Southampton's CPF Protects Property Near Lake Agawam

The Town of Southampton has used $10 million of the Community Preservation Fund to purchase nearly three acres of undeveloped property on Pond Lane near Lake Agawam in the Village of Southampton.

Supervisor Jay Schneiderman and members of the town board said they recognize the importance of protecting the land for open space as resources become scarce. The property contains successional southern hardwood trees and is located within the Lake Agawam watershed. It is also recognized as lying within a state archeologically-sensitive area.

“There is very little open space in the Village of Southampton, yet they are a major contributor toward CPF revenues,” Schneiderman said. “This parcel will preserve a wooded area in the heart of the village and help protect Lake Agawam, an impaired water body, from further degradation.”

Gil Flanaga, the attorney for the Wyman family, the former owners of the property, said they are pleased to work with the town and village in order to advance community goals of preserving open space and provide a buffer for Lake Agawam to help improve its water quality.

“This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve such a large property on Lake Agawam,” said Southampton Village Trustee Kimberly Allan. “It’s a big win for the village and it’s another step toward improving our Lake Agawam water quality and maintaining our vistas. When we started down this path three years ago it was a dream, but thanks to the support of Supervisor Schneiderman and the town council, we are getting closer to realize that dream.”

desiree@indyeastend.com