Construction is “well underway” at the long-term parking area at the end of Lumber Lane in East Hampton Village, the village administrator said on Friday, and a barn for the Fire Department’s antique trucks and equipment has quickly arisen adjacent to the construction site.
At the village board’s meeting last week, Marcos Baladron said that the lower lot, nearer to Herrick Park, is being merged with the upper portion at the long-term parking site to create a single lot. This, he said, will result in approximately 26 additional parking spaces. “That’s a huge jump in parking spots that we need, obviously, for the summer.”
“The sidewalks have already been renovated,” Mr. Baladron said. “I think what’s left to do are the islands in the center.”
The lower lot was closed on March 6 so the work could begin. Starting on Wednesday, the upper lot will be closed for 30 days. “The contractor is already ahead of schedule,” Mr. Baladron said, “so hopefully the whole project will be ahead of schedule and we’ll get it open way before May 1.”
With ongoing activity at establishments such as the Y.M.C.A. East Hampton RECenter and Riverhead Building Supply, enforcement of parking restrictions on Gingerbread Lane Extension, Lumber Lane, Race Lane, and Railroad Avenue has been relaxed until May 1.
Between the lower lot and the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, at 2 Gingerbread Lane, the Fire Department’s barn “was almost completed in three days,” Mr. Baladron said. “We’re waiting on the garage doors.” Those, some have suggested, should be transparent so the antiques can be seen, he added. “It’s an impressive collection, and they’re very proud of it.”
The cost of the barn is around $190,000, Mr. Baladron said, with grants accounting for all but $65,000, while donations of time and materials for the barn’s construction represent an additional estimated $100,000.
