By:  Progress for Westhampton Beach

Sewers Part I being here.

As residents know, Mayor Moore made application to the Suffolk County Sewer Agency for the reservation of all available water treatment capacity at Gabreski for use by the village; that application was approved this month.

Earlier this year the Southampton Press provided important information about revenues for the  Community Preservation Fund (the 2% Transfer Tax collected from buyers of real property); and this week reported that an amendment to Community Preservation Fund is in the Works.  See page A5 or here on 27east.

The amendment to the CPF Legislation that is to be presented to Gov. Cuomo later this year will, if ultimately approved, provide funding for wastewater treatment facilities.  This amendment also expressly includes available funding for a pump-out station for the marina .

There is an important proviso in the amendment to this law. Funding for water quality improvement projects is to be restricted to those projects that improve existing water quality, but are not dedicated to new growth.  This should be a relief to those who have a justifiable concern that accessing or building a wastewater treatment plant is merely a pathway for more residential development that reduces the quality of life on the East End. Proposed Changes to CPF Law here with highlights.

It should also be noted that funding is not restricted to wastewater treatment projects, but all projects that can improve our water quality.  This includes implementation of new technology to address stormwater runoff as well.

There are important changes on the horizon for our village.  We have the right Mayor, the right Board of Trustees at the right time, and with support from the Conservation Advisory Council, the Board of Trustees should be able to advance this important work for our village.