Matt Lauer Wins the Right to Plant Shrubs on Horse Farm

On Thursday, the Southampton Town Planning Board approved Matt Lauer's stepped-down plans to plant 131 shrubs (but no trees) on his Water Mill horse farm. Lauer had initially sought to plant vegetation, including trees and shrubs, as a buffer between riding trails on the property, known as Bright Side Farm, and nearby residences (shown in red). He argued that backyard noise and splashing in pools would spook the horses; however, neighbors said whoa to that plan, pointing out that the trees and shrubs would obstruct their view of the farm's open space. Furthermore, neighbors Jack and Jodi Wasserman (their property is by the arrow) said that the plantings would violate an easement put into place when Southampton Town bought the development rights for the horse farm.

• Matt Lauer's Landscaping Plan For Water Mill Horse Farm Is Approved [27E]