ARB approves gated access control for Phoenix House site leased from town

The East Hampton Architectural Review Board on June 25 approved an access control and gated entry plan for Phoenix House, a social‑service facility on town‑owned land in Wainscott.

Jack Naylor of LKB Engineering presented the application and described a set of entrance and exit gates equipped with staff swipe‑card readers, a digital keypad for deliveries, intercom and video cameras. "This is intended to cut down on that," Naylor said, describing past incidents where unsecured site access led to problematic items being left on site. He added the access control island will be landscaped and the functional components can be enclosed in a decorative masonry pier to reduce visual impact.

Board members said the entrance infrastructure sits well back from the road and is unlikely to affect the streetscape. The board unanimously approved the application as presented. Diane, who seconded the motion, noted the town owns the property and that the tenant lease runs through 2029 with an additional 15‑year option; members discussed tying future gate use to tenancy in the event of a change of occupant.

What happens next: The approved design will be incorporated into the ARB file and the town will coordinate permitting and lease‑related tracking with the facilities and planning departments.