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Town Square moves from planning to construction as hotel permit nears approval
Summary
Town staff gave a comprehensive update on Town Square, saying hotel foundation permits are expected in the next week or two and that the project is shifting from planning into construction with sequencing for utilities, public engagement, and staging.
Don Thomas provided a detailed status update on the Town Square program, which he said originated from a community vision plan created in 1995. Thomas said the vision's elements — sidewalks, curb extensions, an arts district and a waterfront hotel — now align with current work and that the town is transitioning from planning to construction.
Thomas said the hotel permit for foundation work should be issued within a week or two and that the project team is considering a kickoff event and ongoing public engagement so residents and businesses know "what to expect, how to manage it." He described six components of the Town Square effort: the town square itself, a riverfront hotel, an adaptive playground, an amphitheater, streetscapes and structured parking. "We've done many years of planning, many years of visioning and now we're ready to construct," Thomas said.
Thomas and council members discussed ongoing outreach, renderings for the public, and coordination with local business groups to manage disruption. He said the Streetscapes will run from Peconic Avenue to East Avenue and that the town hopes to extend them later. No final construction bids or firm dates beyond permitting were finalized during the work session.
