The East Hampton Town Board voted 3 to 1 last week in favor of a $20 million contribution from the community preservation fund toward a flawed land deal at Georgica Pond. The money will help prevent two pieces of land from being developed but it comes with a quirk: Public access will be allowed so long as it is not within 150 feet of the pond shore, birdwatchers be damned. Councilman David Lys was the sole “no” vote; Councilman Tom Flight was not present.
The total cost is eye-popping — $55 million for about 5.5 acres of vacant land at Georgica Cove, 41 and 47 Cove Hollow Farm Road in East Hampton Village. Through the Peconic Land Trust, unidentified donors, presumably owners of neighboring properties who will enjoy the view, will contribute the rest. The identity of land seller or sellers is cloaked by two limited liability companies, albeit both with the same Manhattan business address.
A small area to park and a looping path though the open grassland is promised, but there is little else to justify spending so much money for so little. Keeping the public away from the site’s most interesting feature — the pond itself — is offensive and a bad deal for the town. The board must do better next time a similar request comes up.