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Residents urge caution on Springs Park plan, object to large-scale clearing and dedicated dog-park conversion
Summary
Public commenters told the Town Board that proposed invasive-species removal and a dedicated dog-park area at Springs Park could remove shade, habitat and specimen trees; speakers proposed a nearby cleared area for a smaller dog area and recommended staged test removals and committee engagement.
At the June 6 East Hampton Town Board meeting, multiple public commenters raised environmental and community-use concerns about a proposed change to Springs Park that would remove invasive plants and create a dog-park area within the existing fenced park.
"When they bulldoze through I mean it's an environmental you know Holocaust over there," said public commenter Carol Buddha describing prior clearing at the park and the loss of trees and shade. Buddha urged the board not to cede an interior fenced portion to a single user group, arguing the park was designed "for all" and warning that allocating interior space to dogs could set a precedent for future carve-outs.
Buddha recounted earlier park clearing that removed established vegetation, said some areas had exposed soil and pesticide concerns, and recommended a smaller, separate area outside the gate for canine use or a staged, committee-driven pilot to demonstrate the effect of any clearing. She also raised wildlife and habitat concerns (turtles, rabbits and nesting birds) and asked the board to favor selective treatment and public consultation over wholesale removal.
The board later approved Resolution 767 to amend the Springs Park committee membership (members listed in the record include Neil Craft, Patricia Dalton, Randy Handler and others). The resolution formalized committee membership and was approved as read.
What happens next: The committee membership update was approved on the consent agenda; public commenters asked the board to work with the committee on any vegetation-management plan and to consider test plots, incremental work and additional community briefings before large-scale removal.
The transcript does not record immediate staff responses with a detailed management schedule; further committee meetings, planning sessions or public hearings may follow under the committee's work plan.
