East Hampton is considering a new approach to affordable housing with a proposal that could reshape how workforce housing is developed and managed on the East End.
Developer Kirby Marcantonio has submitted plans for 47 housing units on a 3.9-acre property at 350 Pantigo Road, the former site of Stern’s Department Store. The project envisions seven two-story buildings containing 24 two-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom units, arranged around a central parking area. While the design itself is notable, it’s the ownership model that has drawn the most attention.
Unlike most affordable housing projects in the town, which are managed by housing authorities or non-profits, Marcantonio plans to sell the units as condominiums to local employers, such as Southampton Hospital, who would then rent them to employees at regulated affordable rates. This system, he argues, incentivizes the private sector to help address housing shortages without relying solely on public development.
Town planners have acknowledged that the proposal departs from typical affordable housing structures, raising questions about enforcement. Oversight would be required to ensure both income eligibility for tenants and compliance with rental caps. Marcantonio has suggested an affordable housing easement that would permanently tie occupancy to income-qualified tenants, with the town’s housing office certifying compliance.
Some planning board members expressed cautious support, noting that the project is preferable to building a few large luxury homes on the parcel. However, concerns remain around density, traffic, and whether the units would serve long-term residents or more transient workers. The development’s nearly 100 parking spaces and projected commuter traffic patterns are also under review, with a traffic study required before approval can advance.
Despite these questions, demand appears strong. Marcantonio has said interest from local employers already exceeds available units, highlighting the acute need for workforce housing across the East End. The planning board will continue to review the project, balancing innovative private-sector solutions with the community’s broader housing goals.
