Easton residents chime in on proposed housing developments

EASTON — At a packed Easton Town Council meeting Monday, many attendees took to the podium to show frustration with the current state of housing and development in the town.

Two projects were the subject of much discussion: a proposed 33-unit development at the site of the former Safeway on North Washington Street and a plan to annex around 17 acres of land on the east side of Ocean Gateway for a potential affordable multifamily housing development project.

DOWNTOWN PROPOSAL

Miller Development Corporation and Lane Engineering are proposing to the Town Council to build 24 partially-connected townhomes and nine standalone units at the downtown property, which has been vacant since Safeway left it in 2017.

Multiple residents brought up parking as a concern, since the empty space accommodates vehicles.

“If people can’t park when they come here, we’re going to lose the heart of our town,” resident Helen Houseman said.

At the June 17 meeting, Ward 1 Council Member Maureen Curry said she “would hate to not have a project like this because (the town hasn’t) done (its) due diligence on creating parking downtown.” She said it’s been a problem in Easton for 20 years.

“What is going to be done if you haven’t done it in 20 years?” resident Brandi Whiting asked Monday. “Are we going to just continue to let developers come and overtake the town?”

Steve Mangasarian provided a different view, saying he thinks “the parking problem’s been overstated a little bit.” Mangasarian said he conducted his own parking study last week, finding “an excess of 500 parking spaces in various lots around town.”

He complimented the developer’s plan and warned the council of ramifications if it’s denied.

“It could set a dangerous message to anyone, whether they’re adding onto their residence or building a housing complex,” Mangasarian said, “that you can do everything right, jump through all the hoops that you put before them, and still be denied.”

The developers were not at Monday’s meeting. Council left the public hearing open for an Aug. 5 meeting.

ROUTE 50 ANNEXATION

East of U.S. Route 50 and between the Royal Farms and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton, Corrigan & Trippe Ventures is proposing the annexation of county land for an estimated 240-unit housing project.

“Is it ideal to have another 240 cars entering Route 50 where it is already heavily congested?” Easton resident Becky Allen asked. “Do we really want people walking on the shoulder of Route 50?”

Allen, who lives right next to the property, said she still has not heard from developers, even after council previously suggested reaching out to nearby residents. Other residents also indicated worries about traffic and walkability.

“I don’t see that we have any benefits to this other than we’re packing them in,” Connie Knopp said. “We know what benefits it is to the developer, the realtor and the lawyer. They get the benefits.”

Corrigan & Trippe’s attorney was out of town Monday, deferring a potential vote to July 15.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A lack of affordable housing was a common theme from residents who spoke Monday.

“I love this town, but I can’t live here,” Rudy Reyes said. “I can’t afford to live here.”

“There is none,” resident Charlotte Brown said of affordable housing. “Especially for the seniors. You have senior citizens that are sitting on waiting lists for ten years to get a spot in a place that they can afford.”

Stephanie Chester, who currently resides in Trappe, brought up her concerns to council members and the Affordable Housing Board at a meeting on Tuesday.

“The infrastructure of Easton is changing,” Chester said Monday evening. “But I don’t see people of middle class or lower class getting anywhere. They’re not getting houses.”