Problems In Paradise

"All told, one in every 10 properties on Georgica Pond's tony East Hampton side (its other side borders the village of Wainscott, N.Y.) is up for sale... Fast-growing, tenacious weeds called phragmites have been choking the pond, potentially obstructing the residents' million-dollar views. Town trustees sided with environmental groups earlier this year and voted to ban the use of herbicides to control the problem... Adding to the neighborhood's environmental woes: Last summer, the 325-acre pond overflowed, leaving some local lawns and basements water-logged. Overnight, someone dug a channel from the pond and, outraging some local residents, drained its swampy water into the local beach."

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