Property to Be Used to Create More Affordable Housing
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez has executed a contract to authorize the transfer of two key properties located at 776 and 780 Route 114, Wainscott, to the East Hampton Housing Authority (EHHA), a significant step in the Town’s ongoing commitment to creating more affordable housing. This pivotal decision aims to address the critical need for affordable rental housing within the community.
In a resolution passed unanimously on August 1, the Town Board affirmed its dedication to fostering a diverse range of housing options for East Hampton residents across all income levels. This move is in alignment with the Town’s long-term strategy to maintain a vibrant and sustainable community. By following General Municipal Law Section 72-h the Town Board is able to transfer the property to EHHA without consideration.
The Town Board’s resolution authorized Supervisor Burke-Gonzalez to execute all necessary documents, including the contract of transfer, to hand over ownership of 776 and 780 Route 114 to the East Hampton Housing Authority. This transfer will significantly advance the Town’s efforts in addressing housing needs and ensuring that affordable housing opportunities remain accessible to residents.
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said, “By transferring these two properties to the East Hampton Housing Authority, we are creating more affordable housing opportunities and giving residents a path forward to security, financial stability, and a brighter future right here in our community. When we expand affordable rental opportunities, we support our working families who are the backbone of East Hampton, ensure our seniors can age in place with dignity, and provide young people with a stable foundation to build their futures.”
Burke-Gonzalez went on to state, “Serving as the liaison to the East Hampton Housing Authority for the last two-and-a-half years, I have witnessed firsthand how the Board of Commissioners, Executive Director Katy Casey, and their team run the day-to-day operations and plan for the future. And it is always with professionalism, close financial oversight and tireless dedication to the mission of developing and managing quality housing that is safe, comfortable and resident-centric.”
Kevin Warren, Chair of the East Hampton Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners, stated, “We are deeply grateful for the Town Board’s commitment and support in facilitating the transfer of 776 and 780 Route 114 to the East Hampton Housing Authority. This crucial step allows us to continue with our mission to address the significant need for affordable rental housing in our community. We are honored to partner with the Town in making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and advancing our shared vision of more affordable housing for East Hampton Town.”
The properties at 776 and 780 Route 114, totaling approximately 6.5 acres, were initially acquired by the Town Board for municipal and housing purposes through resolutions adopted on February 7, 2019, and February 6, 2020, respectively. These parcels were earmarked specifically for affordable rental housing.
In January 2022, the Town Board launched the “All Hands on Housing” initiative to enhance efforts toward affordable housing across the Town. Following this, on March 3, 2022, a public hearing was held to discuss changing the use district of the properties to an Affordable Housing Overlay District, which was officially adopted on March 17, 2022, under Local Law 5 of 2022.
A Route 114 Working Group, composed of staff members from Housing & Community Development and Planning Department, Town Board liaison, and EHHA representatives, recommended that the properties be developed to provide approximately 50 new residential rental units for moderate-income residents. This plan includes a mix of unit sizes and emphasizes green and sustainable building design. With its proven track record and expertise in managing affordable housing projects, the EHHA is deemed well-equipped to bring this vision to fruition.
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