Tell the East Hampton Town Board: NO PARKING LOT AT PUSSY’S POND

Pussy’s Pond is a unique and environmentally sensitive part of the Springs Historic District. The Town has already invested significant resources in restoring the pond, reducing stormwater runoff, stabilizing its banks, removing invasive vegetation, and improving water quality. The Town’s current Water Quality Improvement Plan continues to identify stormwater management and restoration projects at Pussy’s Pond. 

Now the Town is considering a new parking lot in this sensitive area.

Even though the proposed parking lot would be gravel, gravel does not eliminate stormwater concerns. Vehicles and parking areas can generate runoff carrying sediment, nutrients, bacteria, petroleum-related pollutants, and other contaminants. Increased traffic and disturbed ground can also alter how rainfall moves across the site and toward the pond.

The Town's own planning documents recognize that water quality is a concern in Pussy’s Pond and the surrounding Accabonac Harbor watershed and specifically identify stormwater controls, including bioretention areas, constructed wetlands, drainage improvements, and other measures, as important tools for protecting these waters. 

Why add a new source of runoff and disturbance next to a pond that the Town is working to restore?

The Town Board has not provided any of the following analyses:

Stormwater runoff: Where will rainfall from the entire parking area flow?
Water quality: What pollutants could be carried toward Pussy’s Pond?
Sediment: How will gravel, soil, and sediment migration be prevented during heavy rainfall?
Nutrients and bacteria: What measures will prevent additional nutrient or bacterial loading into the pond?
Drainage: Will existing drainage infrastructure be sufficient for increasingly intense rain events?
Cumulative impacts: How will this project affect the Town’s ongoing efforts to improve Pussy’s Pond and the Accabonac Harbor watershed?
Alternatives: Can parking and pedestrian safety needs be addressed without clearing and developing additional land adjacent to this sensitive resource?

WE ASK THE TOWN BOARD TO:
Protect Pussy’s Pond.

Protect water quality.

Protect the open and historic character of Springs.

Require a complete stormwater and environmental analysis before approving additional parking.

Consider alternatives that meet community needs without jeopardizing the Town’s ongoing restoration and water-quality efforts.

SIGN THE PETITION
I urge the East Hampton Town Board to reject the proposed parking lot at Pussy’s Pond and protect this environmentally sensitive resource. The Town has invested years of work and public resources into improving the pond and managing stormwater. Any new development in this area will have negative impacts on water quality, drainage, habitat, and the character of Springs.

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