Letters

To start, I would like to say that I am not opposed to affordable housing. I have a sibling who lives in affordable housing in Colorado. They did not need to move across the country, just across town where they have lived and worked for 35 years, close to their daughter and granddaughter.

I am not opposed to veterans. My father is interred at Calverton National Cemetery with full military honors.

What I am opposed to is this particular rezoning and increased density project on this particular property. To squeeze 60 units, 110 paved parking spaces, a 6,000-square-foot building and a sewage plant on 5 acres does not seem like sound planning. Also of concern: What is to happen to the other 5 acres?

East Hampton is once again building community affordable housing for its residents — 50 units on 14 acres, not on the most congested road on the East End at its most congested intersection.

We live on a very fragile spit of land in the middle of the ocean. To move people here, who, by the way cannot afford to live here, except for the subsidized housing, who may but most likely will not work here at all, will this alleviate any of the issues we face?

It may, however, create more. Water — where will all the water come from to fill all those sinks, showers, toilets and washing machines? Will this project tax our already fragile water supply? Services — town officials stated recently that our emergency services are already overstrained [“Concerning Data About Affordable Housing Development’s Potential To Strain Services in Southampton,” 27east.com, September 28]. Actually, the day I saw that article, there were three accidents on County Road 39, backing up cars all the way into the Village of Southampton, bumper to bumper.

When looking at the plans drawn up by Nelson Pope Voorhis, which should now come under scrutiny given their reputation, I notice not only the 60 units but a sewage plant, 6,000-square-foot building, 110 parking spaces, a gate and 24-hour security. I need someone to explain how this is a residential neighborhood and not a facility? Instead of rezoning and increasing the density, why doesn’t the town build, as zoned, the seven to 10 houses and create an affordable neighborhood similar to that at Hampton Court off the turnpike? A neighborhood where our teachers, nurses or our own sons and daughters can live. Residents who will be invested in their town, not imports.

Little by little, we are chipping away at what is precious here, at what is unique, the reason we choose to live here: the charm and character of small-town life in a seasonal beach resort community.

Public hearing for this rezoning application is October 25 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 116 Hampton Road, Southampton.

Margaret DeCarlo

Southampton