Ever wonder how Montauk has remained a place of such unspoiled beauty? Because, for over thirty years, your neighbors have been fighting to keep it that way. Here are some examples of what we have accomplished over the past years.
2007
CCOM pushes for tougher noise protections for residents from late night and outdoor amplified music; new ordinance is passed by the Town.
2006
Holding Back the Tide, the history of CCOM’s 35-year fight to protect Montauk, is published.
Supported by CCOM, a new lighting ordinance is passed by the Town of East Hampton to reduce lighting pollution and help restore dark skies .
2005
CCOM donates funds to rebuild the Greenhouse at the Montauk school, a component in the school’s Environment Club.
CCOM participates in key committees working toward an extensive update of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. New legislation enacted in 2005.
2004
Along with the Nature Conservancy and other organizations, CCOM lobbies successfully for the preservation of Amsterdam Beach.
CCOM joins coalition and helps defeat legislation that would have allowed the dumping of toxic material in the Long Island Sound .
2003-Present
CCOM teams up for the first time with Montauk Youth Association (and Third House Nature Center) to co-host Field Day. The funds and volunteers allows this family tradition to continue, but with an added environmental twist.
2001
Court rejects final attempt by owners to dredge and expand Captains Marina at south end of Lake Montauk (see 1971).
1997/1998
CCOM supports legislation to ban high-speed ferries from Connecticut to Montauk.
1997
CCOM, with other groups, organizes a flotilla against ocean dumping. Lake Montauk wins designation as no-discharge zone.
1996
CCOM helps win battle against the incorporation of Montauk.
East Hampton voters approve a $5 million bond for open space. An open space plan is passed by the Town Board. Both were actively supported by CCOM.
1994
CCOM fights against proposed golf at Camp Hero.
Initiative against ocean dumping begins.
1991
CCOM steps up efforts to reverse pollution and continuing deterioration of Lake Montauk. CCOM produces a film, "The Last Lake on Long Island", and with the East Hampton Town Baymen’s Association and others develops a 12-point plan to clean up the lake.
1988
CCOM efforts result in Suffolk County’s purchase of the remaining 777 acres of Hither Woods.
1986
CCOM is first group to donate funds toward effort to landscape the bluffs to preserve the Montauk Lighthouse.
After an extensive campaign by CCOM, a 557-acre portion of Hither Woods is purchased jointly by the state, county and town as parkland, preventing a subdivision on this site.
1984
CCOM successfully protests plans by the White House and the General Services Administration to auction off Camp Hero to developers. Federal judge enjoins the sale and U.S. government agrees to transfer the property to New York State. 278-acre parcel is now part of Montauk State Park.
1982
CCOM sues East Hampton Town Planning Board for failure to require an environmental impact statement before approving large Beachcomber condominium complex. CCOM wins in two courts, and four units are torn down.
1977
CCOM joins Long Island citizen groups opposing opening of unsafe Shoreham nuclear plant. CCOM members participate in protest. Plant is never opened and is now scheduled to be converted or dismantled.
1971
Urged on by CCOM, East Hampton Town sues Captain’s Marina over multiple zoning violations. CCOM joins case as “friend of the court”. Court enjoins illegal motel, restaurant and store uses in this residential district. Attempts by later owner to expand marina docks and to dredge Lake Montauk are successfully opposed by CCOM.
1970
CCOM is formed to block plan by developers to build 1,400 houses near Big Reed Pond. CCOM prompts Suffolk County to purchase 1,100 acres, now Theodore Roosevelt County Park.
