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Town plans RFP for 16 affordable homeownership lots at Cantwell Court
Summary
East Hampton staff proposed an RFP that would select at least two contractors to provide home models for 16 Cantwell Court homeownership lots; proposals will be scored on residential experience, affordability, financial capacity and cost, with mandatory sustainable design features and buyer qualification rules.
Town housing staff outlined a request‑for‑proposals Dec. 3 to identify contractors to supply home model designs for Cantwell Court, a 16‑lot subdivision intended for affordable homeownership.
The RFP would select at least two firms to provide multiple home models (two‑, three‑ and four‑bedroom options). Contractors are expected to front construction costs and be paid at closing; they would contract directly with individual buyers while the town provides land and infrastructure and uses long ground leases to preserve affordability. Mandatory design requirements discussed include all‑electric construction, energy efficiency and solar readiness; the town also proposed a cap of 10% lot area for building footprint on Cantwell Court lots.
Board members debated scoring criteria and possible barriers to local builders, urging flexibility so smaller local contractors are not locked out by a requirement to demonstrate prior affordable‑housing experience. Suggestions included lowering the points for affordable‑housing experience or substituting “experience building in East Hampton” to reward familiarity with local permitting and construction constraints.
On buyer selection, staff said the town will use its existing housing lottery list and re‑verify income, residency and financial capacity; purchasers must meet minimum credit and debt‑to‑income thresholds and are expected to provide a 5% down payment (noting the town’s first‑time homebuyer assistance program can contribute up to $30,000 toward down payment or closing costs).
Timing: staff proposed releasing the RFP in mid‑December with responses open through February, a pre‑proposal site meeting in early January, and contractor selection by March so model designs and infrastructure can be ready for spring construction in 2025.
Board action: staff will revise scoring weights and consider adding milestone payments or loan options to help contractors finance construction without excluding smaller builders; the RFP will return to the board for final approval before release.
