Judge allows East Hampton purchase of 13.5 acres; future development subject to review

A state supreme court judge on June 12 rejected a challenge seeking to block East Hampton Town from purchasing 13.5 acres on Waynecott Northwest Road just south of Route 114, a decision town leaders said allows them to proceed with the acquisition using money from the community housing fund.

A local attorney had sued to stop the purchase, arguing that the community housing fund could not lawfully be used for the sale and raising concerns about potential environmental impacts. The judge said those environmental concerns were premature because the town had not yet decided how the property would be developed. The ruling leaves any future building proposals subject to the standard public review and environmental testing processes.

Voters approved the community housing fund in 2022 to address a shortage of affordable housing in East Hampton Town. Town officials said the purchase gives leaders an option to address housing needs but does not commit the town to a particular development plan.

Next steps: With the court challenge denied, the town may complete the purchase and any future development proposals will undergo public review and environmental review as required by law.