East Hampton Seeks To Reopen Longhouse Sculpture Garden

East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc contacted Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office last week, seeking flexibility for local governments to open certain locations earlier than the governor’s four-phase plan calls for.

Local nuance is needed, Van Scoyoc said May 29. “The poster child for this is the Longhouse sculpture garden,” he said. The sculpture garden sits on 16 acres off of Hands Creek Road, a perfect place to practice social distancing, as required in the COVID-19 era, he said.

Yet, Van Scoyoc points out, cultural centers cannot reopen until the Long Island area enters the fourth and final phase. That is many weeks away. “We appreciate the guidance,” the supervisor said, “but not all businesses are the same.”

He also cautioned local businesses to learn the protocols required before reopening.