Village board approves negative environmental finding for Steiner Oasis subdivision as septic‑system jurisdiction remains unsettled

The East Hampton Village Planning Board on April 9 voted to approve a negative environmental finding for a proposed minor subdivision at 77 Toilsome known as Steiner Oasis LLC, and agreed to forward the environmental review to the Town Planning Board.

Daniel Weber, of George Walbridge Surveyors, told the board the applicant had "resubmitted our application addressing the driveway concerns" raised at the prior meeting and that he would also add a utility‑easement label and change the filing title to "minor subdivision of Steiner Oasis LLC" before proceeding to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Board members praised the detail of the resubmitted plans and moved quickly to approve parts two and three of the short environmental assessment form, finding the submission met the criteria for a negative declaration. The board then voted to forward the negative declaration to the Town Planning Board for its review.

Several members raised concerns about wastewater systems on the property after Weber and others noted one tax lot contains two separate septic systems and another lot currently lacks a septic system. "It's a weird dynamic," Weber said, describing that the Suffolk County Health Department "does not claim jurisdiction over this subdivision because we have two tax lots already," meaning the usual health‑department review and upgrade requirement will not automatically apply.

Billy Hajek, speaking for the village, confirmed the health department's stance and called the situation "a little unusual," adding that with the health department not requiring review the board should consider pursuing upgrades where feasible. Board members said any new construction on the rear lot would be required to install an approved on‑site wastewater treatment system (OWTS).

Next steps: the applicant will take the filing to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the village will forward the negative declaration to the Town Planning Board as discussed. The board did not adopt any additional, binding condition regarding septic upgrades at the meeting; members requested the applicant and village staff follow up on the jurisdiction and potential upgrades.