East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez delivered her 2025 State of the Town Address, highlighting key achievements from the past year and setting forth an ambitious vision for the year ahead. Housing, environmental preservation, and senior services emerged as key themes of her address, which she delivered with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and community collaboration.
Burke-Gonzalez reiterated her administration’s commitment to addressing the housing challenges in East Hampton, highlighting the Town’s progress under the “All Hands on Housing” initiative. Key milestones included the Cantwell Court Affordable Housing Subdivision, the Route 114 Project, and the ribbon-cutting at The Green at Gardiner’s Point, which added 50 apartments for working families, seniors, and young residents.
“Housing is not just about numbers; it’s about people,” Burke-Gonzalez said. “It’s about ensuring that our town employees, teachers, health care workers, volunteer firefighters, police officers, and young families can afford to live in the community they serve. Housing affordability is the backbone of a thriving community.”
Looking ahead, the supervisor emphasized leveraging the Community Housing Fund, which has collected over $10 million, to finalize Cantwell Court, acquire new properties, and expand innovative programs like the Affordable Dwelling Units grant.
In discussing the environment, the supervisor described the environment as East Hampton’s lifeline, celebrating achievements like the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project, which replenished Montauk’s downtown beaches and established a replenishment cycle to combat erosion.
“FIMP is more than just sand — it’s a shield for our economy and our infrastructure,” Burke-Gonzalez said. She also highlighted the restoration of Ditch Plains Beach, supported by a $2.5 million state grant, and the town’s ambitious Energy Road Map to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
“Through all these efforts, we are building a sustainable future for East Hampton,” she added.
Addressing the 60-plus population’s needs, Burke-Gonzalez spotlighted the upcoming Center for Modern Ageing and Human Services, which will replace the current century-old facility.
“In 2024, town staff served over 12,000 meals in the center’s lunchroom and prepared 16,000 meals for our Grab & Go program. The facility is too small for our current programs, stifling the ability to expand services and forcing staff to work in cramped and insufficient conditions,” she said.
“This center will offer families and loved ones the peace of mind that their seniors are in a nurturing environment. It is more than a resource for seniors; it is a support system for caregivers, families, and the entire community, reminding us that when we care for our elders, we uplift every generation,” the sSupervisor said.
The new center will expand upon wellness programs, social activities, and sustainable design.
Burke-Gonzalez reaffirmed East Hampton’s dedication to fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the town’s Aaa bond rating and success in securing grants and partnerships. “We remain committed to being prudent stewards of your tax dollars,” she said.
The supervisor highlighted efforts to improve community engagement and accessibility in local government. She emphasized the reinstatement of evening meetings and the introduction of monthly work sessions in Montauk.
“These steps ensure that residents have more opportunities to engage with their government and participate in decision-making,” said Burke-Gonzalez. “It’s about meeting people where they are and ensuring that every voice can be heard.”
The State of the Town Address reaffirmed the supervisor’s dedication to tackling East Hampton’s challenges with innovative solutions and a community-first approach. She closed with a call for collaboration and unity, inviting all residents to join in building a brighter future for East Hampton.
“Thank you for your trust, your pride in community, and your unwavering belief in what we can accomplish together,” Burke-Gonzalez said. Let us step fearlessly into 2025, ready to collaborate, innovate, and celebrate all that is to come. Now, let’s get to work.”