After a change that went into effect last year, the Independence Party and other third parties now have to meet a higher threshold to keep their spots on the ballot in New York State. The move has frustrated members of third parties, but there may be some upsides, East Hampton's Independence Party chairwoman said.
During Friday's Town Hall hearing on a petition to incorporate Wainscott, more people than not called in to support a referendum on the proposal.
The Suffolk County Legislature closed a public hearing on the county's Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Program, with some legislators expressing weariness and irritation at residents pressing for tighter restrictions on the program, and sympathy for oyster farmers who described their nascent industry as under attack from recreational users of Peconic and Gardiner's Bays.
The East Hampton Village Board discussed what looks to be its final plan to charge for parking in the commercial district at a meeting last Thursday, along with allowing the ongoing use of public property for outdoor dining and the use of Herrick Park for movie showings and theater performances.
The momentum building for meaningful action on climate change on the national level was reflected in East Hampton on Tuesday, when the town board heard, and responded enthusiastically to, a recommendation from its energy sustainability committee to declare a climate emergency, something 1,874 jurisdictions in 33 countries have already done.
Len Bernard, East Hampton Town's budget officer, had no shortage of news when he addressed the town board on Tuesday. He presented a draft three-year capital plan, spoke of next month's final payment on deficit financing related to budget mismanagement between 2005 and 2008, and announced his retirement, set for July.
It was pretty much good news all around for East Hampton High's active winter teams this past week. The swimmers, in their final home meet of the foreshortened season, defeated Lindenhurst 71-59, "exhibitioning" in the final two events so as not to run up a score; the boys track team here on Saturday defeated Rocky Point 50-45, and the girls, whose coach, Yani Cuesta, was still awaiting Rocky Point's long jump results as of Sunday, were leading 43-39.
During the pandemic, physical education teachers here have jumped through some hoops in order to keep students safe while at the same time active.
Local libraries will honor Black History Month with readings, book recommendations, and music.
William Ellis McManus, a doctor of dental surgery with a practice in East Hampton for many years, died of a Covid-19 infection on Jan. 30 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Fla. He was 80.
