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5_Community Character Chapter_Final 5-15 2019 CLEAN
SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate CommunityCharacter Final September27,2011 UpdatedMay15,2019 CommunityCharacter i TABLEOFCONTENTS TOCOME CommunityCharacter 1 Foundedin1640,SoutholdisoneofNewYorkState’soldestEnglish-speakingcolonies.Historically,the developmentpatternsoftheTownwereguidedbyagricultureandmaritimeindustriescenteredonwaterways andoverlandtransportationroutes.TheTown’scharacterisanchoredinthescenicqualityofitsbucolic builtenvironmentanditslandscapesandwaterscapes.Asvoicedbythecommunity,maintainingthequality oflifewithintheTownisparamount. Thischapterexpandsonthegoalsandobjectivesrelatedtocommunitycharacterthatareoutlinedina seriesofplanninginitiatives,studies,andreportsconductedoverthelast20years. Background SoutholdTownwaslargelysettledin1640whenNewHavenColonymagistratesboughttitletotheland fromtheCorchaugIndiansandthefirstsettlersorganizedachurch.WrittenrecordsoftheTownbeginin 1651.AstradewithNewEnglandandtheWestIndiesdeveloped,flaxandtobaccofarmingflourished, beginninganagriculturaltraditionthatcontinuestoday.Southoldwasalsoanimportantcommercialfishing townandthatindustryremainsanimportantpartoftheTown’sidentity.WhentheLongIslandRailRoad wascompletedtoGreenportin1844,theNorthForkbecamelessisolatedandsummervisitorsbeganto arrive.Later,Menhadenfisheries,oysterandscallopharvestingreplacedwhalinginthelocaleconomyand theoriginalsettlerssoldtheirfarmstoEuropeanimmigrants.DuringWorldWarsIandII,localshipyards experiencedboomtimesthatwerefollowedbyaneconomicdecline.AfterWorldWarII,theautomobilebrought toSoutholdmanysecond-homeownersandaburgeoningtouristindustry,bothofwhichledtoanincreasein residentialdevelopmentandbeganashiftinthetypesofagriculture.Vineyards,nurseries,andhorsefarmsbegan replacingtraditionalcropfarms. ThegoalsandobjectivescontainedinthischapterandintheComprehensivePlaningeneralreflect stakeholderdesirestoshapethefutureoftheirhomeinawaythatretainsthecommunitycharacterof SoutholdTownanditshamlets. GOALS&OBJECTIVES 1.SCENICRESOURCES TheTown’sscenicqualityisoneofthemostimportanteconomicandsocialassetsoftheTown. In1992,theNewYorkStateLegislaturerecognizedandidentifiedNewYorkStateRoute25andSuffolk CountyRoute48asScenicBywaysthroughtheNewYorkStateScenicBywaysProgram.Thetransportation corridorsarerepresentativeoftheregion'sscenic,recreational,cultural,natural,historic,andarchaeological significance. SoutholdTownresidentshaveconsistentlyidentifiedscenicresourcesasimportantinpaststudiesand plans;theseincludescenicviewshedsfrompubliclandsandwaters.Topreservetheseimportantareas,a comprehensivelistandmapoftheareaswillbedevelopedandconsideredforadoptionbytheTowntoaid CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 2 indecision-makingandsupportthedevelopmentofplanningtoolstofosteractionsthatbetterfitthe Town. Goal1.1 Identifyimportantscenicresources. Objectives: 1)Holdpublicmeetingstoidentifyandprioritizelandscapeandwaterscapescenicresourcesimportant tothecommunity throughouttheTown. 2)DevelopandadoptaTownScenicResourcesMaptoachievegreaterprotectionofviewshedsinthe applicationreviewprocessesincludingassessmenttotheNewYorkStateEnvironmentalQuality ReviewAct(SEQRA)andtheLocalWaterfrontRevitalizationProgram(LWRP)policystandardsand recommendations. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,SoutholdTownCommittees PossiblePartnerships:GeneralPublic,HistoricalSocieties,ChambersofCommerce,IslandCommunity Board(FishersIsland),FishersIslandFerryDistrict,SoutholdBusinessAlliance,NorthForkPromotion Council,LongIslandFarmBureau,LongIslandWineCouncil,NewYorkStateDepartmentof Transportation,andSuffolkCountyDepartmentofPublicWorks. Goal1.2 Manageimportantscenicresources. Objectives: 1)Avoidorminimizethevisualimpactsofstructuresoractivitiesthatintroducevisualinterruptionsto importantscenicresources. a)ReviewtheTownofSoutholdTownCode Chapter197,Peddlers,SolicitorsandTransientRetail Merchants toprohibitthesitingofincompatibleusesonscenicby-ways. b)ReviewtheTownofSoutholdTownCodetodeterminetheappropriatenessofstructuresand landscaping(fences,hedges)capableofhinderingscenicviews. c)Strengthenlitterlawstopreventillegaldumpinginopenspaceandscenicareas,includingon beaches. d)ConsiderimplementingtheguidelinesspecifiedintheSuffolkCountyFarmlandCommittee’s GreenhouseStructures:2008GuidelinesforParcelswithCounty-PurchasedDevelopmentRights (“PDR”). CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 3 e)WorkwiththeNewYorkDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationtodesignateincompatible useswithinaScenicBywayandimportantscenicviewshedsasTypeIactionsunderSEQRAto achievebetterassessmentofscenicimpacts. i)AmendSEQRATypeIactionlistthresholdtoincludeanyactionsorcombinationsofactions thatpropose: (1)Clearingofgreaterthanorequalto10acresorsetpercentageforresidentialuse. (2)Placementofgreaterthanorequalto20residentiallotsonasingleparcellocatedadjacent toaNewYorkStateScenicByway;oradjacenttoapublicshorelineorvisiblefrompublic surfacewaters. (3)Resultinthepermanentcoverageofgreaterthanorequalto1000squarefeetofpublic surfacewaters. f)StrengthenthemanagementofimportantscenicviewshedsfromStateRoute25,Route48and othertownroadways. i)FormaScenicResourceManagementworkinggrouptoupdate,expandandimplementthe ScenicSoutholdCorridorManagementPlan(2001)andotherapplicableplansforthepurposes ofdevelopingnew,expandedscenicresourcemanagementproceduresandpreservationgoals town-wide. ii)CorrelatetheTownScenicResourcesMaptomanagementandpreservationstrategiesfor scenicresourcesexperiencedfromtownroadwaysandpublicareas. iii)ReviewusesinzoningdistrictslocatedontheTown’sScenicByways,roadwaysandpublic waterstoevaluateappropriatenesstoTownScenicBywayGoalsandscenicmanagement strategiestoensurethattheareaviewsincludevistasoffarmfieldsandopenspace. iv)DevelopandimplementaScenicResourceOverlayDistrictwithsiteandstructuredesign parameters,includingsceniceasementapplications. v)Improvethecoordinatedframeworkforlawenforcementandapplicationprocessingrequiring multi-agencyparticipationorreviewtoensurecompliancewiththeTownScenicBywayGoals. vi)ForgerelationshipswiththeNewYorkStateDepartmentofTransportationandSuffolk CountyDepartmentofPublicWorkstodevelopandimplementaroadwaybeautificationor "adopt-a-road"program. (1)Adoptano-net-lossstreettreepolicyandencouragetheNewYorkStateDepartmentof TransportationandSuffolkCountyDepartmentofPublicWorkstoreplacetreesremoved. (2)EncouragetheSuffolkCountyDepartmentofPublicWorkstolandscapemediansof CountyRoute48withwildflowers. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 4 vii)WorkwiththeelectriccompanyandotherapplicableentitiestoimprovetheTown’sTree TrimmingNotificationprotocol. 2)Preserveexisting,indigenousvegetationthatcontributestothescenicqualityofthelandscapethrough theincorporationoftheseareasinsitedesignorperpetualconservationmeasures. 3)Ensurethatappropriatevisualscreening(inaccordancewithArticleXXIoftheSoutholdZoning Ordinance)existsbetweenbusiness,industrialandresidentialzonessuchthatlandmarksandfocal pointsareenhanced,andvisuallycorrosiveelementsarescreened. 4)Acknowledgethecontextoftheareainwhichscreeningmustoccur,andbesensitivetothecharacter ofthehamlet. 5)Establishplantingguidelinesandpreferredvegetationspecieslistswhichcanbeintegratedinto planters,roadsidepublicgardens,andhighwaymedians. 6)Allowforselectivepruningandclearingofvegetationtoenhanceandprovidepublicviewsincluding theclearingofthenuisancespeciescommonreed(Phragmitesaustralis)andJapaneseknotweed(Fallopia japonica Houtt). 7)Preventerosionofscenicqualitiesofimportantplaces,sites,andgatewaysbyenforcingtheexisting signcodeandstrengtheningtheTownCodelanguagetoprohibit,remove,orscreenobtrusive structures,objects(unauthorizedvehiclesales,excessandnon-conformingsignageandnon- conforminglighting)andactions. a)Amend Chapter240 SubdivisionofLand and Chapter280 Zoning torequiremulti-phasedconstruction projectsthatarevisibleincurrentandfuturepublicscenicviewshedstoprovidelong-term screening. b)Phase-outstructuresandlandscaping(fences,hedges)thatobstructviewshedsanddegradescenic qualitiesfrompublicvantagepoints. c)Enforceunauthorizedvehiclesaleslegislation. d)ControlprolificsignagethroughthedevelopmentofanewenforcementprotocolfortheTown’s signagecode. e)ConsideramendingsigncodeasrecommendedbytheRBAGroupNorthForkTrailScenicByway InventoryandAssessment (2008). f)Improvepubliccommunicationthroughthedevelopmentofa“DidYouKnow?”media campaigntoeducatebusinessownersaboutcommontypesofillegaldisplays,signs,lighting,and usesofpublicrightsofwaysespeciallyonMainStreets,StateRoute25andCountyRoute48. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,PlanningBoard,ArchitecturalReviewCommittee, ZoningBoardofAppeals,BuildingDepartment,DepartmentofLandPreservation,TreeCommittee, andBoardofTrustees CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 5 PossiblePartnerships:GeneralPublic,PSEG,NewYorkStateDepartmentofTransportation, SuffolkCountyDepartmentofPublicWorks,andScenicResourceManagementWorkingGroup(to beformed) Goal1.3 Preservelandcontainingimportantscenicresources. Objectives: 1)ContinuetopreserveimportantscenicvistaswithCommunityPreservationProjectPlanfundsto purchasefeetitle,developmentrights,and/orsceniceasementsonpropertieswithscenicvalues. 2)CorrelatetheTownofSoutholdScenicResourcesMapwiththeCommunityPreservationMapto identifyrelevantparcelsofferingscenicviews,includingparcelsofferingscenicwaterscapeviews. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,BuildingDepartment, DepartmentofLandPreservation,LandPreservationCommittee,SoutholdTreeCommittee,and BoardofTrustees Goal1.4 Enhancescenicqualitiesthroughdesignstandardsandinnovativesiteplanning andarchitectureinpublicandprivatedevelopmentprojects. Projectdesignisthemostcostlyandtime-consumingaspectofanapplication.TheTowniscontinually tryingtoimprovetheprocesstoreducethecosttoapplicants.Inthefuture,theTownwillprovidemore guidanceinprojectdesignandimprovedefficiency,userfriendliness,andcommunicationbetweenthe publicandtowndepartmentsintheearlierstagesoftheapplicationprocesses. Tobetterassistthepublicinmeetingscenicpreservationgoals,theTownwilldevelopandimplement architecturaldesignguidelinesforresidentialandcommercialuses.Thedesignguidelineswillprovidebasic informationandmakerecommendationsaboutwhatdesignelementscouldbeincludedaspartofaland useapplication;however,theguidelineswillnotattempttoaddressallthedesignissuesrelevanttoa proposedplan.Theintentofthedesignguidelineswillbetoachieveaclearunderstandingofcriticalsite anddesignissuesthatneedtobeaddressed.Thisapproachshouldresultinamoreefficientprocessthat inturnwillreducecosts. Objectives: 1)Developvoluntarystructuraldesignstandardsforresidentialarchitecturetoconserveandsupportthe designcharacteristicsandqualitiesofindividualneighborhoodsandhamletsthatmakethemattractive andunique. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 6 a)Useappropriatesiting,scales,forms,andmaterialstoensurethatstructuresandsitedesignare compatiblewithandaddinteresttoexistingsceniccomponents. b)PromotetheestablishmentofsustainablestructuresthroughLEED/EnergyStarstandardsin newdevelopmentandredevelopment. 2)Developmandatoryarchitecturaldesignstandardsforcommercialusestoconserveandsupportthe designcharacteristicsandqualitiesofindividualneighborhoodsandhamletsthatmakethemattractive andunique. a)Developamunicipalparkingplanforeachhamletcenter. b)Createaparkingbanktoallowthebuy-outofparkingonsiteplans.Moniesaretobeusedto maintainand/orexpandmunicipalparkinglots. 3)OfficiallyrecognizebusinessesthatstrivetomeetTownGoalswithlettersofrecognitionfrom SoutholdTownBoard/Supervisor. 4)Developstreetscapeplansforeachhamlettoemphasizehumanscale,improvepedestriansafetyand connectivity,andrespecthistoricprecedentsandtypologiesinthehamletcenters.Theplansshould includebutnotbelimitedtoaddressingsitedesign,architecturaldesign,pedestrianmovement, landscaping(streettreepreservation/replacement),parking,streetfurniture,lighting,signage, identificationandpositionoflandmarksandpublicdestinationsorcongregationpointswithinthe hamlets. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,ZoningBoardofAppeals, ArchitecturalReviewBoard,HistoricPreservationCommission,andSoutholdTownEconomic DevelopmentCommittee PossiblePartnerships:IslandCommunityBoard(FishersIsland)andChambersofCommerce Goal1.5 Protectscenicvistasoutsidethehamletcentersbyclusteringcompatible developmentsinexistingresidentialorcommercialareastopreventsprawl. Objectives: 1)Defineedgesofhamletcentersand“HALO”areasusingopenspacewithscenicviews.1 2)Clusterandconsolidatenewdevelopmentclosetohamletcenterstoencouragevitalityandaffordability. 1 HALOisanacronymforHamletLocusZones.HALOzonesareareasthatsurroundthehamletcentersinCutchogue,East Marion,Greenport,Mattituck,NewSuffolk,Orient,Peconic,andSoutholdhamlets.Theseareashavebeenidentifiedand formalizedbytheSoutholdTownBoardforthepurposesofallowingcertainusesintheseareas.Officialmapscanbefound ontheTownofSoutholdwebsite. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 7 ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,ZoningBoardofAppeals,and LandPreservationDepartment Goal1.6 Planfordevelopmentofhamletcenterswithafocusonvitality,functionand aestheticsandatacompatiblescalethatmaintainsthecharacterofthecommunity. Objectives: 1)Createand/orenhancecommunitygatheringareasinhamletcenters. 2)Improvelinkagesbetweencommunityneeds,designgoals,policiesandtheSoutholdTownCode requirements. 3)Identifyandrectifylanduseregulationsthatpreventthestrengtheningofthehamletcentersasvibrant commercialandresidentialcenters. a)EvaluateuseswithintheHamletBusiness(HB)andGeneralBusiness(B)zoningdistrictsfor appropriatenessofintensitywithineachhamletcenterandsurroundingareas. b)Re-evaluateuseandbulkschedulestoallowfordiverse,multipleusesinhamletcenters. c)AmendsetbackswithinthebulkschedulefortheHBandBzoningdistrictslocatedwithinthe hamletcenterstosupportamorediversifiedbuildoutwithinthehamletcenters. d)InvestigatethefeasibilityofapplyingFormBasedCodesorahybridcodetotheHamletCenters. Currentzoningruleshavestrictrequirementsforbuildingsetbacksthatmustbeappliedthesame waytoallparcelsregardlessofsizeorshape.Parcelsinthehamletcentersaretypicallysmallinsize andsomearealsonarrowinwidth,makingtheirdevelopmentchallengingwiththisone-size-fits-all approach.Newbusinessessuchasretailstoresthatcouldbringmuch-neededfoottraffictoahamlet centeraredrawnawayfromthehamletcentersinsearchofparcelsthatareeasiertodevelop. Changingthecodeinthehamletcenterstoallowformoreflexibilityinuseanddesigncouldretain andattractthrivingbusinessesthatgenerateandsupportfoottrafficinthehamletcenters,andin turnleadtoastrongerlocaleconomy.Relyingmoreondesignstandardsandlessontraditionalbulk schedulerequirementswillintroduceflexibilityinzoningbyusingscale,form,andfunctionto determinethesizeandlocationofnewcommercialbuildings. e)ReviewTownCodetoevaluatetheapplicationofthepivotalZoningBoardofAppealsDecision Number5383(otherwisereferredtoasthe“MalonDecision”)whichallowsmultipleusesina singlebuildingonasingleparcelintheBzoningdistrict.Thisencouragesbuildingsthatare oversizedandinconsistentwiththecommunitycharacter. f)Encourageinfillandadaptivere-usedevelopmentwithinhamletcentersthroughfinancial incentives. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 8 ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,ZoningBoardofAppeals, ArchitecturalReviewBoard,andTownCommittees PossiblePartnerships:IslandCommunityBoard(FishersIsland)andChambersofCommerce Goal1.7 Preservethecharacterandtranquilityofresidentialneighborhoods. Objectives: 1)EvaluateandamendTownCode §161-15.HighwayConstructionspecificationsandturn-around configurationstoaccomplishtraffic-calmingthroughnarrowroadwaysandupdateddesigns. 2)EvaluateandamendTownCodesectionsonnoise,light,traffic,andspecialeventstoidentify incompatibleactionsanduseslocatedwithinornearresidentialneighborhoods. 3)EvaluateandamendTownCodesectionsonlotcoverageandsetbacksofstructurestopreventstructures toolargeinscalefromoccurringinneighborhoods. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,ZoningBoardofAppeals, ArchitecturalReviewBoard,HistoricPreservationCommission,andSoutholdTownEconomic DevelopmentCommittee PossiblePartnerships:IslandCommunityBoard(FishersIsland)andChambersofCommerce 2.CULTURALRESOURCES SoutholdTownisalsodefinedbyitsvastwealthofhistoricalandculturalresources.TheComprehensive SurveyofHistoricResourcesintheTownofSoutholdandFishersIsland(SocietyforthePreservationof LongIslandAntiquities[SPLIA]),1988)identifiesapproximately1,500historicalstructuresofregional importance.Ofthese,eightindividualpropertiesandtwohistoricdistrictsarelistedontheStateandNational RegistersofHistoricPlaces.Inaddition,theSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommissionmaintainsitsown listingoflocallysignificanthistoriclandmarks(see Appendix3). ThroughouttheyearsmanyhistoricbuildingsthatoncepunctuatedtheTownhavebeendestroyed, demolished,renovated,ormodified,therebyerodingtheTown’sheritage.Topreventfurtherlossofthe Town’shistoricresources,anupdatetothe ComprehensiveSurveyofHistoricResourcesintheTownof SoutholdandFishersIsland isneeded.Potentialhistoricdistrictswithineachhamletwillbeidentifiedand theTownwillworktostrengthentheroleoftheSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommissionandrequest thedevelopmentofsitinganddesignstandardsandresourcemanagementstrategiesandplanstopreserve theseimportantresources. Goal2.1 Identify,document,andmapthehistoricresourcesoftheTown. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 9 Objective: Continuetoidentify,document,andmaphistoricresourcesintheTown: 1)WorkwiththeNewYorkStateOfficeofParks,Recreation&HistoricPreservation,hamlethistoric societies,theHenryL.FergusonMuseum(FishersIsland),andpropertyownerstoupdatethe SPLIAlisttoaideinthehistoricpreservationoftheTown’shistoricproperties. 2)Delineateanddesignatehistoricdistrictsand/orpointsofhistoricalsignificanceineachhamlet. 3)Inventory,protectandpreservesignificanthistoricresourcesincludingfamilycemeteryplots, colonial-erapostalmilemarkers,andhistorictrees. 4)ProduceanupdatedTownofSoutholdCulturalResourcesMap. ResponsibleParties:HistoricalSocieties,Museums,SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard andSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommission PossiblePartnerships:NewYorkStateOfficeofParks,Recreation&HistoricPreservation Goal2.2 ManageandpreservethehistoricandarchitecturalresourcesoftheTown. Objectives: 1)IncentivizeandencourageownersofpropertiesincludedontheSPLIAand/orhistorictreesto seekTownLandmarkStatus. 2)Seekfundingtorestoreandpreservethehistoricinformationalplaquestown-wide. 3)Createprogramtoidentifyculturalassetsforpotentialtownpurchase(e.g.,expandingvillagegreens throughpropertyacquisition). 4)CodifythehistoricarchitecturaldesignstandardsdevelopedbytheSoutholdHistoricPreservation CommissionforhistoricstructuresconstructedandreconstructedindesignatedHistoricDistricts. 5)Incentivizepreservationofhistoricstructuresbycreatingpilotprogramtorelaxzoningforhistoric structures. 6)CreateapilotprogramthatprovidestaxincentivestopropertyownerswhoachieveTown LandmarkStatus. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,ZoningBoardof AppealsandSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommission. PossiblePartnerships:NewYorkStateOfficeofParks,Recreation&HistoricPreservation. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 10 Goal2.3 Provideforcompatibleuse,reuseandintegrationofhistoricresourcesinfuture planningwhilelimitingandminimizinginappropriatealterationstotheresource. Objective: Avoidlossorimpairmentofhistoricresources(structures,sitesorcomponents).Expandthe responsibilitiesoftheSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommissiontoincludethereviewofallhistoric structuresorotherpropertiesrequestingmajorstructuralorchangestoahistoricresource;including authorityto: 1.Preservehistoricstructuresorcomponentsinplacetothegreatestextentpracticable. •Allowrelocationofthehistoricstructuresonlywhentheresourcecannotbe preservedinplace. •Allowdemolitionofastructureorfeatureonlywherealternativessuchas rehabilitationorrelocationarenotfeasible. •Withinidentifiedhistoricdistricts,demolishedhistoricalstructuresshouldbe replacedwithstructuresofsimilarcharacter,mass,proportion,andscale. 2.RequestthattheSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommissiondevelopBestManagement Practicestoavoidadverseimpactsofnewdevelopmentonnearbyhistoricresources. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,HistoricPreservationCommission,Architectural ReviewBoardandSoutholdTownEconomicDevelopmentCommittee. PossiblePartnerships:TownHistorian,NewYorkStateOfficeofParks,Recreation&Historic Preservation Goal2.4 ProtectandenhanceresourcesthataresignificanttothecultureofSoutholdTown. Objectives: 1)Supportmuseums,historicalsocieties,andotherinstitutionspreservingandpromotingtheTown’s culture. 2)Protectthecharacterofhistoricagriculturalandmaritimeareasbymaintainingappropriatescales ofdevelopment,intensityofuse,andarchitecturalstyle. 3)Preserveandencouragetraditionalusesdefiningtheagriculturalandmaritimecharacterofthearea. 4)EncouragelandownerstoparticipateintheNewYorkStateOfficeofParks,Recreation&Historic PreservationBarnRestorationprogramsandtaxincentives. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 11 5)Provideinterpretivematerialsinappropriatesettingstoaugmentthepublic'sunderstandingand appreciationoftheTown’sagriculturalandmaritimeheritage. 6)Preserveandenhancehistoriclighthouses:HortonPointLighthouse,theCoffeepotLighthouseat OrientPoint,thePlumIslandLighthouse,theLittleGullIslandLightStation,BugLightatLong BeachBar,andtheNorthDumplingLighthouseandRaceRockLighthouseandothernavigational ornauticalstructures. 7)Protectunderwaterhistoric,archaeological,andculturalresourcesthroughthedevelopmentofa MarineResourcesManagementPlan. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,LandPreservation CommitteeandSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommission PossiblePartnerships:HistoricalSocieties,Museums,SoutholdTownHistorian,andNewYork StateOfficeofParks,Recreation&HistoricPreservation. Goal2.5 Protectandpreservearchaeologicalresources. Objectives: 1)ExpandthechargeoftheSoutholdHistoricPreservationCommissiontoincludethe managementofarchaeologicallysensitiveareas. 2)WorkwithBuildingDepartmentandHenryL.FergusonMuseumtoimprovetheprocessof protectingarcheologicalresourcesonFishersIsland. 3)Preserveandprotectarchaeologicallysensitiveareasthroughperpetualrestrictionsthatensure theirlong-termpreservation. 4)Strengthenregulationsregardingdisturbancetosignificantarchaeologicalresourcesthrough projectredesignand/orartifactrecoverypriortoconstruction. 5)Avoiddisturbanceofanyobjectofarchaeologicalorpaleontologicalinterestsituatedonor underlandsownedbyNewYorkStateorSoutholdTown. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoardandSoutholdHistoric PreservationCommission,HenryL.FergusonMuseum PossiblePartnerships:HistoricalSocieties,Museums,SoutholdTownHistorian,andNewYork StateOfficeofParks,Recreation&HistoricPreservation Goal2.6 CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 12 Promoteheritagetourismtoeducateresidentsandvisitorsaboutthe historical/culturalsignificanceoftheTown. Objectives: 1)ElevatetheTown’shistorical/culturalsignificancethroughschoolcurricula,heritagefestivals, parades,andspecialevents. 2)Developapublicsignageprogramandcorrespondingmapthatidentifiesandexplainsthe historic/culturalresourcesoftheTown. a.WorktohighlightculturalintereststhroughouttheTown. 3)Fosterpartnershipswithlocalgroupsandmuseumstoaidinthestewardshipofhistoricsites ontown-ownedproperties. 4)Considerenteringintoapartnershipwithaprivateentitytoestablishamuseumhighlighting theTown’sdiverseculture(artandhistory)withinthePeconicSchoolbuildingandgrounds andNewSuffolkWaterfront. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdTownHistorianandSoutholdHistoric PreservationCommission. PossiblePartnerships:ChambersofCommerce,HistoricalSocieties,Museums,Schools,EastEnd ArtsCouncil,OldTownArtandCraftsGuild,NorthForkPromotionCouncil,CivicGroups,Long IslandConvention&VisitorsBureauandSportsCommission,SuffolkCountyOfficeofFilmand CulturalAffairsandNewYorkStateOfficeofParks,Recreation&HistoricPreservation Goal2.7 Promoteandconcentratepublicart,crafts,andentertainmentculturalattractions inhamletcenters. Objectives: 1)Encouragedeveloperstointegrateartintothedesignprocessforbuildingsandpublicspaces. a)Considersettingarecommendedminimumpercentcoverofsurfaceareathatwouldbe dedicatedtopublicart(applicabletocertainareas). 2)Encouragepublicagenciestointegrateartinthedesignofallpubliclyvisibleinfrastructure, includingretainingwallsandpublicspaces(e.g.,incorporatesculptureinpublicareas). 3)WorkwiththeChambersofCommerce,businessandmerchantgroups,TheEastEndArtCouncil, Libraries,SchoolsandMuseumstodevelopartshowsandculturalprojectscenteredaroundthe hamletcenters. a)EncouragehousingopportunitiesforArtistsinResidence. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 13 4)ElevatetheimportanceoftheTown’siconicartandentertainmenthistorythroughthe developmentofannualcelebratoryevents. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdTownEconomicDevelopmentCommittee, SoutholdTownHousingAdvisoryCommission PossiblePartnerships:EastEndArtsCouncil,NorthForkArtGuild,NorthForkCommunityTheatre, NorthForkPromotionCouncil,LongIslandConvention&VisitorsBureauandSportsCommissionand SuffolkCountyOfficeofFilmandCulturalAffairs,IslandCommunityBoard(FishersIsland), LighthouseWorks(FishersIsland) 3.NATURALHERITAGE Forthepurposesofthischapter,NaturalHeritageconsistsoflandscapesandwaterscapesofoutstanding universalvalueintermsofecology,conservation,ornaturalbeauty.Thenaturalheritagecharacterofthe Townincludesnotonlythetypicalnaturalresourcesofflora,fauna,andagriculturalsoils,butalsotheidea oftheworkinglandscape.In1998,theTownrecognizedtheimportanceoftheworkinglandscapesand adoptedtheCommunityPreservationProjectPlantopreservenotonlytheland,butalsothepeoplewho interactwithitfortheirlivelihood.In2004,SoutholdTown’sLWRPwasadopted,elevatingtheimportance ofprotectingtheworkingmaritimecultureandtheareashistoricallyandpresentlycommittedtothem. GoalslistedbelowarecoveredinmoredetailinChapter6,NaturalResources&Environment.” Goal3.1 ElevateandpreservetheTown’snaturalheritagethroughthepreservationofthe workinglandscapesandwaterscapesandthepeoplewhointeractwiththem. Objectives: 1)ProtectagriculturallandsinSoutholdTown. 2)ProvideforandsupportthecommercialandrecreationaluseofSoutholdTown'smarine ecosystems. 3)AudittheSoutholdTownCodetoensureconsistencywithadoptedplansandprograms. 4)Amendcurrentregulationstofurthersupportagricultureandmaritimeuses. 5)IdentifyandpreservethefloraandfaunaoftheTown. a.Workwithregionalagenciesandinstitutionstopreservetheuniquenaturalqualitiesof theislandswithinthetownlimitsincludingFishersIsland,PlumIslandandLittleGull andGreatGullIslands. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 14 Goal3.2 ProtectandrestoreecologicalqualitythroughoutSoutholdTown. Objectives: 1)Protectvulnerablefish,wildlife,andplantspecies,andrareecologicalcommunities. 2)PromotesustainableuseoflivingmarineresourcesinLongIslandSound,thePeconicEstuary andtownwaters. 3)AvoidadversechangestotheLongIslandSoundandthePeconicBayecosystemsthatwould resultfromimpairmentofecologicalquality. Goal3.3 ProtecttheTown’sbeaches. AdditionalinformationabouttownbeachescanbefoundinChapter13,“Parks&Recreation.” Goal3.4 ProtectandimprovesoilsinSoutholdTown RelatedgoalswithadditionaldetailscanbefoundinChapter6,“NaturalResources&Environment.” Goal3.5 ProtecttheTown’saquifers. RelatedgoalswithadditionaldetailscanbefoundinChapter6,“NaturalResources&Environment.” Goal3.6 ProtectandimproveairqualityinSoutholdTown. RelatedgoalswithadditionaldetailscanbefoundinChapter6,“NaturalResources&Environment.” ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,SoutholdZoningBoardof Appeals,TownCommittees,SoutholdTownEconomicDevelopmentCommittee,SoutholdBoardof Trustees,SoutholdLandPreservationDepartmentandCommittee PossiblePartnerships:IslandCommunityBoard(FishersIsland),PeconicEstuaryProgram,The NatureConservancy,LongIslandSoundFutureFund,GroupfortheEastEnd,NorthFork EnvironmentalCouncil,Audubon CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 15 4.HAMLETGOALSANDOBJECTIVES From2005to2010theTowndevelopedandimplementedTheTownofSoutholdHamletStudy(2005), acommunity-basedplanningeffortwhereninecommunitygroupsknownastheHamletStakeholders wereformedrepresentingeachhamlet.TheHamletStakeholders,throughpublicmeetings,generateda listofshort-termandlong-termrecommendationsthatwerepresentedtoTownBoardandPlanning Boardforprioritizationandimplementation.In2008,theTownBoardalsoformedtheHamletStudy ImplementationPanel(HIP)consistingoftownstaffandtowncommitteechairstoimplement stakeholderrecommendations.TheHIPmetfrequentlythroughout2008andbeginningof2009and manyshort-termrecommendationswereimplementedandcompleted.Thesectionbelowincludesthe long-termHamletStakeholderrecommendationsrelatingtocommunitycharacterthattheHIP recommendedbeintegratedwithintheComprehensivePlanUpdate. Cutchogue 1)Improvehamletcenterstreetscapethroughthedevelopmentandimplementationofatraffic-calming planfocusedonpedestrianflowandsafetyforStateRoute25. 2)Designandimplementtraffic-calmingmeasuresintheKingKullenShoppingCenterarea(improve signage). 3)WorkwiththeNewYorkStateDepartmentofTransportationtodevelopastreetscapeplan includingtheinstallationofstreetfurnitureandthedevelopmentofastreettreeplantingand maintenanceprogram. 4)Expandthevillagegreen(SCTM#109.-5-6.1)propertytothewestwiththeassemblageofhistoric properties. 5)Encouragethecontinuedoperationofthepostoffice. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,TownofSouthold TransportationCommission,TownofSoutholdTreeCommitteeandOfficeoftheTownEngineer EastMarion 1)DevelopstreetscapeplanforStateRoute25fromRockyPointRoadtotheeasternHALOboundary. 2)PreservetheEastMarionMemorialPostOffice. 3)Developawell-designedgatewayincorporatingtraffic-calmingmeasures. 4)RetainthesatellitelimitedcommercialareaatthecornerofRockyPointRoadandStateRoute25. CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 16 ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,TownofSouthold TransportationCommission,TownCommitteesandOfficeoftheTownEngineer FishersIsland 1)Revitalizeandstrengthentheexistinghamletbusinesscenter/villagegreen. 2)EvaluatetheGeneralBusinesszoned"gateway"areawestandsouthoftheFerryDockonSilverEel Cove. 3)EvaluateHBzoned"triangle"formedbyEquestrian,Oriental,andCrescentStreets. 4)ContinuetosupporttheroleoftheHenryL.FergusonMuseumandtheMuseum'sLandTrustinthe preservationofsocial,archeological,historical,andculturalattributesoftheIsland. a)SeekfundstodoanupdatedversionoftheSocietyforthePreservationofLongIsland Antiquities’(SPLlA)surveyofhistoricstructures. From1986to1988,theSocietyforthePreservationofLongIslandAntiquities(SPLlA) conductedaninventoryofhistoricpropertieswithintheTownofSouthold.Theinventory (ComprehensiveSurveyofHistoricResourcesintheTownofSoutholdandFishersIsland) found81structuresofhistoricsignificanceonFishersIsland. b)Updateandrecommendpropertiesforlocal,state,andnationallandmarkstatus. Correspondingly,theTownhasaregisterforlocalLandmarkStructuresandSites.Thisisa voluntaryprogramwherebypropertyownerssubmitrequestsforlocalregistration.Noproperties onFishersIslandareonthisregister,noristhereanyrecordofapplicationsforlandmarkstatus. NewYorkStateandthefederalgovernmenteachmaintainRegistersofHistoricPlaces.These registerscontainbuildings,structures,districts,objectsandsitessignificanttothehistory, architecture,archeologyandcultureofthestateorthenation.AlthoughFishersIslandisnot listedoneithertheStateortheNationalregisters,FortH.G.Wrightiseligibleforsuch designation(Source:TownofSouthold,LWRPSectionII.F,p.3). 5)WorkwiththeFishersIslandFerryDistricttorevitalizetheFortWrightandSilverEelCove waterfrontgatewayusinggreeninfrastructuretechnologies. 6)DevelopaParadeGroundPreservationPlan. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,SoutholdlandPreservation Committee,IslandCommunityBoard(FishersIsland),FishersIslandConservancyBoardofDirectors, HenryL.FergusonMuseumBoardofDirectors,SoutholdTownEconomicDevelopmentCommittee, andTownCommittees CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 17 Greenport 1)Developawell-designedgatewayonStateRoute25westofthevillage. 2)Preservethenaturallandscapeandcreate75-to100-footbuffersalongthehamlet'smainroads. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,TownCommittees,andOffice oftheTownEngineer Mattituck/Laurel 1)RevitalizeMattituckInletintoarecreationalandcommercialmaritimehub. a.ReconnectthewaterfrontwithLoveLanebusinessdistrict. b.UpdateandimplementtheHarborManagementPlan. 2)Targetarea(locatedsouthofStateRoute25andeastofNewSuffolkAvenue)tocreatevillage green/parkforcommunityevents. 3)Targetthenorthernportionofparcelsbehindtheretail/serviceshopssouthofStateRoute25 forparking. 4)SupporttheclosureofLoveLaneforeventsandfairs. 5)Encouragethecontinuedoperationofthepostoffice. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,BoardofTrustees,Zoning BoardofAppeals,TownCommitteesandChambersofCommerce. NewSuffolk 1)Encouragethecontinuedoperationofthepostoffice. 2)RevitalizeNewSuffolkHamlet’swaterfrontincorporatinggreeninfrastructuretechnologies. 3)Recognizeandpreservetheuniquemaritimeheritageofthearea,highlightingthehistoryofsubmarine manufacturing. 4)DevelopstreetscapeplanforFirstStreet. 5)Designatetheentirehamletasahistoricdistrict. 6)Developdesignguidelinesforcommercialandresidentialstructures. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,ZoningBoardofAppeals, SoutholdTownHistorian,SoutholdHistoricPreservationCommissionandTownCommittees CommunityCharacter SoutholdTownComprehensivePlanUpdate 18 Orient 1)PreservethegatewaypropertyeastofLatham'sFarmStand(scenicvistaisimportant). 2)Retainthepostofficeinthehamletcenter. 3)Re-evaluatetheBzoningdistrictsouthandwestofVillageLane. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoardandSoutholdPlanningBoard Peconic 1)Developstreetscapeplanforhamletcenter. 2)Encouragethecontinuedoperationofthepostoffice. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,TownofSouthold TransportationCommissionandTownCommittees. Southold 1)DevelopstreetscapeplansforStateRoute25fromAkerlyPondRoadtoBeixedonRoadAvenueand CountyRoute48fromHortonLanetoBoisseauAvenue. 2)DiverttrucktraffictoCountyRoute48. 3)IncreaseintensityofuseofSilversmith’sCornerforpicnics,games,summerevents,andactivities. 4)Encouragethecontinuedoperationofthepostoffice. ResponsibleParties:SoutholdTownBoard,SoutholdPlanningBoard,TownofSouthold TransportationCommission,TownofSoutholdTreeCommittee,OfficeoftheTownEngineer,and ChambersofCommerce