Maloney Meadow Preserved

by Anita Wright

In early November 2010, East Hampton Town Board voted unanimously to use Community Preservation Funds to pay for a large portion of the price to acquire the Maloney Property. A big thanks is in order to The Nature Conservancy and generous community members who raised the remaining balance.

This 2.2-acre meadow in the heart of Springs was a critical open space acquisition from both an ecological and community character standpoint. Adjacent to the Nature Conservancy’s Merrill Lake Sanctuary, this property was assumed by many (including me!) to be already preserved, but in fact was a privately owned, buildable lot. Now, as preserved land, it provides not only contiguous open space and wildlife habitat but secures one of the most cherished vistas in Springs, a view that defines Springs’ unique community character.

In keeping with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan for the hamlet of Springs, preserving this property as open space contributes to density reduction, aids in groundwater protection and provides a buffer for stormwater runoff. In addition, the Plan has identified remaining undeveloped parcels on the west side of the harbor as high priorities for public acquisition and preservation through the CPF. Preservation of this undeveloped meadow helps protect the groundwater used in our community and the already stressed surface waters of Accabonac Harbor.

This meadow (the former Maloney property) has been preserved by the combined efforts and contributions of TNC, EH Town, neighbors and APC. Photo by Joel Milton.

We greatly appreciate the Town’s efforts to preserve habitat and open space and help ensure groundwater protection and water quality within Accabonac Harbor.