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1. What is the Hamlet Study?

The Study is an intensive look at the unique issues affecting 6 separate designated commercial areas: East Hampton, Springs, Wainscott, Amagansett, Downtown Montauk and the Montauk Harbor area. Through collection of various data on existing conditions and issues affecting these hamlets, and through information obtained from multiple public participation events, a plan for how to shape and locate future development and to create dynamic, walkable hamlet centers while preserving open space, natural resources and the unique character of each hamlet will be formulated and presented to the Town.

2. What is the Business Study?

The Business Study is a component of the Hamlet Study that will recommend concrete steps the Town and the business community can take to maintain a thriving tourist economy while serving the needs of both second homeowners and the year-round community and preserving the unique local character of the hamlets.

3. Why is it necessary to conduct a Hamlet Study and what are the goals of this study?

East Hampton is defined by the unique character of its hamlets, villages and countryside. The community has actively sustained this Vision, set forth in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan through open space preservation, rezonings, enactments of Historic District regulations, protection of Scenic Resources, and other important actions and policies. The unspoiled natural and cultural features comprise the primary appeal of East Hampton and have helped shape the Town into the premier international resort community that it is today.

The Comprehensive Plan called for an evaluation of the Town's ability and desire to meet future commercial needs and to develop detailed plans for our commercial areas. East Hampton business owners and associations, Citizen Advisory Committees, Village and Hamlet Improvement Societies and other organizations have continued to urge the Town to conduct these studies and analyses. The primary goal of the Hamlet Study is to formulate these detailed plans for the future of each individual hamlet center in order to help foster the existing character, enhance the economic vitality and meet the needs of East Hampton Township. 2005 Town Comprehensive Plan (PDF)

4. Who will be conducting the Hamlet Study?

The private planning firm Dodson & Flinker with assistance from RKG Associates and Fine Arts and Sciences, have been contracted by the Town to conduct the study. They will be assisted at various times by Town staff, most notably the Planning Department and Department of Information Technology. Dodson & Flinker Website

5. How does the Hamlet Study affect me and why should I attend the public meetings?

Whether a homeowner, business owner, year-round or part-time resident, anyone who lives, works, or plays in the Town of East Hampton is a stockholder in its future. The Hamlet Study is a great opportunity for members of the public to have a voice in developing a plan to better realize the Town’s Vision Statement from the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, as the Hamlet Study will address those issues unique to the specific commercial areas, the study represents a prime opportunity to voice the concerns of these individual areas.

For meeting dates and RSVP information, please see the Hamlet Study Public Meetings page.