Board moves to another public hearing on employer‑sponsored, rent‑restricted housing after staff clarifies five changes

Town staff presented a revised draft of a new zoning use to allow rent‑restricted, employer‑sponsored housing (Chapter 255) and the East Hampton Town Board agreed June 9 to send the revised draft back for another public hearing.

Eric Shance, the staff presenter, summarized five primary changes made after earlier public comment and board input: (1) a minimum initial lease term provision that sets a one‑year minimum (and one‑year renewal minimums); (2) clarification that one or more third‑party management companies may be required to operate projects; (3) explicit allowance for subconsultants and a requirement that third‑party management verify tenant income and include that in periodic reports; (4) a legal requirement that prior to sale of any unit or issuance of a certificate of occupancy the developer submit the condominium offering plan filed with New York State, and provide proof to the town; and (5) a new provision authorizing the town to charge fees to recover administrative costs for oversight.

Board members said the changes addressed many public concerns and supported returning the draft to public hearing. Ian said the edits improved the code and emphasized the need for rigorous income verification; other board members said the revised language is sufficient to proceed to renotice. Staff proposed noticing the zoning change on June 18 and holding the public hearing July 16; the board agreed to that schedule and to solicit Planning Board feedback in advance.

Next steps: The town will schedule the public hearing, circulate the revised draft to the Planning Board for comment, and prepare an environmental assessment as appropriate following the hearing. If no further changes are required after the hearing and planning review, the town could move the matter toward adoption after the required hearings and referrals.