New Sag Harbor Park To Be Named For Author John Steinbeck

SAG HARBOR, NY — The Southampton town board has authorized the purchase of 1.25 acres of land along the waterfront in Sag Harbor to be used as a park named for author John Steinbeck, officials said Wednesday.

The land, which will be acquired for $10.5 million, will be purchased with Community Preservation Funds, town officials said in a release.

The new facility will be called the John Steinbeck Waterfront Park.

The property was slated for up to 20 units of condo development but community members cried out and commenced efforts to preserve the waterfront for public use, officials said. Sag Harbor Village approached the town about acquiring the parcel with CPF monies from then-owner Greystone Development, but progress "stalled over a dispute regarding development potential and related value," town official said in a release.

After an agreement was reached, the property was sold to a new entity controlled by builder Jay Bialsky; negotiations were renewed by Bialsky and the town and a new agreement was reached, the release added.

At a public hearing Tuesday, Sag Harbor Village Mayor Sandra Schroeder and Village Trustee James La Rocca both spoke in favor of the acquisition; the town board voted unanimously to approve the purchase.

“The creation of Steinbeck Park will honor the history of Sag Harbor and enhance access to the waterfront for all residents and visitors,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

“As a future resident of Sag Harbor, I think this benefits everyone,” Bialsky said.

“The Community Preservation Fund is for the people,” added CPF Program Manager Mary Wilson. “This directly benefits town residents.”

Schroeder said the acquisition was wonderful news and thanked Southampton Town officials for their support.

A lifelong resident of Sag Harbor, Southampton Town Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni said he was happy that the parcel would be enjoyed for generations to come.

“I commend the Southampton Town Board and the work of CPF Director Mary Wilson for their work to purchase critical property in Sag Harbor to establish the John Steinbeck Waterfront Park,” said New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele. “Author John Steinbeck lived in the Village of Sag Harbor from 1955 until his death in 1968 and did some of his writings in a little house overlooking the Upper Sag Harbor Cove. He wrote The Winter of our Discontent at that property and, being born and raised in Sag Harbor myself, the writings of John Steinbeck are close to my heart,” continued Thiele. “I am thrilled there will be a park in his honor for Sag Harbor residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come and that the CPF could play a central role,” said Thiele.

Under the agreement, the land owner must take the old buildings down and the land must be vacant, cleared and ready to turn into a park. The plan is to start work on the park early next year, officials said.

Patch file photo.