How the rich protect community wealth in, “THE HAMPTONS”
by: Dr. Samori Swygert
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was a nationally syndicated TV show that aired from the mid 1980’s to 1995. Many remember the host Robin Leach, he spoke with a distinct accent as he showcased the enormity of opulence, and excess of wealthy individuals.
Nestled deep in the most posh, and private enclaves of high society, rests “The Hamptons of New York State”. This locale is home to some of the wealthiest in New York, and America. The caliber of residents in the Hamptons extend from some of the most ostentatious to the more reserved and humble, but the common denominator is wealth. Jay-Z and Puffy even brag about splurging in the exclusive and decadent luxuries of the Hamptons.
However, there is more to this side of town than mansions, and costly estates. It is important to understand the philosophies, strategies, and practices that the wealthy implement to protect their lifestyle. I read an interesting article in this past Friday’s (8/1/14) New York Times.
The article detailed how the residents of East Hampton defend their economic territory from outside chain or “formula stores”. They defined a formula store as a store that has at least 15 other stores nationwide, and have “the same merchandise and decor”.
The majority of the residents patronize community owned businesses. They have a rapport and an economically intimate relationship with the community’s proprietors. The devotion to the community is goes beyond unspoken trust, and familiarity.
This wealthy community institutes economic policies that guarantees the recycling and filtering of money back into the community.
The strategies
The following strategies were discussed. First, the East Hampton community sets forth town zoning code. This code stipulates that any outside business that wishes to buy/rent to establish operations within the town must first get a permit that encompasses detailed planning. The company must submit to a complete “architectural review” from the town. A public hearing must be conducted for all to judge and evaluate. A traffic study must be conducted to see how conducive the business operations are to traffic flow and city transportation. Lastly, a 2% preservation tax is applied to each and every real estate transaction. According to the article, this has amassed a whopping $250 Million dollar coffer, for a town population of 21,000.
The author of the New York Times article, Joseph Berger, noted how they utilize the $250 million dollar preservation tax. The $250 million dollar preservation coffer is “used to buy woodland, wetlands, farmland, and waterfront property; more than 40% of town land is protected”. In essence, this solidifies and guarantees the sustainability of the town.
Dr. Claud Anderson
Many people are familiar with Dr. Claud Anderson, and he has a growing following each day. This is exactly what he’s been telling African Americans to do since he wrote his first book, Black Labor White Wealth. He’s given step by step application on how to practice and master group economics and community security. He goes further in depth with his follow up book, Powernomics.
This article caught my eye as I read through the detailed strategies of how they manage their community economics. When you permit chain stores, and outsiders into your community without any economic accountability to the community, your money may leave, and never comeback. That is a siphon.
However, when the majority of businesses are operated by the residents, and resolutions are passed to procure a percentage of revenue from outside business, that’s recycling of dollars.
The author also gave an example of a 7-11 convenience store that tried to open in Montauk, a town over. Residents constructed a Facebook page devoted to a strict boycott of the 7-11, and the local Chamber of Commerce even “protested”.
The residents expressed an overwhelming sentiment to preserve the community identity and reflection of the culture.
I will attach the story below so you can read at your leisure and share. This was really insightful and made me wonder, “why does Dr. Claud Anderson get so much push back from some segments of the African American community, when wealthy communities successfully institute the exact same practices to ensure their survival?”
This is how we are to protect the “supposed” $ 1.1 Trillion dollars that we’re purported to spend in the upcoming year.
