Council votes to approve water exploration agreement, facility property purchase
East Hampton Town Council approves Portland water exploration agreement and West High Street property purchase. The Council voted 5-1 in favor of a site access agreement allowing the Town to drill test wells on a Portland property through September, with a potential future purchase price of
Town Council · Meeting of January 13, 2026
CT EAST HAMPTON — East Hampton Town Council approves Portland water exploration agreement and West High Street property purchase. The Council voted 5-1 in favor of a site access agreement allowing the Town to drill test wells on a Portland property through September, with a potential future purchase price of $750,000 subject to Planning, Finance, Council, and Town Meeting approval. Vice Chairman Jack Solomon cited the need for adequate water supply to serve current and future public demand.
In separate action, the Council approved purchase of 292 West High Street for $100,000 from Joint Facilities ratepayer funds to support offline wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Council Member Ted Hintz Jr. opposed both measures on cost and planning grounds. The Council also approved the POCD survey and FY2026-2027 Budget Policy Statement, both 5-1 with Hintz dissenting, and tabled proposed Chapter 171 blight ordinance amendments citing resident concerns over vague definitions and potential misuse.
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Source: the Town Council meeting of January 13, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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