Changes To Amagansett Parking Lot?

The expansion and reconfiguration of the municipal parking lot on the north side of Main Street in Amagansett will be up for discussion at an East Hampton Town Board work session meeting February 4.

Councilman David Lys, who has been shepherding the proposal through the planning process, explained at a January 21 meeting the $700,000 project could include the installation of a security surveillance system, plus solar-powered lighting, which would increase that price tag.

The parking spaces will be reconfigured, mapped out in an east-west configuration instead of its current north-to-south setup, and expand into a parcel — part of a purchase by the town which also included preserved farmland — bought by the town in 2016 for $3 million. This will create an additional 44 parking spaces in the lot. Part of that parcel could also be converted into a park.

Lys said the new lot would improve traffic flow and include lanes designated for deliveries to stores adjacent to the lot, which is the largest municipal downtown parking lot in the town. The lot would maintain its single entrance from Amagansett Main Street.

The next step is for the town board to approve the design. The board is also consulting with the Amagansett Citizens Advisory Committee.

After hearing Lys’ presentation, Councilman Jeffrey Bragman asked for a public hearing on the matter.

The town is also considering installing a nitrogen-removing septic system to service the recently-added comfort station in the lot. The alleyway east of Indian Wells Tavern from Main Street will also be graded and made handicap accessible.

Lys and Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said they hope the project could be completed by Memorial Day. Bragman thought the timetable may be unrealistic.

The supervisor said while no public hearing is planned, he encourages community members to share opinions about the project during the Tuesday meeting, scheduled to begin at 10 AM.

t.e@indyeastend.com