The East Hampton Town Board was to vote Tuesday to end its relationship with R2 Architecture, the joint venture it had chosen to design the Center for Modern Aging and Human Services, known colloquially as the senior citizens center, at 403 Abraham's Path in Amagansett.
The board will begin a renewed planning process that will explore partnerships with health care providers and nonprofits and may expand the intended users of the building beyond the senior population.
"We are focused on moving forward with the goal of getting this right," Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said in a press release announcing the decision that was set to go out on Tuesday. "We are taking this time out to reimagine the design, look again at costs, and make sure the final plan delivers value for taxpayers. Our seniors will remain at the heart of this project, but we also see an opportunity to build a center that serves the wider community: families, working residents, and future generations."
Since its inception, the more than $30 million senior center has drawn debate over its location, design, and function.
The Star broke news in early September that the two architects involved in R2 Architecture, Ronnette Riley Architects and Ross Barney Architects, had filed competing lawsuits against each other, delaying the already delayed project.
The two architects have accused each other of breach of contract and are seeking to dissolve R2 Architecture, even though, according to court documents, the venture was never properly formalized.
The press release makes clear that what was originally conceived as a senior center will now be fully re-envisioned as a "community space" with more varied programming.
"East Hampton moves forward when we work together," Ms. Burke-Gonzalez said. "We now have the opportunity to take a step back, listen, and make sure the next phase truly reflects what our residents want and need. Our goal is simple: to build something that the community is proud of, that serves people well, and that stands the test of time."
According to the press release, "Aspects of the planning and design work already completed will inform the town in the decision-making process regarding the future direction and ultimate completion of the project."
R2 has already been paid $1.3 million for its design work. In January, the town cleared the site to make way for construction, which was to start in the spring.
