Bailout for East End Land ?

April 25, 2009

Congressman Tim Bishop
137 Hampton Road
Southampton, New York, 11968

Dear Congressman Bishop:

The Community Preservation Funds of the five east end towns are
shrinking as the real estate market is dying. But building has not
stopped and we will lose even more open space when the economy
revives.

We could take advantage of the comparative lull in the destruction
of our open space if we can get some Federal funds to allow the
towns to buy land.

Also there are numerous parcels which are known to be the
sites of native and colonial era burial grounds. For example:
In Southampton the town was not able to buy all of the Romeo
property in the Shinnecock Hills. Limitations in the amount
of a single purchase from the the Community Preservation Fund
was a factor. The owner is now paving a portion of the land
and has or will soon offer the property for sale as building lots ...
building over a cemetery! This should stop.

Can you propose legislation what would get some of the
Federal stimulus funds to help us 'Save What's Left"?

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this.

Anthony Ernst
Southampton
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During a meeting on environmental legislation in Cutchogue on April 25, Mr. Bishop expressed interest in this "Bailout for East End Land" proposal. Those interested are invited to write
in support. The congressman can be contacted through his web site.