Wainscott advisory committee reiterates desire to preserve Osborn Farm, urges CPF buyout discussion for 'The Pit'

The Wainscott Citizens Advisory Committee reiterated community support for preserving Osborn Farm as a rural vista and discussed urging the Town to consider Community Preservation Fund (CPF) acquisition of a nearby property known as "The Pit."

Chair Hersey Egginton summarized a written response from Town Board member Tom Flight defending retention of certain regulations on Osborn Farm to preserve agricultural access while noting possible uses such as deer fencing, access roads and chemical controls. Egginton reiterated that the community preference is to keep the property "in a pristine state" as a centerpiece of the hamlet.

Committee members also reviewed a new development plan for "The Pit," which a presenter said has somewhat fewer commercial lots than earlier proposals. Barry Raebeck and Kirby Marcantonio urged that the Town consider purchasing the property with CPF funds. Marcantonio described the idea as "a cry for acquisition," saying a purchase would likely be popular and that delaying acquisition could raise the eventual cost to the Town.

No formal CPF acquisition motion or funding plan was adopted at the meeting; members asked that the Hamlet Study and ongoing planning considerations inform any future Town Board discussions.