The Hamptons combines high concentrations of wealth with visible local tensions and civic pushback against billionaire influence. Protesters gathered in East Hampton during Labor Day weekend as part of a nationwide 'Workers Over Billionaires' campaign, targeting restaurants and the home of hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. Some residents complained about changes to East Hampton zoning that limit new house sizes, while local reporting noted extreme household water usage. The area offers abundant wellness options and expensive groceries. Public spaces felt more family-oriented than nightlife-focused, with noticeable numbers of children and family activity even during a busy holiday weekend.
On Sunday, a small group of protesters gathered in East Hampton as part of a nationwide "Workers Over Billionaires" campaign. Some gathered at an iconic restaurant, others targeted the home of billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. A press release for the event said protesters wanted to "confront billionaire donors reshaping New York politics," referencing the city's coming mayoral race, where frontrunner Zohran Mamdani's policies have spookedsome wealthy residents.
Houses were also a source of conflict. Two luxury real estate agents in the area told Business Insider that some residents are grumblingabout a recent change to the East Hampton zoning code that limits the size of new houses. Local news talked about existing properties, though - an edition of the East Hampton Star featured an article about water usage in the area, noting that some homes pump millions of gallons of water yearly.
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