Monday night’s lengthy meeting of the Amagansett Citizens Advisory Committee was devoted almost entirely to the increasingly contentious question of the new East Hampton Town Senior Center. A subcommittee appointed last month to consider the details of the proposed building submitted the following recommendations, which were unanimously applauded by ACAC members and some 17 residents in attendance.
1. The town should look into a smaller, less costly facility or two-story design. Use gifted plans by a local architectural firm.
2. Smaller footprint that complies with zoning and reduces clearing and habitat destruction.
3. Peaked roof and cedar shakes that are more in town character with East Hampton.
4. Food Pantry and adult day care should be included in the plan.
5. Rooftop solar for cost efficiency.
6. “Net Zero” does not mean building a huge facility; 26-foot ceilings, expansive seating areas, one-story design, and inefficient design with mechanical systems make the project less desirable and costly.
7. Reducing the size of the center to be closer to 7,500 square feet and utilizing part of the land for affordable housing units should be explored.
