A village exploration committee has been formed in a push to turn Hampton Bays into a village.

The area is already one of the fastest growing hamlets on the East End. With nearly 14,000 residents, Hampton Bays could become Long Island's largest village.

Organizers say forming their own village would give local residents a feeling of community identity, but also would give them direct control over building and development.

Committee president Bruce Doscher says having village status would allow them to write their own building and zoning codes. They would also be able to keep overdevelopment in check, he says.

The committee plans to hold public hearings and is conducting a census of the hamlet prior to a district vote. Village formation does not require approval of the town, county or state legislatures, just approval of the voters of Hampton Bays.