Towns Look To Save Their Scenic Vistas

By T.J. Clemente

Many years ago, large tracts of land were set aside by the Federal, State and Town governments as parks and marshland. The idea was to preserve some of the most beautiful locations for the future appreciation of generations to come. That concept has now been expanded to preserve not only the lands, but also the view of and from those areas. The serenity of these sacred views is important for the peace and tranquility they provide the residents and visitors here. After identifying and taking inventory of significant scenic areas, these governing bodies devised a comprehensive plan to preserve and protect these areas from the scourges time and development can create.

The Town of East Hampton is rich with scenic views. Many who were born and raised in the town or have lived there for a long time take for granted the amazing power of the scenic, undeveloped areas. In order to preserve these vistas, the New York State Division of Coastal Resources is holding meetings as part of an eight-year effort to create feasible strategies to preserve and protect nine specific areas in the state. The results encompass a total of no less than 20,000 acres of East Hampton, including land around Accabonic, land within East Hampton Village, Gardiner's Island, Montauk Point, Hither Hills, land around Napeague, the Lake Montauk region and the shores of Northwest and Three Mile Harbors.

The report actually names Montauk Point Lighthouse as one of the most recognized landmarks in the state. Interestingly, of the top fifty sites included in the report, only eleven house structures are named. Copies of the August 8 report are now available on the Town of East Hampton's website and at the East Hampton Public Library. The report is meant to act as a roadmap, detailing how to maintain and improve public access to views of the mentioned areas. In it, placement of roads, power lines and signs - referred to as "sitting structures" - in an orderly way is promoted as a way to enhance the preservation of the views.

The State reports have been funded by both the Environmental Protection Fund and the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, which are within the United States Department of Commerce.

Acting beyond the State of New York's guidelines, the Town of East Hampton Planning Board is proposing to take additional action to protect five areas of significance in the town. The main areas are Grassy Hollow in the Northwest Woods, Barnes Hole in Amagansett and parts of Old Montauk Highway. The Town Planning Board is currently in the process of holding town meetings concerning this proposal and is welcoming citizens' responses and inquiries. The Town's plan includes incorporating a strategy that will coincide with the State's plan to create a series of procedures to prevent unwanted development, and to fund needed improvements in an organized way, in order to achieve the desired results.

It is still unclear as to whether the plan will protect the interests of private landowners and homeowners who might be impacted by it. Those living in the aforementioned areas are urged to voice their concerns and ask questions at future public meetings.

The idea of our local and Federal government thinking long-term to create programs that protect the scenic areas is an ambitious proposal that will likely require significant funding. However, the cost of doing nothing may be greater. The views that make taking the backroads, sailing offshore and surfing so much more enjoyable are a valuable ingredient in the cocktail that makes the Hamptons such a desirable destination for residents. They make us pause and they bring us peace and beauty to our lives.

The scenic views of the Town of East Hampton belong not only to its residents, but to the future of this area.

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