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Hamptons.com
October 22, 2013

Hamptons Real Estate: How is the Town of Southampton Trying to Preserve the Land?

John A. Viterittiby John A. Viteritti
in Real Estate
Home Real Estate

The Hamptons is a thriving year-round community with a healthy tourist industry. It is the preservation of land that since the 1970’s has kept the vistas serene. We wondered, just what is Southampton doing to preserve the natural landscapes? The answers might surprise you.

“Suffolk County is the leading agricultural county in New York State in dollar amounts of agricultural products grown,” according to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia. “The eastern end of Suffolk County supports a thriving tourist industry because of its many miles of sandy beaches, open spaces, and rural atmosphere.”

I met with Town of Southampton Planning Director, David Wilcox, to discuss ways that the Town in the heart of the Hamptons is attempting to preserve the rural character of Southampton. The concerted effort began in the 1970’s when the newly elected Suffolk County Executive, John Klein, envisioned the idea of purchasing farmland development rights.

By the early 1980’s, Suffolk County towns, including Southampton, sold bonds to raise money to purchase development rights. This effort toward, land preservation was followed in 1998, when residents of the five towns of Eastern Long Island – Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island, Southold and Riverhead – voted to approve a referendum creating the Community Preservation Fund, financed by a 2% tax on the transfer of real property, known locally as “The 2% Tax” at a closing.

In Southampton, East Hampton, and Shelter Island, the first $100,000 of the sale of unimproved properties is exempt, and the first $250,000 of improved properties is exempt. In Southold and Riverhead, the first $75,000 of the sale of unimproved properties is exempt, and the first $150,000 of improved properties is exempt. Southampton, East Hampton, and Shelter Island allow an exemption from the tax for qualified first-time purchases of a primary residence. Currently, Southold and Riverhead do not. In 2006, the voters in the five towns extended the program from 2020 to 2030. The County also sets aside 1/4% of the sales tax for preservation.

The Town of Southampton began its participation by identifying properties that qualified for preservation based on the environmental benefits to be derived from their purchase. Owners of properties not on the qualified list who are interested in selling the properties may ask the Town to amend the list. The Town may also purchase properties of historic value.

Another tool that the Town may use in its efforts to achieve preservation and achieve an orderly development for a variety of housing choices is the use of the transfer of development rights (TDR Program). If the town purchases those rights, it may “bank” them if the right to do so is included in the resolution authorizing their purchase. These rights can then be transferred to developers as an incentive to preserve other properties or build affordable housing. The Town is in the process of creating a registry of rights the Town has acquired and make it available to developers who may use them for sanitary sewer credits for Department of Health approval.

The Town has also identified “sending” districts, areas of high density, and “receiving districts,” areas of low density. In some cases, the TDR Program will allow development of greater residential density than would be allowed in the receiving districts. The Pines Barren Area, although not administered by the Town of Southampton, is a residential receiving district. The town also tries to encourage the development of affordable housing in its zoning code by allowing increased density for affordable housing. Another attempt at making housing more affordable is the planned clustering in sub-division approvals. The Town has the authority to make the planned clustering mandatory.

A further attempt to encourage preservation is the exclusion of properties gifted to the Town and the payment of the Community Preservation Fund Tax. Non-profits involved in preservation, such as the Peconic Land Trust, are also exempt from having to pay the tax, although contrary to popular belief, the CPF taxes do not go to the Peconic Land Trust.

In addition to purchasing properties and development rights with the CPF funds, the Town may also borrow from anticipated revenues through 2030 when the fund is due to expire.

On May 31, 1931, the Town of Southampton created the Town Planning Board. Before that date, “Old File Maps” determined property uses. The Town did not have the benefit of zoning or planning board review. Properties on Old File Maps are non-conforming, and although non-conforming permits the use that was conforming before the change in zoning, the Town does place restrictions on the development of these properties out of environmental concerns. To implement the TDR Program, the Town Board created the Southampton TDR Clearing House & Bank pursuant to Town Code Chapter 244(6). The bank will issue TDR Certificates through a procedure set forth in the Town Code section 244 and monitor their use in receiving areas. The Town is hopeful that developers will seek the opportunity to take advantage of the granting of these Certificates. The landowner does not have to wait to find a buyer to receive the Certificates. The Town can issue the credit to the owner, the land is preserved freeing the owner of tax payments, and the Certificates can be marketed.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program may contact David Wilcox, Planning Director, Town of Southampton Department of Land Management. He can be reached either online at [email protected] or via 631-702-1810.

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Suffolk County Legislator Joining Hamptons Agency In Fight Against Hunger

Suffolk County Legislator Joining Hamptons Agency In Fight Against Hunger

  • 7 Lee Lane, Wainscott, NY 11975⁠
Saunders Exclusive: $8,875,000⁠
@hamptonsrealestate⁠
@vinceinthehamptons⁠
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Ready for immediate occupancy and fully furnished. Stunning new construction from renowned Hamptons Paramount Development Group, South of the Highway in Wainscott.⁠
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Sited on a flag lot off the end of a cul-de-sac and surrounded by scenic easement, this brand-new home has 7,366 +/- sq. ft. of living space on 3 levels with 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, an attached 2-car garage, and heated saltwater pool with an optional pool house.⁠
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Seamless luxury inside and out is woven together for enviable entertaining and everyday, effortless comfort. Interiors are bright and inviting, filled with natural light throughout the contemporary open-concept floorplan.⁠
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The elevated primary suite has its own private balcony and a luxe bath. Additional bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, sure to impress your friends and guests.⁠
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Ready for everyday luxury living, the finished lower level includes a home gym, 2 bedrooms, a full bath, a recreation room, and sauna.⁠
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Easy indoor-outdoor living awaits as you dine al fresco in the backyard with an outdoor kitchen, lounge in the sun by the 20’x40′ heated, saltwater pool and wash off after a day at the beach with an outdoor shower.⁠
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Positioned perfectly just off the iconic Georgica Pond and surrounding estates, plus the world-class ocean beaches and the countless charms of Wainscott Village.⁠
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#newconstruction #hamptons #luxuryrealestate #wainscott #hamptonsrealestate
  • The reopening of the Sunset Theater marks a new chapter for a historically cherished cultural venue in Westhampton Beach, originally built in 1927. After what Founder and Managing Director Inge Debyser described as an extensive three-year renovation, the beloved movie theater officially reopened its doors at 2 Brook Road on Friday, April 25.⁠
@sunset.theater.whb⁠
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Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#sunsettheater #hamptons #westhamptonbeach #movies #film
  • Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, The HUB—short for Health, Unity, and Beauty—launched its summer season with an impressive soirée on Friday. ⁠
⁠
Founders Michael Catalano and Toni DeMauro, along with creative and event leads Alex Vinash and Billy Folchetti, welcomed 300 Hamptonites into the magic of their bold new project.⁠
@hub_hamptons⁠
⁠
Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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📸: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com⁠
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#hamptons #thehub #fashion #recreation #bridgehampton
  • Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!⁠
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🍻 Back to the Bays x Kidd Squid: Brew for the Bay Release Party!⁠
📅 Friday, May 30, 2025⁠
🕓 5pm
📍 Kidd Squid Brewery, 11 Spring St, Sag Harbor, NY⁠
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Join us as we toast to conservation! 🌊🍺 Proceeds support marine restoration through @ccemarine Back to the Bays Initiative.⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🎶 Sunset Serenades: A Hamptons Summer Celebration⁠
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An intimate concert featuring TH·FM’s Salon Orchestra, soprano Greer Lyle & more — conducted by Logan Souther. 🌅🎻⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🏆 Celebrate Local Legends: Howard & Kenny Wood⁠
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🕔 5pm⁠
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Join the party honoring Suffolk County Hall of Fame icons! 🎉⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🕒 3pm – 6pm⁠
📍 The Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY⁠
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FREE entry, tequila pineapple cocktails, music, bites & giveaways! 🍹🎶⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🧱 CMEE’s 8th Annual Block Party⁠
📅 Sat, May 31, 2025⁠
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📍 CMEE, Bridgehampton, NY⁠
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A FREE morning of crafts, rockets, chalk art & summer camp samplings! 👧🧒🎨⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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📅 Sat, May 31, 2025⁠
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NYC’s top comedy club talent hits the Hamptons! 🎤🤣⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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📅 Opens Fri, May 30, 2025⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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🔗 [Click Link in Bio for Event Info]⁠
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  • Nearly two years after its debut, El Verano offers a taste of upscale Mexican cuisine in a setting inspired by the charm of vacation summer homes in Mexico. Customers enter a vibrant space filled with beautiful greenery and colorful decor as they enjoy dishes rooted in the heritage of acclaimed chef Julian Medina.⁠
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Medina grew up in Mexico City, where his love for cooking first began. In pursuit of his career, he moved to New York City, where he graduated from the French Culinary Institute. Noticing a lack of refined Mexican dining in Southampton, Medina created El Verano to bring the bold flavors of his roots to the area. Blending Mexican coastal charm with rich culinary traditions, El Verano brings something new to the Southampton dining scene.⁠
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Medina shared some of his signature dishes, journey through the cooking field, and highlighted El Verano’s fresh and locally sourced ingredients that shape each creation.⁠
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Read the interview at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#elverano #dining #southampton #mexicancuisine
  • NAMIRO made its Southampton debut in style on May 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP cocktail preview, joined by Mayor Manger. Guests enjoyed signature bites and high-energy vibes at this invite-only event.⁠
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Conceptualized by music and hospitality heavyweights, NAMIRO Sushi is more than a restaurant—it’s where sleek design, elevated Asian cuisine, and nightly celebration collide. Located at 76C Jobs Lane in Southampton, NAMIRO opened its doors to the public on May 21 and is open seven days a week, year-round.⁠
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📸: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com ©2025 ⁠
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Check out the gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#namirosushi #hamptons #southampton ⁠
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