Ryan Benitez

The meeting included several public hearings and work session items. The public hearing for the St. Michael's Basement Alteration Site Plan, involving an extension of manager's quarters for an employee, was closed. During the work session, discussions covered the MacGarva Barn Site Plan modification, where the Board agreed a public hearing would be required before approval. The Sea Crest Pool and Shed Site Plan and the Surf Club 4 Phased Site Plan were deemed complete and ready for approval, pending external feedback or subsequent voting. For the Springs Brewery Site Plan, the Board required additional information regarding lot coverage calculations, driveway revisions, noise standards conformance, and fire marshal comments. The JHA Main Street Office Site Plan to convert a historic residence into offices was deemed complete for a public hearing. The Springs Fireplace Road Car Wash Site Plan raised concerns regarding groundwater protection and traffic impacts, requiring revised studies and more data on water usage and screening. The Wainscott Green Hamptons Pride Project Site Plan required updated plans addressing planning department memorandum items. The regular meeting section involved adopting resolutions of approval for modifications and extensions for several site plans, including American Tower, Este Restaurant, Phoenix House Security Gate, South Essex Corner, and Snyder Phased Commercial Site Plan.

Key discussions included the approval of proposed 2026 meeting dates, noting an adjustment for the December meeting, and acknowledgment of a committee member stepping down. Program updates covered the status of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) code changes and the expected launch of an ADU Construction Assistance program funded at $1,000,000. The committee unanimously supported the renewal of the First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance program for 2026, allocating $600,000. Furthermore, the board voted to support a $3.1 Million Matching Grant for EHHA Route 114 Middle Income Housing infrastructure and recommended granting $29,000 to Windmill Housing for basement insulation at Windmill II, suggesting Windmill Housing establish a reserve fund for future costs. An update was also provided on the housing Needs Assessment Study, which includes a feasibility study, marketing study, and economic impact analysis.

The meeting involved a work session and a regular meeting segment. Key discussions included an application for a subwaiver at 9 South Ferncroft Place, which was deemed complete and ready for a public hearing, contingent upon a negative declaration pursuant to SEQRA. A site plan modification for Gardiner's Marina to alter the facade and lower the first floor elevation was deemed ready for approval, pending Fire Marshal approval and obtaining a modified Natural Resources Special Permit. Basement alterations at St. Michael's were approved with conditions, including SCDHS approval and restrictions against a separate unit or kitchen in the basement. Resolutions were passed to schedule public hearings for the JHA Main Street Office Site Plan and the MacGarva Barn Site Plan/Special Permit Modification. An extension of time was granted for the Seeler Zohn Lot Line Modification, and approval was granted for the 531 Montauk EV Chargers Site Plan Modification. Additionally, a road assignment for 33 Harbor View Drive was adopted, and the minutes from the February 11, 2026 meeting were adopted as amended.

Key discussions during the meeting included the unanimous re-election of Diane Hausman as Chair and Marcy Waterman as Secretary. Updates were provided on community organizations, including the introduction of the new Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce. Project updates covered the completion of ACOE Lake Montauk Inlet Dredging, ongoing sidewalk work downtown, and an upcoming community meeting regarding the Napeague Dead Tree Project controlled burns. New business focused heavily on public safety improvements on Edgemere, presenting a plan utilizing a $400,000 County grant to change parking designations from "No Parking" to the more stringent "No Standing" following evaluation by EHPD, Highway, and Planning Departments, with public hearing planned for March 19th. Other new business items included a proposal to change parking regulations for the lot north of Gosman's and a Town Capital Plan item for a new multi-agency Public Safety Center, with a public hearing scheduled for March 5th. Questions addressed future e-bike resolution representation and the timeline for PSEG work at the Industrial/Second House intersection.

Key discussion points included the budget exceeding the tax cap, largely due to necessary salary increases to attract and retain staff, noting that 21% of East Hampton Town staff are 30 or under. A query was raised regarding the Town offering snow plowing services to seniors; while direct service is not possible, exploration into utilizing the Town's contracted services at a discount for qualified residents will occur. The Highway Department's snow removal efforts during the last storm were commended, noting minimal accidents. The Town Human Services Department conducted well checks and distributed frozen dinners during the storm. Updates were provided that Project Most's new plan is under review by the Planning Board, and information regarding the upcoming Police Academy dates was shared.