Scenic landscapes are central to the identity, quality of life and economy of East Hampton, NY. Working with the NY Coastal Management Program, the Town and the Village of East Hampton hired Dodson & Flinker to develop a scenic inventory and analysis of its coastal landscapes. The study was based on the New York Coastline Visual Analysis procedure developed by Dodson & Flinker for the State of New York. The plan evaluated East Hampton’s coastal scenery and proposed conservation and growth management measures to protect this vital resource.
Using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and extensive field work on land, in boats and in the air, Dodson & Flinker developed a sophisticated data base of landuse, landcover and visual characteristics of the land. Working closely with a local advisory committee, the firm developed a visual landscape image poll that was completed by over 200 residents at meetings and on the internet. The poll results were incorporated into the final evaluation process.
The project led to the designation in 2006 of all the sites identified in the study as “Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance” (SASS), providing these unique landscapes with legal protection under New York State statutes from major development activities that would harm their scenic character. Projects in SASS requiring state or federal funding or permiting will be reviewed by the New York Departent of State’s Coastal Management Program.
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