Politics & Government
Town Board Considers New Use for Old Composting Building
Fifteen possibilities for the space, include commercial vehicle parking and a bowling alley.
East Hampton Town’s composting building at the has been out of use for the past few years, and the town board is considering the possible uses for the space. Eric Schantz of the town's planning department, which was asked to look into the building's potential uses, reported back to the board at Tuesday's work session that there are 15 possibilities for the space -- everything from parking for commercial vehicles to a bowling alley.
The 22,365 square foot building can be accessed from a road off of Springs Fireplace Road and there is over 10,000 square feet of additional exterior space, according to the department's report. Schantz told the board the biggest obstacle for converting the building will be removing seven four-foot tall concrete rows, that previously held up composting machines.
"They are not impossible to remove,” but could prove to be a heavy expense, he said. The board gave him permission to seek some cost estimates.
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In the mean time, Schantz said, there are two areas that are available for immediate use; outdoor storage or for commercial purposes such as a repair garage or craftsman's workshop.
Schantz said that parking would be the lowest impact use for the area when asked by Councilman Dominic Stanzione. The board members appeared to like the idea of a parking facility as a way to fix the overcrowded streets and the commercial parking that happens on people’s lawns.
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The question then became does the town lease out the building and let someone else fix it or take the project on themselves. “The town should do it themselves—why have someone else do it?,” said Councilman Pete Hammerle.
Councilwoman Julia Prince had a different idea. She said she would rather put out a request for proposals to the public because, she said, she does not want the town to compete with local business, even if it may mean the town does not make as much money.
But, Hammerle said that “might be making it more complicated than it needs to be.”
Councilwoman Theresa Quigley chimed in: “We need more research.”
Schantz finally suggested the board get input from the outside, “It would definitely be a good idea to get feedback,” from the public.
