Candidates clash over affordable housing, ADUs and a $7 million Cantwell Court award
May 14, 2026 | EAST HAMPTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York
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Two Democratic candidates for East Hampton town supervisor framed the race around housing policy and speed of delivery, with the incumbent, Kathy Burke Gonzalez, citing recent grant awards and the challenger, Jerry Larson, criticizing protracted timelines and limited local control.
Gonzalez, the incumbent, said her administration has expanded affordable housing options and won state support. "We just heard today that we got a $7,000,000 reward for Cantwell Court to bring 16 houses to that property," she said, and she also cited a $3,200,000 award to support infrastructure at a Route 114 project in Wayne Scott that she said could yield "up to 50 units of moderate income housing." She described multiple programs including a $1,000,000 CHF construction-loan program for ADUs, a reduction in ADU lot-size minimums from 20,000 to 15,000 square feet, and incentives to prioritize affordable-housing reviews in the building department.
Larson said the town has been too slow and questioned transparency about a purported "Wayne Scott Northwest" parcel. "It's gonna be 5 years before those 50 apartments are ready," he said of new projects, arguing the administration waited too long to apply for state programs and that residents deserve clearer timelines and environmental review for larger developments. He proposed locally controlled low-interest loans to first-time buyers using CPF/CHF funds to expand homeownership without relying on state allocations.
The candidates also disagreed on how to sequence environmental review and acquisitions. Gonzalez said a public hearing had been held and that no purchase or vote had taken place yet; she warned that a 90-day closing window for a seller would complicate a protracted environmental review. Larson urged comprehensive environmental review rather than piecemeal steps and asked for clearer disclosure to neighbors about project scope.
On accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Gonzalez pointed to a new program for lower-income homeowners and regulatory tweaks intended to speed approvals. "We are offering construction loans to folks," she said. Larson said community covenants and a slow permitting process have limited uptake and that the building department must improve customer service and clarity around inspections and queuing.
Why it matters: Housing remains the central voter concern in East Hampton as year-round residents contend with rising housing costs and a seasonal population surge. The debate left unresolved questions about timelines, sequencing of reviews and whether projects funded by state programs can be kept for local residents.
Next steps: The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23; both candidates urged supporters to vote.
Gonzalez, the incumbent, said her administration has expanded affordable housing options and won state support. "We just heard today that we got a $7,000,000 reward for Cantwell Court to bring 16 houses to that property," she said, and she also cited a $3,200,000 award to support infrastructure at a Route 114 project in Wayne Scott that she said could yield "up to 50 units of moderate income housing." She described multiple programs including a $1,000,000 CHF construction-loan program for ADUs, a reduction in ADU lot-size minimums from 20,000 to 15,000 square feet, and incentives to prioritize affordable-housing reviews in the building department.
Larson said the town has been too slow and questioned transparency about a purported "Wayne Scott Northwest" parcel. "It's gonna be 5 years before those 50 apartments are ready," he said of new projects, arguing the administration waited too long to apply for state programs and that residents deserve clearer timelines and environmental review for larger developments. He proposed locally controlled low-interest loans to first-time buyers using CPF/CHF funds to expand homeownership without relying on state allocations.
The candidates also disagreed on how to sequence environmental review and acquisitions. Gonzalez said a public hearing had been held and that no purchase or vote had taken place yet; she warned that a 90-day closing window for a seller would complicate a protracted environmental review. Larson urged comprehensive environmental review rather than piecemeal steps and asked for clearer disclosure to neighbors about project scope.
On accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Gonzalez pointed to a new program for lower-income homeowners and regulatory tweaks intended to speed approvals. "We are offering construction loans to folks," she said. Larson said community covenants and a slow permitting process have limited uptake and that the building department must improve customer service and clarity around inspections and queuing.
Why it matters: Housing remains the central voter concern in East Hampton as year-round residents contend with rising housing costs and a seasonal population surge. The debate left unresolved questions about timelines, sequencing of reviews and whether projects funded by state programs can be kept for local residents.
Next steps: The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23; both candidates urged supporters to vote.
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