James Lima Planning and Development has been recommended to help East Hampton Town identify potential zoning code updates, coastal hazard and climate risk reduction strategies, and the restoration of natural resources to support Montauk’s economic infrastructure and tourism industry in connection with a $600,000 state grant the town received for a sustainable community project in downtown Montauk.
Samantha Klein, the town’s intergovernmental relations coordinator, told the East Hampton Town Board Tuesday that a five member committee including Tina Vavilis LaGarenne, the town’s planning director; Leo Daunt, president of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Carney-Iacono, the Montauk Playhouse Foundation president; Andy Harris of the town’s waterfront advisory committee, and Alison Branco of the Nature Conservancy had reviewed five proposals before making the recommendation.
“They have proven success in related projects,” Ms. Klein said, including “engagement efforts related to the Montauk Playhouse renovation.”
Councilwoman Cate Rogers is the board’s liaison to the project. She highlighted the committee’s “diligence to following correct procedures” and being “completely unbiased.”
“This is a vital project,” said Councilman Tom Flight, a resident of Montauk, “and it’s also incredibly complex. I think ensuring that we have adequate community feedback from all stakeholders is key here. There’s a lot of industry down there that, anecdotally, is resistant to any kind of change.”
Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said a resolution to hire the firm would be on tonight’s town board agenda.
