Board adopts SEQRA negative declaration for employer‑sponsored housing code; residents urge pause

The East Hampton Town Board voted to adopt a SEQRA negative declaration Oct. 1 for proposed amendments to the town code that would create a new use for rent‑restricted employer‑sponsored housing. The declaration clears only the environmental review step for the draft code; any specific projects would still require separate approvals.

Residents and community groups packed the public portion to oppose the move, contending the code appears crafted to benefit particular private developments. "This board should not want to be remembered as the board that faced a water quality crisis and then adopted a framework serving private for profit ventures without demanding the highest level of transparency and environmental scrutiny," said Zach Vanderbeek, who referenced recent DEC activity and ongoing public concern. Several board members publicly explained their votes: some described the SEQRA action as a routine administrative step for code amendments, while others said they opposed or abstained because they do not support the proposed code as written.

Board members emphasized the distinction between the SEQRA declaration and project approval. "This declaration does not mean any project is moving forward at all," one member said, noting county review and future planning‑board scrutiny will follow. The vote proceeded by roll call; members engaged residents on transparency and safeguards built into the draft language.