The new owner of the former Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Cafe in Montauk has big plans for the property, but they are far too big, the East Hampton Town Planning Board told his attorney last week.

A local law that would give East Hampton Town regulatory powers over mining, mulching, and composting operations and require the monitoring and reporting of any impacts to groundwater drew strong support from environmental advocates at a public hearing last Thursday. Representatives of a local business engaged in such operations, however, vigorously criticized the proposal.

If you are lucky enough to encounter one of these visitors from the north, the number-one rule is to simply keep your distance.

Laura Stein, a longtime resident of Montauk who had a long and distinguished career as a marketing and advertising executive, author, and fitness expert, died of cancer at home in New York City on Nov. 22. She was 75.