Call To Save Open Space

Alarmed by the continuing loss of farmland and open space in Southampton, the Bridgehampton Citizens Advisory Committee asked the Town Board last week to beef up land preservation efforts in its proposed Master Plan update.

The committee urged the town to increase public awareness about the importance of preserving land to maintain the town's appeal as a rural resort. It suggested the town establish fair-market value for farmland, make a priority list of purchases, and take steps to find the necessary funding, including support for a real-estate transfer tax.

The committee took its stand after Ian MacPherson, its chairman, said he was concerned that the updated Master Plan, which has yet to be adopted, would actually steer the town toward greater development by favoring commercial zoning to serve second homeowners and failing to provide clear priorities for land preservation.

Land Transfer Tax

Mr. MacPherson presented his concerns at a hearing on the plan before the Town Board on Feb. 10. The board will continue the hearing when it meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall.

The committee also voiced its opposition to any zoning changes that would increase commercial development in Bridgehampton and asked the Town Board to let it review any proposed zoning changes.

Before voting, the committee heard Kevin McDonald, vice president of the Group for the South Fork, state the case for a 2-percent real-estate transfer tax, and listened to John Halsey describe the workings of the Peconic Land Trust.

Mr. McDonald estimated that it could cost $375 million to purchase up to 34,000 acres of farmland and open space in the five East End towns over the next 10 years.

Time Of Essence

In Southampton, he targeted 5,592 acres of remaining, unprotected farmland and 3,000 acres of open space at a total cost of $128 million.

He estimated that the transfer tax, which would collect 2 percent from the sale of homes worth over $250,000 and vacant land over worth over $100,000, could raise $80 million on the East End. Other funds would come from the towns, county, state, and Federal Government.

Noting that the real estate market is booming, Mr. McDonald said timing was essential.

"This is urgent," he said. "We won't have the time in three or four years."

Priorities

Last year, Gov. George E. Pataki vetoed a transfer tax that would have been limited to East Hampton Town. Since then, a coalition led by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. has pushed for a broader law that would cover the entire East End.

"We have what we think is a good bill," said Mr. McDonald. "The Governor's office has essentially signed off."

"It's a question of public priorities," he added. Mr. McDonald pointed out that the state has planned $2 billion in road-improvement projects on Long Island alone.

Mr. Halsey also stressed the importance of public funding to preserve land and suggested "blending those funds with private tools." Among other things, the Land Trust advises property owners on such options as easements and limited development.