Actor Alec Baldwin and other environmental activists rallied against a plan to build a mega golf resort in East Quogue.
The 18-hole golf course, dubbed "The Hills," would have 118 residences and a massive clubhouse on 500 acres of Pine Barrens land of Southampton.
Critics of the proposal say Southampton should not have a say in the decision to build the golf course. They believe it should be up to the Pine Barrens commission.
"This is the biggest and the worst development project ever proposed in the Pine Barrens," says Dick Amper, from the Pine Barrens Society. "It would seriously compromise the habitat there, but also a very sensitive watershed area already suffering from contamination."
The Town of Southampton and the Pine Barrens Commission are reviewing the proposal. No decisions have been made so far.
Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman says the town made an offer about 10 days ago to buy the 500 acres from Discovery Land Company at a significantly higher price than it paid. News 12 reached out to the developer, but has not yet heard back.
Alec Baldwin recorded a public service announcement against the project in January, citing the environmental impact.
"I don't think a golf course is a good idea," Alec Baldwin told News 12. "There's a lot of other areas they could put their golf course."