Citizens to Reclaim Rose Hill Park in Water Mill to fight land giveaway
Large Portion of Rose Hill Park — at Mecox Boat Ramp
Improperly Given to a Homeowner by Town Trustees
ABOUT US
Mecox Bay Neighbors
Citizens to Reclaim Rose Hill Park in Water Mill has formed to legally challenge actions of the Southampton Town Trustees and Town Board resulting in the loss of public park property at the public boat ramp on Rose Hill Road.
Organizing Committee
Fred Havemeyer, fmr. Town Trustee
Johanna Halsey
Ray Geminski
Background
Early in 2018, The Southampton Town Trustees and Town Board gave away the use of a large portion of Rose Hill Park with the largest public boat ramp on Mecox Bay to a private property owner to allow him to add a circular driveway to his property.
Former Town Trustee Fred Havemeyer said: “This was an improper transfer by the Town to a private homeowner, and it represents a horrible precedent for future land transfers.”
According to the 1943 Town Board minutes, the Rose Hill Park land was purchased by the Town "..for public use and to aid the inhabitants of this Town to enjoy the products of the waters of said Hay Ground Bay.." The Town did not hold a public hearing about this lease transfer to the homeowner, which runs for 15 years with an option to renew for another 15 years. The Town Board and Town Trustees went ahead without consulting residents, without a public hearing.
Neighbor Outrage
Neighbors and residents presented a petition of 400 names to the Town Board to have this deal nullified, but no action has been taken by the Town to undo it. Johanna Halsey expressed outrage on behalf of the residents: "How can you grant this park land to a private property owner to enhance his property?"
Residents Taking COURT ACTION to undo the deal
Join your neighbors in donating to Reclaim Rose Hill Park
Citizens to Reclaim Rose Hill Park, Inc., is raising funds from neighbors and Town residents to cover court costs. This deal isn’t just wrong. It sets a very bad precedent, too. What other public land will the Town give away in the future? We need to go to court — with broad public support — to prove this was an illegal transfer of park property, and to send a clear signal deterring similar actions in the years to come.
Leading this effort is former Trustee Fred Havemeyer who is well known for his many years of volunteer work and community service. Fred and many other volunteers are undertaking this effort on behalf of the residents to return the park land that has been dedicated to public use for over 75 years.
Interested residents are asked to contribute any amount to this effort, and can easily donate online.
INFORMATION ABOUT ROSE HILL PARK
1943 | Minutes of Town Purchase
Town Minutes describing the purchase of the Rose Hill Park Land "..for public use and to aid the inhabitants of this Town to enjoy the products of the waters of said Hay Ground Bay.."
Families Describe Rose Hill Park Experiences
Several families have described their enjoyment of activities at Rose Hill Park over the decades. Read them here..
Neighbors Express Outrage at Park Land Giveaway
See how your neighbors have reacted to the Southampton Town Trustees' transfer of one-third of Rose Hill Park to a homeowner
Published Articles | Reclaim Rose Hill Park
As this issue progresses to the courts you will be able to read published articles and commentary, here.
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Contact Us
Volunteer Sign-up
With all of us working together, we can reclaim the Rose Hill Park land that has been dedicated to public use for over 75 years.
To volunteer, send us a message. We will get back to you soon.
Citizens to Reclaim Rose Hill Park, Inc.
PO Box 1315, Water Mill, NY 11976-1315
Copyright © 2018 Citizens to Reclaim Rose Hill Park, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.