a Letter to the Editor of the East Hampton Star

August 10, 2020

Dear David,

As a full-time Wainscott resident who has lived north of the highway (past the airport) for more than twenty years, I strongly oppose the incorporation of Wainscott. Contrary to the proponents’ vague assertions, a new village will undoubtedly saddle us with a substantial tax increase and an unnecessary and expensive layer of government ill-equipped to solve our hamlet’s complex problems.

At a time when more democracy, not less, should be our goal, those of us north of the highway will lose much of our current power to influence the hamlet’s future should the incorporation succeed. The impetus to create this village came — not from a grassroots effort — but a handful of Beach Lane residents opposed to the wind farm. In a small village, their power would be concentrated, and their views — which are unlikely to align with those held by many of us — will have an outsized influence.

Take for example, the deafening and incessant airport noise that north of the highway residents must bear. Would the proponents of incorporation — many of whom commute by helicopter and private jet — really be interested in reducing, if not eliminating, airport traffic?

Wainscott should preserve the power of all of its residents’ voices and reject incorporation.

Sincerely,

AMY TURNER