Residents urge town to pause Springs parking‑lot plan, cite trees and runoff

Dozens of residents urged the East Hampton Town Board on Sept. 17 to delay or rethink a proposal to build a parking lot in the Springs triangle, saying the plan would cut mature trees, harm wildlife habitat and increase runoff into nearby ponds.

Rona Klotman, who said she attended the CAC meeting, invoked the town's comprehensive plan and a management plan for the site, saying the plan discourages expanding car infrastructure and recommends considering mowing or other low‑impact uses. "The East Hampton Town comprehensive plan aims to reduce reliance on the automobile rather than expand infrastructure for cars," Klotman said. Several speakers highlighted the site's role in event overflow parking and pointed to alternatives: a small constrained lot behind the library, using the Spring School lot and running shuttles, or placing parking on CPF‑acquired land across from Ashawagh Hall.

Environmental concerns ran through many comments. Katie Reid and Paula Wetzel warned of greater erosion and loss of bird and turtle habitat if trees are removed, and Reid noted the site's proximity to a drinking‑water pond about 15 feet deep. Patrice Dalton reminded the board that the town purchased the Dodge/Parsons property for $5,000,000 with Community Preservation Fund money and recommended creating a small committee to define explicit requirements and evaluate the three alternatives.

Supporters and opponents clashed over scale and scope, but several residents called for more analysis before any tree removal. "We should be protecting green instead of covering it with cement or, in this case, gravel," one resident said. Others suggested the town continue studying options rather than immediately siting a gravel lot in a wooded area.