East Hampton Town OKs 3 land parcels buys

East Hampton’s town board has voted to buy a 5.9-acre parcel of undeveloped land in Springs for $3 million, and two much smaller undeveloped lots in Montauk.

The purchase will come from the town’s real estate transfer tax fund, and will not increase the general tax rate. The board voted 4-0 Thursday night to approve the purchases.

The parcel at 41 Three Mile Harbor Rd., owned by the Prand Corp., has 670 feet of shoreline on Three Mile Harbor and contains about two acres of low-lying area that helps absorb rainwater and prevent flooding.

David Buda, of Springs, said it seemed to be a significant price “for a relatively small parcel,” but town officials pointed out there are few open undeveloped waterfront parcels for sale anywhere in the town.

The two parcels purchased in Montauk are 0.44 acres at 20 Gloucester Ave., owned by Loretta La Ruffa, for $190,000 and 0.3 acres at 117 North Greenwich St., owned by Frank and Carol Foti, for $225,000.

There was no public comment on those purchases, and town officials said that preventing development would be helpful in curbing pollution in Lake Montauk.

All three parcels must be used only for open space, remaining undeveloped or as a park, nature preserve or recreation area.

Above: East Hampton Town Hall