Litter and large-scale refuse dumping is a continuing–perhaps even worsening–problem in the towns of Southampton and East Hampton, N.Y., as this week’s article in the local Star reports. As more McMansion residents accumulate more furnishings, go through more food wrappings in their industrial-scale kitchens and collect more yard waste from their lavish grounds, the potentialContinue reading “Trashy People in Fancy Zip Codes”
Author Archives: timwferguson
A Top College for Long Island–Two Cheers
The New York Times at year end caught up with a significant academic story in its backyard, the emergence of Stony Brook University on Long Island as a prestige state research institution. But, being today’s Times, it had to worry whether this “will come at the cost of equity.” As a newly minted flagship ofContinue reading “A Top College for Long Island–Two Cheers”
Tight End of the College Sports Craze
Sometimes journalists look for the opposite of the silver lining. That’s the case with this month’s New York Times report on how the now-giant business of “college” football has tightened the home-rental markets in university towns hosting big sports events. Viewed commercially, one great aspect of the NCAA-bred fandom is that it has spread wealthContinue reading “Tight End of the College Sports Craze”
Down by the Hamptons’ Riverside
Long Island’s town of Southampton covers 295 square miles including a varied range of communities, some quite different from the village of Southampton that is familiar to seasonal visitors. One hamlet, called Riverside, is a pocket of relative distress, greatly Black and Latino-immigrant. It sits on the south side of the Peconic River, separating it fromContinue reading “Down by the Hamptons’ Riverside”
An Old, Internal WSJ Divide Has Gone National
My former Wall Street Journal colleague Paul Gigot (he’s now the commentary boss there) was aptly and well honored by the American Enterprise Institute earlier this month and delivered remarks (see below) about how many on the political right aren’t up to the challenge of defending the U.S., and world freedom. This mirrored personal exchangesContinue reading “An Old, Internal WSJ Divide Has Gone National”
Was Hamptons Democrats’ Sweep a Clean One?
Election of Maria Moore as supervisor of Southampton town on Long Island was said by her backers to be a “green” triumph, but the Democrat got a big financial boost from a golf course mogul who masked his support.
Long Island’s East Is Far from Red
Despite Ed Romaine’s victory in Suffolk County, New York, Democrats achieved significant wins in Long Island’s elections. They dominated in East Hampton, presumably clinched a victory in Southampton, and tied in Southold. These gains, especially in Southampton, reflect a shift from its historic GOP stronghold status, highlighting the increasing strength of the Democrats, amidst changing demographics and policy preferences.
Colorado v. Airbnb: A New Front
Political figures are increasing regulations and taxes on less popular business sectors, such as cable-TV franchises and short-term housing rentals that have disrupted the hospitality industry, like Airbnb and Vrbo. New York has restricted availability and a Colorado governor proposed quadrupling property tax on frequent renters, causing significant controversy.
One Hamptonite’s Solar Is Another’s Battery Fire
Clean-energy proponents endorse electrification plans reliant on battery-storage, despite controversies in residential communities over potential fire risks and ensuing repair costs. Protests in Hampton Bays halted a planned lithium-battery site. This underscores that achieving “net zero” carbon-energy targets is neither cheap nor straightforward.
Ambitious Riverhead Is Back to Square One
Riverhead, a town on New York’s Long Island where development is possible amidst many restrictions, faces challenges to grow meaningfully and redefine its identity. A proposal for a technology park in Calverton, called Epcal, met with strong community disapproval, leading officials to abandon the plan. The town now needs an alternative that aligns with affluent tastes and the local aversion to change.
Tim W. Ferguson 