As has been generally expected, the East Hampton Town Board indicated this week that the town’s new senior center will not need to undergo a lengthy environmental review per the State Department of Environmental Conservation. With little discussion or disagreement, the board came to this conclusion after listening to a presentation by Tina Vavilis-LaGarenne, the town’s acting planning director.
During Tuesday’s work session, Ms. Vavilis-LaGarenne walked the board through New York State’s entire environmental assessment form, a 10-page checklist that helps planners judge the impact of a project. Only two items were deemed to have moderate or large environmental repercussions, both of which focus on the impact of the physical alteration of the seven-acre site and both of which, she said, have been “effectively addressed.”
Only 5.5 acres of the seven-acre lot will be disturbed. A 4,800-square-foot area of the building envelope is sloped, which could be a concern because of potential runoff issues. Ms. Vavilis-LaGarenne explained, however, that the center will be sited on the flattest por
tion of the lot. The impact of building on the sloped area will be mitigated, she said, by a robust stormwater pollution prevention plan, which, she noted, can handle a three-inch rainfall.
Councilman Tom Flight wondered, in light of the deluges seen on the East End this summer, whether the plan should account for even heavier rainfall. Ms. Vavilis-LaGarenne replied that the town typically accounts for only a two-inch rainfall, but agreed to take a closer look at the issue.
“You raise an important point,” she said. “Do we want to raise town standards? But that’s a whole other conversation.”
“The cheapest time to do this is now,” commented Councilman David Lys. “His point is well taken.”
The second issue was construction, which is now planned to last for 20 months and will take place in two phases. “Not excessive for a project of this scope,” said Ms. Vavilis-LaGarenne. The phasing, she continued, “has been implemented due to restrictions on when clearing is allowed, due to concerns for the northern long-eared bat. The phasing plan supports compliance with the D.E.C. clearing window. Phase one is three months and will include clearing and removal of existing trees and shrubs. Phase two will occur over a 17-month period and will consist of the development of the senior center building and the rest of the site work.”
While the northern long-eared bat is on the federally endangered list (in fact, the entirety of East Hampton Town falls within its potential habitat), the D.E.C. has determined that the senior center will not require an “incidental take” permit for the clearing because no trees will be cut down or otherwise disturbed during roosting time, from March 1 to Nov. 30.
The town board is expected to vote soon to adopt a negative declaration on the senior center project, enabling it to move forward. Rob Connelly, the town attorney, is to prepare a resolution to that effect.
