• Sidewalks and a crosswalk, worth about $150,000 combined, will be installed at locations to be determined at a later date.
• The developers will make other additional contributions to the school district including: $19,000 for the purchase of 60 iPads and a charging station; $20,000 for a new electronic sign in front of the elementary school; $180,000 for a new playground; $35,000 for the installation of a new irrigation system; and financing $30,000 worth of upgrades to the school’s athletic fields.
• The firm will contribute at least $1.8 million toward watershed improvements that would benefit both Weesuck Creek and western Shinnecock Bay, including a subsidy for homes near the bay to upgrade their septic systems as well as the restoration of eelgrass, clams and oysters. This also includes a $50,000 donation to Southampton Town that will be earmarked for future research of high-tech septic systems, and $30,000 for a habitat restoration research program for Shinnecock Bay that will be planned and executed by the firm.
• The developers will install enhanced wastewater treatment facilities, valued at about $1.4 million, on “The Hills” property where feasible.
• The developers plan to restore native habitats on the Hills South, Kracke and Parlato properties, improvements that are estimated to cost $501,200.
• The developers will dedicate four acres, worth $220,000, to the Suffolk County Water Authority for a new well field.
• The developers will provide at least $500,000 for additional parking in downtown East Quogue, which they will lease from Ronnie Campsey, owner of the New Moon Cafe.
• The PDD will is expected to add approximately 150 jobs to the community, worth about $5.1 million annually.
• The developers will allow access to “The Hills” property for educational programs, such as those focusing on habitat restoration, valued at about $75,000 annually.
• The developers will permit members of the Westhampton Beach High School golf team to practice at the golf course, providing an estimated $156,800 annual benefit.
• Five charity outings can be hosted at the golf course each year, a benefit valued at about $360,000 annually. One of the outings will benefit the school district, the proceeds from a second will go to the East Quogue Fire Department, and a third will benefit bay restoration projects. The town will determine what groups benefit from the two remaining outings. Each event is projected to bring in $75,000 based on the output of similar outings held at Sebonack Golf Club each year.
• The developers will pay for improvements to the East Quogue Cemetery on Spinney Road. A cost for that has not yet been determined.
Kyle Campbell on May 19, 2015