Chatham Party Town Council
Creates Redevelopment Agency
East Hampton – In an effort to spur economic development
and revitalize the East Hampton Village Center, the Chatham Party Town Council Tuesday night
adopted an ordinance to establish a new Redevelopment Agency for the Town of East Hampton.
The general purpose of the Redevelopment Agency is to help revitalize underused properties
within the community, particularly in the Town’s Historic Village Center. At this point
in time, the Redevelopment Agency, which is enabled by State statute, is a natural extension
of the work begun by the Economic Development Commission and Village Center Brownfields Steering
Committee.
Specific work of the Redevelopment will include:
- Identifying potential sites in need of redevelopment
- Develop plans and ultimately clean up properties by working with State and
Federal agencies
- Transform Brownfield and underutilized sites into productive and sustainable reuse for
housing, business, retail and community purposes by acquiring property and working with
the private sector and third-party investors
Chatham Party members of Town Council brought forward the concept to create the Redevelopment
Agency as it encourages smart growth development, creates jobs and generates tax revenues
in declining developed areas by fostering partnerships between local governments and private
entities.
“Through redevelopment, a project area will receive focused attention and financial
investment to reverse deteriorating trends, create jobs, revitalize the business climate,
rehabilitate and create housing opportunities, and gain active participation and investment
by citizens which would not otherwise occur,” said Kyle Dostaler, of the East Hampton
Town Council. “Business development that occurs within the context of and accentuates
East Hampton’s history and character is critical to the town’s economic vitality.”
According to Councilwoman Alison Walck, “The redevelopment of our Village Center is
one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into our Town and make it once again a
focal point of our community. The Chatham Party is proud to have brought forward this initiative
as a tool to allow East Hampton to better plan and prepare for its future.”
Because redevelopment agencies focus their efforts in Brownfield areas, their activities
help preserve the environment and open space while also reducing sprawl. As Councilman Scott
Minnick said, “Smart growth fosters distinctiveness and a sense of place. By reusing
and cleaning up exiting properties, we can make better use of the land to allow us to preserve
more of our open spaces.”
The Chatham Party is committed to promoting sustainable economic development that benefits
the East Hampton community, reflects the Town’s character and values, and supports
the principles of smart growth. |
