Town Purchases Hampton Bays, East Quogue Lands

A proposed mixed-use development on 19.5-acres of land in Hampton Bays won't be built — The town, on July 10, agreed to purchase the property, owned by Hampton Sunrise, LLC and Hampton Bellows Pond, LLC using community preservation funds in the amount of $5,764,000.

Located on Bellows Pond Road and West Montauk Highway, the Hampton Bays land, according to Mary Wilson, the town's Community Preservation director, was slated for a mixed-use development, called Tiana Comments. It can now, under the authorizing resolution, be used a passive park. 

"It's a big deal that we are purchasing this property," said Wilson, noting that it sits in the Pine Barrens and sits on a scenic roadway.

Just as important, she said is the purchase of 2.4-acres, known as the Gallagher property, which abuts Weesuck Creek in East Quogue.

"This is a sensitive area and an important watershed property," said Wilson.

According to the authorizing resolution, which was also approved on July 10, the town will use $345,000 in Community Preservation funds to purchase the property.  

The 2.4 acres is connected to  that the town bought in December 2011 for $5.4 million. This spring, the town opened dock slips at the site despite a community outcry — Some East Quogue residents have, a move they say would protect the aquifer from pollution and noise.

The town responded saying they are operating the facility similar to it's other town-owned facilities and has no plans to expand the marina. 

What other land would you like to see preserved? Comment below. 

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