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02/20/2020 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Vol. 1
i JI A i gufFD( SOUTHOLD TOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Volume 1 of 2 • February 2020 _ d 1 rr SOUTHOLD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 I Introduction History and Description of the Plan This Comprehensive Plan is the official public docu- Since completion of Southold's first comprehen- ment to be used to guide the development of our sive plan in the late 1970s,there have been many community.In New York State,the comprehensive additional plans and studies,and the Town Board plan provides the basis for the zoning and other land has implemented many of their recommendations. use regulations found in the Town Code.Southold Some of the more comprehensive planning efforts Town's Comprehensive Plan has recently undergone include the Southold Town Stewardship Task Force an update,culminating with the publishing of this Final Report in 1994,the Blue Ribbon Commission plan in 2019.The newly revised Comprehensive Plan for a Rural Southold of 2002,the Comprehensive is designed to shape future updates to the Town Code Implementation Strategy of 2003,the Local and policy decisions regarding the appropriate use of Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) completed the Town's resources. in 2004,and the work undertaken to produce the 2007-08 Hamlet Stakeholder Initiatives.These plans Essential to this Comprehensive Plan is its Vision were all worthwhile efforts and provided an impor- Statement,which represents the desires and aspirations tant focus for certain issues,but none was broad of the Town's residents and forms the framework that enough in scope to be considered a comprehensive guides the entire process. It is the collective product of plan on its own. Town stakeholders and underpins the Comprehensive Plan.The vision recognizes the Town's cherished The vision and goals of these past plans,studies,and assets—including its pastoral landscapes,expansive reports are carried forward into this Comprehensive natural resources,and small-town quality of life—and Plan,which was written in collaboration with the mandates a future that preserves them.The entire text residents and other stakeholders through an unprec- of the Town's Vision Statement can be found in Chapter edented number of public input meetings.Major 1,"Vision Statement&Introduction." goals identified include retaining the rural character that residents and visitors value and ensuring that Adoption of the Plan by the Town Board farming continues as a major aspect of the Town.The The Southold Town Board proposes to adopt the plan addresses issues currently facing the Town,e.g., Southold Town Comprehensive Plan to use as a guide development pressure;traffic congestion;limited for the future management of the Town's expected housing options;and the need to preserve resources of growth and for encouraging economic activity suitable natural and historic significance. to the Town's character. ii Executive Summary Southold Town Comprehensive Plan The plan includes the following chapters: are Fishers Island,Plum Island,and Robins Island. Each • 1 Vision Statement&Introduction hamlet boasts its own distinctive character;however, overall they are more similar than different and share • 2 Demographics common elements. • 3 Land Use&Zoning 4Transportation&Infrastructure 2 Demographics • 5 Community Character This chapter provides the metrics and sources that • 6 Natural Resources&Environment underpin the predictions and recommendations of the goals and objectives throughout this plan. • 7 Economic Development • 8 Housing 3 I Land Use & Zoning • 9 Agriculture This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the chapters • 10 Land Preservation and details the primary concerns of the Town's residents,including the desire to preserve as much • 11 Human Services farmland and open space as possible and the wish • 12 Natural Hazards to retain its small-town feel,which can in large • 13 Parks&Recreation part be determined and maintained through land This Comprehensive Plan consolidates the Town's goals use patterns and zoning.The chapter provides an into one place,making them easier to find.This docu- overview of current land use and zoning and presents ment provides detailed objectives for accomplishing broad goals for future land use and zoning to achieve the goals and assigns responsibility for the objectives the vision in this plan. In addition,a discussion of how to ensure they can be implemented. future development would be possible under the current regulations,also called a "buildout analysis,"is Implementation and Updating presented,and the development trends affecting the of the Plan Town are discussed. The Town Board will prioritize the goals and pursue The first three Town-wide goals(1 through 3) relate to implementation of this plan. the updating of the Town Code and the Town Zoning and enforcing of the Town Code.They are intended As a living document,this Comprehensive Plan will be to encourage a major revision to the Town Code to updated as needed by changing or revising individual improve its clarity,and ensure that zoning is appro- chapters or individual goals.Continuous updating priately located,consistent with other goals of the of smaller portions at any one time will ensure the plan,and will protect quality of life for residents and document stays relevant over time,and make it visitors.Goals 4 through 13 are broad;each concept unnecessary to attempt an update of the entire plan receives one chapter devoted to it in this plan.These all at once. 10 goals are: Southold Town: Defining Features • Improve traffic congestion and safety and ensure Southold Town is geographically distinctive,a long infrastructure supports the residents and businesses and narrow peninsula located in southeastern New of the Town. York State,in the area known as the North Fork of Long Protect the character of the Town. Island.Its mainland averages three miles in width in the o Protect and enhance the natural resources and western portion of the Town,and narrows consider- environment of the Town. ably on the eastern end.The entire Town,including its • Economic prosperity. islands,is 54 square miles in size,with 163 linear miles of coastline.The Town is composed of 10 hamlets— • Enable the creation of attainable homes. Cutchogue,East Marion,Fishers Island,Greenport West, • Retain and advance the business of agriculture. Laurel,Mattituck,New Suffolk,Orient,Peconic,and • Continue to preserve farmland and open space. Southold—and numerous islands,the largest of which • Continue to provide quality human services. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary iii • Prepare the Town for natural hazards. The infrastructure portion of the chapter provides • Continue to provide quality parks and recreation utility infrastructure assessments for communica- opportunities in the Town. tions,stormwater,sanitary sewer,water,electricity, and natural gas.The goals for infrastructure address Finally,each hamlet receives an individual summary of improving existing conditions,and how best to tackle its land use and zoning and a treatment of its particular future conditions in light of predicted growth. goals and objectives.Included in the hamlet-specific discussions are the long-term goals identified in the 5 I Community Character 2007-08 Hamlet Stakeholder Initiatives,as well as current issues identified by the public over the course The goals and objectives contained in this chapter of the many meetings that have been held for this plan. reflect stakeholder desires to shape the future of their The separate review of each hamlet shows that there home in a way that retains the community character of are similarities to be found among all the hamlets,but Southold Town and its hamlets.The three Town-wide that each has its own individual character.The unique goal areas are scenic resources,cultural resources,and nature of each hamlet must be considered in future natural heritage. zoning and land use decisions. • For scenic resources,the goal is to preserve and maintain them through the enhancement of design 4 I Transportation & Infrastructure standards and innovative site planning,preventing This chapter provides an inventory and assessment development sprawl and strengthening hamlet of existing transportation systems and infrastructure, centers and residential neighborhoods. and an assessment of the future transportation needs For cultural resources,including historic, and opportunities.The first topics discussed are architectural,and archaeological resources,goals planned/expected changes such as currently proposed include such objectives as identifying,documenting, transportation improvement projects and previously and mapping the Town's historic resources; recommended traffic calming improvements,and managing and preserving these resources; the continuation of current trends like tourist-season- finding compatible use/reuse/integration of such related traffic congestion,annual traffic growth,truck resources in future planning efforts;and promoting traffic growth due to increased delivery demand, heritage tourism and public art,crafts,and cultural and the proliferation of ride-sharing travel using entertainment in the hamlet centers. smartphone apps.Next,the additional traffic growth • For natural heritage,the goal is a focus on elevating that could materialize should the buildout of available and preserving the Town's natural heritage and parcels within the Town be developed under existing the people who interact with it;protections for zoning is addressed. ecological quality,Town beaches and soils,aquifers, The main transportation goals are as follows: and air quality. Reduce the traffic congestion experienced during Each hamlet is represented with long-term Hamlet the peak tourist season. Stakeholder recommendations as they relate to community character and which stem from the Reduce future traffic congestion expected due to future development. work of the Hamlet Stakeholders'Hamlet Study Implementation Panel. Increase pedestrian,cyclist,and traffic safety. • Expand bicycle network for enjoyment, health 61 Natural Resources & Environment benefits, reducing congestion,and increasing Southold Town's ecological areas are among its most road safety. valuable assets.The Town's waters and lands are • Monitor management of aviation traffic and protected by numerous planning documents,multi- airport expansion. agency regulations,and designations that recognize • Improve curbside management practices. the quality of the areas and provide management 23 strategies.In the future,management strategies will Manage the effects of ferry ridership on traffic. focus on protection,adaptation,and sustainability. iv Executive Summary Southold Town Comprehensive Plan The"Water Resources"and"Land Resources"sections Preserve and encourage industries that support each has its own set of goals and objectives gathered existing and future agriculture and aquaculture uses. from a series of planning initiatives,plans,studies, Preserve,encourage,and continue to support reports,and public input sessions conducted over the existing and future maritime uses—including last 20 years. fishing-related industries,marine trades,marine • The main goals for water resources focus on the biology,marinas,recreational boating support uses, conservation and protection of water,which and related uses—as an important business sector includes water quantity and groundwater and within the Town's economy. surface water quality,watershed management,and These goals are all accompanied by objectives that freshwater and marine habitats. seek customized approaches to the most viable ways * The main goals for land resources involve the to achieve the goals.Objectives draw on the area's past protection of soils,geologic features,upland history and traditions,desires for future direction,and habitats and trees,and fish and wildlife resources; specific and distinctive needs for the various hamlets, monitoring and control of nuisance and invasive and take into account groups and associations that may species;adaptation to climate change and sea already be working toward the goals or that could help level rise;conservation of energy;protection and attain the goals. improvement of air quality;and continuing to manage solid and hazardous waste. 8 Housing An integral element of the management approach The lack of affordable housing options is at crisis must include the implementation of an educational proportions in Southold Town,and the goals of the campaign to increase awareness. Housing chapter reflect this concern.Safe and afford- able housing is vital to a community's stability and 71 Economic Development growth.Increasing the amount of affordable housing This chapter addresses economic development that to help sustain its year-round residents is a goal of the is appropriate for Southold.The following goals Town;in 2010,fewer than 10 percent of the housing and objectives for the Town are based on extensive units were year-round rentals.In addition to the scarcity community input and consideration of its history, of market-rate rental housing,subsidized rental housing previous economic data collection efforts and devel- units administered by the North Fork Housing Alliance opment initiatives,changing demographics and the have remained stagnant through the years,despite the socio-economic status of residents,an inventory of rising number of residents needing rent subsidies to its businesses,and other factors that affect afford to remain in their communities.Finally,safe and its economy. affordable housing is also needed for the vulnerable citizens in our population.Seniors,people with special The five principal goals put forward are as follows: needs,people in recovery from substance abuse,and • Encourage new and facilitate the growth of the homeless may need subsidized housing options. existing business sectors—including agriculture, The principal goals for housing are as follows: aquaculture,health care,renewable energy, • Create affordable housing. tourism,light industrial,retail/service-based,and the maritime-related industry—that pursue stable • Promote awareness about housing issues. and sustainable employment. • Retain residents in existing housing. * Promote economic development that ensures • Protect quality of life. an adequate tax base without compromising the • Develop best practices in housing. unique character of the Town. * Preserve and improve the vitality of each of the 9 I Agriculture Town's hamlet centers and HALO zones(aka the Agriculture plays an integral part in the economy,land Hamlet Locus Zone,an area surrounding and use,and character of Southold Town.Approximately including the hamlet centers)as walkable local 30 percent of its 33,350 acres are in farmland,with business districts. agriculture and related businesses represented in the Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Executive Summary v top five economic engines of the Town's economy.The 111 Human Services goals of the Agriculture chapter are therefore intended to keep farming and farmland as well represented and Southold Town has provided human services for robust in the future as they are currently.To this end, over four decades to foster community responsi- the goals seek to: bility and social equity.The goals of the Human Resources chapter therefore take into account the • Retain and advance the industry of agriculture. demographic trends of Southold Town and the • Protect prime agricultural soils from depletion, needs of its most vulnerable residents. In recent removal,and excessive erosion. years, the Town has seen an increase in senior • Promote best management practices for the use citizens and the Hispanic population,accompanied of agricultural pesticides and herbicides to protect by a downward trend in household income for groundwater and surface water resources. year-round residents and funding from govern- • Promote improved agricultural yields through mental sources. nuisance wildlife management. The goals as related to human services reflect these • Promote best management practices to prevent varied needs: the movement of crop disease and pests from one • Continuing to provide and enhance services for location to another. seniors and youth. • Protect public safety by ensuring there is adequate • Improving employment opportunities for parking and traffic control on private property at Town residents. retail agricultural operations. • Providing expanded and diverse recreational, 10 I Land Preservation educational,and leisure experiences and programs. Southold Town's residents have historically been in • Improving the Town's transportation options. favor of land preservation to maintain the Town's • Supporting underserved populations,minorities, farmland and open spaces. In addition to outright and households living in poverty. purchases of land and farmland development Coordinating human service delivery and rights,the Town is exploring additional methods of establishing educational programs about preserving land.These include subdivision regula- services available. tions that require clustering to create open space, • Identifying and assisting residents with behavioral as well as incentive-based,voluntary programs to health needs. reduce density. Nearly 27 percent of the total land area of Southold 12 I Natural Hazards Town is protected from development,and a nearly Southold Town is subject to natural hazards that can equal amount—also approximately 27 percent—of imperil human lives, property,and the environment. its total land area is available for development,with Within the last century,the Town has witnessed more than half of the land available for development significant weather-related occurrences including currently categorized as farmland. numerous hurricanes,tropical storms,severe thun- Following are the principal goals relating to land derstorms,and nor'easters.The hazards from these preservation in Southold Town: storms include flooding,wind damage,shoreline erosion,and tornados. Other natural hazards that Protect farmland,with an overall goal of retaining at occur,and are predicted to re-occur,are drought and least 8,000 acres in agriculture. extreme temperatures. Continue to preserve open space lands,especially Planning and preparing for natural hazards can and those with high-quality natural resources. will help save lives and property.To this end,the Continue to preserve lands for active recreation. Town proposes the following main goals related to o Ensure proper land stewardship of land preserved natural hazards: with the Town's funds. vi Executive Summary Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Mitigate the effects of natural hazards to achieve for recreational,educational,and leisure opportunities coastal resiliency. for Southold's residents and visitors.The principal goals Protect public safety and reduce economic loss. related to parks and recreation are as follows: Complete a Post Disaster Recovery and o Provide diverse programming to meet the varying Reconstruction Plan. needs of the community. • Provide education to the public relating to E= Enhance the utilization of existing parks,open natural hazards. spaces,and recreational areas through maintenance, stewardship,and facility improvement. 13 I Parks & Recreation • Obtain additional land for recreational purposes. This chapter provides an inventory of existing parks • Ensure access to recreational areas. and recreation in the Town and addresses future needs • Promote health and wellness community-wide. If i i OFFAL* os • aE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Southold Town Board Scott A.Russell,Town Supervisor Jill Doherty,Deputy Supervisor,Board Member Board Members James Dinizio,Jr. Louisa Evans Robert Ghosio Sarah Nappa Former Town Board Member&Deputy Supervisor William P.Ruland Southold Town Planning Board Donald J.Wilcenski,Chairman James H.Rich III,Vice Chairman Planning Board Members Martin H.Sidor Pierce Rafferty Mary Eisenstein Former Planning Board Members William J.Cremers Kenneth L.Edwards Southold Town Planning Department Heather Lanza,AICP,Town Planning Director Mark B.Terry,AICP,Assistant Town Planning Director Staff Brian Cummings,Planner Jessica Michaelis,Clerk Erica Bufkins,Planner Allison Palmeri,Clerk Other Town Departments Denis Noncarrow,Government Liaison Karen McLaughlin,Town Director of Human Services John Sepenoski,GIS Technician III William M.Duffy,Town Attorney John J.Burke,Assistant Town Attorney Phillip Beltz,Former Special Projects Coordinator Consultants AKRF,Inc:Transportation&Infrastructure Chapter,Editing,Graphic Design NPV:Economic Development Chapter,Initial Demographics This document was prepared,in part,for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund. TABLE OF C r.. February 2020 VOLUME 1: CHAPTERS 1 Vision&Introduction 2 Demographics 3 Land Use&Zoning +, 4 Transportation&Infrastructure 5 Community Character 6 Natural Resources&Environment 7 Economic Development 8 Housing 9 Agriculture 10 Land Preservation 11 Human Services 12 Natural Hazards 13 Parks&Recreation VOLUME 2: APPENDICES 1 Demographics s 2 Transportation&Infrastructure r 3 Community Character 4 Natural Resources&Environment 5 Economic Development 6 Agriculture 7 Land Preservation 8 Human Services 9 Natural Hazards .l 10 Parks&Recreation CHAPTER 1 VISION STATEMENT The Town of Southold is a community of extraordinary history and beauty. Residents and visitors benefit from its diverse hamlets surrounded by pastoral landscapes and expansive natural resources. Our citizens cherish Southold's small-town quality of life and wish to preserve what we currently value while planning for a productive and viable future. Future planning shall be compatible with existing community character while supporting and addressing the challenges of continued land preservation,main- taining a vibrant local economy, creating efficient transportation, promoting a diverse housing stock, expanding recreational opportunities and protecting natural resources. h HOW THIS DOCUMENT provides an overview of land use and IS ORGANIZED zoning in Southold Town,and presents broad goals for future land use and The plan is divided into chapters that zoning to achieve the vision in this plan. handle the various topics that influence Subsequent chapters narrow the focus policy decisions about land use and to specific land use topics,including zoning within Southold Town.Chapter 2, transportation and infrastructure, "Demographics,"introduces the Town's community character,water and land inhabitants and provides perspectives resources,economic development, and statistics about their characteristics housing,agriculture,land preservation, including profession,age,housing,and human services,natural hazards,and income.Chapter 3,"Land Use&Zoning," parks and recreation. f hit 14" t 1 I � � 91r�•iill$ �, ilk' 11.1 � _R ��11114 4'. + r 4 s - 1 INTRODUCTION comprehensive plan is the official public document and the Town has continued to make farmland and open used to guide the development of a community. space preservation a priority. In New York State,the comprehensive plan provides the Some of the more comprehensive planning efforts rationale for the zoning and other land use regulations include the Southold Town Stewardship Task Force found in the Town Code.Southold Town's Comprehensive Final Report in 1994,the Blue Ribbon Commission Plan has recently undergone an update,the second in its for a Rural Southold of 2002,the Comprehensive history.The newly revised Comprehensive Plan will help Implementation Strategy of 2003,the Local Waterfront shape policy decisions regarding the appropriate use of Revitalization Program (LWRP)completed in 2004,and the Town's resources and may result in the examination the work undertaken to produce the 2007-08 Hamlet and possible updating of the Southold Town Code. Stakeholder Initiatives. Essential to any comprehensive analysis is its vision These plans were all worthwhile efforts and provided statement,which guides the entire process.The Vision an important focus for certain issues;however,none Statement,the collective product of Town stakeholders, was broad enough in scope to be considered a underpins Southold Town's Comprehensive Plan. comprehensive plan on its own.Nevertheless,those plans,studies,and reports have echoed similar visions and goals time and again,and have guided the Town in Comprehensive planning projects in Southold have its decisions on land use. been a multi-year process.The first plan,comprising a series of studies and plans begun in the mid-1960's, The vision and goals of these past plans,studies, was completed in the late 1970's.The first update to and reports are carried forward into this document. that plan,begun in 1982,took about seven years to Such goals include retaining the rural character that complete and culminated in an entirely new zoning residents and visitors value and ensuring that farming map adopted in 1989. continues as a major aspect of the Town.One benefit of this document as a single comprehensive plan is that it Since that time,there have been many other plans and will consolidate the Town's goals into one place,making studies,and the Town Board has implemented many of them easier to find.This document also provides their recommendations.These include an overhaul of the detailed objectives for accomplishing the goals and subdivision regulations that made open space manda- assigns responsibility for the objectives to ensure they tory and formalized the conservation subdivision and can be implemented.Once this plan is adopted as the the designation of New York State Route 25 and Suffolk Town's comprehensive plan,all future zoning actions County Route 48 as New York State Scenic Byways.The will need to be consistent with its goals and vision. Town Board has also amended the zoning code many times to follow through on the recommendations from The catalysts for this most recent comprehensive plan those plans.Examples of this include changing the code update were the Hamlet Study(2005)and the 2007-08 to ensure"big box"stores were designed to fit in the Hamlet Stakeholder Initiatives,two planning initiatives community,restricting fast food restaurants to shopping that relied heavily on public participation.The Hamlet centers,and making accessory apartments legal and Stakeholders Initiatives work built on the 2005 Hamlet easier to create.One goal contained in just about every Study and used community participation to transform plan and study is to preserve land from development, the Hamlet Study into actionable recommendations for the Town.In 2008,the Town formed a Hamlet 2 Chapter 1:Vision Statement&Introduction Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Implementation Panel of Town staff to take action on meetings,where hundreds of people have provided their the recommendations,which were classified as either thoughts on early drafts of each chapter in the plan,both short-term or long-term goals.Many of the short-term in person and online via email. goals were successfully implemented by early 2009;the long-term goals,however,were broader in scope with many requiring amendments to the zoning code to accomplish.These long-term goals,although important, were focused mostly on the hamlet centers,with many other areas and topics not addressed.It became clear that an even more inclusive and comprehensive public 1. process would be needed to identify the broader goals of - 1. the entire Town and continue implementation of the long- term goals of the Hamlet Stakeholder Initiatives.This was best accomplished through a new comprehensive plan. Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan Public input meeting,Peconic Landing The Town of Southold LWRP,adopted by the Town Each comment was recorded and responded to publicly Board in 2004,is incorporated into the Southold Town (i.e.,posted on the website)and included such feedback Comprehensive Plan by reference.The Southold Town as whether it was used to inform the plan,and if not,why Comprehensive Plan has no effect or impact and is not.By September 2018,all of the chapters had been not intended to repeal or otherwise diminish the drafted and vetted by the public in a series of public input applicability of the LWRP.The Comprehensive Plan, meetings,with public input incorporated into each although separate from the LWRP,may address some chapter.Each completed draft chapter was presented to overlapping areas. In cases where there is a conflict the Town Board and posted online.By the end of between the LWRP and the Comprehensive Plan in February 2019,all of the chapters were given a final review terms of policies,the Southold Town Planning Board, to identify where statistics could be updated. with recommendations from the Southold Town LWRP Coordinator,will determine the outcome.The resolu- ya I tion of conflicts shall not be interpreted in a way that renders the LWRP ineffective or invalid. i� The Updated Comprehensive Plan rY The significant difference between this and the previous comprehensive planning efforts is that previous comprehensive plans were written by . consultants,whereas this one was written by Town officials and staff in collaboration with residents and Public input meeting,Mattituck other stakeholders. Experience has shown that plans produced by outside consultants,while professional, This plan does not contain a new zoning map,or often do not provide exactly what the Town wants in a sweeping changes to the zones,uses,or bulk schedule. plan.Neither of the previous two comprehensive plans, The reasons behind this are several.Zoning was a both completed by outside consultants,was formally relatively new concept for the Town back when the first adopted by the Town Board. zoning ordinance was adopted in Southold in 1957. Now that zoning has been in place for over 60 years More important,this plan was written in collaboration and the current zoning map in effect for 30,it is clear with the residents and other stakeholders through that any future changes to zoning need to happen in a an unprecedented number of public input meetings. collaborative way,working with the communities that Beginning in 2010 with a public input meeting about are affected.This updated Comprehensive Plan points the Vision Statement,there have since been over 64 the Town in a direction for considering potential zone Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 1:Vision Statement&Introduction 3 changes,leaving the details to the implementation Updating the Future Comprehensive Plan phase.Any changes to zoning that might result from this From time to time within 5 to 10 years after the plan plan would happen later,after the plan is adopted and is adopted,the Town Board or their designee will priorities for implementation of the plan are identified. review the plan and determine whether any chapters Two additional reasons for waiting on making any require updating to remain relevant.In cases where a zoning changes until after the plan is adopted are time single chapter is updated,the rest of the plan will be and funding.The collaborative process that would be reviewed to determine whether edits are required to needed for any meaningful and feasible zoning changes any other chapters at the same time to avoid incon- would involve numerous public input meetings,all of sistencies.This document is a living document in that which require preparation,promotion,and follow-up. updates will be done as needed to individual chapters, Also required are the detailed analyses that provide making it unnecessary to attempt an update of the the backdrop of information needed to make informed entire plan all at once. decisions.This essential work would require time and funding beyond the internal resources of the Town.One Description of Southold Town way to proceed with such an effort would be to consider Southold Town is located in the southeast of New applying for funding grants to help with future major York State,on the eastern end of the area known as zoning initiatives during the implementation phase. the North Fork of Long Island.Southold's mainland is The implementation phase of the plan occurs after a long and narrow peninsula,averaging three miles the plan is adopted.The advantage to waiting until in width in the western portion of the Town,and this phase to work on the details such as specific narrowing considerably on the eastern end.The entire zoning changes is that it gives residents and their Town,including its five islands,is 54 square miles in elected officials plenty of time to discuss and consider size,with approximately 210 linear miles of coastline. the proposals found in the plan,one by one.It also Town-adjacent waterbodies include the Long Island provides more time to conduct the information gath- Sound,Fishers Island Sound,Block Island Sound, ering and analyses necessary to provide the informa- and Gardiner's and Peconic Bays.Three adjacent tion that can prompt discussion and decision-making. municipalities include Greenport Village in the southeast,Riverhead Town at the far southwest end, Implementation of the and Shelter Island Town to the southeast(separated by Comprehensive Plan the Peconic River). The Town Board is responsible for implementing the Southold Town is composed of 10 hamlets,9 of which goals and ensuring they are accomplished.The Town are located on the mainland (the exception is Fishers Board will direct the priorities for which goals are to be Island).The hamlets are Cutchogue,East Marion,Fishers pursued,and will decide whether to provide funding or Island,Greenport West,Laurel,Mattituck,New Suffolk, staff to help accomplish any one goal.To organize the Orient,Peconic,and Southold(see Figure 1.1).Each implementation of the plan,the goals must be priori- has its own individual identity and varies greatly in size, tized.The Town Board will decide the method by which population and character.The hamlets are described in it will prioritize the goals and pursue implementation. more detail in Chapter 3,"Land Use&Zoning." To keep this document alive,there is a"Responsible Southold Town includes numerous islands,many of Party"identified for many of the goals and some indi- which are inhabited,within its jurisdiction.The largest vidual objectives.The role of the Responsible Party is to of these are Fishers Island (2,586 acres),Plum Island bring the goal or objective to the attention of the Town (816 acres),and Robins Island (435 acres). Board,promote awareness that it exists,and gauge the Additional details of the physical aspect and historical interest of the Town Board in pursuing it.This could context of the Town are not included in this plan involve working with the Town Board on prioritizing update but can be found in many of the previous the goals as time goes by and circumstances change. plans,including the LWRP Volume I,Section II (2004) Where the Responsible Party is a Town committee,the which contains a thorough description.This plan can goals can serve as guidance for the activities of the be found online through the Town's website at www. committee.The Town Board may re-assign Responsible south oldtownnygov. Parties during the implementation phase. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 1:Vision Statement&Introduction 5 Figure 1.1 Southold Town Map with Hamlets n� Fishers Island Plum Island Great Gull Island 0 Little Gull Island LONG ISLAND SOUND IMaftituck/ I I e�P,e 11 Laurel P Oregon Rd So�r�\ Q D o Peconic a c N r Co 48 c � unit'Road 48 Q' Riverhead r 9 48 y o ¢ 1 t Cutchogue� 25 Southold OPa _ Greenport Village o�P SOUTHOLD Greenport ORIENT ea BAYWest HARBOR Orient HOG K \��9 New Suffolk NECK Shelter BAYIsland 0 1 2 Miles I i I GREAT PECONIC BAY R E G I O N A L M A P CONNECTICUT ROBINS LITTLE PECONIC BAY LONG ISLAND SOUND ISLAND SUFFOLK COUNTY Boundaries Transportation Features T 0 W N O F S 0 U T H 0 L 0 Hamlet Arterial Road Plum Island Greenport Village — Major Collector Road - Rsherss Island — Local Road +� Long Island Rail Road NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold (.,, ATLANTIC OCEAN June 11,2019 )► V I •Y '� ' CHAPTER 2 DEMOGRAPHICS February 2020 � � 4 S t TABLE OF CONTENTS ,y1«� Figures 2.11 Population Trends,Town of Southold: 1790-2010,2017 (Estimate) 2.21 Population Trends by Hamlet: 1880-2010,2017 (Estimate) 2.31 Age of Population,Town of Southold: 2000-2010,2017(Estimate) 2.4a Age of Population by Hamlet:2010 4 2.4b Median Age of Population by 4 Hamlet:2010 2.51 Elderly and Youth Population,Regional Comparison:2010 2.61 Number of Households by Hamlet: r + ' 1990-2010 2.71 Average Household Size by Hamlet: 1990-2010,2017 (Estimate) 2.81 HousingType,Town of Southold: Yp 1990-2017 2.91 Housing Type by Hamlet:2017(Estimate) 2.10 Year Structure Built by Hamlet: 2017 (Estimate) 2.111 Housing Occupancy,Town of Southold:1990-2010 0 1 See next page for continued list. k CHAPTER 21 DEMOGRAPHICS ro Figures (continued) 2.121 Housing Occupancy,by Hamlet:2010 t 2.13a Housing Values of Owner-Occupied Units by Hamlet:2017(Estimate) 2.13b I Median Housing Value 2.141 Educational Attainment,Town ry of Southold:1990-2017 2.15a I Educational Attainment by Hamlet (Population 25+):2017 2.15b Total Population 25+ by Hamlet:2017 2.161 Language Spoken at Home,Town of Southold:2000-2017 2.171 Language Spoken at Home by Hamlet: 2017 (Estimate) 2.181 Median Household Income(Adjusted) by Hamlet: 1990-2017 2.191 Per Capita Income(Adjusted) by Hamlet: 1990-2017 2.201 Poverty Status by Hamlet:2017 (Estimate) 2.211 Poverty Status,Town of Southold:2000-2017 2.221 Commuting Pattern Estimates,Town of Southold:1990-2017 4 2.231 Commuting Patterns by Hamlet: 2017 (Estimate) 2.241 Employment by Occupation,Town - of Southold:2000-2017 2.251 Employment by Occupation by Hamlet: k: . 2017 (Estimate) f 2.261 Employment by Industry,Town of II Southold:2000-2017 i 2.271 Employment by Industry by Hamlet: 2017 (Estimate) 2.281 Unemployment by Hamlet:2000-2017 x 21 DEMOGRAPHICS ' ' Ik The figures that follow, in graphic and tabular spans over two hundred years(see Figure 2.1). Other format, represent the metrics that underpin the metrics provide a comparison that ranges over a predictions and recommendations of the goals and shorter period—the data for number of households, objectives of this plan.The figures show information for example,are represented for the decades from about Southold Town's population—its housing 1990 to 2010.Still others present a snapshot in time: type and value,income,employment,educational the figures that document population age by hamlet attainment,age,commuting patterns,and languages focus on 2010,the latest available U.S.Census year. spoken at home.The population figures present Appendix 1 outlines in more detail the methodology numbers of residents by Town and hamlet over many used and sources of data consulted to obtain the decades. For the Town,the population comparison information presented in this chapter. Figure 2.1 POPULATION TRENDS,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 1790-2010, 2017 (Estimate) 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 �o ,tio ,�o �o ho �o �o �o �o °o ,�o ,Lo ,�o �o ho ,�o 'o �o �o °o �o 1� 1� '�� N� N� N� 'poi 'poi 'poi '�01 'poi 'poi N� '1oi 'poi '10i ,tio ,10 ,10 Source:U.S.Census Bureau,U.S.Census Bureau 2013-2017American Community Survey(ACS)5-Year Estimates 2 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan It is important to note that as of the 2010 Census, demographic information contained in this chapter approximately 37 percent of the homes in Southold therefore represents only those who live here year- Town were counted as seasonal.However,there are no round and count Southold as their primary residence. readily available demographics to help us understand Also,all data for"Town of Southold"include the Village the composition of the seasonal population.The of Greenport except where otherwise noted. Figure 2.2 POPULATION TRENDS BY HAMLET: 1880-2010, 2017 (Estimate) Hamlet Cutchogue East Fishers Greenport Laurel Mattituck New Orient Peconic Southold Marion Island West Suffolk 1880 786 1890 808 1900 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1910 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1920 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1930 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1940 1,050 572 1,578 572 608 1,368 1950 1,089 1,027 1960 1,418 720 508 1,142 1,485 697 863 2,624*** 1970 2,713* 531** 462 1,682** 598 3,039** 709** 835** 3,749** 1980**** 2,788* 656 318 1,571 962 3,923 * 855 1,056 4,770 1990 2,627 717 329 1,614 1,094 3,902 374 817 1,100 5,192 2000 2,849 756 289 1,679 1,188 4,198 337 709 1,081 5,465 2010 3,349 926 236 2,124 1,394 4,219 349 743 683 5,748 2017 (Estimate) 3,213 885 230 2,064 1,003 4,818 243 718 536 6,474 Source:U.S.Census Bureau,•U.S.Census Bureau 2013 2017ACS 5-Year Estimates,Long Island Regional Planning Board * The hamlets of Cutchogue and New Suffolk were previously known as one place,called Cutchogue-New Suffolk. As such,the population within the hamlet of New Suffolk is included in the population of the hamlet of Cutchogue in both 1970 and 1980. ** The community boundaries were revised between the 1970 and 1980 census. The 1970 population figures illustrated in this table are comparable with the 1980 census designated place boundary,and as such the reported population changed from its original count under the 1970 census. *** This figure represents 1,285 residents of the hamlet of Southold and 1,339 residents of North Southold-Bayview,which became part of the hamlet of Southold in 1970. ****Prior to 1980,Cutchogue-New Suffolk included present-day Cutchogue,part of Laurel-East Mattituck and part of presen t-day Peconic, East Marion included the eastern part of present-day East Marion and the western part ofpresent-dayOrient;Greenport West included the western part ofpresent-day East Marion and the eastern part of unincorporated Greenport Laurel included part of Laurel-East Mattituck; Mattituck included present-day Mattituck and part of Laurel-East Mattituck;Orient included part of present-day Orient Peconic included part ofpresent-day Peconic,Robins Island was part of Cutchogue;Southold included North Southold-Bayview,present-day Southold,and part of presen t-day Greenport. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 3 Figure 2.3 684 , 1,051 AGE OF POPULATION,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: (85+years) (UnderS ears) 2000-2010,2017(Estimate) 4,072 - 3,370 (65-84years) �� (5-17Years) W 1,069 2000 (18-24Years) Median Age 44.7 5,457 (45-64 years) 4,896 (25-44 yea rs) x.881 Total Population 995 (Under 5 Years) 20,559 (85+years) -X3,258 4,436 JJ (5-17Years) (65-84years) 1,348 (18-24 Years) 2010 Median Age 49 6,917 _ - 4,133 (45-64 years) (25-44years) 653 11,96 Population 1,121 �� (UnderSYears) 8 (85+years) p p y�2,880 5,317 (5-17Years) (65-84 years) r 1,418 (18-24 Years) (Estimate) 2017 Median Age 53 3,623 (25-44years) 7,229 (45-64years) 0 0 Total Population 22,241 Source:U.S.Census Bureau 2000&2010 Census and 2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates 4 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.4a AGE OF POPULATION BY HAMLET: 2010 Hamlet Under 5 Years 5-17 Years 18-24 Years 25-44 Years 45-64 Years 65-84Years 85+Years Cutchogue 3.30% 16.20% 5.90% 17.10% 34.50% 19.90% 3.10% East Marion 3.30% 11.40% 5.80% 16.40% 31.20% 28.60% 3.30% Fishers Island 2.50% 14.40% 3.80% 19.90% 41.10% 16.80% 1.30% Greenport West 4.40% 10.20% 5.70% 18.20% 23.20% 26% 12.30% Laurel 4.40% 19.10% 6.50% 21.70% 30.50% 15.50% 2.40% Mattituck 3.60% 16.90% 6.20% 19.20% 34.40% 16.80% 2.90% New Suffolk 3.20% 8% 2.60% 16.90% 38.10% 25.80% 5.40% Orient 3.10% 11.70% 4.20% 12% 37.10% 26.40% 5.50% Peconic 3.80% 14.10% 6.30% 17.40% 34.80% 20.50% 3.10% Southold 4.20% 15.50% 5.40% 17.40% 30.90% 22.40% 4.10% 4% 14.80% 6.10% 18.80% 31.50% 20.20% 4.50% • 5.70% 18.20% 8.70% 25.40% 28.40% 11.70% 1.80% Figure 2.4b MEDIAN AGE OF POPULATION BY HAMLET: 2010 70 60 53.7 55.1 56.3 57.3 49.4 49.4 47.4 49.7 49.7 49 50 43.8 39.8 40 30 20 10 0 crop oz. o<-�eh� �e`a�� � ka�oi`epQe`oc�o� a o� oVaC'o�ccl 0 o� �t` ate A10 � IL Years Old Source for both figures:U.S.Census Bureau,2010 Census Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 5 Figure 2.5 ELDERLY AND YOUTH POPULATION, REGIONAL COMPARISON: 2010 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Town of Town of East Town of Suffolk Nassau New York United Southold Hampton Babylon County County State States Under 20 Over 60 Years Old Years Old Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2010 Census As seen in Figure 2.1,Southold Town's population has compared with that of Suffolk County at 14.5 percent. grown tremendously since the first official census was In 2010,the U.S.population of people over 60 was taken in 1790.The population of just over 3,200 resi- approximately 8 percent. dents in 1790 doubled by 1870,and doubled again by While the overall Town has experienced growth in 1960. In 2000,the population was 20,599 and by 2010, terms of the number of households,as seen in Figure had reached 21,968.Figure 2.2 shows the population 2.6,over half of the individual hamlets reflect a reduc- trends by hamlet.Since the 1960s,Southold has consis- tion in households.This is due to the effect of second tently been the hamlet with the largest population, homes on the census data.Homes occupied by house- with the latest year's estimate at 6,474 residents. holds that have a primary residence elsewhere are Figures 2.4a,2.4b,and 2.5 present the age of not counted.The trends show year-round households Southold Town's population.Outside of New York are decreasing in many hamlets.Southold hamlet has City,Suffolk County has the second-largest senior consistently had the largest number of households and population in the state.In Southold Town more than 25 Fishers Island the smallest.Average household size by percent of the population was 65 years or older in 2010, hamlet is shown in Figure 2.7. 6 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.6 NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS BY HAMLET: 1990-2017 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 JW 1,048 Cutchogue 1,120 1,347 1,247 305 East Marion 329 409 431 152 138 Fishers Island 120 77 641 750 Greenport West 960 913 408 Laurel 452 524 377 1,479 Mattituck 1,6511,693 1,945 188 172 New Suffolk 177 127 371 330 Orient 353 331 420 426 Peconic 273 285 2,249 2,317 Southold 2,414 2,628 8,125 8,461 Town of Southold 9,090 9,190 1990 2000 2010 2017 Source:U.S.Census Bureau, 1990,2000,and 2010 Census and 2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 7 Figure 2.7 AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE BY HAMLET: 1990-2010, 2017 (Estimate) 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 - 2.5 Cutchogue 2.48 2.46 2.47 2.35 East Marion 2.3 2.26 2.01 2.16 Fishers Island - 2.09 1.97 2.78 2.28 Greenport West i 2.24 2.09 -011111111111111 2.03 _ 2.68 Laurel 2.612.65 2.62 s 2.64 Mattituck 2.53 2.48 2.59 1.98 New Suffolk 1.96 1.97 1.91 2.15 2.15 Orient 2.1 2.06 2.62 2.54 Peconic r 2.5 1.62 � 1990 2.3 2000 2.35 Southold 2.37 2.4 2010 2.41 2.4 02017 Town of Southold 2.38 (Estimate) 2.34 3.04 2.96 Suffolk County 2.93 3.09 Source:U.S.Census Bureau, 1990,2000,and 2010 Census and 2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates 8 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.8 Source:U.S.Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000 HOUSING TYPE,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 1990-2017 Census and 2013-2017ACS5-Year Estimates The ACS data were used for 2017 because the Housing ,. .. 2010 Census did not include a question about housing type. Single Family,Detached 11,498 12,450 13,944 * In 1990,housing types were classified as Single Family,Attached 261 252 222 10+units. Moreover,mobile homes, trailers,and other housing types were 2-4 Units 675 516 900 grouped together as one classification. 5-9 Units 195 335 315 **The housing types were classified as having 2 to 4 units,5 to 9 units,and 10 units or 10-19 Units 80 more. Mobile homes,boats,RV,vans, 44* 327** and all other types of housing were 20+Units 51 counted together. Mobile Home 81 306* 98** Boat,RV,Van,Other 4 Total Housing Units 12,979 13,769 15,806 Figure 2.9 HOUSING TYPE BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) Mobile Detached Attached..�� Other Housing Cutchogue 97.80% 0.50% 1.30% 0% 0% 0.30% 0% East Marion 86.90% 2.30% 1.80% 1.30% 7.70% 0% 0% Fishers Island 95.50% 0.20% 1.80% 1.50% 0.70% 0% 0.20% Greenport West 74.10% 4.50% 3.10% 3.30% 1.60% 13.40% 0% Laurel 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Mattituck 94.80% 0% 2.10% 0% 0% 0.60% 2.60% New Suffolk 99.30% 0.70% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Orient 92.40% 0.40% 3.90% 0% 1.80% 0% 1.50% Peconic 90.60% 0% 5.50% 0% 0% 0% 3.90% Southold 89.10% 1.40% 5.10% 0.40% 2.60% 1.40% 0% 88.20% 1.40% 4.45% 1.20% 2% 2.10% 0.60% on 80% 4.50% 3.90% 2.20% 2.80% 5.70% 0.90% Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 9 Figure 2.10 YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT BY HAMLET Hamlet or 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990S 2000s 2010- 2014 or Earlier 2013 Later Cutchogue 16.70% 3.10% 12.20% 11.90% 13.90% 21.70% 8% 11.50% 1% 0% East Marion 16% 5% 11.30% 5.70% 13.30% 15.20% 13.10% 19.70% 0.70% 0% Fishers Island 46.50% 7.20% 14.40% 0.20% 8.40% 2.90% 10% 10.40% 0% 0% Greenport 13.50% 8.80% 10.20% 4.30% 9.80% 6.60% 17.90% 24.40% 3.10% 1.40% West Laurel 20.30% 6.20% 3.10% 13.20% 29.10% 9.10% 17.40% 1.60% 0% 0% Mattituck 26.20% 4.40% 18.70% 11.10% 11.80% 10.60% 11.20% 5.20% 0.80% 0% New Suffolk 57.30% 3.40% 14.70% 4.10% 6.80% 5.80% 6.10% 1.70% 0% 0% Orient 33.80% 0.90% 10.90% 7.40% 11.20% 10.80% 8% 16.50% 0% 0.60% Peconic 25.20% 9.80% 3.90% 1.80% 1.80% 31.10% 9.80% 16.50% 0% 0% Southold 15.10% 5.60% 6.70% 10.50% 25.70% 16.10% 8.50% 11.90% 0% 0% 25.40% 5.10% 10.30% 8.30% 15.10% 13.20% 10.20% 11.60% 0.60% 0.20% 9.60% 5% 18.60% 20.80% 18.20% 10.30% 8.50% 7.80% 0.70% 30% Source:U.S Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates As mentioned in more detail in Chapter 8,"Housing," primary residences for home-owners and renters and housing options in Southold Town currently consist the percentage of homes that are seasonal or second mostly of single-family homes.Of these,10 percent are homes.The most notable change is the steady increase available for rent year-round,37 percent are seasonal in the percentage of second homes. or second homes,and nearly 58 percent are occupied Figure 2.12 provides a breakdown by hamlet of the by the owner or renter year-round.Figures 2.8 and 2.9 same data for the most recent year available.Fishers show housing type in the Town and by hamlet.Starting Island has the highest percentage of second homes from 1939 or earlier,Figure 2.10 provides a by-hamlet at 80 percent,with the other hamlets ranging from 29 overview of the approximate dates housing structures to 53 percent.The Town-wide average,not including were constructed. the Village of Greenport,is 37 percent.The average for On the following pages,Figure 2.11 provides a Suffolk County is only 8 percent. comparison from 1990 to 2010 of the percentage of Figures 2.13a and 2.13b list the housing values of different types of housing occupancy for the Town. Included are the percentage of housing units that are owner-occupied units. 10 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.11 HOUSING OCCUPANCY,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 1990-2010 ccupancy Total#Housing %Primary Residence %Primary Residence %Seasonal/ %Vacant(for Status Units wner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Recreational/ rent/sale/otherOccasional Use unoccupied) 1990 12,979 49% 13% 32% 5% 2000 13,769 50% 12% 34% 4% 2010 15,377 47% 12% 36% 5% Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2010 Census Figure includes Village of Greenport Figure 2.12 HOUSING OCCUPANCY BY HAMLET: 2010 Total#Housing %Primary Residence %Primary Residence %Seasonal/ %Vacant(for LHaml.et Units Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Recreational/ rent/sale/otherOccasional Use unoccupied) Cutchogue 2,062 55% 10% 29% 5% East Marion 953 35% 7% 53% 4% Fishers Island 660 9% 9% 80% 2% Greenport West 1,651 46% 12% 35% 7% Laurel 810 54% 11% 31% 4% Mattituck 2,495 57% 11% 28% 4% New Suffolk 307 47% 11% 37% 5% Orient 772 38% 7% 49% 5% Peconic 479 48% 9% 37% 6% Southold 3,996 51% 10% 34% 5% Greenport 1191 33% 36% 23% 8% Village 14,186 48% 10% 37% 5% 569,985 69% 19% 8% 4% Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2010 Census *These numbers do not include the Village of Greenport. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 11 Figure 2.13a HOUSING VALUES OF OWNER-OCCUPIED UNITS BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) r $100,000 $199,000 $299,999 $499,999 $999,999 Greater d Cutchogue 1.80% 2.70% 0% 43.90% 41.50% 10.10% East Marion 1.10% 2% 1.70% 26.70% 56% 12.50% Fishers Island 0% 0% 0% 13.70% 13.70% 72.50% Greenport West 1.10% 1.90% 10.40% 40.20% 38.30% 8% Laurel 0% 0% 3.90% 38.30% 54.10% 3.70% Mattituck 3.80% 1.20% 4.40% 33.30% 49.60% 7.70% New Suffolk 0% 0% 2% 20.20% 67.70% 10.10% Orient 4.10% 0% 0% 15.20% 57.20% 23.40% Peconic 0% 12.10% 0% 28.90% 51.60% 7.40% Southold 6.80% 2.30% 5% 32.70% 48.10% 5.10% • 9.50% 2.20% 4.10% 28.50% 47.70% 8.10% • 3.60% 5.40% 17.80% 47.50% 21.50% 4.20% Figure 2.13b MEDIAN HOUSING VALUE 0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 800,000 Cutchogue 478,400 East Marion 560,600 Fishers Island 736,700 Greenport West 379,400 Laurel 524,400 Mattituck --dw 557,100 New Suffolk 618,600 Orient 702,200 Peconic 544,400 Southold 514,400 Town of Southold 535,800 Suffolk County 565,000 Source forboth figures:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS5-Year Estimates 12 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.14 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 1990-2017 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000 1,111 Less than 9th Grade 615 654 9th-12th Grade, 1,361 No Diploma 416 1,162 4,999 High School Graduate* 4,580 4,604 Some College, 2,821 No Degree 2,798 3,196 1,058 Associate Degree 1,151 1,585 1,920 Bachelor's Degree 2,600 3,529 Graduate or 1,301 Professional Degree 2.160 3,307 Total Population: 14,571 25+Years Old 15,109 17,290 1990 2000 2017 (Estimate) Source:U.S.Census Bureau The ACS data were used for2017because the 2010 Census did not include a question about educational attainment. *Includes high school graduate equivalency. As shown in Figures 2.14 and 2.15a,the residents nearly 20 percent of its population. For the same of Southold Town (ages 25 and older) have a high category,Suffolk County's rate stands at nearly 16 degree of educational attainment,with those having percent. Figure 2.15b shows the 25 or older popula- earned graduate or professional degrees composing tion by hamlet. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 13 Figure 2.15a EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BY HAMLET (Population 25+): 2017 SchoolLess than 9th 9th-12th High Hamlet Grade Grade,No Professional ipl Degree Cutchogue 2.70% 1.40% 17.20% 22.30% 11.30% 25.90% 19.20% East Marion 4.30% 3.30% 25.70% 23.40% 5.30% 18.60% 19.40% Fishers Island 1.10% 2.20% 40.80% 3.40% 0% 19% 33.50% Greenport 4.30% 2.90% 27.40% 17.40% 6.40% 18.60% 23.10% West Laurel 1.70% 1.80% 27% 14.70% 7.30% 16.30% 31.30% Mattituck 4.80% 0.80% 31.40% 16.70% 7% 20.50% 18.80% New Suffolk 0% 2.90% 14.60% 23.80% 3.90% 35.90% 18.90% Orient 1% 3.80% 29.90% 20.30% 13.40% 18.40% 13.30% Peconic 0% 9.10% 33.90% 16.40% 8.10% 7.90% 24.60% Southold 1.80% 2% 24.90% 20.40% 11.90% 20.90% 18% 3.80% 2.40% 26.60% 18.50% 9.20% 20.40% 19.10% il • 4.60% 5.30% 28.40% 17.60% 9.20% 19.10% 15.80% Figure 2.15b Source for both figures:U.S.Census TOTAL POPULATION 25+ BY HAMLET: 2017 Bureau 2013-2017ACS5-Year Estimates * Includes high school graduate 2,367 equivalency ■ Cutchogue 4,921 ■ East Marion 752 Fishers Island 179 Greenport West ' Laurel \`- 1,773 Mattituck ■ New Suffolk sos Orient / 771 626 J � Peconic 206 Southold �. 3,588 Town of Southold Total: 17,290 Suffolk County Total:1,030,141 14 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.16 LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 2000-2017 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% OIL 92.30% English Only 90.3% 87.90% 1.30% Spanish 3.80% 5.00% 0% Otherindo-Euro- pean Languages 5.40% 6.10% 0.20% Asian and Pacific 0.5% Island Languages 0.90% 6.20% Other Language 0% 0.20% 33.80% Speak English Less Than"Very Well"* 36.4% 50.00% 1990 2000 2017 (Estimate) Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Language Spoken at Home The total population aged 5 years and older shown above varies slightly from the total population aged 5 years and older,as illustrated in Figure 2.3.This is attributed to unequal response rates among various questions in the Census. The ACS data were used for2017because the 2010 Census did not include questions related to income. * Based upon population that speaks a language other than English. Figures 2.16 and 2.17 represent the languages spoken population estimated to use it in 2017. Figures 2.18 and by residents in the home.The use of English in the 2.19 represent median household income by hamlet home dominates,with nearly 90 percent of households from 1990 to 2017. Poverty status is shown in Figures speaking it.After English,Spanish is the second-most 2.20 and 2.21. spoken language at home,with 5 percent of the Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 15 Figure 2.17 LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) Other Indo- Other Hamlet English Spanish European Island Languag- Language Population 5+ Languages es Cutchogue 87.10% 3.50% 6% 3.40% 0% 3,174 East Marion 83.50% 3.10% 13.10% 0.40% 0% 850 Fishers Island 92.90% 0% 7.10% 0% 0% 224 Greenport West 79% 15.20% 5.90% 0% 0% 2,033 Laurel 98.40% 0.90% 0% 0% 0.70% 900 Mattituck 90.50% 0.10% 8.60% 0.80% 0% 4,681 New Suffolk 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 230 Orient 95.20% 3% 1.30% 0% 0.60% 706 Peconic 74.40% 19.80% 5.80% 0% 0% 536 Southold 90.30% 3.40% 5.90% 0% 0.30% 6,361 OiE87.90% 5% 6.10% 0.90% 0.20% 21,588 77.30% 14.20% 5.80% 2.10% 0.60% 1,416,640 Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates 16 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.18 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (ADJUSTED') BY HAMLET: 1990-2017 $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 $140,000 $160,000 $82,110.72 Cutchogue $94,930.05 $93,125 $74,000.64 East Marion $64,645.35 $72,566 $73,440 Fishers Island i $73,255.45 $150,703 $59,377.92 Greenport West $63,891.35 $63,355 $70,949.76 Laurel $83,576.55 $127,569 $69,916.80 Mattituck $80,261.85 $81,432 $90,000 New Suffolk $74,917.15 $66,477 $67,073.28 Orient $65,918.45 $71,125 $80,699.52 Peconici E $75,933.60 I 1990 $64,583 2000 $69,672.96 Ilk Southold $68,257.30 (Estimate) $82,222 $67,952.64 Town of Southold $72,352.10 $79,438 $94,325.76 Suffolk County $94,667.60 $92,838 Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates,ESRI Business Analyst,•CPllnflation Calculator via Bureau of Labor Statistics The ACS data were used for 2017 because the 2010 Census did not include questions related to income. *1990 and 2000 data have been adjusted to reflect 2017 dollars. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 17 Figure 2.19 PER CAPITA INCOME (ADJUSTED') BY HAMLET: 1990-2017 $0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $48,382.08 Cutchogue i $50,810.90 $48,116 $30,766.08 East Marion $35,340.85 $47,648 $32,977.92 Fishers Island $45,895.40 $53,707 $29,596.80 Greenport West $38,166.90 $48,985 $33,333.12 Laurel $39,009.35 $58,489 $33,621.12 Mattituck M $37,846.45 $47,469 $51,744.00 New Suffolk $47,473.00 $53,516 $39,014.40 Orient $42,603.90 $48,720 $35,418.24 Peconic $35,297.35 $62,592 $39,542.40 Southold $43,153.45 — $50,656 $36,551.04 1990 Town of Southold $40,047.55 $48,444 2000 $35,483.52 02017 Suffolk County $38,536.65 (Estimate) $40,277 Source:U.S.Census Bureau 2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimate Selected Economic Characteristics,ESRI Business Analyst•CPllnflation Calculator via Bureau of Labor Statistics The ACS data were used W2017 because the 2010 Census did not include questions related to income. *1990 and 2000 data have been adjusted to reflect 2017 dollars. 18 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.20 POVERTY STATUS BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 Cutchogue 959 21 (2.2%) East Marion 273 Fishers Island 67 1 (1.5%) Greenport West 546 19 (3.5%) Laurel 342 15 (4.4%) Mattituck 1,439 25 (1.7%) New Suffolk 73 5 (6.8%) Orient 236 11 (4.7%) Peconic 128 (0%) Southold 1,900 129 (8.6%) Town of Southold 6,454 316 (4.9%) Suffolk County 359,870 17,993 (5%) Total Families Families Below Poverty Level Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Poverty Status of Families in the Past 12 Months Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 19 Figure 2.21 POVERTY STATUS,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 2000-2017 oil 1990 2000 2017(Estimate) Poverty Status Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Total 19,622 -- 20,599 21,928 -- Population* Individuals Below Poverty 997 5.1%** 1,178 5.7%** 1,491 6.8%** Level 65+Years Old 273 27.4%*** 248 21.1%*** 174 2.8%*** Total Families 5,785 5,871 6,454 Families Below 228 3.9%**** 240 4.1%**** 316 4.9%**** Poverty Level Source:U.S.Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000 Census,U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months The ACS data were used for 2017 because the 2010 Census did not include questions related to poverty s ta tus. * This represents the total number of individuals for whom the poverty status is determined. ** This represents the individuals deemed to be below the poverty level,as a percentage of the total population for whom the poverty status is determined. *** This represents the individuals aged 65 years and older deemed to be below the poverty level,as a percentage of the total number of individuals who are below the poverty level. ****This represents the families deemed to be below the poverty level,as a percentage of the total number of families residing within the Town ofSouthold. 20 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.22 COMMUTING PATTERN ESTIMATES,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 1990-2017 (2°r°) 126 637 (1%) 957 A)) 90 p. (78%) 6,585 1990 Total Workers 8,395 (1%) A(3%) O)�,)128 O 284 (4%) iv(4°r°) (7%) /��(6%) 318 416 700 ® 434 (5%) 287 528 7°49 •• 690 (Estimate) 2000 2017 Total Workers Total Workers 10,148 81917 (79%) (74%) • 7,001 7,520 Mean Travel Time Mean Travel Time 29 Mins 26.8 Mins (J • �1 1J OTO Drove Alone Carpooled Public Walked Other Means Worked Transportation at Home Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates ACSdata were used for2017because the 2010 Census did notinclude questions related to commuting patterns. "Public Transportation"includes rides via taxi,"Walked"and"Worked at Home"combined by the 1990 Census,whereas the 2000 Census broke them down separately,•Mean travel time was only available for2000 and 2017,not for 1990. "Other Means'category includes transportation via motorcycle and bicycle,among others.Total workers numbers are for workers 16+years.old. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 21 Figure 2.23 COMMUTING PATTERNS BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) Transport* Taxicab, Travel CHamle Workers Drove Carpooled Public Walked Bicycle or other Worked at Time to 16+ Alone 7 meaA& Minutes Cutchogue 1,395 79.80% 5.40% 3.90% 1.60% 0% 0.70% 8.60% 36 East Marion 354 79.10% 4.80% 0.80% 2.50% 0% 0% 12.70% 39 Fishers Island 131 26% 14.50% 19.80% 38.20% 0% 0% 1.50% 13 Greenport 723 65.70% 6.10% 7.60% 7.50% 4.70% 0% 8.40% 26 West Laurel 564 90.40% 1.10% 6% 1.10% 0% 0% 1.40% 21 Mattituck 2,406 78.70% 7.60% 2.20% 0.50% 0% 2.40% 8.60% 28 New Suffolk 105 66.70% 0% 0% 25.70% 0% 0% 7.60% 22 Orient 291 70.10% 2.70% 8.60% 2.70% 1.40% 1.40% 13.10% 40 Peconic 263 32.70% 46.80% 4.60% 0% 0% 0% 16% 16 Southold 2,995 74.20% 5.30% 7% 3.80% 0.10% 4.90% 4.70% 31 Ok10,148 74.10% 6.80% 5.20% 4.10% 0.60% 2.20% 6.90% 29 731.210 79.70% 7.80% 6.40% 1.50% 0.20% 0.90% 3.60% 32 Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Commuting Characteristics by Sex TheACSdata were used for2017because the 2010 Census did notinclude questions related to commuting patterns. *Excludes transportation via taxi. Figures 2.22 and 2.23 show commuting patterns of Figure 2.24 shows employment numbers by occupation Southold Town.Commuters overwhelmingly drive for 2000 and estimated numbers for 2017 that have shown alone to the workplace. a small increase during the 18-year period.Employment numbers by hamlet and for six occupational categories as estimated for 2017 are shown in Figure 2.25. 22 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.24 EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION, TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 2000-2017 Occupation 2000 2017 IM! (Estimate) Employed Civilian Population:16+ 9,118 10,446 Years Old Management,Professional& 3,372 3,837 Related Service 1,412 1,870 Sales&Office 2,389 2,505 Farming,Fishing&Forestry 169 Construction,Extraction&Main- 1,431* tenance 1001 Production,Transportation& 775 803 Material Moving Source.U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Occupation by Sexand Median Earnings *Farming,Fishing and Forestry occupations were combined with Construction,Extraction and Maintenance occupations were combined in the 2017ACS 5-Year Estimates for Occupation by Sex and Median Earnings. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 23 Figure 2.25 EMPLOYMENT BY OCCUPATION BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) Production,Management, Natural rHamlet Professional& Service Sales&Office Resources, Transporta- Civilian Pop. Related Construction& tion,&Material 16+ Maintenance Moving Cutchogue 42.60% 11.10% 26.80% 11.50% 8.10% 1,405 East Marion 47.80% 18.20% 22.10% 10.30% 1.70% 358 Fishers Island 24.40% 9.90% 39.70% 12.20% 13.70% 131 Greenport West 45.30% 19.30% 18.90% 6.80% 9.60% 730 Laurel 49.60% 16.50% 20% 13.80% 0% 564 Mattituck 36.40% 18.60% 18.30% 18.60% 8.10% 2,585 New Suffolk 27.10% 20.60% 39.30% 1.90% 11.20% 107 Orient 47.50% 18% 16.60% 13.60% 4.40% 295 Peconic 37.30% 16.30% 23.20% 18.60% 4.60% 263 Southold 31.40% 17.90% 28.60% 13.30% 8.70% 3,081 36.70% 17.90% 23.90% 13.70% 7.70% 10,466 Oki 38.40% 17.20% 25.70% 9.40% 9.40% 744,660 Source.U.S.Census Bureau,2013 2017ACS5-Year Estimates Occupation bySexand Median Earnings 24 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.26 EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY,TOWN OF SOUTHOLD: 2000-2017 2000 ' 2017 (Estimate) Educational, Health& � • � 1 � � Social Services Retail Trade Construction Professional,Scientific, • Management, Administrative&Waste Management Services Finance,Insurance, �..� Real Estate& ©110 707603 Rental&Leasing _ Public • • C® Administration Arts,Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation 641 933 &Food Services 465 344 Manufacturing Information 1 Other Services L 378 483 (except Public Administration) Transportation& Warehousing, AN 378 475 &Utilities : 369 WholesaleTrade Agriculture,Forestry, Fishing&Hunting, j&220 329 ,jW &Mining Total Employed Civilian Population: yi IS 4 10,466 Source:U.S.Census Bureau,Census 2000,ESRI Business Analyst,•U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017ACS 5-Year Estimates Industry by Sex for the Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2:Demographics 25 Figure 2.27 EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY BY HAMLET: 2017 (Estimate) GreenportHamlet Cutchogue East Fishers SoutholdMarion Island West Suffolk County Agriculture, Forestry,Fishing& 6.90% 0% 24.40% 2.30% 1.40% 4.90% 0% 6.40% 29.70% 0.50% 3.80% 0.50% Hunting,Mining Construction 7.90% 13.70% 12.20% 7.30% 11.90% 8.10% 0% 11.90% 3.40% 8.10% 8.70% 7.60% Manufacturing 4.10% 4.50% 1.50% 6.40% 2% 1.80% 0% 0% 0% 3.60% 3.30% 7.30% WholesaleTrade 1.30% 2.20% 0% 0% 7.10% 2.70% 6.50% 0% 3.80% 6.10% 3.50% 3.40% Retail Trade 19.40% 5.60% 19.10% 10.70% 19.90% 13.40% 29% 6.40% 14.80% 10.70% 13.70% 11.70% Transportation &Warehousing, 3.30% 1.70% 1.50% 3.60% 0% 6.50% 2.80% 3.70% 4.60% 5.50% 4.50% 5.50% Utilities Information 4.60% 3.10% 0% 0% 0% 2.20% 0% 6.10% 6.80% 2.70% 2.60% 2.60% Finance,Insurance, Real Estate,Rental 6.60% 4.70% 5.30% 9.70% 0% 4.30% 4.70% 4.70% 8% 6.90% 5.80% 6.90% &Leasing Professional, Scientific, Management, 9.40% 9.20% 4.60% 16.60% 17.20% 13.30% 0% 22% 14.40% 8.60% 11.40% 11.70% Administrative, Waste Management Educational,Health 19.90% 37.20% 19.80% 21.90% 22.50% 27.30% 24.30% 22.70% 4.20% 19.90% 23.30% 26.70% &Social Services Arts,Entertain- ment,Recreation, 6.30% 2.20% 6.10% 15.50% 6% 10% 15.90% 11.90% 5.70% 8.90% 8.90% 7% Accommodation& Food Services Other Services (except Public 2.30% 8.90% 3.10% 5.10% 12.10% 3% 1.90% 4.10% 0% 6.70% 4.60% 4.30% Administration) Public 8.10% 7% 2.30% 1% 0% 2.50% 15% 0% 4.60% 11.80% 5.90% 4.60% Administration Employed Civilian Population: 1,405 358 131 730 564 2,585 107 295 263 3,081 10,446 744,660 16+Years Old Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2013-2017American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Industry by Sex for the Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over Figures 2.26 and 2.27 show employment by hamlet in Figure 2.28 is a representation of unemployment by 13 different industries as estimated for 2017. hamlet from 2000 to 2017. 26 Chapter 2:Demographics Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 2.28 UNEMPLOYMENT BY HAMLET: 2000-2017 0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00% 12.00% Cutchogue 3.30% 1 6.10% East Marion _1 6.10% 7.50% Fishers Island 0.00% 0.00% Greenport West 5.40% 3.40% Laurel 5.20% 7.10% Mattituck 2.00% 7.80% New Suffolk 0.50% I 10.80% Orient - 0.40% 6.30% Peconic 3.80% i 8.00% Southold 4.80% 7.30% Town of Southold 4.40% 6.10% 3.90% Suffolk County o 5.40/o Total Families Families Below Poverty Level Source:U.S.Census Bureau,2010 Census CHAPTER 3 LAND USE & ZONING February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Existing Conditions m. t z 3 Buildout Analysis 7 Goals and Objectives:Town-wide 7 Goal 1:Update Town Code 8 Goal 2:Review and Update Zoning Town-wide 13 Goal 3:Enforce the Town Code 13 Goal 4:Improve Traffic Congestion and Safety 14 Goal 5:Protect the Town Character 14 Goal 6:Protect Natural Resources and Environment 14 Goal 7:Economic Prosperity 14 Goal 8:Create Attainable Homes 14 Goal 9:Advance the Business of Agriculture -- 14 Goal 10:Preserve Farmland and Open Space 15 Goal 11:Provide Quality Human Services - = 15 Goal 12:Prepare for Natural Hazards 15 Goal 13:Provide Quality Parks and Recreation . 15 Goals and Objectives: Hamlets 16 Cutchogue 20 East Marion 24 Fishers Island f 28 Greenport West 32 Mattituck/Laurel 36 New Suffolk 40 Orient 44 Peconic �. 48 Southold Hamlet See next page for list of tables and figures. CHAPTER 31 LAND USE & ZONING r- Tables Figures 3.11 Land Use in Southold Town 3.11 Population Density Comparison 3.21 Zoning Districts and Area Covered 3.21 Land Available for Residential 3.31 Housing Units Counted During Development the 1980, 1990,and 2010 U.S. 3.31 Future Residential Units Possible Census by Hamlet 3.41 Cutchogue Land Use 141 Existing and Potential Future 3.51 East Marion Land Use Commercial/Industrial Development by Hamlet 3.61 Fishers Island Land Use 3.51 Residential Building Permits for 3.7 Greenport West Land Use New Construction 3.81 Mattituck/Laurel Land Use 3.61 Cutchogue Land Use Map 3.91 New Suffolk Land Use 3.71 Cutchogue Zoning Map 3.101 Orient Land Use 3.81 East Marion Land Use Map 3.111 Peconic Land Use 3.91 East Marion Zoning Map 3.121 Southold Hamlet Land Use 3.101 Fishers Island Land Use Map 3.131 Area of Zoning Districts by 3.111 Fishers Island Zoning Map Hamlet 3.121 Greenport West Land Use Map 3.131 Greenport West Zoning Map i 3.141 Mattituck/Laurel Land Use Map 3.151 Mattituck/Laurel Zoning Map 3.161 New Suffolk Land Use Map 3.171 New Suffolk Zoning Map 3.181 Orient Land Use Map 3.19 1 Orient Zoning Map 3.201 Peconic Land Use Map 3.211 Peconic Zoning Map 3.22 1 Southold Hamlet Land Use Map 3.23 1 Southold Hamlet Zoning Map 3.241 Southold Town Land Use Map 3.251 Southold Town Zoning Map 31 LAND USE & ZONING s Land use patterns,together with zoning regulations, Table 3.1 Land Use in Southold Town are key aspects of how a community functions and develops.By examining current land use and zoning regulations,we can determine what is working well Residential 10,886 33 and what may need to change to ensure that future Agriculture 10,008 30 growth is sustainable and that the high quality of life in Recreation&Open Space 4,488 14 Southold Town continues to be a priority. Vacant 3008 9 This chapter provides an overview of land use and Transportation 2,404 7 zoning in Southold Town and presents broad goals Institutional 1,360 4 for future land use and zoning to achieve the vision Commercial 629 1.8 in this plan.It describes current land use and zoning regulations to set the stage for discussion of how future Industrial 216 0.6 development would be possible under the current Utilities 236 0.7 regulations,also called a "buildout analysis."The devel- Waste Handling 115 0.3 opment trends affecting the Town and their influence on land use and zoning decision-making are discussed. Total Acres 33,350 Figures containing current land use and zoning for Acreagedoesnotinclude the2,100 acres of underwaterland in the Southold Town can be found at the end of this chapter jurisdiction of the Town. (see Figures 3.24 and 3.25).Finally,the Town's overall This table represents the bestavailable data on land use atone point in time,and as such is an estimate thatchanges over time goals and objectives are listed,with each hamlet rather than a static number. receiving an individual treatment of its particular goals and objectives. The largest land use category in Southold is residential, primarily in single-family homes at relatively low densi- Existing Conditions ties,and Southold's character is influenced greatly by the nature of this residential stock. Residential uses in Land Use Southold cover 10,886 acres,or 33 percent of the land, One of the defining features of the character of a 7 percent increase since 2000,when that number was Southold is its agriculture,which helps keep the Town's 10,164 acres. economy diversified and strong.In 2015,agriculture encompassed over 10,000 acres,or 30 percent of the There are 13,818 housing units according to the Town's total land,a number that has decreased only slightly count from February 2019.The average density of since 2000,when it was 10,500 acres. Nearly half,or homes Town-wide is 0.4 housing units per acre(or over more than 4,700 acres,of Southold's agricultural lands 2 acres for every house);however,this average density are in fact protected from conversion to other uses. does not reflect the true density of any given neighbor- hood.Pockets of much higher density exist in every In this way,agriculture can remain a vital part of the culture and character of the Town,even as agricultural hamlet,as do large blocks of open space and farmland. practices change and evolve. "Density"describes the distribution of homes and Table 3.1 describes the approximate acreage found in people throughout a specific geographic area,but 10 key land use categories. another aspect to consider that affects the population 2 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan is how these homes are used.Most homes in the Town character.The topics of land preservation and recreation are lived in year-round,but a significant percentage are are discussed in further detail in Chapter 10,"Land considered seasonal.This seasonal use varies greatly in Preservation,"and Chapter 13,"Parks&Recreation." frequency,with people using their seasonal home Vacant land,which is neither developed nor in agricul- every weekend year-round,or for six months out of the tural use,accounts for 9 percent of the land,or 3,008 year,or sometimes only for a few weekends in the acres scattered throughout the Town.Transportation summer,with many other variations.Homeowners, uses,including roads,related drainage areas,and the both year-round and seasonal,may also rent their railroad,cover over 2,400 acres,or 7 percent of the homes for added income. total land area. Institutional uses,including cemeteries, schools,and government-owned land cover about 1,360 acres,or 4 percent of the total.This number is higher than might be expected due to a few significant federal government holdings including the 816-acre T Plum Island. There is a small percentage of land in commercial use at 629 acres,or 2 percent of the total.Grocery stores, shops,restaurants,offices,service businesses,and other typical commercial development occurs here, all at a small scale in keeping with the small-town character of Southold.An economic analysis conducted The second largest land use category in Southold is for Chapter 7,"Economic Development;'found that Agriculture,with 30 percent of the land,or just over some retail needs of the population are not being met 10,000 acres.The high percentage of Town land in by the stores in Southold.According to most residents, agriculture reflects a cultural heritage that is valued however,they prefer going to nearby Riverhead,a and represents a distinguishing aspect of the North regional hub of big box stores,to having large-scale Fork of Long Island.Preservation of the rural character retail stores in Southold. of the Town has been and continues to be a goal of Southold's vision for its future. The amount of land in industrial uses is small,at 216 acres,or less than 1 percent of the total.The growth that has occurred in industrial uses over the past few years has been countered by some attrition,but industrial uses remain important for employment opportunities and the Town's tax base. _ Zoning j The Town's land use regulations contain the zoning code with the zoning districts,and all land in the Town has been assigned a zoning district.A zoning district describes how much and what type of develop- The third largest land use category is Recreation and ment may occur on the land.Some zoning districts Open Space at 4,488 acres,or 13 percent of the land, restrict the uses that are allowed to only a few,while a significant increase from 1,275 acres in 2000.This others allow a wide variety of uses.For example,the category includes parks,playgrounds,playing fields,and Residential-40 district is primarily for residential uses open space created by new subdivisions.The increase and little else,and the Hamlet Business district allows over the past nearly 20 years can be attributed to the for a long list of uses including residential,commercial, citizens of Southold Town making land preservation a or a mix of both. priority,most notably in 1998 by the enactment of the Community Preservation Fund,a dedicated funding In Southold,there are 19 zoning districts(see Table 3.2). source for preserving land.Open space and the Town's Each has its own set of rules that can be found in detail in the Southold Town Code(http://ecode360.com/500452). natural beauty are important aspects of the Town's Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 3 Table 3.2 Zoning Districts and Area Covered District Name Abbir. Description Agricultural-Conservation A-C Agriculture and Residential 8,668 Residential 80 R-80 Low-Density Residential and Agriculture 5,002 Residential 40 R-40 Low-Density Residential 6,062 Residential 120 R-120 Low-Density Residential and Agriculture 686 Residential 200 R-200 Low-Density Residential and Agriculture 343 Residential 400 R-400 Low-Density Residential and Agriculture 1,064 Hamlet Density HD High-Density Residential 154 Affordable Housing AHD High-Density Residential(Moderate Income) 72 Resort Residential RR Resorts/Hotels/Motels/Vacation Condos 83 Residential Office RO Residential and Business Offices 86 Hamlet Business HB Commercial/Offices/High-Density Residential 148 Limited Business LB Commercial(limited)/Offices/Low-Density Residential 102 General Business B Commercial/Offices/Some Residential 154 Marine I MI Marinas and Related Businesses(less intense uses) 17 Marine II Mil Marinas and Related,Hotels,Ferries(more intense) 111 Light Industrial Park/Planned Office Park LIO Industrial Park/Office Park 79 Light Industrial LI Light Industrial uses 161 Plum Island Research PIR Plum Island only-Research and Education 155 Plum Island Conservation PIC Plum Island only-Education and Conservation 437 Historic Preservation HP Uses suitable for adaptive re-use of historic buildings 0 (Floating zone added in 2017) *Lands used for transportation(roads,drainage),wetlands,protected open space,and underwater lands are notincluded in thezoning district total acreages,exceptR-400 includes protected lands.Industrial zones exclude land protected from development. Residential districts make up over 94 percent of the the fullest potential allowed by zoning. It is important zoning in Southold,in contrast with only 4 percent in to note that a buildout estimate is a theoretical commercial and industrial zoning. maximum in that the actual future buildout may not Current land use and zoning are only part of the reach the numbers in the estimate.Therefore,the picture when it comes to assessing how land might buildout analysis must be considered carefully to fully be developed in the future.Additional factors that understand the implications. affect the land's potential for development include In assessing the buildout potential,both residential and whether a parcel can be subdivided or whether there commercial/industrial buildout were considered.The are environmental constraints for development(e.g., majority of the land available for new development is floodplains or wetlands).These factors have been zoned residential,so the majority of future develop- evaluated using the Town's Geographic Information ment will likely be new homes. In addition,although System (GIS)to demonstrate the future development the total land area zoned for commercial and industrial potential in Southold. uses is only a small fraction of the total land area (2.5 percent),the potential impacts of the development of Buildout Analysis that land could be significant. Most of the commercially A buildout analysis uses the current zoning,parcel size, zoned land is highly visible along main roads,and and other factors to estimate how much more develop- commercial uses have the potential to generate more ment could occur if all the property was developed to traffic than residential uses.Therefore,evaluating all future development potential is important. 4 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Methodology for Buildout Estimates unlikely given our strong agricultural industry,which is The theoretical buildout calculations exclude land diverse and adaptable,and occupies much of the land that is protected,is not buildable for various reasons, available for development. and accounts for the space needed for new roads.The When considering potential future impacts of addi- buildout scenario estimate for residential units was calcu- tional residential development,it is important to under- lated by adding the buildable single and separate lots stand that nearly 40 percent of all homes currently in togetherwith the estimated number of lots from land that Southold Town are considered seasonal,meaning their could be subdivided in the residential zoning districts. owners do not live in them full time.The proportion of The full build-out scenario estimate for commercial seasonal to year-round homes is likely to increase. and industrial uses was calculated using the maximum Residential Buildout lot coverage permitted by Town Code for each zoning district (B, HB,LB,LI,LIO,MII, RR) multiplied by the For the residential buildout,there are approximately amount of buildable and available land in those 8,357 acres available forfuture residential development. zoning districts. Over 75 percent of this land would have to be subdivided into new house lots before new homes could be built How Buildout Affects Population Density there.Theoretically,if all of that land were subdivided Another way to understand the development density to its fullest potential,another 2,538 house lots would of our Town and the relative impacts of an increase in result.Subdivision of all of the available land is unlikely that density is to compare the people per square mile, to happen for several reasons discussed in more detail otherwise known as population density,with that of below.Of note with regard to residential subdivisions other locations. Figure 3.1 compares the population is the stipulation that any parcel of 7 acres or more is density in Southold with those of other places on required to preserve 60 percent as open space.While this Long Island (as of the 2010 Census). Figure 3.1 also does not affect the number of new house lots created,it includes the "saturation population"for Southold, does affect the amount of land that could be developed. which is another way to describe the theoretical The remaining land area in residential zoning that buildout population.These numbers include the is available for development,2,048 acres,exists as seasonal populations. individual vacant building lots that cannot be further subdivided.They are scattered throughout the Town, Figure 3.1 Population Density Comparison:Southold some as vacant lots in existing neighborhoods,others to Other Places on Long Island in subdivisions that have never been developed.There 7000 are approximately 1,840 of these lots in Southold Town. 6000 The amount of land that is in single lots versus the 5000 amount that is able to be subdivided in each hamlet is 4000 3000 summarized below in Figure 3.2. 2000 1000 i Figure 3.2 Land Available for Residential Development 0 ��zr `�� a•�Q �afi�`'c ��$`�r ,��c ya,`r� 2,000 1,500 ■People per Square Mile Saturation Population 1.000 500 0 0 The full build-out scenario for residential developmentb m� NQS _4c�. alik ab p is unlikely to occur given the Town's ongoing land pres- ervation program that is supported by the Community k �� Preservation Fund and supplemented by other land Land in single&separate parcels(acres) preservation programs at the county,state,and federal m Land Able to be subdivided(acres) levels,as well as private preservation initiatives.The By adding the potential new lots from subdivisions to Town remains committed to preserving as much land the existing lots,the potential for another 4,378 single- as possible as demonstrated in the goals of Chapter family homes to be built in Southold is created.Nearly 10, Land Preservation. The full residential buildout is Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 5 half(1,840) of those new homes would be on building Cutchogue has the highest amount of potential lots that already exist,while the remaining (2,538) growth,which is mainly due to a very large area of would have to be created through the subdivision undeveloped industrial land on the north side of process before they could be developed.The amount Suffolk County Route 48,bounded by Depot and Cox of future residential units possible in each hamlet is Lanes and Oregon Road,as well as a significant amount shown in Figure 3.3.With 13,818 housing units already of undeveloped land zoned Hamlet Business.The existing,another 4,378 homes represents a 32 percent second-highest growth potential is in Southold,due to increase in the number of homes in Southold Town (not the existence of over 71 acres of Hamlet Business-zoned including the Village of Greenport). land,much of which is currently in residential use or underdeveloped.In Mattituck/Laurel,the potential Figure 3.3 Future Residential Units Possible by Hamlet growth areas are mainly in the General Business zones 900. towards Laurel along New York State Route 25. B DO GDO It is useful to note that commercial development 4DO currently is about 24 percent of the overall potential, 300 i0 leaving a significant amount of growth potential in 10� j i J I ,,. M L the years to come.Due to the Town's geography as a �p 0 @raCp� 1�`m{,L c�p� ��'`�` yam'p• 6,�;1�- D� JYrotia peninsula and its role as a tourist destination,future ew` ya commercial development will be difficult to predict and �� will not necessarily follow the trends seen in other parts Number of future residential units from subdivision of Long Island. Humber of future residential units from existing single parcels Development Rate Trends Commercial & Industrial Buildout The rate of development is an additional factor to The commercial and industrial build-out scenario calcu- consider when contemplating the buildout scenario. lates the potential square feet of commercial or industrial The U.S.Census provides the total number of housing development as compared with the existing develop- units every 10 years,providing a long view of the rate ment.Figure 3.4 provides the amount of existing versus of residential development.If we look at the increase in total future potential square footage of commercial and the number of housing units each decade beginning in industrial development by hamlet.The future potential 1980,we can calculate the rate of development during includes the existing.As seen in the figure,several that time.Table 3.3 describes the numbers and percent hamlets have the potential to substantially increase the increase in housing units during those census intervals. amount of commercial and/or industrial square footage Table 3.3 Housing Units Counted During the 1980, of building area.There are constraints on future develop- 1990,2000,and 2010 U.S.Census ment,one being the Suffolk County Department of Health regulations on the amount of development as it United #Housing Change relates to the amount of sewage permitted. ' Increase Census Year Units Figure 3.4 Existing and Potential Future Commercial/ 1980 9,845 Industrial Development by Hamlet 1990 11,845 2,000 20 3,500,000 2000 12,694 845 7 3,00{1,000 2,500,000 - 2010 14,186** 1,491 11 2,000,000 11500,000 *Excluding Greenport Village. 1,000,000 **Note this number is slightly different than that forTown data for 500,000 -3 1 _ �`i existing residential dwelling units. 0 Nb From 1980 to 1990,about 2,000 housing units were added,845 between 1990 and 2000,and 1,491 between 2000 and 2010.The average rate of increase a Existing Commercial Dev(sq.ft) Potential Future Commercial Dev Estimate[sq.ft.J 6 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan in housing units every 10 years during those 30 years percent are in agricultural use.Since 1995,the amount was 13 percent. From our own data,we know that in of agricultural land has remained steady at about 10,000 the 10 years between 2009 and 2018,291 homes were acres,which demonstrates the industry's ability to adapt added,which is a lower rate of development than in over time and remain viable.The continued robustness previous decades. of the agricultural sector will slow the conversion of In addition to the data from the U.S.Census,Southold land from agriculture to residential development.In Town has closely tracked its overall land development addition,continued land preservation will mean less as compared with land preservation since 2004,with a available land for development.With these two factors goal to preserving as much land as possible,particularly in place,the actual buildout will likely be lower than the on larger tracts in the target zones of AC,R-80,and numbers identified in the buildout analysis.Chapter 9, R-40 zoning districts,where the majority of the Town's "Agriculture,"and Chapter 10,"Land Preservation,"cover farmland is located.According to the Town's tracking these topics in more detail. report,from 2004 to 2018 the total amount of land The rate of commercial and industrial development that was developed was 519 acres,with 2,218 acres is not easily tracked due to a lack of available data. preserved.During that same time from 2004 to 2018, While knowing the past trends would be helpful,they 168 new house lots were created by subdivisions in would not necessarily predict the future.The growth the target zones.That number would likely have been potential identified in the buildout analysis is the best much higher had it not been for land preservation indicator of what is possible over time.Analyzing it to efforts by the Town and other entities.Chapter 10,"Land identify potential future impacts and to inform future Preservation,"contains more detail about these efforts. zoning and land use planning is a good starting point. The rate of development can also be measured by the For example,the transportation analyses performed number of building permits issued for new construction for the plan took into account the commercial/indus- each year.The trend shows that the rate is rising from trial buildout figures as a way to estimate future traffic a low point of 13 in 2009,with numbers up almost 100 in the area. percent in 2018 from the year before(see Figure 3.5). Handling Future Development Figure 3.5 Number of Residential Building Permits for Although future actual buildout is expected to be New Construction much lower than the theoretical buildout,especially in terms of residential development,there will be signifi- 120 cant growth over time.The Town must take steps to 100 ensure it is prepared to handle the increased pressure :0 on its resources.The land use regulations and zoning as they are today have served the Town well;however, 0 most of the regulations are 30 years old.They must be 4dl closely evaluated to ensure that the balance between 20 quality of life and economic prosperity is maintained. In addition,economic and demographic changes must be anticipated,and the land use regulations updated 2005 2006 2047 2008 I0119 1010 2011 2012 I013 2014 2015 2(116 2017 2018 appropriately to reflect those changes. *Measured by building permits for new residential construction per year. Below are broad goals that will help the Town prepare for the challenges ahead.Subsequent chapters in this The rate of development data shows that the theoretical plan deal with these goals in more detail and include a buildout scenario would take many years to accomplish. closer lookat the Town's transportation and infrastruc- Another consideration is that much of the land available ture,environment,water quality and quantity,economy, for development is in agricultural use.Of the 6,310 acres housing,agriculture,land preservation,human services, that could be subdivided into more lots,5,200 or 82 natural hazards,and parks and recreation. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 7 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: TOWN-WIDE t O Objective 1.2 Re-write each zoning district to eliminate the need to refer to other zoning districts for the _ complete list of uses. ,, �souro-a�o-rasaN KAt[ ,� --— - O Objective 1.3 Eliminate inconsistencies and contradictions within the Town Code.The following are two examples: A Farm stand rules are listed in two places with - different standards. B Exterior lighting rules are listed in two places with different standards. This section contains goals that apply Town-wide. O Objective 1.4 Most of the Town-wide goals are also applicable to Review definitions. individual hamlets.The first 3 goals have specific objectives that relate directly to land use and zoning. A Ensure definitions are consistent among chapters. Goals 4 through 13 are broad. Each has an entire B Define all uses listed under Permitted,Special chapter in this plan dedicated to that topic with Exception,Accessory Uses in the Zoning Chapter. specific goals and objectives. O Objective 1.5 o Goal 1: Update Town Code Change obsolete terminology to more easily Revise the Town Code,particularly the Zoning recognizable terms. Chapter and other Land-Use-related chapters,to be easier to use. • Example:Substitute"car wash"for Improve clarity,eliminate inconsistencies,and update "automobile laundry." obsolete wording where needed. O Objective 1.6 Refer to other chapters of this Comprehensive Plan for Revise the code to provide more clarity about the additional recommendations regarding updating the development process,including but not limited Town Code. to the following: The following are objectives that will help achieve the A Site Plan Applicability Section to provide more goal of updating the Town Code to make it easier to clarity on when a site plan is required. use,with more clarity and consistency.Other objec- tives may be added during the implementation phase B Landscaping requirements on commercial and industrial sites. of the update. C Parking schedule. O Objective 1.1 D Special Exception Uses. Add a table to the Zoning Chapter listing all the E Residential Site Plans. permitted uses in the left column,and each zoning district across the top. > Responsible Parties:Planning Board Funding:Grants 8 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan o Goal 2: Review and Update This objective is related to issues discussed in Zoning Town-Wide Chapter 5,"Community Character,"and Chapter 7,"Economic Development."Each hamlet center Ensure that the existing zoning is appropriately has a level of economic activity that is tied located,uses are of the appropriate scale and together with a unique character that the intensity for the location,and all are consistent residents of each hamlet have expressed a with the other goals of this plan. strong desire to maintain.Introducing a more Zoning must achieve a balance between the built and flexible type of zoning based on design stan- natural environment,and between commercial and dards in the hamlet centers could help retain residential uses,while allowing for the strengthening community character better than that currently of the economy.The economy and demographics of in place,while also encouraging businesses to Southold and the region have changed significantly expand or locate in the hamlet centers by since 1989 when most of the current zoning was put in making it easier to do so. place.Since then,incremental changes to those zoning districts have helped the code adapt;however,a more :µ, thorough and comprehensive look at the zoning is warranted to ensure it achieves balance,supports economic development in the appropriate locations at _ ? the appropriate scale,and protects quality of life. "* This goal relates to Chapter 5,"Community Character," _ and Chapter 7,"Economic Development,"as well as Mattituck Hamlet Center to goals from previous plans including the Hamlet Stakeholders'work from 2005 to 2009,and the public Current zoning rules have strict requirements for input from meetings on land use held in 2014 and building setbacks that must be applied the same 2015,during which people attending the meetings way to all parcels regardless of size or shape. expressed concern about the distribution and uses in Parcels in the hamlet centers are typically small, some of the current zoning districts. and some are narrow in width,making their development challenging with this"one-size- Following is a list of objectives that will help achieve fits-all"approach.New businesses such as retail this goal.Other objectives may be added during the stores that could bring much-needed foot traffic implementation phase of the update. to a hamlet center are drawn away from the While no parcel-specific zone changes are proposed hamlet centers in search of parcels that are easier in these objectives,the types of zoning and circum- to develop. stances that may be considered for future changes are Changing the code in the hamlet centers to identified.Any changes to specific zoning or parcels allow for more flexibility in use and design would happen after this plan is adopted,during could retain and attract thriving businesses that the implementation phase of the plan.All potential generate and support foot traffic in the hamlet changes would only be contemplated after consider- centers,and in turn lead to a stronger local able analyses,public discussion,and public hearings economy.Relying more on design standards and are conducted. less on traditional bulk schedule requirements will introduce flexibility in zoning by using scale, O Objective 2.1 form,and function to determine the size and Review zoning for commercial and industrial location of new commercial buildings. districts. Analyses required to investigate design A I Hamlet Centers Zoning Update standards in the hamlet centers: 11 Strengthen the hamlet centers through innova- a I Inventory,review,and analyze candidate tive,mixed-use zoning with consideration given parcels for the following: to design standards. Size Shape Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 9 • Current use located only in places that can support them.For • Surrounding uses example,a laundromat is a permitted use in the b I Comparison models of potential impacts of Hamlet Business zone and such a use consumes proposed changes to the code: a large amount of water.The requirement that a • Intensity of development laundromat be permitted only if public water is available could be added to the code. • Traffic • Building sizes,lot coverage Analyses required: • Sanitary flow al Examine each permitted use in the hamlet • Tax base analysis centers for impacts,including traffic,parking, c Model each hamlet center for overall size and water use,noise,and lighting. other adjacent zoning and uses. b I Inventory the infrastructure in each d Parking assessments for each hamlet center. hamlet center. 21 Provide for different levels of intensity for certain c I Identify those permitted uses that have uses in the hamlet centers based on the available impacts large enough to require certain infrastructure. levels of infrastructure(land area,public Finding a solution to the one-size-fits-all zoning water,etc.). in the hamlet centers was a frequent concern 31 Assess the code for parking requirements in among the Hamlet Stakeholders and the public relation to public parking in hamlet centers to during input meetings about this plan.It is ensure there is enough and that it is at a scale important to recognize that each hamlet is and size that is appropriate for each hamlet. unique in scale and supporting infrastructure Public parking in hamlet centers,whether on and adjust the code to account for those public streets,or in municipal parking lots, differences.This approach will help protect the benefits the Town's economy by providing community character of the hamlets. ample space for the vehicles of customers of local businesses. As each hamlet center has a different level of supporting infrastructure that defines what level a I Create a Municipal Parking Fund for main- of build-out could or should occur,infrastructure tenance and acquisition of public parking initiatives should be evaluated on an individual facilities,where appropriate. hamlet basis.In addition to stormwater,public 4 Analyze the feasibility of a fee in lieu of water supply,electricity and natural gas service, parking provided on site for commercial and communications networks,"infrastructure" site plans. includes amenities like parking.Some of the b I Consider adding"Parking"as a permitted hamlets have municipal parking lots,and some principal use in the hamlet centers to have very little public parking.Most hamlets promote future private development of have public water available,but not all of them parking facilities. do. For those areas that have less infrastructure, B I Business Corridors Outside Hamlet Centers some uses allowed in the hamlet centers may be Zoning Update too intense and result in an erosion of the quality of life for residents.Currently the zoning does 1 I Create a new zoning district for commercial and not identify the appropriate level of infrastruc- industrial uses along the major roads outside the ture for most uses. hamlet centers. An analysis of the appropriate level of infra- The parcels along the major roads of State structure required for the various uses would Route 25 and County Route 48 that are located provide guidance on where the code might be outside the hamlet centers contain a variety amended to account for the differences among of zoning districts and uses.Locating certain hamlet centers.Once identified,conditions or commercial uses outside of hamlet centers performance requirements could be added to can have a dampening effect on the vitality of some of the more intense uses to ensure they are those hamlet centers.The dampening effect occurs when businesses that would have 10 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan generated foot traffic in a hamlet center(e.g., a I Inventory,review,and analyze parcels that retail,restaurants)choose to locate far outside could be candidates for this new zoning the hamlet center where land is less expensive. district,generally those along State Route This draws customers to locations reachable 25 and County Route 48,outside the hamlet only by car,leaving empty sidewalks and empty centers.Consider the following: storefronts in the hamlet center.The zoning in o Size these outlying areas must be analyzed to ensure o Current use that they encourage uses that are suitable for Surrounding uses being located outside the hamlet centers and discourage uses that are best located in the Potential impacts of proposed permitted hamlet centers. uses versus impacts of current uses (permitted and existing) Focusing retail development in the hamlet » Traffic centers has been a recurring goal in the Town's > Noise plans and studies throughout its planning » Light history. Past planning documents, including the 2007-08 Hamlet Stakeholders Initiatives, b Create models to analyze potential effects of identified the need to address this issue.This different uses: objective also relates to goals in Chapter 5, 4 Lot coverages/building sizes,setback "Community Character,"and Chapter 7, requirements,landscape coverage— "Economic Development." comparison of old and new zones Parking requirements Tax base analysis Revisit the bulk schedule and parking requirements for commercial and industrial zoning districts -__--_- - The bulk schedule is a table that lists the parameters for each zoning district such as the - minimum lot size,the lot coverage(the amount of land a building can cover),the distance from - - the property line a building must be located Commercial zone outside hamlet center (known as setbacks),and the amount of land- scaping that must be placed on a parcel.The size One solution to this issue would be to create of new buildings and parking lots is controlled, a new zoning district for those commercial in part,by the bulk schedule of the zoning code. parcels outside the hamlet centers.This new Theoretically,the bulk schedule sets limits on the district would include a range of existing uses amount of development to prevent overbuilding that would be suitable for location outside the on any one parcel. hamlet centers and would exclude the uses that It has become apparent that the bulk schedule's are needed in the hamlet centers. Permitted uses parameters could use an overhaul to improve could include service businesses,contractors' both their usefulness in preventing overcrowding yards,and offices,among others.This goal could of commercial sites and the clarity with which potentially be achieved by creating more than they are administered.Parking requirements are one new zoning district,or a employing a combi- linked to the outcome of commercial develop- nation of existing and new zoning districts. ment projects,and the Town regulations for Analyses required: parking require a similar overhaul and analysis. To identify which parcels would be considered for a I One parameter is the"minimum lot size a new zoning district,and which permitted uses per use,"which states the minimum size a would be included in the new zoning district(s), parcel must be for each use.An example the following analyses must be conducted: of this is the General Business(B)zoning district,which has a minimum lot size per use Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 11 of 30,000 square feet.Two permitted uses hamlet center and the residential zoning outside the such as a restaurant and a retail store would hamlet center. require a parcel of at least 60,000 square feet In some cases,very old development patterns exist for both to be allowed on one lot. where it is not possible to create an ideal transition; A clarification in the code of how to apply the however,there may be places in town where the minimum lot size per use is needed.Currently transition zoning can be improved. the Town relies on a 2004 interpretation by the Zoning Board of Appeals known as"the 1 I Evaluate the uses allowed in existing transition Malon decision:'This interpretation stated zoning districts(Limited Business,Residential that the minimum lot size per use in the bulk Office)to determine whether they require any schedule for the General Business("B")Zone updates to ensure they function as transition applied to each building,rather than each zones.Optionally,consider a new transitional business in that building.In the example zoning district. above,the restaurant and the retail store 21 Identify areas with transitions from commercial/ could both be located on a parcel of 30,000 industrial to residential that lack transitional square feet rather than 60,000 square feet if zoning to determine whether it can be added. they were both in the same building. 31 Evaluate areas with transitional zoning or An interpretation such as this is often an transitional uses to determine whether some indication that the wording of the zoning other zone is more appropriate given the current code needs to be clarified either to match the pattern of land use. interpretation,or changed to reflect the intent Analyses required: of the legislative body(the Town Board). a Identify all areas of transition in zoning Re-evaluate the minimum lot size,setbacks, districts and uses. and maximum lot coverage in the bulk b Identify current use of all involved parcels. schedule of the Town Code for all commercial and industrial zoning districts. c� Existing and potential new transition zoning districts: Addressing the larger issue of the effective- ness of the bulk schedule,the intent of which i Identify uses and their impacts is to regulate the size and impact of uses on a • Traffic site,is another important review that must be • Noise done for the entire bulk schedule. • Building size and scale C Transitional Zoning Update—Evaluate,identify,and ii Evaluate and model minimum lot size, improve transitional zoning areas where necessary maximum lot coverage,and setback and and feasible. parking requirements. Transitional zoning areas are those that shift D Marine Zoning Update—Evaluate the uses and bulk from a commercial/industrial zoning district to a schedule of the marine zoning districts(MI&MII) residential zoning district.Ideally,a zoning district to ensure they continue to support the goals of the would exist between the two that would allow for a Town. lower-impact commercial use that could be next to The marine zoning districts provide a means of access a residence without interfering with the residents' to the water through both public and private facilities. quality of life. These zoning districts were created to ensure there is ample public access to the water,while balancing the An example of transitional zoning in current Southold need to protect the fragile environment of the shore- Town Code is the Residential Office zoning district, lines and waterbodies.Consult the Local Waterfront typically located on the outskirts of a hamlet center. Revitalization Program document,incorporated by This zoning district allows only low-impact uses such reference into this plan,for specific recommendations, as a professional office,thereby providing a transi- and conduct new analyses of the existing marine tion between the Hamlet Business zoning of the zoning,permitted uses and the bulk schedule. 12 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan E Split-Zoned Parcels percentage so that there is a sliding scale Split-zoned parcels are those that are located in where larger lots have a lower percentage of lot more than one zoning district.An example would coverage.In Special Flood Hazard Areas,the lot be a parcel that is partially in the B zone and coverage could be lowered even more to limit the partially in the R-40 zone.Currently,the Town Code amount of potential damage from flooding. provides little guidance on how to apply the bulk 21 Revisit the setbacks and maximum building schedule in the case of split-zones. height,especially on non-conforming lots, 1 I Clarify the Town Code with respect to split-zoned to ensure that neighboring homes are not parcels and how the bulk schedule is applied. adversely affected by new houses. 21 Consider re-zoning to reduce or eliminate split- Setbacks are the minimum distance a building zoned parcels where appropriate. must be from the property line. Non-conforming lots are lots that are smaller than the minimum Analyses required: lot size in the zoning district.Some are very a I Identify all parcels with split-zoning. small,and if the building is too close to the Determine the amount of land in each property line and/or too tall,it can block sunlight zoning district,and whether it conforms to to a neighboring home and be out of proportion the bulk schedule. and character with the rest of the neighborhood. Identify all uses on split-zoned parcels and C I Transient Rentals whether they are conforming. In 2014,new types of transient rentals were intro- F I Light Industrial Zoning Districts duced into the area,facilitated by websites such as With the potential for traditional light industrial AirBnB,VRBO,and Homeaway.com.Many homes are uses in Southold dwindling,consider revising these being purchased by investors and used solely for zoning districts,especially those close to hamlet this purpose,leading to an erosion of community centers,to accommodate new uses or mixed uses. and tranquility of residential neighborhoods,and Example:artist live-work development that provides reducing the available inventory of homes available artist housing,studio workspace,and gallery space. for year-round rental.This can also be considered a commercial use in residential zone:it reduces the O Objective 2.2 viability of commercial bed and breakfast opera- Review zoning for residential districts. tions and local hotels. Limit transient rentals to preserve the quality and A I Water Quality tranquility of residential neighborhoods. Find ways to mitigate the impacts to groundwater D I Agriculture from new residential development and subdivisions, including quantity and quality of drinking water and The residential zoning districts are identical to the surface water quality.This topic is explored fully in Agricultural Conservation (AC)zoning district in the Water Resources section of Chapter 6,"Natural their list of permitted uses.As such,agriculture is Resources&Environment." permitted in most residential zones,and houses are permitted in the AC zone.Generally,agriculture and B I Size of Future Homes residences peacefully coexist. 1 I Revisit the lot coverage in the bulk schedule for residential districts,especially as it relates to As the agriculture industry evolves,however,so larger lot sizes and those located within Special must the Town Code evolve to recognize the variety Flood Hazard Areas. of new business models being used.The goal is to provide a balance between supporting agriculture Currently a 5-acre lot would allow for a home of and ensuring neighborhoods are protected from up to 80,000 square feet on two floors.While that large adverse impacts.This can be achieved by might seem extraordinary,other towns on the assessing the appropriate scale and intensity East End have seen extremely large homes,and relative to the proximity to residences,particularly have taken measures to address the situation. of retail and similar uses that can draw large One solution could be to revise the lot coverage numbers of people and the availability of necessary Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 13 infrastructure such as on-site parking and access to In 2013,the Southold Town Board created two new major roads,and ensuring the Town Code is revised zoning districts for the purposes of applying zoning to address these issues. to Plum Island for the first time in its history.These This topic and related goals and objectives are districts are the Plum Island Conservation District, covered in more detail in Chapter 9,"Agriculture." and the Plum Island Research District.The Plum Island Planning Study of July 2013 supports these new zoning E Commercial Uses in Residential Districts districts and is on file with the Southold Town Clerk. (Pre-Existing Non-Conforming Uses) Historic Preservation A use is considered pre-existing non-conforming if it existed at a specific location prior to the In 2015,the Southold Town Board created a new zoning current zoning,and is not a permitted use in that district,to be landed on parcels with historically zoning district.They are created when the zoning significant buildings to encourage the adaptive re-use is changed on a parcel that has an existing use on of the buildings to preserve community character.This it that is not allowed in the new zoning district. In was prompted by a number of church consolidations, some cases,the uses that surround a parcel with a causing iconic church buildings to be put up for sale pre-existing non-conforming use may have changed and face possible demolition. to such an extent that a different zoning district that allows the existing use might be appropriate. Review all parcels with pre-existing non-conforming , > w, uses to determine whether a zoning change to make the use conforming is appropriate. � ` J60*1 ] Responsible Parties:Planning Board,Town Board . ■ , , Funding:Grants to fund the analyses necessary for ■ each objective O Objective 2.3 Review need for new zoning districts. - Laurel School New zoning districts may be created where existing zoning districts do not achieve the goals of this plan. o Goal 3: Enforce the Town Code Plum Island Land use regulations contribute to protecting Southold's community character and quality of life. Most people comply with those regulations voluntarily; however,occasional reminders are necessary. During every public meeting conducted as part of this compre- hensive plan update,the topic of code enforcement '"" was raised. r Southold Town will continue to enhance its ability to - - - enforce its regulations. Orr Ir I. ~ - o Goal 4: Improve Traffic - Congestion and Safety -- Non Ensure infrastructure supports Town residents MIKE I WE and businesses. Traffic congestion and pedestrian safety are priority issues for residents. Increases in tourism have meant an Plum Island Lighthouse 14 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan increase in traffic in Southold.Speeding,whether it be p Goal 7: Economic Prosperity through a hamlet center or down a quiet side street,is a complaint heard from residents all over Town. Facilitate the growth of existing businesses, and encourage new businesses for stable and * Find solutions to the traffic problems experienced sustainable employment. during the summer and fall busy seasons. =� Increase opportunities to travel to and from This includes agriculture,aquaculture,health care, Southold without a car,including expanded train renewable energy,tourism,light industrial,retail/ and bus service. service-based and the maritime-related industry. Balance economic prosperity with maintaining a high • Protect the safety of pedestrians by finding ways quality of life,the environment,and the unique char- to calm traffic,especially where roads such as State acter of the communities. Route 25 pass through areas with a concentration of pedestrian activity,such as hamlet centers. This topic and related goals and objectives are covered Infrastructure refers to the street,parking,and utility in more detail in Chapter 7,"Economic Development." networks that serve the residents and businesses in the Town. O Goal 8: Enable the Creation of Ensure the infrastructure supports the residents and Attainable Homes businesses of Southold Town. The Town must take steps to facilitate the creation This topic and related goals and objectives are of attainable housing in Southold. covered in more detail in Chapter 4,"Transportation There is a housing crisis in Southold Town.The prices & Infrastructure." of most homes,to purchase or rent,have increased beyond the ability of many residents to pay. o Goal 5: Protect the This topic and related goals and objectives are covered Town Character in more detail in Chapter 7,"Economic Development," Southold retains much of its small-town charm. and Chapter 8,"Housing." Many factors contribute to quality of life;these include p Goal 9: Retain and Advance the the Town's scenic,cultural,and natural resources. Business of Agriculture This topic and related goals and objectives are covered in more detail in Chapter 5,"Community Character." Agricultural uses occur on 30 percent of the land area in Southold Town,are important to the economy,and represent vital elements of the o Goal 6: Protect and Enhance community's character. the Town's Natural Resources This topic and related goals and objectives are covered and Environment in more detail in Chapter 9,"Agriculture." The importance of managing and preserving Southold's natural resources while promoting O Goal 10: Continue to Preserve responsible user experiences is paramount in Farmland and Open Space maintaining the quality of life within the Town. • Protect groundwater and surface water quality Southold's character is created in large part by its open and quantity. spaces,including farmland,natural lands,and parks. • Protect land-based natural resources including Protecting these assets has long been a goal of the agricultural soils and natural habitat for wildlife. Town. Land preservation priorities include retaining This topic and related goals and objectives are large blocks of uninterrupted farmland,and preserving covered in more detail in Chapter 6,"Natural environmentally sensitive lands and woodland.Lands Resources&Environment." for recreation and public gathering are also important. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 1s This topic and related goals and objectives are covered o Goal 13: Provide Quality Parks in more detail in Chapter 10,"Land Preservation." and Recreation Opportunities in o Goal 11: Continue to Provide the Town Quality Human Services Southold offers a diversity of recreational opportunities,from public tennis courts and To meet the needs of its citizens,the Town should playing fields,to nature trails and beaches. continue to fund its rich array of programs and resources for people as well as seek to improve The Town also provides a recreation program with a their lives through additional resources. well-rounded offering of classes and workshops. Southold plans to continue offering a variety of recre- Thistopic and related goals and objectives are covered ational experiences and programs to meet the diverse in more detail in Chapter 11,"Human Services." p p g needs of the community,and to maintain its existing parklands,open spaces,beaches,and recreational O Goal 12: Prepare the Town for facilities.Additional recreational land may be obtained Natural Hazards where feasible and necessary. Southold Town is subject to natural hazards, � . including hurricanes,flooding,and sea level rise, which can imperil human lives,property,and N -- the environment. 7L710 111 S 0 hj- TOWNOF SOUTHL�N O'FSOUtT . . Planning and preparing for natural hazards,including the preparation of a coastal resiliency plan,will help - save lives and property. Town parkin Peconic This topic and related goals and objectives are covered in more detail in Chapter 12,"Natural Hazards:' This topic and related goals and objectives are covered in more detail in Chapter 13,"Parks&Recreation." GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: HAMLETS Next follows a discussion for each hamlet,including Stakeholder Initiatives,as well as current issues identi- a summary of land use and zoning.The hamlets are fied by the public over the course of the many meet- Cutchogue,East Marion,Fishers Island,Greenport West, ings that have been held for this plan.Reviewing each Mattituck/Laurel,New Suffolk,Orient,Peconic,and hamlet separately will show that there are similarities Southold.For ease of reference,the order of hamlets in among all the hamlets,but that each hamlet has its this section is alphabetical. own individual character.The unique nature of each Included in these hamlet-specific discussions are the hamlet will need to be considered in future zoning and long-term goals identified in the 2007-08 Hamlet land use decisions. 16 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Cutchogue busier commercial areas in the Town,Cutchogue's hamlet center has retained a lot of its historic char- acter and small-town charm due to the re-use of many of its historic buildings by businesses like banks and 14 1+4 1 1_1 ■EI public uses like libraries. Cutchogue has a second commercial area that is discon- nected from the hamlet center.Located on State Route 25,it contains a typical small shopping center anchored by a large grocery store,with other businesses stretched along the main road in both directions. Cutchogue contains the largest industrial area in the Cutchogue Diner Town,an industrial park located in the area north of County Route 48 between Depot and Cox Lanes.This Cutchogue hamlet is located in the western half of the area represents significant growth potential for the Town and stretches from the Long Island Sound across Town's tax base due to the relatively large amount of the entire width to the Peconic Bays.It is bordered undeveloped land in the park.The land use category of on the west by Mattituck,on the east by Peconic,and waste handling encompasses 78 acres,which includes New Suffolk on the south.Cutchogue is the one of the the Town-owned transfer and recycling station. largest of the 10 hamlets with 6,322 acres. A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres Nearly half of the land in Cutchogue-3,125 acres—is and percentages in Cutchogue are in Table 3.4. agricultural,a use that greatly influences the commu- nity character of the hamlet. Its historic buildings also Table 3.4 Cutchogue Land Use lend a sense of place,with the library,Village Green, Land Use Acres % and surrounding historic buildings forming the center Agriculture 3,125 49.4 of the historic hamlet. Residential 1,792 28.3 Residential land uses cover nearly a third of the land Transportation 387 6.1 in Cutchogue,with the majority being single-family Vacant 373 5.9 homes located south of State Route 25. Recreation&Open Space 372 5.9 Transportation is the third largest land use category Commercial 88 1.4 at 387 acres or 6 percent of the total.In 2007,the Cutchogue Hamlet Stakeholders identified traffic as Waste Handling&Mgt 78 1.2 the hamlet's most pressing issue.Traffic congestion Institutional 64 1.0 on State Route 25,traffic safety at intersections,and Industrial 38 0.6 pedestrian safety,particularly along State Route 25, Utilities 3 0.0 were all listed as issues of concern. Total Acres 6,322 The hamlet includes 372 acres of land categorized as recreation and open space.Such uses include two golf courses—a small public course and a large private one— Zoning in Cutchogue as well as parcels such as the Downs Farm Preserve. In Cutchogue,12 of the 19 zoning districts are repre- sented,with the Agricultural Conservation district Most commercial uses are located along State Route covering 3,765 acres,or 60 percent of the land,and the 25,with a few scattered along County Route 48.These Residential 40 and 80 covering most of the rest of the commercial areas include the hamlet center,which land.Cutchogue is one of only two hamlets to contain contains the post office,restaurants,and various Light Industrial Office zoning,which is located in the shops and services.The hamlet center is notable in industrial park north of County Route 48,between that there is a significant amount of Hamlet Business- Cox Lane and Depot Lane.There is significant Hamlet zoned land that is currently undeveloped,so its Business-zoned land that remains undeveloped along growth potential is higher than that of other Southold tariffing and North Streets.Commercial buildout of hamlet centers. In addition,despite having one of the Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 17 this land will expand the focus of the Hamlet Center actually be constructed in the future.These factors Business District. include the ongoing land preservation program,as well Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in as the fact that while much of the land that is theoreti- the hamlets of Southold Town. cally available for residential development due to its zoning,it is already being actively used for agriculture Buildout Analysis for Cutchogue in Cutchogue and might never be converted to home sites.See the buildout analysis discussion in the first The theoretical buildout potential for Cutchogue can section of this chapter for more discussion on this topic. be estimated by looking at the current land available for development and the zoning. Goals/Issues for Cutchogue There are approximately 1,783 acres of land available Preserving farmland and farming are important for the for development in Cutchogue.Of those,1,496 acres future of Cutchogue,as are historic preservation,and could be further subdivided.Theoretically,if all were making sure new commercial development is at a scale subdivided to their full yield,an additional 640 residen- consistent with the small-town character of the hamlet tial building lots would be created.The remaining 286 center.Residents identified traffic as one of their main acres of land already exist as 239 individual residential concerns,especially traffic safety. building lots.Added together they represent the A Preserve farmland and the business of agriculture. theoretical buildout potential for Cutchogue of 879 This goal is addressed in more detail in Chapter 7, additional housing units. "Economic Development,"Chapter 9,"Agriculture," Only 27 percent,of those possible additional housing and Chapter 10,"Land Preservation." units would be on house lots that already exist,while B Ensure future commercial development in the the other potential house lots would have to be created hamlet center is at a scale consistent with the through the subdivision process. historic hamlet's character.This goal can be met Commercial and industrial development in Cutchogue through the implementation of Goal 2 of this is at 13 percent of the potential amount that would chapter,which calls for a Town-wide review and an be allowed under the current zoning.At a little over update of the zoning code,and by creating design 400,000 square feet,Cutchogue has the fourth largest standards as identified in the goals of Chapter 5, amount of existing commercial/industrial building "Community Character." area in the Town. Under current zoning,if all of the C Ensure future development in and near the hamlet land that is zoned for this use were developed to center reflects a walkable community by including its full potential,the result could be eight times the pedestrian infrastructure.This issue is addressed in existing amount of commercial building area.This Chapter 4,"Transportation&Infrastructure,"which large amount of potential future commercial/industrial contains a goal to adopt a Complete Streets policy that development is mostly due to the large undeveloped would include improving pedestrian infrastructure. parcels in the industrial park north of County Route 48. Figure 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis"section of this � Improve traffic safety and congestion in the chapter) illustrates the amount of existing and poten- hamlet through traffic calming and other measures. Details from the Hamlet Stakeholders' tial future commercial and industrial development in Southold Town,by hamlet. recommendations are included in Chapter 4, "Transportation & Infrastructure." These buildout numbers are estimates based on the Figures 3.6 and 3.7 identify land use and zoning best available data.Many factors influence how much for Cutchogue. land will be subdivided,and how many homes will 18 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 3.6 Cutchogue Land Use Map LONG ISLAND SOUND Oregon Rd Oregon Rd n 7 J N 7 D 7 WIS 3 � q MattituckT- t Cutchogue 4$ county Road 48 as c ■ 191 Pecon is J 7 C 'J N RO4re2s ° P 25 . ey,s w �•s �'+ c 9 a Leslie Rd rU� e Wickham �c , �C Creek V. West � Gimm --_ v Creek � Oa CD ' New GREAT PECONIC BAY Su ff o l k L HOG Legend Land Use _ N ACY Q Hamlet Center Residential Vacant I Q HALO Zone Commercial Transportation `� e Industrial Utilities �o Institutional Waste Handling and Management Open Space and Recreation Surface Waters Agriculture NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY LITTLE This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for PECONIC surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No BAY warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.25 0.5 Miles t Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 19 Figure 3.7 Cutchogue Zoning Map LONG ISLAND SOUND Oregon Rd Oregon Rd n °1 o a L 7 C Lu N J r . x a Cutchogue 4$ Road 48 1111111111111111116Oounty 48 Pecon is J � D a Lu 3 0 J 0 Ro�re2s � , Nei w 1 � 25 S4ff �,°° � vc •=� 9� `� Leslie Rd `q5 m U r. Wickham �c Creek West Creek a New aREAT PECONIC BAY SuffCi /i HOG Legend Zoning Districts NECK BAY Hamlet Center Agricultural Conservation Light lndustrial/PlannedOffice Park OHALOZone Ed General Business Marine I -Lands Protected from Development* -Hamlet Business Residential 40 Qa Hamlet Density Residential 80 Qo -Limited Business -Residential Office ro m -Lightlndustrial -Resod Residential =ro NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY "For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. LITTLE This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for PECONIC surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No BAY warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.25 0.5 Miles i 20 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan East Marion East Marion,but there are both public and private bus services in the hamlet. The very small business district in East Marion,the smallest of the Town,is an important part of the character of the hamlet.Residents generally prefer it stay small.The hamlet center consists of a small retail general store,the post office,the fire department,and e several bed-and-breakfast businesses. A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres and percentages in East Marion are in Table 3.5. i Table 3.5 East Marion Land Use Y Residential 589 41.7 Recreation&Open Space 269 19.0 Vacant 247 17.5 Agriculture 157 11.1 Church in East Marion Transportation 113 8.0 Commercial 29 0.7 The hamlet of East Marion is located in the eastern half Institutional 4 0.3 of the Town.It is bordered on the west by Greenport Utilities 4 0.0 West and on the east by Orient.To the north is the Long Island Sound,and to the south is Orient Harbor.East Total Acres 1,412 Marion is one of the smaller hamlets,with 1,412 acres. Zoning in East Marion Most of the 1,412 acres of land in East Marion is in The zoning in East Marion is almost entirely residential. residential use at 589 acres or 41 percent,and most Only 6 of the 19 zoning districts are represented,with are single-family residences.The historic homes along the R-40 district covering 773 acres,and the R-80 at State Route 25,together with the various enclaves of 607 acres.There is a very small amount,one acre,of homes along both Long Island Sound and the Peconic commercially zoned land in the hamlet center—the Bay,with their beaches and open spaces are a major post office property,the parcel next-door,and a small part of East Marion's unique character.East Marion part of the firehouse parcel.The other commercial is a popular vacation home destination with over 50 zoning includes 4 acres of"Resort Residential,"an acre percent of its 863 houses characterized as seasonal in of which is developed as a hotel,and the remainder as the 2010 Census. residential.The single largest commercial property in The next largest category of land use is recreation and East Marion is the former oyster factory property at the open space at 19 percent.Most of the 269 acres in this end of Shipyard Lane,which contains an estimated 15 category are considered"open space,"or land that must acres of buildable Marine II (MII)-zoned land. stay free of buildings and other development.Parkland Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in such as the Ruth Oliva Preserve at Dam Pond Preserve, the hamlets of Southold Town. and the open spaces in Pebble Beach Farms subdivision fall into this category.Active recreation areas such as Old Buildout Analysis for East Marion Schoolhouse Park are also in this category. The theoretical buildout potential for East Marion can East Marion has a small but active farming community, be estimated by looking at the current land available which adds to its rural character.There are 157 acres for development and the zoning. in agricultural use in East Marion,or 10 percent of the There are approximately 287 acres of land available land.Streets and related transportation uses cover for development in East Marion.Of those,20 parcels about 8 percent of the land.There is no train station in consisting of 145 acres could be further subdivided. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 21 Theoretically,if all were subdivided to their full yield, Goals/Issues for East Marion an additional 73 building lots would be created. East Marion residents value the rural quality of life in The remaining 141 acres of land already exist as 174 the hamlet,including its physical beauty,its shorelines individual vacant house lots.Added together they and open spaces,and its night skies.Also important is represent the theoretical buildout potential for East keeping the community peaceful,friendly,and quiet—a Marion of 287 additional housing units. place where families can remain for generations. The majority,or 61 percent,of those possible additional A Preserve the existing open spaces in East Marion. housing units would be on house lots that already This topic is covered in more detail in Chapter 10, exist,while the other potential house lots would have "Land Preservation." to be created through the subdivision process. B Preserve the rural quality of life.This issue is covered Commercial and industrial development in East Marion in more depth in the Chapter 5,"Community is at 8 percent of the potential amount that would be Character,"as well as in Goal 2 of this chapter,which allowed under the current zoning.At a little over 22,000 calls for a review of the Town Code to ensure zoning square feet,East Marion has the second lowest amount and other land use regulations accurately reflect the of existing commercial/industrial building area in the quality of life in each hamlet. Town. Under current zoning,if all of the land that is zoned for these uses were developed to its full poten- C I Improve traffic congestion and traffic and pedes- zoned for result could be 12 times the existing amount of trian safety on State Route 25,especially in the commercial building area.This is mainly attributed to hamlet center.This topic is covered in more detail in the large M11-zoned parcel at the end of Shipyard Lane. Chapter 4,"Transportation&Infrastructure:' Figure 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis"section of this D Limit future commercial development to match the chapter) illustrates the amount of existing and potential very small scale of the hamlet center.East Marion future commercial and industrial development in residents are generally satisfied with the very small Southold Town,by hamlet. amount of commercial activity in their hamlet center and have expressed a reluctance for that to grow.They These buildout numbers are estimates based on the generally use Greenport Village and points farther best available data.Many factors influence how much west to serve their needs for goods and services.This land will be subdivided,and how many homes will issue is reflected in Goal 2 of this chapter. actually be constructed in the future.These factors include the economy and the ongoing land preserva- E Develop a plan for managing the deer population. tion program.See the buildout analysis discussion in The Town has been carrying out a plan to do so, the first section of this chapter for more discussion on and this issue is more fully discussed in Chapter 6, this topic. "Natural Resources&Environment." Figures 3.8 and 3.9 identify land use and zoning for East Marion. 22 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 3.8 East Marion Land Use Map X East Marion J. e Stiiard, �h -o O` LONG ISLAND SOUND o � P m 2 ! 11 r 4 4` v m O� U ro 3 I / Dam Pond a o Route 25 ¢ +ice C7 -- � �,� Iva I� iT= W aEi�y ca <25 -- ca O U m �� a c E O � N N. � U 3 Y Legend Land Use ORIENT HARBOR HALO Zone Residential Vacant 0 Hamlet Center Commercial Transportation Industrial Utilities Institutional Waste Handling and Management Open Space and Recreation Surface Waters Agriculture NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for 0 0.175 0.35 Miles surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No I i warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 23 Figure 3.9 East Marion Zoning Map East Marion e g�card �h 11 a 3 a� LONG ISLAND SOUND m , n a m �C ID 4 Qy U N G� tJ m Oa 1c, D—Pond S 0 Route 25 I E2 E 25 a o 03E U O 0 m =g Y JRIENT HARBOR Legend Zoning Districts 0 HALO Zone Hamlet Business Residential 40 0 Hamlet Center Limited Business Residential 80 Lands Protected from Development` Marine 11 =Resort Residential NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency ARDS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY 'For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for 0 0.175 0.35 Miles surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 24 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Fishers Island Commercial uses are spread out in several isolated pockets of commercial and industrial zoning on the west end of the Island,most located outside the small NONE"= hamlet center.The hamlet center consists of several shops,a museum,and a municipal building that includes the post office. A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres and percentages on Fishers Island are in Table 3.6. t . Table 3.6 Fishers Island Land Use Residential 940 36.3 Vacant 669 25.9 Recreation&Open Space 471 18.2 Transportation 329 12.7 Institutional 95 3.7 Fishers Island hamlet is a long,narrow island located Waste Handling&Mgt 28 1.1 at the eastern tip of Southold Town,about 12 miles Industrial 24 0.9 northeast of Orient Point,and 4 miles from the coast of Commercial 22 0.9 Connecticut. It is surrounded by Long Island Sound to the west,Fishers Island Sound on the north,and Block Utilities 7 0.3 Island Sound to the south.Fishers Island is 2,586 acres Total Acres 2,586 in size and about 7 miles in length. Zoning on Fishers Island Visiting Fishers Island is like going back in time.The pace is slower,there is little traffic,and except for The zoning on Fishers Island is unique in that it is the the bustle of activity near the dock when the ferry only place in Southold Town that has Residential 120 lands,the Island is relatively quiet and peaceful.Asan (R-120)zoning,otherwise known as"3-acre"zoning, island,its challenges are different than those facing which covers nearly 70 percent of the Island. Nine of the rest of the hamlets.Over a third of Fishers Island's the 19 zoning districts appear,with the R-120,R-80,and acreage is developed with residential land uses,most R-40 districts covering 2,262 of Fishers'3,200 acres.The of which are single-family homes.Approximately 80 commercial zoning is spread out into six areas with the percent of those 554 homes are seasonal.This is much two largest areas being the 18 acres of General Business higher than the Town-wide average of 36 percent, (B)zone near the ferry,and the 13 acres of Limited and demonstrates one of the biggest problems facing Business(LB)zone along Crescent and Fox Avenues. Fishers Island,the continuing decline of its year-round Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter illustrates the population.The density of housing on the Island is 0.25 zoning in the hamlets of Southold Town. housing units per acre,or about half of the density in the Town overall. Buildout Analysis for Fishers Island Another prominent feature of land use on Fishers Island The theoretical buildout potential for Fishers Island can is its recreation and open space,which covers nearly be estimated by looking at the current land available 20 percent of the land.There are two golf courses,and for development and the zoning. considerable areas of natural land protected by the There are approximately 679 acres of land available Henry L.Ferguson Museum that holds Fishers Island's for development in Fishers Island.Of those,328 acres only Land Trust.Another 26 percent of the land remains could be further subdivided.This is not counting the undeveloped,yet is technically available for develop- Fishers Island Club golf course.Theoretically,if all were ment in the future.There is no land in agricultural use, subdivided to their full yield,an additional 57 building though there is active aquaculture conducted in the lots would be created.The remaining 351 acres of land water on and around Fishers Island. already exist as 177 individual vacant house lots.Added Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 25 together they represent the theoretical buildout poten- dwindling,in part due to lack of jobs and lack of tial for Fishers Island:234 additional housing units. affordable homes. The majority,76 percent,of those possible additional 1 ! Create new housing at a price that is attainable housing units would be on house lots that already for year-round residents.This topic is covered in exist,while the other potential house lots would have more detail in Chapter 8,"Housing." to be created through the subdivision process. 21 Create quality jobs;and Commercial and industrial development on Fishers 31 Create or maintain efficient,affordable Island is at 36 percent of the potential amount that commuting options to the mainland. would be allowed under the current zoning.At a B Strengthen and diversify the economic base of the little over 100,000 square feet,Fishers Island has the Island to provide the goods and services necessary fifth lowest amount of existing commercial/industrial for a year-round population,as well as to create building area in the Town.Under current zoning,if all of quality local employment. the land that is zoned for this use was developed to its 1 Examine the zoning on Fishers Island to identify full potential,the result could be three times the existing changes tailored to the Island's unique demo- amount of commercial building area.Figure 3.4(in the graphic and economic challenges.This issue is "Buildout Analysis"section of this chapter) illustrates the addressed in Goal 2 of this chapter,which calls amount of existing and potential future commercial and for an examination of zoning Town-wide.Fishers industrial development in Southold Town,by hamlet. Island's challenges are shared to some degree These buildout numbers are estimates based on the by all the hamlets;however,due to the small size best available data.Many factors influence how much and isolation of the Island,these challenges are land will be subdivided,and how many homes will intensified and probably require unique solutions. actually be constructed in the future.These factors The implementation of this goal for Fishers include the economy and the fact that much of the land Island has a head start over other hamlets that can be further subdivided is currently controlled because of all the hard work done by the Land by the Fishers Island Development Corporation (FIDCO). Use committee of Fishers Island citizens who See the buildout analysis discussion in the first section identified where zoning could be modified to of this chapter for more discussion on this topic. better accomplish the goals of the Island.This work will also complement and can be used in Goals/Issues for Fishers Island conjunction with the Island Community Board's The residents of Fishers Island wish to maintain the plans to create an action plan for the Island. Island's quiet,rural lifestyle and strong community C I Ensure the infrastructure on the Island is in good networks that define its character.Maintaining and repair,and used in a sustainable manner.This growing the year-round population and economy are topic is covered in more detail in Chapter 4, crucial aspects of this vision,as are protecting its natural "Transportation&Infrastructure." resources and limiting tourism to a sustainable level. Figures 3.10 and 3.11 identify land use and zoning for A Facilitate a stable population of year-round resi- Fishers Island. dents on the Island.The year-round population is Im N 0 T S W 1 (D r z y a� N 9 r N 1J �`� Fishers Island Cea rRia9eq 4 S Lei„eW,0 40 AIP ' 9 , 4Brooksnt Ra �� F�So /1 �h o DO Land Use Residential Institutional Vacant Waste Handling and Management Commercial Open Space and Recreation Transportation Surface Waters Industrial Agriculture Utilities NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation, ° June 11,2019 or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy, Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection ° and Tax Map©2019. herewith. County of Suffolk,NY ° 3 m i m 0 0.375 0.75 Miles N I i I m v ° O C = S O_ LN a 3 O n S v (D Z S ID = tL 3 a � N Q C ID 114 M 9' O 01 Pa ee P`1�eT 3 3 o tP� Fishers Island �o Pa �e h9P v'PP I Ceaa Rd9egd is �• c `�- 30 ♦ � E''St�dP o �Brooks Point Rd L - 0 1� Legend Zoning Districts Lands Protected from Development* Affordable Housing Hamlet Business Limited Business Residential 40 Residential 120 n General Business ®Hamlet Density Marine 11 Residential 80 Residential 400 NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold 'For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. !^� June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency ARDS This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation, a and Tax Map©2019. or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy, C County of Suffolk,NY completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection m herewith. Ro N O 7 7 0 0.375 0.75 Miles I i I N V 28 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Greenport West The commercial center for Greenport West is the Village of Greenport,which contains a grocery store,pharmacy, post office,restaurants,and other shops.Commercial land use outside the Village covers about 7 percent, which is a significantly greater percentage than Town- wide or other hamlets.Some of this can be attributed to ` the fact that Greenport West contains several marinas and motels,more than any other hamlet. Greenport West has a small amount of agricultural land, _ — covering a little over 5 percent,and is much lower than most other hamlets and the Town overall. Brecknock Hall in Greenport Greenport Village The hamlet of Greenport West is located in the eastern The incorporated Village of Greenport has its own half of the Town's mainland,in the area just outside of government and is outside the purview of Southold and surrounding the incorporated Village of Greenport. Town planning. However,the Village is an important Greenport West is bordered on the west by the hamlet neighbor and partner for the Town.There are shared of Southold and Arshamomaque Pond,and on the east services,such as police,and some municipal sewer by East Marion.To the north is the Long Island Sound, connections.In addition,the Village contains a grocery and to the south is Greenport Village,Pipes Cove,and store,library,and other shops and services that are Greenport Harbor.This area of the North Fork narrows a benefit to the easternmost hamlets of Greenport significantly,and is nearly completely separated from West,East Marion,and Orient.Greenport Village is the rest of the North Fork by Arshamomaque Pond. surrounded on three sides by the hamlet of Greenport Vehicle connections are via a narrow strip of land along West,and on the south by Pipes Cove and Greenport County Route 48 and a bridge on State Route 25. Harbor. It is 744 acres in size. Greenport West is 2,477 acres in size.The name comes A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres from the U.S.Census and can be confusing given that and percentages in Greenport West can be found in this land area is located both east and west of the Table 3.7. Village of Greenport.The hamlet of Greenport West is Table 3.7 Greenport West Land Use considered separate from the Village in that the land within the boundaries of the Village are subject to the rules and regulations of the incorporated Village,while Residential 697 28.1 the land outside the Village's boundaries is subject to Recreation&Open Space 627 25.3 the regulations of the Town of Southold.The irregular shape of the Village's boundary is the reason for the Vacant 390 15.7 irregular shape of the Greenport West hamlet. Transportation 194 7.8 Greenport West is primarily a residential hamlet,with Institutional 184 7.4 nearly a third of its land in residential uses.Several distinct Commercial 179 7.2 residential neighborhoods located along the various Agriculture 130 5.3 water bodies characterize this hamlet.There are 1,837 Industrial 27 1.1 homes,at a density of 0.7 housing units per acre.This Utilities 10 0.4 is the only hamlet with life care facilities including San Simeon by the Sound,a non-profit nursing home,and Waste Handling&Mgt 9 0.4 Peconic Landing,a large private retirement community. Total Acres 2,447 The hamlet is unusual in the type and distribution of its open space.The preserved land occurs primarily in a Zoning in Greenport West large block of what is known as Moore's Drain,and is a The zoning in Greenport West,like that of all the complex of woodland and wetlands.There is also a golf other hamlets,is mostly residential.Eleven of the 19 course and a county park. zoning districts appear here,with Residential 80(R-80) Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 29 and R-40 covering the most land at 1,767 acres.This These buildout numbers are estimates based on the hamlet has the most Hamlet Density(HD)zoned land best available data. Many factors influence how much in Southold Town at 169 acres,most of which is in land will be subdivided,and how many homes will the Peconic Landing development.It is one of three actually be constructed in the future.These factors hamlets to contain the Affordable Housing District include the economy and the ongoing land preserva- (AHD)zoning at 48 acres,located in the Cedarfields and tion program.See the buildout analysis discussion in Pheasant Run developments off Moores Lane. the first section of this chapter for more discussion on Greenport West is the only other hamlet other than this topic. Cutchogue to contain Light Industrial Office(LIO) Goals/Issues for Greenport West zoning,which stretches along the south side of State Route 25 from just west of Chapel Lane to Moores During the Hamlet Study and subsequent Hamlet Lane. Much of that land contains extensive wetlands Stakeholder meetings,residents of the hamlet of and 62 of the 95 acres of LIO zoned land has since Greenport West expressed a vision that included been protected from future development. Most of the preserving remaining open spaces and wetlands,and land in that zone that could be developed has been, enhancing scenic areas,as well as the character of the with the bulk of that development occurring east of existing neighborhoods.They also supported new Silvermere Road. housing opportunities for the workforce,as well as an improved public transportation system. Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter illustrates the zoning in the hamlets of Southold Town. A� Preserve remaining open space and natural areas. This topic is covered in more detail in Chapter 10, Buildout Analysis for Greenport West "Land Preservation." The theoretical buildout potential for Greenport West B I Homes that are affordable to year-round residents can be estimated by looking at the current land avail- are important.Accomplish the creation of more able for development and the zoning. affordable homes,and ensure they are spread There are approximately 407 acres of land available for throughout the Town in equal measure.This topic is „ development in Greenport West.Of those,231 acres covered in more detail in Chapter 8, Housing. could be further subdivided.Theoretically,if all were C Improve the State Route 25 Scenic Corridor in subdivided to their full yield,an additional 98 building Greenport by enforcing current codes regarding lots would be created.The remaining 176 acres of land signage,outdoor storage,and similar topics.Goal 3 already exist as 213 individual vacant house lots.Added of this chapter addresses code enforcement and the together they represent the theoretical buildout poten- need to continue to improve it Town-wide. tial for Greenport West of 311 additional housing units. D Maintain and improve community character through Nearly 70 percent,of those possible additional housing the continuation of the Architectural Review units would be on house lots that already exist,while Committee for all commercial development.For more the other potential house would have to be created on this topic,see Chapter 5,"Community Character." through the subdivision process. E I Improve pedestrian and traffic safety,especially at the intersection of County Route 48 and State Route Commercial and industrial development in Greenport 25,and on County Route 48 at the Soundview Inn. West is at 32 percent of the potential amount that would This topic is discussed in more detail in Chapter 4, be allowed under the current zoning.At over 450,000 "Transportation&Infrastructure:' square feet,Greenport West has the third largest amount of existing commercial/industrial building area in the F Protect the quality of life by minimizing light pollu- Town.Under current zoning,if all the land that is zoned tion.Light pollution is addressed in more detail in for the use were developed to its full potential,the result Chapter 5,"Community Character,"and Chapter 6, could be three times the existing amount of commercial "Natural Resources&Environment." building area.Figure 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis" Figures 3.12 and 3.13 identify land use and zoning for section of this chapter) illustrates the amount of existing Greenport West. and potential future commercial and industrial develop- ment in Southold Town,by hamlet. Im W O c Sousa�r W n c y Mallard Ln N LONG ISLAND SOUND `o♦(y m Y osprey'Lrn CD 48 ' ,County Ro,d48 Northad °n , �Q/ O C o� � N m � Ro 2S N y v 'vii♦ m m>t C O Greenport Q �m a g '- 3 WestUrm U g ChaPI mplin cm m 3 to fl- qib m 1 m �rtso _m O N 25 � � N c Greenport Village — VI�■ � �fl- � a e M`rlin or PIPES COVE SOUTHOLD t BAY co Legend Land Use m 0 HALO Zone Residential Open Space and Recreation Utilities Commercial Agriculture Waste Handling and Management Industrial Vacant Surface Waters Institutional Transportation 0 O NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF, Inc.for the Town of Southold a June 11,2019 0 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency ARDS :E and Tax Map©2019.County of Suffolk,NY 3 n 0 This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy, m completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 3 N 0 0.175 0.35 Miles m u ° so nd or W � o J ►� O Mallard,Ln 3 LONG ISLAND SOUND o m Y a osprey" e s' ru AS a m% ,County Road 48 North Rd m . Q�� O m m r Hot 4 LA Greenport 3 West Urm g Cha plin PI m� 3 c 3 Abe J (� ule2 25 0o p N J m c pad C � I 'cronr � " F�aa `e� �■ �o d � �r �� ��• �J m " grsr Greenport Village < 9 � J i 110 44, M @lam `rlin Or Y PIPES COVE N a sourHOLD Legend Zoning Districts BAY a o o Q HALO Zone Affordable Housing Light Industrial Residential 80 'Lands Protected from Development' General Business Light Industrial/Planned Office Park Residential Office Hamlet Density Marine II Resort Residential Limited Business Residential 40 i NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency ARDS and Tax Map©2019.County of Suffolk,NY 3 'For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. C m This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation,or Q° jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy, c completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 3 2 0 0.175 0.35 Miles I i I 32 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Mattituck/Laurel Residential uses cover over 30 percent of the land in Mattituck/Laurel and are almost entirely single-family residences.There are 3,151 housing units in Mattituck/ Laurel at an overall density of 0.4 housing units per acre, slightly less dense than the overall Town density of 0.5.As ? ,P is the case in all of the hamlets,the overall density does not reflect the true density of any given neighborhood.In ■ Mattituck/Laurel,there are both pockets of very high- density neighborhoods as well as large blocks of unde- veloped land,some agricultural and some preserved natural woodlands like the Laurel Lake Preserve. Love Lane in Mattituck Although only 2 percent of the land area of Mattituck/ Laurel is considered commercial,Mattituck contains one Mattituck and Laurel are the gateway to Southold Town of the largest and most diverse commercial centers in from the west,and are important in establishing the the Town,with a bustling hamlet center and a second, overall first impression of the character of the Town. larger business district to the west of the hamlet center. The two hamlets are addressed together in this plan Together,these commercial centers are the western part for the purposes of generating statistics,primarily of the Town's primary commercial hub. due to the boundary between them being difficult to Laurel contains a small hamlet center located just off pinpoint.Changes to school districts over time have State Route 25,composed of just a few businesses. caused official boundary lines to differ from those Another larger group of businesses stretches along recognized by long-time residents. In addition,a small State Route 25 from the train trestle east. portion of Laurel is located in Riverhead Town.The two hamlets will be referred to as"Mattituck/Laurel"when Mattituck contains significant areas of light industrial discussing statistics,yet will also be treated as two uses,the most visible being along the railroad tracks near the hamlet center. distinct places with regard to their character and scale. Mattituck is located in the western half of the Town's A summary of the land use categories in Mattituck/ mainland,and stretches from the Long Island Sound Laurel is shown in Table 3.8. across the entire width of the North Fork to the Peconic Table 3.8 Mattituck/Laurel Land Use Bays.It is bordered on the northwest by Riverhead Town,the southwest by Laurel,and the east by Land Use Cutchogue.To the north is Long Island Sound,and Agriculture 2,983 39.4 the south is Great Peconic Bay.Laurel is located in the Residential 2,412 31.9 southwestern end of the Town,bordered by Riverhead Recreation&Open Space 850 11.2 Town on the west,Mattituck on the north and east,and the Great Peconic Bay on the south.Mattituck/Laurel Transportation 529 7.0 contain 7,569 acres of land. Vacant 446 5.9 Commercial 133 1.8 Mattituck/Laurel contain nearly as much agricultural land as Cutchogue at almost 3,000 acres,or 40 percent Utilities 98 1.3 of its land area.The wide expanses of agricultural land Institutional 76 1.0 that can be seen along State Route 25 and County Industrial 42 0.6 Route 48 establish in large part the character of this Total Acres 7,569 area.Another identifying feature is the Mattituck Creek, a significant body of water that is two miles long.The creek's extensive protected shoreline creates many Zoning in Mattituck/Laurel opportunities for waterfront access.Its headwaters can Eleven of the 19 zoning districts are represented in be viewed by motorists travelling on County Route 48. Mattituck and Laurel,with 45 percent,or 3,459 acres At its mouth is a public beach with wide,open views of zoned Agricultural Conservation with R-80 and R-40 the Long Island Sound. covering most of the rest of the land. Mattituck and Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 33 Laurel combined have the most General Business Goals/Issues for Mattituck/Laurel zoned land of all hamlets at 73 acres,and the second Mattituck/Laurel residents have expressed a vision largest amount of Hamlet Business zoned land at that includes preserving farmland and open spaces, 43 acres.Most of the Hamlet Business zoning is in retaining the character of the hamlets,and improving Mattituck in the Love Lane area,although Laurel has a traffic safety and pedestrian access in and near the small amount near State Route 25 on Franklinville Road. hamlet center. Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in A Preserve farmland and the business of agriculture. the hamlets of Southold Town. This goal is addressed in more detail in Chapter 7, Buildout Analysis for Mattituck/Laurel "Economic Development,"Chapter 9,"Agriculture," and Chapter 10,"Land Preservation." The theoretical buildout potential for Mattituck/Laurel can be estimated by looking at the current land avail- B I Ensure future commercial development in the hamlet able for development and the zoning. center is at a scale consistent with the hamlet's character.This goal can be met through the imple- There are approximately 2,249 acres of land available mentation of the hamlet center subsection of Goal 2 for residential development in Mattituck/Laurel. and by creating design standards as identified in the Of those, 1,939 acres could be further subdivided. goals of Chapter 5,"Community Character." Theoretically,if all were subdivided to their full yield, C Prevent retail sprawl and the potential creation a an additional 810 building lots would be created.The third retail business area that will detract from Love remaining 311 acres of land already exist as 317 indi- Lane and the nearby retail shopping center.This vidual vacant house lots.Added together they repre- concern is addressed in Goal 2 of this chapter,in sent the theoretical buildout potential for Mattituck/ the subsection entitled"Business Corridors Outside Laurel of 1,127 additional housing units. Hamlet Centers Zoning Update."One objective that Nearly 30 percent of those possible additional housing would help achieve this goal would be to direct units would be on house lots that already exist,while retail uses to the hamlet centers while providing for the other potential house would have to be created additional uses in the business corridors outside of through the subdivision process. the hamlet centers. Commercial and industrial development in Mattituck/ D Improve the pedestrian safety and walkability Laurel is at 35 percent of the potential amount that of Main Road from Factory Avenue to Love Lane would be allowed under the current zoning.At over including a link for safe pedestrian crossing from 800,000 square feet,Mattituck/Laurel has the largest Love Lane.The Town-wide Goal 2 in the hamlet amount of existing commercial/industrial building area center subsection and Chapter 4,"Transportation& in the Town.Under current zoning,if all the land that is Infrastructure"address this issue. zoned for it was developed to its full potential,the result E Update the uses in the Light Industrial zones near could be three times the existing amount of commercial the hamlet center to adapt to a changing economy. building area.Figure 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis" This issue is reflected in Goal 2 of this chapter,which section of this chapter) illustrates the amount of existing calls for a review of the Town Code to ensure zoning and potential future commercial and industrial develop- and other land use regulations accurately reflect the ment in Southold Town,by hamlet. needs of each hamlet. These buildout numbers are estimates based on the best F Affordable,attainable housing is important,and the available data.Many factors influence how much land most acceptable model is converting an existing will be subdivided,and how many homes will actually large house to several apartments,rather than large, be constructed in the future.These factors include the new developments.Chapter 8,"Housing,"addresses ongoing land preservation program,as well as the fact this issue in more detail. that,like Cutchogue,much of the land that is theoreti- G Create a'village green'for the hamlet center.Chapter cally available for residential development due to its 13,"Parks&Recreation,"also includes this goal. zoning is already being actively used for agriculture in Mattituck and Laurel and might never be converted to Figures 3.14 and 3.15 identify land use and zoning for homes.See the buildout analysis discussion in the first Mattituck/Laurel. section of this chapter for more discussion on this topic. 34 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 3.14 Mattituck/Laurel Land Use Map �T LONG ISLAND SOUND pr r ' Mattituck/Laurel 6e en Ave ' e" d I i 48 Riverhead , Laurel qre I Lake f .J �,' t ws o/ • w � ■ � I Aye low / 25 . n1���1 .:SII I t�1��I►�► Mretooka � P-d 2S - _ ¢ J v P 1 GREAT PECONIC BAY ow ,:Freeman St w Legend Land Use 9a County Road 48 QHamlet Center Residential Vacant ■ HALO Zone I Commercial Transportation , Industrial Utilities Institutional Waste Handling and Management ARI�I m'WIPikeSt i Open Space and Recreation Surface Waters SOuna 1�- AA 11I�� Agriculture ,.. ute 2S NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold / June 11,2019 eve Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY 0 0.05 0.1iles qL e This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.5 1 Miles Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 35 Figure 3.15 Mattituck/Laurel Zoning Map �T LONG ISLAND SOUND pir Mattituck/Laurel17 Bergen Ave Oregon Rd s � z o U liverhead g = w ceOnh%R �5w. R I eaa4& w ? 9a 48 w ° Laurel v :9 Lake ' m Sogn Q aAve ■ �� � _?l91p g -- 25 M rooms °ore y d Pond > 2S i0 w G x 1 S 0�o-5 GREAT PECONIC BAY Legend Zoning Districts Freeman St Q Hamlet Center Agricultural-Conservation Marine 1 HALO Zone Affordable Housing Marine 11 9O Lands Protected from Development` General Business Residential 40 County Road 48 Hamlet Business Residential 80 J Limited Business Residential Office -Light Industrial NOTE:Map prepared by AKNF,Inc.for the Town of Southoltl June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. E County of Suffolk,NY aro ,`z s' ,\ `For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. 4ey; This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for 0 0.05 0.1%MileIs 1 � 1 q�e surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained orfurnished in connection herewith. 0 0.5 1 Miles 36 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan New Suffolk State Route 25 and County Route 48,although summer crowds still manage to find their way to its lovely views and beach. A summary of the land use categories in New Suffolk is shown in Table 3.9. Table 3.9 New Suffolk Land Use NOW— Residential 161 48 Vacant 60 18 Agriculture 47 14 Transportation 36 10.7 ,r Recreation&Open Space 19 6 New Suffolk Beach Commercial 6 2 Industrial 5 1 The compact hamlet of New Suffolk is located on the Institutional 1 0.3 south shore in the western half of the Town's mainland. It is bordered on the west and north by Cutchogue, Total Acres* 335 on the south by Great Peconic Bay,and on the east *Not including 454-acre Robins Island. by Cutchogue Harbor.At 335 acres,New Suffolk is the smallest hamlet. Robins Island,located a mile off the Zoning in New Suffolk south shore of New Suffolk in the Great Peconic Bay, technically adds another 454 acres to the area of New Eight of the 19 zoning districts are represented in New Suffolk;however,the island is protected from future Suffolk.The Residential 400(R-400,or"10-acre zoning") development by a conservation easement,and is covers the largest amount of land area;this is due to discussed separately in the statistics about land use for Robins Island being counted as part of New Suffolk.The mainland of New Suffolk is zoned in about equal parts the hamlet. Residential (mostly R-40)and Agricultural Conservation New Suffolk's hamlet center features a traditional, on its outskirts. rectangular street grid pattern,small lots,and a tiny schoolhouse which combine to generate an air of quiet There is very little commercially zoned property in New charm.The waterfront area along First Street was at Suffolk,with the majority located in the Marine I and one time an industrial area,with uses including subma- Marine II zones and being mostly developed as marinas rine manufacturing.The area was transformed over on the waterfront.A small amount of Hamlet Business zoned land,four acres,is located on First Street. time and now boasts a popular sandy beach,a boat ramp,and spectacular views of Cutchogue Harbor and Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in the bay.Commercial activity in the hamlet is limited to the hamlets of Southold Town. a few shops,restaurants,and small marinas. Land use in the hamlet is mostly single-family homes. Buildout Analysis for New Suffolk Such residential uses account for nearly 50 percent of The theoretical buildout potential for New Suffolk can the land area,with 307 housing units at a density of 0.9 be estimated by looking at the current land available housing units per acre.This density is nearly twice as for development and the zoning. high as the Town-wide average.Thirty-seven percent There are approximately 78 acres of land available for of the homes in New Suffolk are seasonal,a rate that is residential development in New Suffolk.Of those,29 similar to the Town-wide percentage. could be further subdivided.Theoretically,if all were The small amount of agricultural land in New Suffolk subdivided to their full yield,an additional 10 building is part of a larger Cutchogue farm.Other than Fishers lots would be created.The remaining 49 acres of land Island,New Suffolk is the only hamlet bypassed by both already exist as 29 individual vacant house lots.Added Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 37 together they represent the theoretical buildout poten- Goals/Issues for New Suffolk tial for New Suffolk of 39 additional housing units. New Suffolk residents prefer that their hamlet stay the The majority,or 74 percent,of those possible additional way it is,a peaceful retreat off the beaten path.Public housing units would be on house lots that already views and access to the water are important.Although exist,while the other potential house lots would have the zoning would allow it,the vision for the hamlet to be created through the subdivision process. center does not involve any additional commercial Commercial and industrial development in New activity,nor is it likely given the environmental and Suffolk is at 12 percent of the potential amount that space constraints of the small,existing parcels. would be allowed under the current zoning.At a A I Ensure any future commercial development be at a little over 19,000 square feet,New Suffolk has the scale and intensity that is in keeping with the small lowest amount of existing commercial/industrial scale of the hamlet.This issue is reflected in Goal 2 building area in the Town. Under current zoning, if all of this chapter,which calls for a review of the Town of the land that is zoned for this use were developed Code to ensure zoning and other land use regula- to its full potential,the result could be eight times tions accurately reflect the needs of each hamlet. the existing amount of commercial building area. B I Improve traffic safety in the hamlet through traffic Figure 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis"section of this calming and other measures.Details from the chapter)illustrates the amount of existing and poten- Hamlet Stakeholders'recommendations are included tial future commercial and industrial development in in Chapter 4,"Transportation&Infrastructure." Southold Town,by hamlet. C I Improve the parking situation on First Street and These buildout numbers are estimates based on the near the beach.This issue is reflected in the hamlet best available data.Many factors influence how much centers subsection of Goal 2 of this chapter,which land will be subdivided,and how many homes will calls for an assessment of parking in each hamlet. actually be constructed in the future.These factors include the economy and the ongoing land preserva- D I Protect the public views and access to the water tion program.See the buildout analysis discussion in along First Street.This is partially addressed in the first section of this chapter for more discussion on Chapter 5,"Community Character." this topic. Figures 3.16 and 3.17 identify land use and zoning for New Suffolk. 38 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive PE. Figure 3.16 New Suffolk Land Use Map Cutchogue �s West Creek O sr` 9d T a New Ftea -o cr Suffolk ca ea 0 �o /rpGo d' O 'Lem 1 a °s ROBINS ISLAND a� Legend Land Use 0 Hamlet Center Residential Vacant 0 HALO Zone Commercial Transportation Industrial Utilities New Suffolk Institutional Waste Handling and Management Open Space and Recreation Surface Waters Agriculture NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY Robins Island Overview This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.05 0.1 Miles Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 39 Figure 3.17 New Suffolk Zoning Ma �s s, Od �9 a T 90. NewQtea -o Suffolk ca a = �Q /roto ��',' o e� a ado SGO/�9�e �Jc°�c J0Q �a 2ja�' qs� s ROBINS ISLAND GREAT PECONIC BAY Legend Zoning Districts Q Hamlet Center Agricultural-Conservation Residential40 Q HALO Zone Hamlet Business Residential400" Lands Protected from Development' Marine I Residential80 New Suffolk Marine 11 Resort Residential NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service AgencyAREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY `For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. "All R400 land is protected in New Suffolk,therefore it does not appear on the map.Robins Island contains all the R400-zoned land in New Suffolk. Robins Island Overview This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.05 0.1 Miles 40 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Orient Table 3.10 Orient Land Use Agriculture 991 31.3 9 t Recreation&Open Space 924 29.2 Residential 746 23.6 Vacant 281 8.9 Transportation 154 4.9 Institutional 38 1.2 . -. Commercial 22 0.7 V - Industrial 5 0.2 Utilities 1 0.0 Total Acres* 3,163 *Notincluding 816-acre Plum Island and other islands. The hamlet of Orient is located on the eastern end of Zoning in Orient the Town's mainland.It is bordered on the west by East The zoning in Orient is almost entirely residential. Marion and is otherwise surrounded by water—on its There is a very small amount of commercial land, north by the Long Island Sound,on its southwest by mostly on or near Village Lane.The Marine II zoning is Orient Harbor,and on its southeast by Gardiner's Bay. largely composed of the Orient Point marina area of Orient is 3,163 acres in size,not including the islands Orient by the Sea,the Plum Island ferry property,and associated with it.These include Plum Island,at 816 the Cross Sound Ferry property. Plum Island zoning acres,Greater Gull at 25,and Lesser Gull at about 5. districts are included because Plum Island is included in the Orient totals. Orient's character is defined by its farms and its tradi- tional hamlet center with narrow streets lined by trees Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in and historic buildings.Agricultural land uses cover over the hamlets of Southold Town. a third of the hamlet's land area. Buildout Analysis for Orient Few businesses exist in the hamlet center,and very The theoretical buildout potential for Orient can be little other commercial activity exists elsewhere in estimated by looking at the current land available for Orient,lending to the charm of this quiet hamlet. development and the zoning. Orient is also known for its extensive protected open space and parkland,including Orient Beach State Park There are approximately 667 acres of land available and Orient Point County Park. for development in Orient.Of those,444 acres of land could be further subdivided.Theoretically,if all were Less than a quarter of the land is in residential use; subdivided to their full yield,an additional 158 resi- these uses are nearly all single-family homes.There dentia) building lots would be created.The remaining are 777 housing units,in an overall density of 0.2 units 224 acres of land already exist as 163 individual vacant per acre,a rate over 50 percent lower than the overall- house lots.Added together they represent the theo- housingdensity. retical buildout potential for Orient of 321 additional A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres housing units. and percentages in Orient are in Table 3.10. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 41 Slightly more than half of those possible additional Goals/Issues For Orient: housing units would be on house lots that already Maintaining the quiet,rural character and scenic exist,while the other half of the potential future beauty of the hamlet are high priorities for Orient. house lots would have to be created through the subdivision process. A I Preserve open space and farmland.This goal is addressed in more detail in Chapter 7,"Economic Commercial and industrial development in Orient is Development;'Chapter 9,"Agriculture;and at 21 percent of the potential amount that would be Chapter 10,"Land Preservation:' allowed under the current zoning.At over 37,000 square feet,Orient has the third lowest amount of existing B Protect water resources from over-use and commercial/industrial building area in the Town.Under contamination from septic systems.This goal is current zoning,if all the land that is zoned for this use addressed in more detail in Chapter 6,"Natural were developed to its full potential,the result could be Resources&Environment." five times the existing amount of commercial building C Create homes that year-round residents,including area.Figure 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis"section of this young people,can afford.This topic is covered in chapter) illustrates the amount of existing and potential more detail in Chapter 8,"Housing." future commercial and industrial development in D Improve traffic safety and congestion in the Southold Town,by hamlet. hamlet through traffic calming and other These buildout numbers are estimates based on the measures. Details from the Hamlet Stakeholders' best available data.Many factors influence how much recommendations are included in Chapter 4, land will be subdivided,and how many homes will "Transportation & Infrastructure." actually be constructed in the future.These factors E I Ensure future commercial development in the include the economy,the ongoing land preservation hamlet center is in keeping with and at a scale program,and the fact that much of the land able to be consistent with this small,historic hamlet's char- subdivided further is in active agricultural use.See the acter.This goal can be met through the imple- buildout analysis discussion in the first section of this mentation of Goal 2 of this chapter,which calls chapter for more discussion on this topic. for a review of the Town Code to ensure zoning and other land use regulations accurately reflect the needs of each hamlet,and by creating design ` jr,77 standards as identified in the goals of Chapter 5, "Community Character." ` F1 Ensure future residential development in the hamlet C is in keeping with and at a scale consistent with the op „ hamlet's character.This goal can be met,in part, through the implementation of this chapter's Goal 2,which contains a subsection on updating regula- tions for Residential Uses including home sizes. y - G Protect the integrity of the Orient's historic district. _ This topic is covered in more detail in Chapter 5, - "Community Character." Figures 3.18 and 3.19 identify land use and zoning for Orient. 42 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 3.18 Orient Land Use Map Plum Island Overview Orient LONG ISLAND SOUND East Marion JCC C � � m O g m� ao Plum Island m Route 25 Qa m u v O_ o Q 25 �- f sr y Marrow Rive 4 Y� O1'I@Ilt NS&aDr iRa N A �NSo o r 25 ORIENT HARBOR ar Jc" roams r point Rd Hallocks Bay CU Legend Land Use Q Hamlet Center Residential Vacant Q HALO Zone Commercial Transportation Lands Protected from Development* Industrial Utilities Institutional Waste Handling and Management Open Space and Recreation Surface Waters Agriculture NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency ARDS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY 'For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying, legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed, or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.2 0.4 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 43 Figure 3.19 Orient Zoning Map Plum Island Overview Orient LONG ISLAND SOUND ,. Last Marion s JCC C � r i m� o ao Plum Island 1 N w m a a 9 Q Route�25 a �ro � v O o 25 �sr 5 � L � Q � F {1} Narrow RivRd Y� �CI�I ILS NSe/a Dr �* N 44, Sea a O m Uhy� O I t n 25 erk J ORIENT HARBOR t m poinGRd' Hallocks Bay CU Legend Zoning Districts 0 Hamlet Center General Business Residential 80 Q HALO Zone Hamlet Business Residentia1200 Lands Protected from Development* Hamlet Density Residential 400** Marine 1 Resort Residential Marine 11 Plum Island Conservation Residential 40 Plum Island Research NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service AgencyAREIS and Tax Map©2019. County of Suffolk,NY `Forthe purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. "All R400 land is protected in Orient,therefore it does not appear on the map.Orient State Park and the Orient Point County Park contain most of the R400-zoned land in Orient. This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying, legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed, or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.25 0.5 Miles I i I 44 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Peconic Table 3.11 Peconic Land Use ►.� Agriculture 1,261 52.0 -=� Residential 564 23.2 Recreation&Open Space 215 8.9 Vacant 194 8.0 Y Transportation 136 5.6 Commercial 43 1.8 I Industrial 6 0.3 Institutional 5 0.2 Utilities 3 0.1 Total Acres 2,427 Peconic Lane in Peconic Zoning in Peconic The hamlet of Peconic is located near the center of The zoning in Peconic is almost entirely residential. Although the amount of commercially zoned land is the Town's mainland.It is bordered on the west by small,it is diverse,with B,HB,LB,LI,RR,and RO uses,all Cutchogue and on the east by Southold.To the north clustered near Peconic Lane and along County Route is the Long Island Sound,and to the south is Hog Neck 48,with a small amount of B zoning located near the Bay.Peconic is 2,427 acres in size. intersection of Peconic Lane and State Route 25. Agriculture defines Peconic,and farming activities Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in cover over half of the land in the hamlet.Peconic is the hamlets of Southold Town. also seen as the recreation hub of the Town.Two large Town parks featuring playing fields and tennis courts, Buildout Analysis for Peconic the Town Recreation Center,and the Town Community The theoretical buildout potential for Peconic can be Center are all located in Peconic. estimated by looking at the current land available for The very small hamlet center of Peconic is located just development and the zoning. to the north of the Town parks.Peconic's is among the smallest of the 10 hamlet centers,where only a few There are approximately 1,015 acres of land available storefronts and businesses and a post office are located. for residential development in Peconic.Of those,900 could be further subdivided.Theoretically,if all were Residential land uses cover about 564 acres,or 23 subdivided to their full yield,an additional 364 resi- percent of the land,with most of the homes located dential building lots would be created.The remaining either near the Long Island Sound or near the creeks 115 acres of land already exist as 92 individual vacant and bays to the southeast.There are 526 homes in house lots.Added together they represent the theo- Peconic,at an overall density of 0.2 housing units per retical buildout potential for Peconic of 456 additional acre. Peconic is much less densely developed than housing units. other hamlets and the Town overall. A small percentage,or 20 percent,of those possible A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres additional housing units would be on house lots that and percentages in Peconic are in Table 3.11. already exist,while the other 80 percent of potential house lots would have to be created through the subdivision process. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 45 Commercial and industrial development in Peconic Goals/Issues for Peconic is at 24 percent of the potential amount that would be allowed under the current zoning.At over 75,000 Agriculture remains important to Peconic's community square feet, Peconic has the fourth lowest amount character,and the hamlet center is the focus of commu- of existing commercial/industrial building area in nity life with the post office at its anchor. the Town. Under current zoning, if all the land that A Continue to preserve farmland and agriculture. is zoned for it was developed to its full potential, This topic is discussed in more detail in Chapter 9, the result could be four times the existing amount "Agriculture,"and Chapter 10,"Land Preservation." of commercial building area. Figure 3.4 (in the B Ensure future commercial development in the "Buildout Analysis"section of this chapter) illustrates hamlet center is in keeping with the small scale and the amount of existing and potential future commer- traditional setting of Peconic.This issue is reflected cial and industrial development in Southold Town, in hamlet center subsection of Goal 2 of this chapter, by hamlet. which calls for a review of the Town Code to ensure These buildout numbers are estimates based on zoning and other land use regulations accurately the best available data. Many factors influence reflect the needs of each hamlet,as well as in how much land will be subdivided,and how many Chapter 5,"Community Character." homes will actually be constructed in the future. C Create homes that are affordable for year-round These factors include the economy,the ongoing residents.This goal is addressed in more detail in land preservation program,and the fact that much Chapter 8,"Housing." of the land able to be subdivided further is in active agricultural use.See the buildout analysis discussion D Protect water resources from over-use and in the first section of this chapter for more discussion contamination from septic systems.This goal is on this topic. addressed in more detail in Chapter 6,"Natural Resources&Environment." Figures 3.20 and 3.21 identify land use and zoning for Peconic. 46 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 3.20 Peconic Land Use Map LONG ISLAND SOUND �l Salt.Marsh �I Pond 6n 2nd Av, 0 N d: Goldsmith15-1 ` 10 Inlet a O m ` o N Miami Ave 07 2 48 N 48 County Road 48 1 r Peconic Southold J U C O U N a 25 a! Route 25 �..�..� Legend J ze 0 0 Hamlet Center Cutcho ue Cn HALO Zone 9 Sp" Ra Land Use Residential Commercial �est.e as Industrial _ Richmond Creek Institutional foo Open Space and Recreation a�n Agriculture Vacant Transportation Utilities Waste Handling and Management Surface Waters NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Skunk<ry Suffolk Property Tax Service Agency AREIand Tax Map ©2019. County of Suffolk,NY This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal HOG interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied NECK concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or BAY suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 0.15 0.3 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 47 Figure 3.21 Peconic Zoning Map LONG ISLAND SOUND Salt Marsh zona 6 Ln 2nd AV+ 0 Goldsmith ' nlet ` o p. �y m N 9a N Miami Ave 07 m 48 N Count 48 Y Road 48 Peconic Southold J U' C O U N a 25 Route 25 Legend 25 0 o 0 Hamlet Center Cutchogue Sp��gRtl OHALOZone Lands Protected from Development` Zoning Districts Agricultural-Conservation Leslie Fd Richmond Creek General Business foo Hamlet Business a�n Limited Business ac o Light Industrial Residential 40 Residential 80 Residential Office Resort Residential NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency S ARE IS and Tax Map kink 02019. �h County of Suffolk,NY "For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. This map is intended for general reference and discussion HOG purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise NECK purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied BAY concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained orfurnished in connection herewith. 0 0.15 0.3 Miles I i I 48 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Southold Hamlet A complete list of land uses and corresponding acres and percentages in Southold hamlet can be found in A Table 3.12. Table 3.12 Southold Hamlet Land Use aLand Use Acres ' Residential 2,532 42.6 ,°I1a Agriculture 1,366 23.0 Recreation&Open Space 620 10.4 S Vacant 608 10.2 Transportation 535 9.0 Commercial 138 2.3 Southold hamlet is the heart of the Town and is Institutional 85 1.4 situated at the center of the Town's mainland. It is Utilities 37 0.6 bordered on the southwest by Peconic and on the Industrial 25 0.4 northeast by Greenport West.To the northwest is the Total Acres 5,944 Long Island Sound,and to the south and southeast are various waterbodies,including the Hog Neck, Zoning in Southold Hamlet Little Peconic,and Southold Bays.Southold hamlet is 5,944 acres in size. Southold hamlet is the most diverse hamlet in terms of zoning.Thirteen of the 19 zoning districts are repre- Residential uses predominate in Southold hamlet with sented in Southold hamlet.The largest amount of R-40 2,532 acres,or 42 percent,of its land in use for this zoning is found here,as is the largest amount of Hamlet purpose.As Southold hamlet is the oldest developed Business zoning.Residential zoning districts cover 97 portion of the Town,its historic character is evident in percent of the land. the development pattern of small residential lots and historic homes clustered around a bustling hamlet Commercial zoning is spread over a large,linear area center.There are over 3,600 housing units in Southold along State Route 25 in and around the hamlet center, hamlet,and the overall density of development is 1.6 with Residential Office and Hamlet Business zoning units per acre,a rate three times more densely devel- predominating.Southold also has the largest amount oped than the Town overall. of General Business zoning at 35 acres,most of which is found along County Route 48,as is the 31-acre Limited The Southold hamlet center contains the seat of local Business zoning district. government,the largest commercial business district in the Town,and a transportation hub with bus stops Table 3.13 at the end of this chapter shows zoning in and a train station.There are over 130 acres of land in the hamlets of Southold Town. commercial use in the hamlet,much of which is located Buildout Analysis for Southold Hamlet in the hamlet center. The theoretical buildout potential for Southold hamlet Although there is less agriculture use in Southold can be estimated by looking at the current land avail- hamlet than in Cutchogue and Mattituck/Laurel,the able for development and the zoning. 1,366 acres of farmland are very visible and form an important aspect of the hamlet's character. There are approximately 1,192 acres of land available for residential development in Southold hamlet.Of Southold hamlet's public beaches,part of the those,797 could be further subdivided.Theoretically, Recreation and Open Space land use category,and its if all were subdivided to their full yield,an additional many creeks,inlets,and bays are also defining aspects 328 residential building lots would be created.The of the hamlet's character.There are outstanding remaining 395 acres of land already exist as 436 indi- views of the sound and the bay from the main thor- vidual vacant house lots.Added together they repre- oughfares of State Route 25 and County Route 48 at sent the theoretical buildout potential for Southold of Arshamomaque Pond and Town Beach. 764 additional housing units. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 49 Over half of those potential additional housing units Zone,an area surrounding and including the hamlet would be on house lots that already exist,while the centers);and ensuring that density within these two other potential lots would have to be created through districts is carefully balanced with the preservation of the subdivision process. farmland and open space outside their boundaries. Commercial and industrial development in the hamlet A I Provide incentives for new businesses that favor adap- of Southold is at 24 percent of the potential amount tive reuse over new construction.This is discussed in that would be allowed under the current zoning.At more detail in Chapter 5,"Community Character." over 600,000 square feet,Southold hamlet has the B The grocery store is the anchor store on Main second-largest amount of existing commercial/indus- Street,and is critical to the vitality of the hamlet trial building area in the Town.Under current zoning,if center. Every effort should be made to ensure it all the land that is zoned for this use were developed to remains.Relocating it outside of the hamlet center its full potential,the result could be four times the would adversely impact other businesses in the existing amount of commercial building area.Figure hamlet center.The Town-wide goals in Goal 2 of 3.4(in the"Buildout Analysis"section of this chapter) this chapter,in the subsection entitled"Business illustrates the amount of existing and potential future Corridors Outside Hamlet Centers Zoning Update," commercial and industrial development in Southold contains an objective that would help achieve this Town,by hamlet. goal by directing retail uses to the hamlet centers while providing for additional uses in the business corridors outside the hamlet centers. _- C Improve traffic congestion and safety and pedes- 3 trian safety.Details from the Hamlet Stakeholders' recommendations are included in Chapter 4, "Transportation&Infrastructure." D Create more affordable housing opportunities. Details from the Hamlet Stakeholders'recommenda- tions are included in Chapter 8,"Housing." Main street in Southold E I Preserve and improve the vitality of Main Street as a walkable local business district.The objectives in These buildout numbers are estimates based on the Goal 2 of this chapter's hamlet center subsection best available data.Many factors influence how much seek to achieve this for all hamlets where applicable. land will be subdivided,and how many homes will This goal is also related to Chapter 4,"Transportation actually be constructed in the future.These factors &Infrastructure;'Chapter 5,"Community Character;' include the economy and the ongoing land preserva- and Chapter 7,"Economic Development:' tion program.See the buildout analysis discussion in the first section of this chapter for more discussion on F Enforce the signage code.This will be achieved by this topic. Goal 3 of this chapter,which emphasizes the need for continued code enforcement Town-wide. Goals/Issues for Southold Hamlet G Create a full-service transit hub at the train station Southold Stakeholders created this vision for to include bus stops for both County-owned and Southold hamlet: private bus services.This is discussed in more detail Maintain and enhance our community's"sense of in Chapter 4,"Transportation&Infrastructure." place"and our residential,rural,and historic character H Increase recreation opportunities for residents. by encouraging mixed,small-scale,commercial and Details from the Hamlet Stakeholders'recommenda- residential development in our hamlet center;main- tions are included in Chapter 13,"Parks&Recreation." taining the viability of our Main Street as a business Figures 3.22 and 3.23 identify land use and zoning for district for local entrepreneurs;promoting diverse Southold hamlet. housing types in our HALO zone(aka the Hamlet Locus In o w n Seuaa�aWra LONG ISLAND SOUND N O r Ped O Pecon is J 2 N ' N r— a) U2 unty Road ae 3 Greenport �� 3 West O Route 2511 v�� ' r.R 9a ✓okycek `£� ,� Jam/ Southold SOUTHOLD Legend Land Use Goose Creek BAY Q Hamlet Center Residential Vacant 1 HALO Zone Commercial Transportation Industrial Utilities 41 Institutional Waste Handling and Management >y Open Space and Recreation Surface Waters Coley Cteek� Agriculture HOG NECK y / NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold e BAY >l June 11,2019 C Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. i County of Suffolk,NY e a This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for o surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties J are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. m S m 3 N 0 0.3 0.6 Miles O O s°u ate° "° • LONG ISLAND SOUND N O O y C S O m 114 4 0 v A 5 � O Greenport o di48 o m 3 0yy P West Ila . 3 tR - Southold Legend Zoning Districts SOUTHOLD HamletCenter Agricultural-Conservation MarineI Goose Geek BAY HALO Zone Affordable Housing Marine 11 46 1 f Lands Protected from Development" General Business Residential 40 Hamlet Business Residential 80 41 l Hamlet Density Residential Office Limited Business Resort Residential Light Industrial NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold i / June 11,2019 y / Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. a County of Suffolk,NY w v _ For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by y development rights easements. a Y C This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for N m surveying,legal interpretation,or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy,completeness,reliability,or suitability for ri any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 4 0.3 0.6 Miles T i I 52 Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Table 3.13 Area of Zoning Districts by Hamlet(Acres)* Zoning East Fishers . . Di strict . . Orient Peconic Southold Total Marion Island West Laurel Suffolk AC 3,115 0 0 0 2,817 40 0 1,152 1,544 8,668 AHD 0 0 1 21 5 0 0 0 45 72 B 29 0 13 6 67 0 3 6 29 154 HB 27 1 2 0 36 4 2 5 71 148 HD 7 0 7 137 0 0 1 0 2 154 HP 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LB 14 1 10 14 26 0 0 7 30 102 LI 100 0 0 18 17 0 0 5 21 161 LIO 66 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 79 MI 3 0 0 0 6 3 2 0 2 17 Mil 0 15 0 29 37 3 7 0 19 111 PIC 0 0 0 0 0 0 437 0 0 437 PIR 0 0 0 0 0 0 155 0 0 155 R-120 0 0 686 0 0 0 0 0 0 686 R-200 0 0 0 0 0 0 343 0 0 343 R-40 1,120 585 88 447 1,466 134 362 241 1,618 6,062 R-400 0 0 245 0 0 450 365 0 0 1060 R-80 553 270 287 401 1,196 14 1,019 471 792 5,002 RO 10 0 0 5 25 0 0 6 41 86 RR 15 4 0 38 0 1 0 4 22 83 *Lands used for transportation(roads,drainage),wetlands,protected open space,and underwater lands are not included in the zoning district total acreages,except R-400 includes protected lands because most R-400 zoned land is preserved open space or owned bygovernment entities. A full description of each zoning district can be found online at http://ecode360.com/500452?need Hash=true. Zoning district abbreviations are as follows: Mil—Marine II AC—Agricultural Conservation R-40—Residential 40,000 square feet per lot AHD—Affordable Housing District R-80—Residential 80,000 square feet per lot HD—Hamlet Density R-120—Residential 120,000 square feet per lot B—General Business R-200—Residential 200,000 square feet per lot HB—Hamlet Business R-400—Residential 400,000 square feet per lot HP— Historic Preservation RO—Residential Office LB—Limited Business RR—Resort Residential LI— Light Industrial PIR—Plum Island Research LIO— Light Industrial/Office PIC—Plum Island Conservation MI— Marine I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 53 Figure 3.24 Southold Town Land Use Map o M ate. Fishers Island r Plum Island Great Gull Island �( � r Little Gull Island y LONG ISLAND SOUND Mattituck/ Pa Laurel oregonRd So��� East Marion D s o Peconic r a` Riverhead r o Q 48 Cutchogue' s 25 tiew u' � 25 •` S� Southold -- 1 Greenport Village SOUTH OLD ort ea`! ' Greenp ORIENT ' �ooei si4n Orient, West HARBOR +► HOG NECK e P New Suffolk - IF TAY 9a Shelter Island GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Boundaries Land Use Q Hamlet 0 Residential Open Space and Recreation _ Utilities Q Greenport Village Commercial 0 Agricultural - Waste Handling and Management _ Industrial 0 Vacant 0 Surface Waters _ Institutional 0 Transportation NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold A more detailed version of this map can be found at https://www.southoldtownny.gov/673/Maps June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency ARDS and Tax Map©2019. This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation, County of Suffolk,NY or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes. No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy, completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. 0 1 2 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3:Land Use&Zoning 55 Figure 3.25 Southold Town Zoning Map Fishers Island Plum Island Great Gull Island Little Gull Island LONG ISLAND SOUND )Fmaftituc,kt L 1P Laurel Oregon Rd 5 East Marion y � P s o Peconic r48 County Road 48 Riverheady, r — .�9 48 25 J _ Q J , r m R Cutchogue' 25 "ew 25 Greenport a Southold e p rt Village SOUTHOLD , r ry . Greenport ORIENT �� l BAY West HARBOR Int HOG e I1 NECK New Suffolk - BAY a t Shelter Island GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Boundaries Zoning Districts ® Greenport Village 0 Agricultural-Conservation 0 Residential 80 J= Residential 400 Hamlet Density _ Limited Business Marine/ 0 Plum Island Conservation Lands Protected 0 Affordable Housing 0 Residential 120 0 Residential Office General Business _ Light Industrial ® Marine// EIM Plum Island Research from Development 0 Residential 40 0 Residential 200 _ Resort Residential _ Hamlet Business _ Light Industrial JPlanned Office Park "For the purposes of this map,this category does not include agricultural lands protected by development rights easements. NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold A more detailed version of this map can be found at https://www.southoldtownny.gov/673/Maps June 11,2019 Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency AREIS and Tax Map©2019. This map is intended for general reference and discussion purposes only,and is not to be used for surveying,legal interpretation, County of Suffolk,NY or jurisdictional boundaries or other precise purposes.No warranties are made,expressed,or implied concerning the accuracy, 0 1 2 Miles completeness,reliability,or suitability for any other purposes of the data or information contained or furnished in connection herewith. I i CHAPTER 4 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Public and Private Transportation Networks 1 Existing Conditions 11 Traffic Operations 12 Future Transportation Systems Needs and Opportunities 18 Goals and Objectives 18 Goal 1:Reduce Traffic Congestion During Peak Tourist Season 20 Goal 2:Reduce Future Traffic Congestion Due to Development 21 Goal 3:Increase Pedestrian,Cyclist,and Traffic Safety 22 Goal 4:Expand Bicycle Network 22 Goal 5:Expand Multi-Use Trails/Paths 22 Goal 6:Monitor Management of Aviation Traffic 23 Goal 7:Adopt Smart Parking Strategies 23 Goal 8:Manage the Effects of Ferry Ridership on Traffic 24 Infrastructure 24 Existing Conditions k 31 Goals and Objectives 31 Goal 1:Reduce Stormwater Runoff 14,4A1- " `' 31 Goal 2:Evaluate Alternatives to Public Sewers 32 Goal 3:Evaluate Town Water Supply 32 Goal 4:Work with Local Service Provider for ; ,A � Energy Needs ' r., 32 Goal 5:Improve Communications and High-Speed Internet Vit,,p I ! Connectivity See nextpage for list of tables and figures. CHAPTER 41 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE Tables 4.11 Average Annual Daily Traffic-State Route 25 and County Route 48 Figures 4.11 Ownership of Streets in the Southold Town 4.21 Percent of Sidewalk Miles in the Town of Southold by Hamlet 4.31 Gaps in Sidewalk Network in Town of Southold 4.41 Percent of Multi-Use Path Miles by Hamlet in Town of Southold 4.51 Bicycle Routes in Town of Southold 4.61 Daily Traffic Volumes in Town of Southold 4.71 Crash Locations and High-Crash Intersections in Town of Southold 4.81 Existing and Potential Future Daily Traffic Generated by Development in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts in the Town of Southold 4.91 Stormwater Infrastructure in the Town of Southold 4.101 Sewer District Boundaries and Parcels Connected to Sewer System 4.11 SCWA Water Main Miles in the Town of Southold by Hamlet r: ,y C4 y� Y A a L- N - il syr v P y i LAN 4 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE most streets are publicly owned:54 percent by the Town,7 percent by the County,7 percent by the TRANSPORTATION State,and 3 percent(all on Plum Island) by the federal government.The portion of privately owned streets, NETWORKS at 29 percent,is high compared with the statewide Taverage,where only 3 percent are privately owned,and his chapter lays out Southold Town's transportation compared with Suffolk County,where only 2.5 percent challenges and provides an inventory of its current are privately owned.The high percentage of private transportation systems that is used to recommend streets in the Town is due in part to the configuration Town-specific goals to improve traffic congestion, of numerous farm parcels along the main access roads, safety,and mobility for all users.This analysis does which are long tracts with most residential develop- not include the Village of Greenport,though it does ment generally occurring far from the main road.This include the areas of Greenport West,which is outside creates long access roads that are generally kept in the incorporated Village. private ownership.There are also many communities, Situated on a long and narrow peninsula,access to and mainly along the waterfront,that have private roads. from Southold Town is limited.Its road system consists Figure 4.1 Ownership of Streets in the Southold Town of two major east-west arterial roadways,New York State Route 25 and Suffolk County Route 48,along 7% 3% with a series of collector roads that feed into the two 7 main arteries.The Town is also served by rail,bus,and 7% ferry. Fishers Island,located in the Long Island Sound, about 12 miles from the main part of the Town,is not connected to the mainland by road but is served by a public ferry to and from Connecticut,commuter boats, and an airport. Existing Conditions a 0 Town 0 Private 0 County 0 State 0 Federal For large trucks,there is a New York State-designated s" truck route to use in the area.Truck Route 25,as it Orient is called,serves as a truck route through Southold Town and is diverted away from the smaller roads Streets onto the four-lane County Road 48 between Aldrich Lane in Laurel and State Route 25 in Greenport West. Southold's 378 miles of streets are owned by both These sections of County Route 48,as well as several public and private entities.As shown in Figure 4.1, 2 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan connecting routes,are signed as the"Route 25 Truck Rail Bypass Route." Southold Town has two LIRR stations,located in the Southold Town's 12 bridges are maintained by various hamlets of Mattituck and Southold.Each station entities.The Town maintains two bridges(technically provides service to Penn Station four times a day.The considered culverts due to their length)—Peconic Bay end of the Ronkonkoma line is in the nearby Village of Boulevard over Brushes Creek and Bay Avenue over Greenport,and is a popular destination.The Greenport Marion Lake.The bridge on Bridge Lane over the rail- station serves the eastern end of Town. road is maintained by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). According to the 2016 LIRR Ridership Book,daily rider- The New York State Department of Transportation ship on the Ronkonkoma Branch east of Ronkonkoma is (NYSDOT) maintains three New York State Route 25 approximately 240 per day in both directions combined. bridges,those that cross Mill Creek,the railroad,and On weekend days,daily ridership is approximately 160 Dam Pond Channel.Suffolk County maintains a number in both directions combined.On weekend days during of bridges in the Town,including the New Suffolk the summer months,daily ridership is approximately Avenue bridges over West Creek,Downs Creek,and 570 in both directions combined.LIRR added more Mud Creek;the Grand Avenue bridge over Mattituck service to the North Fork in 2017 and 2018. Creek,Oaklawn Avenue bridge over Jockey Creek,and North Bayview Road bridge over Goose Creek. Bus Sidewalks Southold Town is served by the Suffolk County Transit bus No.S92 and the Hampton Jitney,a private bus There are 28 miles of sidewalks in Southold Town. operator.The Suffolk County Transit app allows users to These are broken down by hamlet,as shown in Figure see where the bus is and when it will arrive. 4.2.There are several locations in the Town where gaps in the sidewalk network exist.Gaps in the sidewalk S92 Bus.The S92 runs from Orient to East Hampton, networks of more densely developed places were making 25 stops in Southold Town.Buses typically run identified and are shown in Figure 4.3. once every 15 minutes in the westbound direction during the morning peak of 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM,and once > � every 25 minutes in the eastbound direction during the G . evening peak of 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.As of 2015,annual 5: A ridership was approximately 400,000. - Hampton Jitney.There are 10 Hampton Jitney bus stops in Southold Town.Westbound buses run approximately once every 1 to 2 hours in the morning on weekdays - from Greenport to Manhattan between 4 AM and 9 AM, and approximately once every 1 to 2 hours between 5 PM t and 9 PM from Manhattan to Greenport.The Hampton Jitney also serves hamlets east of Greenport,but with = - "— less frequency.On weekends,there are departures once Southold every 2 to 3 hours on Saturday and every 1 to 2 hours on Sunday,with less frequent service from Orient.From Multi-Use Paths and Bicycle Routes Manhattan,there are departures once every 1 to 2 hours Southold Town contains a variety of hiking trails and on Saturday and every 2 hours on Sunday. paths to accommodate a range of users,including pedes- Ferry trians,runners,cyclists,and horseback riders.The loca- tions and extent of the trails and paths in each hamlet are The Town's ferry routes include the Cross Sound Ferry, shown in Figure 4.4.Southold Town also has 85 miles the Fishers Island Ferry,and the North Dock Ferry. of bicycle routes,which are marked by signs along the The Cross Sound Ferry Terminal (located at Orient Point) roads.The majority of bike route miles are in the Town's is operated by a private ferry company and connects Seaview Trails system,with NYSDOT Bike Route 25 also Long Island with New London,Connecticut.This ferry providing significant mileage(see Figure 4.5). is frequently used in tandem with the North Ferry as a Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 3 Figure 4.2 Percent of Sidewalk Miles in the Town of Southold by Hamlet Fishers Island 18% 4.8 miles LONG ISLAND SOUND Peconic Greenport 4% West Mattituck/,Laurel � `�� i (1.2 miles) �'�"` �, 11% East Marion ' ° Oregon Rd Cutchogue (30 miles) 4% 24/0 k12% . �� (1.2 miles) (6.7 miles)' = (3.2ilOountYRoad 48 48 ae " t a co r w 25 Greenport Village Southold seye�a^� , UTHOLD � Orient, Y 18% SOORIENT 7% (5.0 miles)5BAY � �. HARBOR (2.0 miles) HOGS New Suffolk NECKe 1% BAY 9� (0.4 miles) GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Boundaries Transportation Features 0 Town of Southold —Sidewalks Arterial Road Q Greenport Village Major Collector Road Local Road Town of Southold -28 sidewalk miles total NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 17,2019 0 1 2 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 5 Figure 4.3 Gaps in Sidewalk Network in Town of Southold �� CouniY Road 48 w LO E; � �' � r°i Oriole Dr m x Yi o r° noadB - _ e �o 3C Gr.Trav-le iSt RummefAve ave Av Soun c 0 dAve Pike St v 7 Route 25 ... o New � a SaOvk Q ¢ Route 25 - O 0 _ O / � o > r O m Orchard Rd 1 V 0 0.45 0.9 Miles 0 0.175 0.35 Miles Mattitudk �I I Southold "e°�e q e 9a Fishers Island a u Oregon Rd D s o 1' County Road 48 48 x � R°ute 25 l tiu 2 ew 5.. S4� SOUTHOLD � F/pix5'°�ze r• _: ` �° � �;����`�` ORIENT BAY HARBOR HOG NECKe$ BAY 9a GREAT PECONIC BAYGreen 'enJ'` Soold or p ort West Mallard Ln ROBINS LAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY 000, 4 m Gounty Road 48 _ �a m` Knapp PI Boundaries Transportation Features R°urezS Q Town of Southold Sidewalks —Arterial Road Champlin PI w Q Greenport Village Gaps in Sidewalk Network Major Collector Road v do ebb St 7 Local Road hsr 1�1 0 0.1, 0.35 Miles y � g M a l i I NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 17,2019 1 2 Miles Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 7 Figure 4.4 Percent of Multi-Use Trails and Path Miles by Hamlet in Town of Southold e Fishers Island 7% LONG ISLAND SOUND (1.9 miles) Greenport rn � ,� West East Mario �utqhogue � Oregon Rd 15% 5% 1 2'�O ^��+ Mattituck/Laurel (3.2 miles) (3.9 miles) (1.3 miles) 14% s Count y Road 48 48 Route t (3.6 miles) Peconic S o x 10% hot.,, .1 N � r (2.6 miles) Southold "ew 25 17% (4.2 miles) Greenport Village Z SOUTHOLD ORIENT Orient BAY 25% HARBOR (6.3 miles) HOG New Suffolk NECK � BAY (0.0 miles) GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Boundaries Transportation Features Q Town of Southold — Multi-Use Paths Arterial Road Q Greenport Village Major Collector Road Local Road Town of Southold - 26 miles of multi-use paths total NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold r' June 17,2019 0 1 2 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 9 Figure 4.5 Bicycle Routes in Town of Southold r Fishers Island Oregon Rd D O I i IRS Couniy Road 48 1 ft t _ 91 Reurizs } , 5 News u 25 Bay BWd 1, _ `_•. 5° ,� SOUTHOLD ORIENT BAY HARBOR , HOG . NECKe PV BAYa GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Boundaries Transportation Features Q Town of Southold Southold Bike Routes Arterial Road Q Greenport Village Major Collector Road Local Road Town of Southold - 85 miles of bike routes total NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 17,2019 0 1 2 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 11 cut-through from New England to the South Fork,which through November 1.Twelve are considered municipal adds to tourist traffic in the Town.As of 2014,the annual parking lots.Twenty-seven of the lots are paved and ridership of the Cross Sound Ferry was approximately 1.1 four are unpaved. Parking facility locations are included million passengers and 462,000 vehicles. in Appendix 2. Fishers Island Ferry is a public ferry company operated Airports through a special district within the Town of Southold connecting Fishers Island with New London,Connecticut. Of the airports located in Southold Town,only Elizabeth As of 2017,the annual ridership of the Fishers Island Ferry Field on Fishers Island is public.Mattituck Airport in was approximately 115,000 passengers and 36,000 Mattituck is a privately owned public use airport.Rose vehicles.Note that in addition to the public ferry, Field in Orient is a privately owned grass airstrip. commuter boats run regularly between Noank, Connecticut and West Harbor on the Fishers Island North Traffic Operations Ferry Dock(located in the Village of Greenport). Traffic Volumes r= The most common way to calculate annual growth on streets is to use annual average daily traffic(AADT) volumes by year to assess whether traffic has increased, and if so,by what percentage per year,on average. -7 AADT uses actual traffic counts that are modified using daily and seasonal adjustment factors to show traffic y , volumes on a roadway segment during an average day in an average month.Because it is an average,it cannot Fishers Island Ferry Dock be a predictor of traffic on any given day or month, The North Ferry is operated by a private ferry company especially given the seasonal changes in traffic volume. and connects the North Fork with Shelter Island.The ferry To better understand the seasonal changes,the Town is frequently used in tandem with the South Ferry from will need to gather more continuous data on traffic. Shelter Island to reach the South Fork instead of going all The AADT is useful to help understand current traffic the way to Riverhead to drive around,orfor going from the trends throughout the Town and is an appropriate data set South Fork to the North Fork to the Cross Sound Ferry.As to calculate annual traffic growth for the purposes of this of 2013,the annual ridership of the North Ferry Company Comprehensive Plan.As shown in Table 4.1,the most up was approximately 1.3 million and 732,000 vehicles. to date AADT traffic volumes were tabulated and a Town- wide average annual traffic background growth rate was Taxi and Ridesharing Companies calculated.This table shows that traffic volumes increased There are six taxi and ridesharing companies with between 2014 and 2016from approximately 113,000 to addresses in Southold Town,according to publicly 117,000 vehicles,resulting in an annual growth rate of available information. approximately 1.4 percent.A map of the 2016 AADT shows the volumes per road segment(see Figure 4.6). Seasonal Tourist Transportation Notable aspects of Southold traffic include the Southold Town,together with the North Fork Promotion following.Weekday traffic during the busy season can Council with a grant from New York State,have been be up to 50 percent higher than the average month, working to create a tourist trolley or shuttle system to link whereas weekend traffic during the busy season can with the railroad and tourist destinations to reduce traffic be up to 90 percent higher than the average month' on the roads.The feasibility of this was tested in a pilot Heavy-vehicle traffic accounts for approximately 6 project in 2017,and additional testing is expected in the percent of daily traffic on State Route 25 and County future to determine the most efficient operational model. Route 48.This is a reasonable percentage since these Parking are the principal arterials through the Town.2 There are 31 parking facilities in the Town of Southold. 1 According to the NYSDOT 2017 Seasonal Adjustment Factors tables Sixteen of these are considered recreational parking for all roads. 2 Based on NYSDOT data from 2016.Heavy vehicles are categorized lots,with seven requiring permits to park from May 1 as vehicles having six or more tires and include trucks and buses. 12 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure Transportation Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Table 4.1 Average Annual Daily Traffic-State Route 25 and County Route 48 Average Annual Daily Traffic= 2014 2015 2016M NY State Route 25 South Jamesport Avenue(Laurel)to Sound Avenue(Mattituck) 14,449 14,407 14,237 Sound Avenue(Mattituck)to New Suffolk Road (Cutchogue) 14,040 13,578 13,568 New Suffolk Road (Cutchogue)to Tucker Lane(Southold) 13,202 12,602 12,593 Tucker Lane(Southold)to Route 114/3rd Street(Greenport) 7,539 7,626 8,013 Route 114(Greenport)to Route 48(Greenport West) 7,460 7,282 7,405 Route 48(Greenport West)to Narrow River Road (Orient) 3,583 3,344 3,308 Narrow River Road (Orient)to Orient Point(Orient) 3,195 3,042 3,010 County Route 48 1,000 Feet West of Cox Neck Road to Cox Neck Road(Mattituck) 12,248 12,231 12,169 Cox Neck Road(Mattituck)to Westphalia Road(Mattituck) - 13,013 12,971 Westphalia Road (Mattituck)to Wickham Avenue(Mattituck) - 14,264 14,218 Wickham Avenue(Mattituck)to Marys Road (Mattituck) - 16,269 16,217 Marys Road (Mattituck)to Elijahs Lane(Mattituck) - - 16,472 Elijahs Lane(Mattituck)to Depot Lane(Cutchogue) - 16,525 16,472 Depot Lane(Cutchogue)to Peconic Lane(Peconic) 13,741 15,294 15,245 Peconic Lane(Peconic)to Youngs Avenue(Southold) 12,293 14,346 14,775 Youngs Avenue(Southold)to Route 25(Greenport West) 11,746 12,411 12,371 Total of all roadway segments in Town with available data from 2014 to 2016 113,496 116,163 116,694 Source:NYSDOT Traffic Volume Report. Road Safety Future Transportation Systems Crash data were obtained from NYSDOT and the data Needs and Opportunities for Southold Town from 2015 to 2017 showed that at 270 different intersections there were crashes,two of The following is an assessment of future transporta- themfatal.Intersections with five or more crashes during tion systems needs and opportunities based on the this period were considered"high total crash intersec- projected growth of residential and commercial development for each hamlet in Southold Town. tions"because they represent the top 10 percent of all intersections with crashes.The majority of"high total Traffic Growth Projections crash intersections were identified along either State Route 25 or County Route 48,as shown in Figure 4.7. Additional development in Southold Town is likely to A table showing high-crash intersections is included occur,and with it will come more traffic.An estimate in Appendix 2.None of the intersections in the Town of this growth is provided in Chapter 3,"Land Use& Zoning experienced more than one pedestrian or bike crash ;'and is the basis for projecting the potential within this period.Therefore,the Town can be consid- traffic growth,should all the land available for develop- ered arelatively safe destination for pedestrians and ment be developed.Figure 4.8 illustrates the total bicyclists compared with other Long Island communities. daily vehicle trips generated by current development and future development in each hamlet. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 13 Figure 4.6 Daily Traffic Volumes in Town of Southold e • LONG ISLAND SOUND Fishers Island Mattituck/Laurel ' as East Marion as Pec o n ifc cut chogue 25 Southold 2s c Greenport Village ar SOUTHOLD GreenportORIENT Orient r' BAY West HARBOR HOG ' , NECK New Suffolk BAY GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLaND LITTLE PECONIC BAY 0 Q Town of Southold 2016 AADT Arterial Road Q Greenport Village Major Collector Road °°o °°o °°o Local Road �0' ��SS�ra 061 ° ° ° ° ° of`ray 60 1) NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 17,2019 Source:New York State Department of Transportation 0 1 2 Miles IN - ISI Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 15 Figure 4.7 Crash Locations and High-Crash Intersections in Town of Southold Mattituck untyR°ad4e O . Southold . (Jk��°nYR°ad 48® Fishers Island 5 a S VIA Soo" S. j 3 Pike St o �° Oriole Dr ti Q ® o \ I Qm • O tae Traveler Rum u St mefAve v e- N e° Route • 0o/kAv°¢ m 1 Route 25 Q ¢ 00?" 0.1 0.2 Miles g 00.1 0.2 Miles a Rdeyqve I I I LONG ISLAND SOUND 1.1 Oregon Rd D O CQ'y'R-ad148 • 48 -�' • • � _ ° • ��i � �� •.• � .Route 25 ���1 o s • •• ¢. • • • •y x � � Route72g • - J • •�• till w � � 7 25 p� t�`•�O�/r • G SOUTHOLD BAY ORIENT • �' HARBOR r,. • HOG % • NECK adL BAY Greenport o GREAT PECONIC BAY West ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY °°°ntYRoad48 Route 25 m` Kapp Pt Champlin pt Q Town of Southold Crash Location Arterial Road webbSt Q Greenport Village • High Crash Location Major Collector Road S Local Road g° �°th s 0 0.1 0.2 Miles t a h Nc f NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 17,2019 High crash locations are intersections with 5+crashes from 2015 to 2017. 0 1 2 Miles ISI Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 17 As shown in Figure 4.8,new development will increase implemented.This could include a re-evaluation of the the amount of everyday traffic.Traffic congestion Town's zoning in terms of uses relative to the amount observed during weekends in the fall could become of traffic they generate.Chapter 3,"Land Use&Zoning," commonplace throughout the year.To prevent includes more details on strategies for managing this,new growth strategies and transportation growth from a land use planning/zoning perspective. improvements to manage traffic congestion must be Figure 4.8 Existing and Potential Future Daily Traffic Generated by Development in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts in the Town of Southold 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 C CM Existing .�, 660., 2 Buildout aha _ y Existing ti6vLU �s Buildout .�,. C* = Existing d& N Buildout 6iito. LL a y Existing dik4iato c y CD 3 Buildout 660. A& CM C, Existing = Buildout 69b *;bd& lC J Y Existing iiii Buildout CD ExistingCD o Buildout .�. = 0 Existing o&o66 CD Buildout CL Existing .�..I.a�. .�. �.. ..��, Buildout .. �+. �. y "NOTE:Due to the unique nature of Fishers Island being separated from the rest of the Town by water and the infrequent ferry schedule,a 50 percent linked trip credit is assumed between commercial and residential land uses.It should also be noted that the majority of the vehicular trips estimated for Fishers Island would be made on-island and would not use the ferry. 0 z LU Residential I Commercial CM A.6t%A16.416.% One Auto=4,000 Daily Vehicle Trips W J 18 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure Transportation Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan It should be noted that the commercial development such as the Strawberry Festival in Mattituck and the numbers do not include traffic generated by farm Maritime Festival in Greenport that generate large stands,mainly because they are not typically located amounts of traffic. in commercial zoning districts. Farm stands can be New growth strategies are just one component of what significant traffic generators,however,depending on is needed to prevent worsening traffic congestion. their size and business model.The numbers also do Throughout the Town,but particularly in areas where not take into account special events.The Town grants new commercial development could double the square special event permits to landowners who want to hold footage of current commercial space,careful under- events such as weddings or other celebrations.Many of standing and study of existing and future transporta- the special event permits are for farms that use them as tion safety,traffic congestion,and multimodal mobility revenue-generators.These events,which appear to be issues are needed.These include walkability,pedestrian increasing in number,can include hundreds of people and bicycle safety,and speed reduction.Goals to and generate significant traffic,again depending on accomplish this are presented below. their size.In addition,there are large-scale events GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The following are goals to prevent the worsening of second home more in the warmer months,and more future traffic congestion and increase traffic safety as on the weekends. well as pedestrian and bicycle safety. However,there is no single cause for this recurring traffic congestion,nor is there an easy solution.The traffic in these queues is a mixture of tourists from outside the Town who are visiting vineyards,farm -- stands,pumpkin patches,or Christmas Tree farms; long-distance travelers using the ferry system to .� avoid I-95 or to reach the South Fork;tradespeople commuting to and from the South Fork via the North Ferry to avoid the traffic on County Route 39 in Southampton;Town residents and business owners Traffic congestion,Greenport west getting to work,social visits,shopping or restaurants; and public safety professionals such as police,fire,and ambulance workers. o Goal 1: Reduce Traffic Congestion The seasonal traffic has steadily risen over the years, During Peak Tourist Season and the lack of a robust transit,bicycle,or sidewalk One of the biggest issues in the Town is the system has not provided travelers with enough constant weekend traffic congestion it suffers options.There will be challenges related to continued during the busy season. growth of residential and commercial development Historic traffic counts of data collected in the Town sectors,which could worsen traffic conditions if not show that the summer and fall months have signifi- managed and planned properly.A high number of cantly higher traffic than average months.This spike high-crash locations also exist,according to a safety in traffic volumes creates bottlenecks throughout the study conducted as part of this chapter.Previous Town at many capacity-constrained intersections,but hamlet studies have recommended traffic-calming also creates long queues of traffic in the western parts improvements to address many of these high-crash of the Town between these congested intersections. locations,particularly those where State Route 25 runs This primarily occurs on Thursdays through Sundays through hamlet centers. when daily traffic is higher than average.This may also The Town experiences near-gridlock conditions during be in part due to second homeowners who use their the late summer and fall,particularly at the western Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 19 end of Town.It can take two or three times as long to as its annual Maritime Festival generate significant travel within the Town during these peak tourist condi- traffic and the Town and Village will need to continue tions,an effect that causes frustration on behalf of the to cooperate to address transportation impacts. Town's residents,businesses,and visitors.There are risks beyond the inconvenience of longer travel times, O Objective 1.2 such as additional time for police,fire,and ambulances promote existing public transit as an alternative to respond to emergencies,plus losses in productivity to driving. for workers waiting in traffic.To better understand this phenomenon,additional data and studies are needed. v O Objective 1.1 Investigate ways to improve traffic circulation. A Conduct origin-destination studies. Conduct origin-destination studies to better s '— understand the reasons for seasonal congestion. r` Origin-destination data using face-to-face intercept surveys is an accurate method of understanding travel patterns and mode choices. A Improve train service. B Install continuous traffic count stations. Work with the MTA and LIRR to improve the train schedule.The infrequent train service in the Town Install continuous traffic count stations on County does not motivate many people to use the train to Route 48,State Route 25,Peconic Bay Boulevard, travel to,from,or within Southold.The Town should and other key routes to better understand the continue to work with other towns on the North seasonal fluctuations.Continuous traffic count Fork to petition LIRR to increase train service to help stations collect daily traffic volumes by hour and by decrease the high auto mode share.Ninety-three direction.They can be used to analyze and better percent of work trips in the Town are currently made understand seasonal and daily traffic variation,and by auto or taxi.There will be a growing need for traffic volumes can be compared along parallel additional train service to Mattituck,Southold,and routes to see if seasonal peak congestion on a Greenport stations as residential and commercial infill certain route causes an increase on a parallel route, development occurs over time.Additionally,seasonal, for instance.Data from the only continuous count temporary train stops could be added in Peconic or location available in the Town on State Route 25 Cutchogue to increase transit use during peak season. just east of the Town of Riverhead line show distinct B I Increase the number of visitors arriving by train. seasonal peak traffic activity in the summer months. This single station,however,is not enough to Provide public education about the railroad provide the complete picture,and more continuous schedule and information about amenities such as count stations are recommended throughout the parking and bicycles being allowed on the train. Town on major roads. C I Improve bus service. C Investigate traffic generation from special events Similar to train service,the infrequent service and festivals. provided by Suffolk County Transit is not providing The Town needs more data to better understand the incentive for travelers to use the bus.The Town impacts of special events and festivals,particularly should petition Suffolk County to increase bus how small events affect traffic congestion when service to help decrease the high auto mode share. they occur simultaneously and even more so when Ninety-three percent of work trips in the Town they coincide with larger events. are currently made by auto or taxi.There will be a The Village of Greenport,while not included in this growing need for additional bus service between plan specifically,plays a significant role with regard to the hamlets as residential and commercial infill traffic in the Town.Special events in the Village such development occurs over time. 20 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure Transportation Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan D Provide public education about the bus schedule, Town at different destinations and be used to make and amenities such as bicycle racks on the buses, policy recommendations to improve peak season traffic. and the mobile app that tracks the bus arrival time. E Encourage taxi and ride-share services that O Objective 1.5 increase the convenience of using the train or bus Study feasibility of local ferries or water taxis. by providing a mode of travel between railroad stations and bus stops. Study feasibility of inter-hamlet water taxis,to include Riverhead,Shelter Island,and South Fork destinations. F i Expand shuttles for tourist locations. The existing shuttle should be continued and expanded to encourage less personal vehicle travel between tourist locations,which will reduce seasonal peak traffic congestion. Designating official shuttle lots throughout the Town would increase utilization of the shuttle.Other shuttle links should n be considered to connect satellite parking with hamlet centers. G Evaluate options of improved transportation mode connectivity. Goal 2: Reduce Future Traffic Evaluate options for improving the interconnectivity Congestion Due to Development of various transportation modes at specific locations across entire Town.Look at each node's location and O Objective 2.1 transportation options.Solutions such as schedule Conduct a Town-wide transportation study. adjustments,cross-mode advertising,integrated smart phone apps,etc.,should be considered. Conduct aTown-wide study,including a highway capacity analysis at key intersections,to allow the Town H I Create transportation tourism marketing plan: to better understand and provide specific measures Use studies to define tourists'home markets.Then that will allow smart,responsible growth to occur focus advertising there for transportation options to, without worsening the traffic congestion. from,and around North Fork destinations,with an emphasis on the advantages of leaving cars at home. O Objective 2.2 Require multimodal traffic and transportation O Objective 1.3 studies of large developments. Ensure traffic signal optimization. By requiring applicants to conduct multimodal The Town should also request that NYSDOT and Suffolk transportation studies for large commercial develop- County Department of Public Works perform traffic ments,the Town can leverage the results to require signal optimization and progression studies to ensure traffic-calming,pedestrian safety,sidewalks,access signals they operate are providing appropriate signal management,and traditional traffic improvements timing for congested traffic conditions. from the applicants. O Objective 1.4 O Objective 2.3 Perform additional studies to develop policies to Monitor truck traffic. better manage tourist season traffic. Truck traffic increases due to next-day delivery Other survey data and observations are needed demand and industrial uses in the Town should because there is little or no coordination among be studied.Truck noise-reduction strategies such destinations to share rides or parking.Studies could as putting signs up restricting engine braking monitor demand and congestion throughout the along with enforcement of those signs should be Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 21 considered.Also,truck weight and size restriction shoulders for biking;add streetscaping such as trees ordinances and signs should be considered along with and benches,speed reduction measures and improved enforcement of those signs because that strategy can speed enforcement;prohibit road widening as a method be used to legally limit large trucks on selected local of traffic congestion mitigation;install pedestrian refuge streets(with the exception of local deliveries). islands;add gateway treatments to announce residen- tiaVcommercial areas to slow traffic;install roundabouts O Objective 2.4 to slow speeding and reduce severe crashes;install traffic Discourage new private roads within the Town. signals where warranted to increase safety or pedestrian crossing opportunities;and enact temporary street Many older private roads are poorly maintained and not closures for pedestrian malls. built to appropriate safety standards.To ensure future These types of traffic calming/complete street improve- maintenance of safety standards,require streets in new ments are appropriate for the unique character of subdivisions be public where appropriate.Require that Southold Town's hamlets,and would be effective at any new private roads created within private residential areas be built and maintained to the Town's standards. increasing safety,cycling and walkability,and reducing high vehicle speeds,if implemented. By conducting a pedestrian,cyclist and traffic safety study for each hamlet,unique traffic calming measures can be developed and justified.The"toolbox"of traffic calming improvements will include low-cost measures. An example is a pedestrian refuge island,which provides a place to wait in the middle while crossing a two-way street and simultaneously narrows the street to slow oncoming traffic approaching crosswalks. As of June 2018,NYSDOT was conducting a study to Private road in Laurel implement a series of pedestrian safety improvements along State Route 25 in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including in Southold Town.Pedestrian safety improve- Goal 3: Increase Pedestrian, ments would consist of installing or upgrading traffic Cyclist, and Traffic Safety signals,rectangular rapid flashing beacons,new side- walks,ADA-compliant curb ramps,new crosswalks,and O Objective 3.1 pedestrian refuge islands.At this time,these are the only Explore traffic-calming measures for each hamlet. available details.These measures could supplement any future traffic-calming measures that are implemented to During the Hamlet Stakeholder work that began in 2005, reduce incidences of speeding and ensure safer pedes- traffic calming was a universal concern among stake- trian crossings along Southold Town's main artery.The holder,and continues to be a major issue for residents. progress of these planned transportation improvements Through the 2007-08 Hamlet Stakeholders Initiatives, to State Route 25 will be monitored by the Town. the hamlets of Southold Town have requested that �� traffic-calming measures be implemented to improve the safety for all users on roads within their hamlets, and on State Route 25 in particular(which runs through the hamlet centers of Mattituck,Cutchogue,Southold, _ and East Marion).There are also reports of excessive speeding on County Route 48,particularly eastbound where it transitions from two lanes to four lanes. : a . Some of the requested improvements are to increase ._ sight distances at intersections;mark crosswalks more clearly;connect gaps in the sidewalk network;improve State Route 25 in Cutchogue 22 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 3.2 o Goal 4: Expand Bicycle Network Adopt a"Complete Streets"policy. This will provide enjoyment and health benefits,as Complete Streets provides transportation design well as reduce congestion and increase road safety. and policy to meet the needs and prioritize the safety By better connecting hamlets and providing routes of all users equally. Under this policy,speeding is within hamlets,cycling will increase,a result that could reduced,bikes and pedestrians get the space they potentially decrease vehicular traffic.Another benefit of need,and access to transit is considered.The Town additional bicycle route and pavement markings is that can leverage the policy when negotiating with private motorists become more accustomed to cyclists,which in applicants,the County and the State,when discussing turn increases safety. transportation improvements. Having a "Complete Streets" policy and following ' it will increase safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.Traffic calming measures can be implemented to reduce incidences of speeding,and x high-crash locations,which are primarily located along the main arteries of State Route 25 and County Route 48 in the Town.There are low-cost options for the Town to pursue such as narrowing travel lanes when resurfacing roads to only 10 or 11 feet to reduce speeding, placing bike markings on marked, paved shoulders,or marking shoulders to allow pedestrian travel when sidewalks are not present. -=^ " These are easily implemented and easy-to-maintain solutions the Town can pursue under a "Complete Streets" policy. Objective 3.3 Town bicycle trail O Address sidewalk gaps. O Goal 5: Expand Multi-use If sidewalks are available on both sides of the main roads Trails/Paths within the hamlets,walkability will increase,and the Town,County,and State can stripe additional crosswalks. Create more connections and build more paths Filling sidewalk gaps could result in more walking and through preserved lands.The Town can work with less vehicle travel for short trips. partners to bring more visitation and appreciation to natural resources.There are health and quality-of-life O Objective 3.4 benefits for users of paths and trails. Promote non-motorized travel as a traffic O Goal 6: Monitor Management congestion reduction strategy. of Aviation Traffic The safer and more comfortable pedestrians and cyclists The airports as they currently exist satisfy the feel,the more likely the Town residents,employees, Town's demand for air travel. and visitors will be to walk or bike on shorter trips.By increasing safety and building pedestrian and bicycle Careful understanding and study of private seaplane infrastructure,both future traffic congestion and parking and helicopter use is recommended since it may be on demand could be reduced. the increase. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Transportation Section 23 o Goal 7: Adopt Smart Parking The Town could reassess its parking requirements for Strategies residential and commercial applications to make sure excessive parking is not being built. In the long-term,should ride-sharing apps and autonomous vehicle technology continue to develop, O Goal 8: Manage the Effects it is anticipated that such technological developments of Ferry Ridership on Traffic would also continue to contribute to growth in vehicle miles traveled in Southold Town. Conduct ferry use and monitoring studies. Parking needs for certain land uses,however,might Both the Cross Sound and North Ferries generate need to be reassessed as such vehicle trips would traffic that passes through to and from other places not require the vehicles to be parked on-site. Urging outside the Town,which adds to the peak seasonal neighboring private parking lot owners to allow shared traffic congestion in both the Town and the Village.It parking between compatible land uses can reduce the is recommended that the ferry ridership and schedules need for additional parking.Installing on-street and be monitored. Depending on the results of the moni- off-street regulations that encourage fast turnover adja- toring studies,the Town may recommend strategies to cent to service-related commercial and slow turnover work with the ferry operators and Village of Greenport regulations adjacent to restaurant and residential will to address traffic congestion and parking and queuing make existing parking more efficient. spillover into the Town. 24 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Infrastructure Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan INFRASTRUCTURE by the SCWA3 shows a significant amount of coverage within the limits of the Town.Of the areas sampled The purpose of the infrastructure portion of this from the record maps,all contain fire hydrant coverage chapter is to provide an understanding of the Southold and the necessary piping to feed the system.SCWA Town's utility infrastructure assets and challenges,and does not provide service to Fishers Island since it has develop Town-specific goals to improve utilities for its own water supply operated by the Fishers Island current and uses and for the continued growth of the Waterworks Company,consisting of approximately 22 Town.An inventory and assessment of existing utility miles of water main lines. infrastructure is presented,and is followed by a set of goals for the Town to consider as it grows. Electricity The Long Island PowerAuthority(LIPA)and its Service Existing Conditions Provider Public Service Enterprise Group(PSEG) Stormwater ,s Most of the Town has designated stormwater collec- tion points and outlets.The collection points,or catch basins,are intermittently spread throughout the extents of the Town,some of which are intercon- nected by underground piping or via conveyance by use of at grade topography.All outlets are shown to be discharging into a designated recharge area,local 1` waterway,or directly into the Long Island Sound.A r� map of the stormwater infrastructure in Southold Town is shown in Figure 4.9. Sanitary Sewer The only sewer districts in the Town are within the According to observations,electrical service is widely Village of Greenport(which is connected to parcels in available throughout the Town via overhead transmis- the hamlets of Greenport West and Southold,as shown sion wires,and through underground lines in newer in the map in Figure 4.10)and in the hamlet of Fishers developments.Fishers Island has a separate power Island.The Village of Greenport's sewage treatment company,the Fishers Island Utility Company,that plant sends treated effluent through an outfall pipe to provides electricity to the island residents. the Long Island Sound.The Village of Greenport sanitary sewer system serves approximately 650 dwellings and Natural Gas an indeterminate amount of commercial square footage National Grid in Southold Town outside the Village.The capacity of the According to observations,natural gas main lines treatment plant is 0.650 million gallons per day(MGD), follow State Route 25 and County Route 48;however, and is used at a rate of 0.350 MGD during the peak natural gas is not widely available to many residents. season and 0.200 MGD during the off-season.Roughly, Other details and locations about natural gas lines there could be an 80 percent growth in use during the could not be provided and shared in this plan due to peak season and the plant would be able to handle the security concerns from the utility company. increase.The Fishers Island system serves 33 dwellings. The effluent is collected by gravity and pumped to a Communications community-sized septic tank and leaching field. Cable,Telephone,Broadband,and Wireless Water The majority of the Town is documented as having Suffolk County Water Authority(SCWA)&FishersIsland available service by at least two providers:Cablevision/ Waterworks Co. Optimum,and Verizon.Several isolated areas within The Town has approximately 208 miles of water main 3 With the exception of Fishers Island,the Town has approximately lines,as shown in Figure 4.11.Information provided 8,700 customers on SCWA water,leaving more than 6,000 house- holds on well water. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure Infrastructure Section 25 Figure 4.9 Stormwater Infrastructure in the Town of Southold Count Y Road 48 O E �� �' � r°i Oriole Dr x Traveler St RnmmefAve • A� • 3 Soon' Ve onnave • Pike St v ° Route ps a, o 4 ¢ 7 • o � In ¢I W J New � a Aye v+ar Fd . 3 g� _Ro`ute 25 O Orchard Pd 0 0.45 0.9 Miles Ae wets 0 0.17_5_ 0.35 Miles Mattituck I I Southold "e°�e ,�qe* a Fishers Island a •••• I • • 1 0 48 ►' �, 0 • • • %• 25 / N • • • • 00 • ' 0 "• • ti N r. •,•• 4 • SOUTHOLD • OT r� BAY ORIENT •...r s i HARBOR • 000 0 HOG NECK BAY • .. •• • GREAT PECONIC BAY S Greenport• ` — Son"or • West Mallard Ln ROBINS o ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAYS . F m County Road 48 _ • a • m Knapp PI Route 2S Champlin Q Town of Southold 0 Basins Conveyances Arterial Road we o l Q Greenport Village • Outfalls Pipes Major Collector Road v tiorh bb St v s~ • Recharge Local Road ° Sr a 0 0.175 0.35 Miles g M a l i I • • NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 17,2019 0 1 2 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Infrastructure Section 27 Figure 4.10 Sewer District Boundaries and Parcels Connected to Sewer System Fishers Island 0 0.125 0.25 Miles I i I i 1 Greenport West 'J � I• _ a County Road 48 J _ North Rd mQ � r Route PoU�e,25 O N', m _ �e m PoJ F�ht st Co FI Q Town of Southold Q Sewer District Boundaries 0 Town of Southold Tar Parcels Greenport Village 0 Parcels Connected to Sewer System Streets - NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF, Inc.for the Town of Southold June 14,2019 Source:Suffolk County Real Property Tax AgencyAREIS and Tax Map.County of Suffolk,NY 0 0.25 0.5 Miles I i I Greenport West Fishers Island Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure i Infrastructure Section 29 Figure 4.11 SCWA Water Main Line Miles in the Town of Southold by Hamlet e LONG ISLAND SOUND Fishers Island* Cutchogue (38.7 miles) Southold Greenport West q, (71.0 miles) (25.6 miles) East Marion Mattituck/ (11.7 miles) Laurel Peconic (46.5 miles,) (7.8 miles) Greenport Village Orient SOUTHOLD ORIENT (1.5 miles) BAY HARBOR HOG ' New Suffolk NECK (5.8 miles) BAY GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Q Town of Southold SCWA Water Mains Q Greenport Village NOTES:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold Town of Southold - June 17,2019 208 water main miles total `Public water on Fishers Island is served by the Fishers Island Waterworks Corporation with 22 water main miles total. 0 1 2 Miles I i I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure � Infrastructure Section 31 the hamlets of Laurel/Mattituck,Southold,and Orient on Fishers Island is available through the Fishers Island are shown to have Cablevision/Optimum as the sole Telephone Corporation. provider.High-speed internet data service(also known There are 16 wireless facilities in Southold Town, as broadband) is available from Cablevision with located in the hamlets of Cutchogue,East Marion, coverage throughout the Town at speeds of up to 300 Fishers Island,Mattituck/Laurel,Orient,Peconic,and megabits per second,while Verizon has sub-broadband Southold.Wireless service is available in most of the data speeds of 1.5 to 3 megabits per second with Town,although service is weak in many areas,and little coverage in the Town.In addition to broadband there are pockets of the Town without any cell service. coverage at acceptable speeds,the Cablevision website The wireless antennas are located mainly on a series of shows the locations of seven wifi hotspots available to towers throughout the Town,with some located within their customers throughout the Town.These hotspots church steeples. Many cell tower locations have added, are in Mattituck/Laurel,Cutchogue,Peconic,Southold, or are in the process of adding,generators to be able to East Marion,and Orient.High-speed internet service continue service during power outages. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Goal 1: Reduce Stormwater \ Runoff The Town strictly regulates stormwater runoff, and all new development is required to contain its stormwater runoff on-site with appropriate infrastruc- ture.As development in the Town increases,there _ will be an expected increase in impermeable surfaces such as new streets, parking lots,and buildings.The increases in impermeable areas will be monitored so that upgrades to existing inlets and outlets can be planned.Additional curbside drainage structures may also be required to further mitigate additional The Town has significant coverage for developed areas stormwater that is collected in and around future by electrical,water,and wired communications utilities. localized developments. Sanitary sewer,natural gas,and wireless communica- In addition to traditional stormwater capture and tions utilities are less prevalent.Sanitary sewer lines treatment infrastructure,green infrastructure tech- connected to a treatment plan only exist in a small part nologies are recommended.According to Chapter 6, of the Town in the hamlets of West Greenport and "Natural Resources&Environment,"to address Southold because they are connected to the Village of non-point pollution,the Town is working to integrate Greenport's sanitary sewer system.There are only 16 green infrastructure such as vegetated swales into cellular towers covering the Town,which results in drainage designs. weak or no wireless service in parts of the Town. In addition,while natural gas mains follow portions of O Goal 2: Evaluate Alternatives to State Route 25 and County Route 48,service is not public Sewers available beyond those corridors. Due to the cost of construction and maintenance, The potential future increases in residential and as well as concerns over inducing too much growth, commercial development will require an increase in the extending public sewer may not be feasible.Evaluating supporting infrastructure.To accommodate this poten- alternatives such as treating sewage effluent on site tial growth,goals followfor each,though most of these or in small community systems is important both for goals will rely on the providers of the services to achieve. water quality and for economic stability.Business 32 Chapter 4:Transportation&Infrastructure I Infrastructure Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan growth and affordable apartments in our larger hamlet O Objective 4.2 centers are currently limited due to a lack of ability to Solar/Renewable Energy treat wastewater. Continue to explore alternative energy sources, o Goal 3: Evaluate Town including solar,wind,and tidal energy resources to Water Supply supplement current energy sources,and to provide redundancy in case of failure,cost increases,or other As the buildout of the Town continues,water model issues with the primary energy source.Expand the inven- tory of electric vehicle-charging stations in the Town. of the system and whether it warrants any holding tanks,booster pump stations,etc.The Town should monitor SCWA and Fishers Island Waterworks water Goal 5: improve supply,and if the utilities or their supply cannot keep Communications and High- up with the needs of the Town,should consider investi- Speed Internet Connectivity gating ways to reduce water use by collecting rainwater High speed internet access is important for the for lawn irrigation purposes,gray water recycling,and economic future of Southold Town. Local businesses other sustainable water strategies. and telecommuters rely on high-speed internet. o Goal 4: Work with Local Service O Objective 5.1 Provider for Energy Needs Work with wireless service and high-speed The local service providers will have to extend and possibly internet providers to identify challenges to upgrade theiralready present service to further facilitate improving service in Southold. future localized developments and improvements. The local service providers will have to extend and O Objective 4.1 upgrade their already present service to further facilitate future localized developments and improvements. Natural Gas In addition,wireless providers will need to adapt and Natural gas is a desirable alternative fuel for home improve their service as data streaming continues to heating and cooking,and encouraging the provider to increase.Wireless connectivity is generally fair to poor expand its availability in the Town is recommended. and even non-existent in some parts of the Town.In the summer,the service worsens due to the volume of users. A. CHAPTER 5 y COMMUNITY 414 , CHARACTER February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Background 1 Goals and Objectives 1 Goal 1:Protect Scenic Resources 6 Goal 2:Protect Cultural Resources 11 Goal 3:Preserve Quality of Life 12 Goal 4:Protect Natural Heritage 13 Goal 5:Protect the Unique Character of Individual Hamlets II. I . I I yr4 E j/�/ y�J f 1 - _ -Tip t a 5 COM M U N ITY CHARACTE R Founded in 1640,Southold is one of New York State's the Corchaug Indians and the first settlers organized a oldest English-speaking colonies.Historically,the church.Written records of the Town begin in 1651. development patterns of the Town were guided by As trade with New England and the West Indies devel- agriculture and maritime industries centered on water- oped,flax and tobacco farming flourished,beginning ways and overland transportation routes.The Town's an agricultural tradition that continues to this day. character is anchored in the scenic quality of its bucolic Southold was also an important commercial fishing built environment and its landscapes and waterscapes. town and that industry remains an important part of As voiced by the community,maintaining the quality of the Town's identity. life within the Town is paramount. When the Long Island Rail Road was completed to Greenport in 1844,the North Fork became less isolated T and summer visitors began to arrive.Later,Menhaden r�= fisheries and oyster and scallop harvesting replaced " whaling in the local economy and the original settlers ' r , sold their farms to European immigrants.During World Wars I and II,local shipyards experienced boom times >& that were followed by an economic decline.After c� 1,x World War II,the automobile brought to Southold many second-home owners and a burgeoning tourist Hay farm in Southold Town industry,both of which led to an increase in residential development and began a shift in the types of agri- This chapter expands on the goals and objectives culture.Vineyards,nurseries,and horse farms began related to community character that are outlined in replacing traditional crop farms. a series of planning initiatives,studies,and reports conducted over the last 20 years. The goals and objectives contained in this chapter and in the Comprehensive Plan in general reflect stake- Background holder desires to shape the future of their home in a way that retains the community character of Southold Southold Town was largely settled in 1640 when New Town and its hamlets. Haven Colony magistrates bought title to the land from GOALS & OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Protect scenic Resources In 1992,the New York State Legislature recognized and The Town's scenic quality is one of its most identified New York State Route 25 and Suffolk County important economic and social assets of the Town. Route 48 as Scenic Byways through the New York State Scenic Byways Program.The transportation corridors 2 Chapter 5:Community Character Southold Town Comprehensive Plan are representative of the region's scenic,recreational, O Objective 1.2 cultural,natural,historic,and archaeological significance. Manage important scenic resources. Southold Town residents have consistently identified scenic resources as important in past studies and plans; these include scenic viewsheds from public lands and waters.To preserve these important areas,a compre- hensive list and map of the areas will be developed and considered for adoption by the Town to aid in decision- making and support the development of planning tools to foster actions that better fit the Town. O Objective 1.1 }` Identify important scenic resources. First Bridge,New Suffolk A Avoid or minimize the impacts of structures or activities that introduce visual interruptions to important scenic resources. 1 I Review the Town of Southold Town Code Chapter 197,Peddlers,Solicitors and Transient Retail Merchants to prohibit the siting of incom- patible uses on scenic by-ways. 21 Review the Town of Southold Town Code to determine the appropriateness of structures and landscaping (fences,hedges)capable of hindering scenic views. 31 Strengthen litter laws to prevent illegal dumping in open space and scenic areas, Farm in Cutchogue including on beaches. A Hold public meetings to identify and prioritize land- 41 Consider implementing the guidelines specified scape and waterscape scenic resources important to in the Suffolk County Farmland Committee's the community throughout the Town. Greenhouse Structures:2008 Guidelines for B Develop and adopt a Town Scenic Resources Map Parcels with County-Purchased Development Rights("PDR"). to achieve greater protection of viewsheds in the application review processes including assessment 51 Work with the New York State Department to the New York State Environmental Quality of Environmental Conservation to designate Review Act(SEQRA) and the Local Waterfront incompatible uses within a Scenic Byway and Revitalization Program (LWRP) policy standards important scenic viewsheds as Type I actions and recommendations. under SEQRA to achieve better assessment of scenic impacts. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold sI Amend SEQRA Type I action list threshold Planning Board,Southold Town Committees to include any actions or combinations of Possible Partnerships:General public,local civic actions that propose: associations,historical societies,Chambers of i Clearing of greater than or equal to 10 Commerce,Island Community Board(Fishers Island), acres or set percentage for residential use. Fishers Island Ferry District,Southold Business ii I Placement of greater than or equal to 20 Alliance,North Fork Promotion Council,Long Island residential lots on a single parcel located Farm Bureau,Long Island Wine Council,New York adjacent to a New York State Scenic State Department of Transportation,Suffolk County Byway;or adjacent to a public shoreline Department of Public Works. or visible from public surface waters. 0 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character 3 iii I Result in the permanent coverage of B I Preserve existing,indigenous vegetation that greater than or equal to 1000 square feet contributes to the scenic quality of the landscape of public surface waters. through the incorporation of these areas in site 6 Strengthen the management of important design or perpetual conservation measures. scenic viewsheds from State Route 25,Route 48, C Ensure that appropriate visual screening(in accordance and other Town roadways. with Article XXI of the Southold Zoning Ordinance) a I Form a Scenic Resource Management exists between business,industrial,and residential working group to update,expand and zones such that landmarks and focal points are implement the Scenic Southold Corridor enhanced,and visually corrosive elements are screened. Management Plan (2001)and other appli- D I Acknowledge the context of the area in which cable plans for the purposes of developing screening must occur,and be sensitive to the new,expanded scenic resource manage- character of the hamlet. ment procedures and preservation goals Town-wide. E I Establish planting guidelines and preferred vegetation species lists which can be integrated into planters, Correlate the Town Scenic Resources Map roadside public gardens,and highway medians. to management and preservation strategies for scenic resources experienced from Town F� Allow for selective pruning and clearing of vegeta- for scenic public areas. tion to enhance and provide public views including the clearing of the nuisance species common reed c Review uses in zoning districts located on the (phrogmites australis)and Japanese knotweed Town's Scenic Byways,roadways and public (Fallopio japonica Houtt). waters to evaluate appropriateness to Town "f Scenic Byway Goals and scenic management -. - strategies to ensure that the area views include vistas of farm fields and open space. d1 Develop and implement a Scenic Resource { Overlay District with site and structure design parameters,including scenic ease- -, ment applications. e I Improve the coordinated frameworkfor law - enforcement and application processing requiring multi-agency participation or review to ensure compliance with the Town Vineyard in Cutchogue Scenic Byway Goals. G I Prevent erosion of scenic qualities of important f I Forge relationships with the New York State places,sites,and gateways by enforcing the existing Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)and sign code and strengthening the Town Code Suffolk County Department of Public Works language to prohibit,remove,or screen obtrusive (DPW)to develop and implement a roadway structures,objects(unauthorized vehicle sales, beautification or"adopt-a-road"program. excess and non-conforming signage,and non- i I Adopt a no-net-loss street tree policy and conforming lighting)and actions. encourage NYSDOT and DPW to replace 1 I Amend Chapter 240 Subdivision of Land and trees removed. Chapter 280 Zoning to require multi-phased ii I Encourage DPW to landscape medians of construction projects that are visible in current County Route 48 with wildflowers. and future public scenic viewsheds to provide Work with the electric company and other long-term screening. applicable entities to improve the Town's Tree 21 Phase-out structures and landscaping (fences, Trimming Notification protocol. hedges)that obstruct viewsheds and degrade h I Bury power and other transmission lines scenic qualities from public vantage points. where feasible. 31 Enforce unauthorized vehicle sales legislation. 4 Chapter 5:Community Character Southold Town Comprehensive Plan 41 Control prolific signage through the develop- Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold ment of a new enforcement protocol for the Planning Board,Building Department,Department Town's signage code. of Land Preservation,Land Preservation Committee, 51 Consider amending sign code as recommended Southold Tree Committee,Board of Trustees by the RBA Group North Fork Trail Scenic Byway Inventory and Assessment(2008). O Objective 1.4 1 Improve public communication through the Enhance scenic qualities through design standards development of a "Did You Know?" media and innovative site planning and architecture in campaign to educate business owners about public and private development projects. common types of illegal displays,signs, ►' r`�'� lighting,and uses of public rights of way especially on Main Streets,State Route 25,and County Route 48. C>r Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Planning Board,Southold Architectural Review Committee,Zoning Board of Appeals,Building '"� ^°Ii •I� , , Department,Department of Land Preservation,Tree - Committee,Board of Trustees Fishers Island Hamlet Center Possible Partnerships: General public, PSEG, New York State Department of Transportation, Project design is the most costly and time-consuming Suffolk County Department of Public Works, aspect of an application.The Town is continually trying to local civic associations improve the process to reduce the cost to applicants.In the future,the Town will provide more guidance in project O Objective 1.3 design and improved efficiency,user friendliness,and Preserve land containing important scenic communication between the public and Town depart- resources. ments in the earlier stages of the application processes. To better assist the public in meeting scenic preservation goals,the Town will develop and implement architec- SOUTHOLD TOWN tural design guidelines for residential and commercial Preserved Opel,Space Lands uses.The design guidelines will provide basic informa- ttion and make recommendations about what design elements could be included as part of a land use applica- tion;however,the guidelines will not attempt to address Thi.taw ...d pwp.Ay 6 dpd'—d m publie ftmual-n[nf�3p q"" e'priaand all the design issues relevant to a proposed plan.The intent of the design guidelines will be to achieve a clear understanding of critical site and design issues that need to be addressed.This approach should result in a more Laurel Lake Preserve efficient process that in turn will reduce costs. A Develop voluntary structural design standards for A� Continue to preserve important scenic vistas with residential architecture to conserve and support Community Preservation Project Plan funds to the design characteristics and qualities of individual purchase fee title,development rights,and/or scenic easements on properties with scenic values. neighborhoods and hamlets that make them attrac- tive and unique. B Correlate the Town of Southold Scenic Resources 11 Use appropriate siting,scales,forms,and mate- Map with the Community Preservation Map to iden- rials to ensure that structures and site design tify relevant parcels offering scenic views,including are compatible with and add interest to existing parcels offering scenic waterscape views. scenic components. 0 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character 5 2 1 Promote the establishment of sustainable B I Cluster and consolidate new development close to structures through LEED/Energy Star standards hamlet centers to encourage vitality and affordability. in new development and redevelopment. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, B Develop mandatory architectural design standards Southold Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals, for commercial uses to conserve and support the Land Preservation Department,Southold Historic design characteristics and qualities of individual Preservation Commission neighborhoods and hamlets that make them attrac- tive and unique. O Objective 1.6 1 Develop a municipal parking plan for each Plan for development of hamlet centers with a hamlet center. focus on vitality,function,and aesthetics and at 2 Create a parking bank to allow the buy-out of a compatible scale that maintains the character parking on site plans.Monies are to be used to of the community. maintain and/or expand municipal parking lots. C I Officially recognize businesses that strive to r meet Town Goals with letters of recognition from Southold Town Board/Supervisor. D Develop streetscape plans for each hamlet to emphasize human scale,improve pedestrian safety and connectivity,and respect historic precedents and typologies in the hamlet centers.The plans should include but not be limited to addressing site . design,architectural design,pedestrian movement, landscaping (street tree preservation/replacement), parking,street furniture,lighting,signage,identifica- tion and position of landmarks,and public destina- tions or congregation points within the hamlets. ; Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Southold Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals,Architectural Review Board,Historic Preservation Commission,Southold Town Economic Development Committee Old Point Schoolhouse on Oysterponds Historical Society campus in Orient > Possible Partnerships:Island Community Board (Fishers Island)and Chambers of Commerce,local A Create and/or enhance community gathering areas civic associations in hamlet centers. B Improve linkages between community needs, O Objective 1.5 design goals,policies,and the Southold Town Protect scenic vistas outside the hamlet centers by Code requirements. clustering compatible developments in existing C Identify and rectify land use regulations that residential or commercial areas to prevent sprawl. prevent the strengthening of the hamlet centers as A I Define edges of hamlet centers and"HALO"areas vibrant commercial and residential centers. using open space with scenic views.' 1 I Evaluate uses within the Hamlet Business(HB) and General Business(B)zoning districts for appropriateness of intensity within each hamlet 1 HALO is an acronym for Hamlet Locus Zones.HALO zones are center and surrounding areas. areas that surround the hamlet centers in Cutchogue,East 21 Re-evaluate use and bulk schedules to allow for Marion,Greenport,Mattituck,New Suffolk,Orient,Peconic,and Southold hamlets.These areas have been identified and formal- diverse,multiple uses in hamlet centers. ized by the Southold Town Board for the purposes of allowing certain uses in these areas.Official maps can be found on the Town of Southold website. 6 Chapter 5:Community Character Southold Town Comprehensive Plan 31 Amend setbacks within the bulk schedule for Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, the HB and B zoning districts located within the Southold Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals, hamlet centers to support a more diversified Architectural Review Board,Southold Historic build-out within the hamlet centers. Preservation Commission,other Town Committees 41 Investigate the feasibility of applying Form Based Possible Partnerships:Island Community Board Codes or a hybrid code to the hamlet centers. (Fishers Island)and Chambers of Commerce,local Current zoning rules have strict requirements civic associations for building setbacks that must be applied the same way to all parcels regardless of size or O Goal 2: Protect Cultural shape. Parcels in the hamlet centers are typically Resources small in size and some are also narrow in width, making their development challenging with this Southold Town is also defined by its vast wealth of one-size-fits-all approach. New businesses such historical and cultural resources. as retail stores that could bring much-needed The Comprehensive Survey of Historic Resources in the foot traffic to a hamlet center are drawn away Town of Southold and Fishers Island (Society for the from the hamlet centers in search of parcels that Preservation of Long Island Antiquities[SPLIA],1988) are easier to develop. identifies approximately 1,500 historical structures of Changing the code in the hamlet centers to regional importance.Of these,eight individual proper- allow for more flexibility in use and design ties and two historic districts are listed on the State and could retain and attract thriving businesses National Registers of Historic Places.In addition,the that generate and support foot traffic in the Southold Historic Preservation Commission maintains hamlet centers,and in turn lead to a stronger its own listing of locally significant historic landmarks local economy. Relying more on design (see Appendix 3). standards and less on traditional bulk schedule Throughout the years many historic buildings that requirements will introduce flexibility in once punctuated the Town have been destroyed, zoning by using scale,form,and function demolished,renovated,or modified,thereby to determine the size and location of new eroding the Town's heritage.To prevent further loss commercial buildings. of the Town's historic resources,an update to the 51 Review Town Code to evaluate the application Comprehensive Survey of Historic Resources in the of the pivotal Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Southold and Fishers Island,as shown in Decision Number 5383 (otherwise referred to Figure 5.1,is needed. Potential historic districts within as the "Malon Decision") which allows multiple each hamlet will be identified and the Town will uses in a single building on a single parcel in work to strengthen the role of the Southold Historic the B zoning district.This encourages buildings Preservation Commission and request the develop- that are oversized and inconsistent with the ment of siting and design standards and resource community character. management strategies and plans to preserve these Encourage infill and adaptive re-use development important resources. within hamlet centers through financial incentives. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character Figure 5.1 Cultural Resources Map Co-- Road 48 01 -- r a Q Oriole Dr _r RoatlB�O i!`P i •r, Y Traveler St ._ F e A F m Ru-m_melaAve Rou_teAps •IY ---t'g '✓ r rc rol` mf LONG ISLAND SOUND °W°`Pd • ,, J 3 g j 4 y � °0¢Q - Orchard Fd �' AQ we//S ' F '0 0.175 0.35 Miles Fishers Island Southold �oc� Ave J1 % I , I I 48 SOUTHOLD ORIENT BAY , HARBOR HOG • NECK BAY a GREAT PECONIC BAY Ye2� ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY y a l9 @a Iii Q Town of Southold Arterial Road • Lighthouses Cemeteries Q Greenport Village — Major Collector Road Significant Trees Museums • �� Local Road • Benjamin Franklin Mile Markers State/National Historic Register Districts and Properties � � z� 0 -,0.175 0.35 Miles Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities List Orient 9St O/d Farr 3d S° NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 20,2019 0 1 2 Miles 4 0 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character 9 O Objective 2.1 C Create program to identify cultural assets for Identify,document,and map the historic potential Town purchase(e.g.,expanding village resources of the Town. greens through property acquisition). D Codify the historic architectural design standards developed by the Southold Historic Preservation / Commission for historic structures constructed and I ; reconstructed in designated Historic Districts. E I Incentivize preservation of historic structures by creating a program to relax zoning for ■C (� historic structures. F I Create a program that provides tax incentives to y1. property owners who achieve Town Landmark Status. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals,Southold Potatoes in Southold Town Historic Preservation Commission Continue to identify,document,and map historic Possible Partnerships:New York State Office of resources in the Town: Parks,Recreation&Historic Preservation A Work with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation&Historic Preservation (OPRHP),hamlet ' historic societies,the Henry L.Ferguson Museum ►.. (Fishers Island),and property owners to update the `+ SPLIA list to aide in the historic preservation of the '- Town's historic properties. Delineate and designate historic districts and/or points of historical significance in each hamlet. C1 Inventory,protect,and preserve significant historic resources including family cemetery plots,colonial- era postal mile markers,and historic trees. D I Produce an updated Town of Southold Cultural Resources Map. Responsible Parties:Historical societies,museums, New Suffolk Schoolhouse Southold Town Board,Southold Planning Board Southold Historic Preservation Commission O Objective 2.3 Possible Partnerships:New York State Office of Provide for compatible use,reuse,and Parks,Recreation&Historic Preservation integration of historic resources in future planning while limiting and minimizing O Objective 2.2 inappropriate alterations to the resource. Manage and preserve the historic and Avoid loss or impairment of historic resources(struc- architectural resources of the Town. tures,sites,or components).Expand the responsibilities A Incentivize and encourage owners of properties of the Southold Historic Preservation Commission to included on the SPLIA and/or historic trees to seek include the review of all historic structures or other Town Landmark Status. properties requesting major structural or changes to a historic resource,including authority to: B Seek funding to restore and preserve the historic informational plaques Town-wide. A I Preserve historic structures or components in place to the greatest extent practicable. 10 Chapter 5:Community Character Southold Town Comprehensive Plan 11 Allow relocation of the historic structures only G Protect underwater historic,archaeological,and when the resource cannot be preserved in place. cultural resources through the development of a 21 Allow demolition of a structure or feature only Marine Resources Management Plan. where alternatives such as rehabilitation or > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold relocation are not feasible. Planning Board,Land Preservation Committee, 31 Within identified historic districts,demolished Southold Historic Preservation Commission historical structures should be replaced with structures of similar character,mass,proportion, Possible Partnerships:Historical societies,museums, Southold Town Historian,New York State Office of Parks, and scale. Recreation&Historic Preservation,local civic associations B I Request that the Southold Historic Preservation Commission develop Best Management Practices for elements such as signs,fences,and hedges,to avoid adverse impacts of new development on nearby historic resources. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, — - °— Southold Historic Preservation Commission, Architectural Review Board,Southold Town Economic _ Development Committee Possible Partnerships:Town Historian,New York State Office of Parks,Recreation&Historic Preservation, local civic associations Founders Landing in Southold O Objective 2.4 O Objective 2.5 Protect and enhance resources that are Protect and preserve archaeological resources. significant to the culture of Southold Town. A Expand the charge of the Southold Historic A Support museums,historical societies,and other institu- Preservation Commission to include the manage- tions preserving and promoting the Town's culture. ment of archaeologically sensitive areas. B Protect the character of historic agricultural and B Work with Building Department and Henry L. maritime areas by maintaining appropriate scales Ferguson Museum to improve the process of of development,intensity of use,and architectural protecting archeological resources on Fishers Island. style. C Preserve and protect archaeologically sensitive C Preserve and encourage traditional uses defining areas through perpetual restrictions that ensure the agricultural and maritime character of the area. their long-term preservation. D Encourage landowners to participate in the OPRHP D Strengthen regulations regarding disturbance to Barn Restoration programs and tax incentives. significant archaeological resources through project E Provide interpretive materials in appropriate settings to redesign and/or artifact recovery prior to construction. augment the public's understanding and appreciation E Avoid disturbance of any object of archaeological or of the Town's agricultural and maritime heritage. paleontological interest situated on or under lands F Preserve and enhance historic lighthouses:Horton owned by New York State or Southold Town. Point Lighthouse,the Coffeepot Lighthouse at > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold Orient Point,the Plum Island Lighthouse,the Planning Board,Southold Historic Preservation Little Gull Island Light Station,Bug Light at Long Commission,Henry L.Ferguson Museum Beach Bar,North Dumpling Lighthouse,Race Rock Lighthouse,Latimer Reef,and other navigational or Possible Partnerships:Historical societies, nautical structures. museums,Southold Town Historian,New York State Office of Parks,Recreation&Historic Preservation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character O Objective 2.6 Promote heritage tourism to educate residents - and visitors about the historical/cultural significance of the Town. A Farm produce waiting for the train in Southold 'ar Objective 2.7 Promote and concentrate public art, crafts, r and entertainment cultural attractions in hamlet centers. 4 A Encourage developers to integrate art into the design process for buildings and public spaces. A Elevate the Town's historical/cultural significance 11 Consider setting a minimum percent cover of through school curricula,heritage festivals,parades, surface area that would be dedicated to public art and special events. (applicable to certain areas). B Develop a public signage program and corre- B Encourage public agencies to integrate art in the sponding map that identifies and explains the design of all publicly visible infrastructure,including historic/cultural resources of the Town. retaining walls and public spaces(e.g.,incorporate 11 Work to highlight cultural interests throughout sculpture in public areas). the Town. C I Work with the Chambers of Commerce,business C Foster partnerships with local groups and museums and merchant groups,The East End Arts Council, to aid in the stewardship of historic sites on Town- Libraries,Schools and Museums to develop art owned properties. shows and cultural projects centered around the D Consider entering into a partnership with a private hamlet centers. entity to establish a museum highlighting the 1 I Encourage housing opportunities for Artists Town's diverse culture(art and history)within the in Residence. Peconic School building and grounds and at the D Elevate the importance of the Town's iconic art and New Suffolk Waterfront. entertainment history through the development of Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, annual celebratory events. Southold Town Historian,Southold Historic > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Preservation Commission Southold Town Economic Development Committee, Possible Partnerships:Chambers of Commerce, Southold Town Housing Advisory Commission historical societies,museums,schools,East End Arts > Possible Partnerships:East End Arts Council,North Council,Old Town Art and Crafts Guild,North Fork Fork Art Guild,North Fork Community Theatre,North Promotion Council,Long Island Convention& Fork Promotion Council,Long Island Convention& Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission,Suffolk Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission and Suffolk County Office of Film and Cultural Affairs,New York County Office of Film and Cultural Affairs,Island State Office of Parks,Recreation&Historic Community Board (Fishers Island),Lighthouse Works Preservation,local civic associations (Fishers Island),local civic associations Chapter 5:Community Character Southold Town Comprehensive Plan o Goal 3: Preserve Quality of Life O Objective 3.4 in Residential Neighborhoods Preserve community character of residential The residents of Southold Town value the safe and neighborhoods. peaceful qualities of their neighborhoods. Evaluate and amend Town Code sections on lot coverage and setbacks to prevent structures too large in scale from occurring in neighborhoods. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Southold Planning Board,Zoning Board of ft1`; Appeals,Architectural Review Board,Historic ' Preservation Commission,Southold Town Economic Development Committee Possible Partnerships:Island Community Board (Fishers Island)and Chambers of Commerce,local civic associations o Tuthill Road,Southold Goal 4: Protect Natural Heritage O Objective 3.1 Enhance safety of neighborhood roads. A Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety with traffic- calming measures B Evaluate and amend Town Code §161-15 Highway Construction Specifications to allow for traffic- F ; calming through narrower travel lanes and x; updated designs. O Objective 3.2 Reduce impacts from traffic. Narrow River,Orient As traffic impacts increase with the increase in For the purposes of this chapter,Natural Heritage population and visitors,steps to reduce those consists of landscapes and waterscapes of outstanding impacts must be taken. Improving traffic circulation universal value in terms of ecology,conservation,or and increasing pedestrian and bicycle safety are natural beauty.Natural Heritage includes not only the discussed in more detail in Chapter 4, typical natural resources of flora,fauna,and agricultural "Transportation and Infrastructure." soils,but also the idea of the working landscape. O Objective 3.3 In 1998,the Town recognized the importance of the Reduce Impacts from noise and light pollution. working landscapes and adopted the Community Preservation Project Plan to preserve not only the land,but Identify incompatible actions and uses located within also the people who interact with it for their livelihood.In or near residential neighborhoods.Evaluate the 2004,Southold Town's LWRP was adopted,elevating the effectiveness and enforcement of the relevant Town importance of protecting the working maritime culture Code sections,including but not limited to lighting, and the areas historically and presently committed to noise,and special events,to control the impacts from them.Goals listed below are covered in more detail in those actions and uses. Chapter 6,"Natural Resources&Environment" Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character 13 O Objective 4.1 O Objective 4.6 Elevate and preserve the Town's natural heritage Protect and improve air quality in Southold Town. through preservation of the working landscapes Related goals with additional details can be found in and waterscapes and the people who interact with them. Chapter 6,"Natural Resources&Environment:' A Protect agricultural lands in Southold Town. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold Planning Board,Southold Zoning Board of Appeals, B Provide for and support the commercial and recre- Town Committees,Southold Town Economic ational use of Southold Town's marine ecosystems. Development Committee,Southold Board of Trustees, C Audit the Southold Town Code to ensure consis- Southold Land Preservation Department and Committee tency with adopted plans and programs. > Possible Partnerships:Island Community D Amend current regulations to further support Board (Fishers Island),Peconic Estuary Program, agriculture and maritime uses. The Nature Conservancy,Long Island Sound E Identify and preserve the Town's flora and fauna. Future Fund,Group for the East End,North Fork 11 Work with regional agencies and institutions to Environmental Council,Audubon Society preserve the unique natural qualities of the islands p Goal 5: Protect the Unique within the Town limits including Fishers Island, Plum Island,and Little Gull and Great Gull Islands. Character of Individual Hamlets O Objective 4.2 ; ... <- Protect and restore ecological quality throughout Southold Town. { A Protect vulnerable fish,wildlife,and plant species, and rare ecological communities. - - B Promote sustainable use of living marine resources in Long Island Sound,the Peconic Estuary,and Town waters. C Avoid adverse changes to the Long Island Sound and the Peconic Bay ecosystems that would result Presbyterian Church in Southold from impairment of ecological quality. From 2005 to 2010 the Town developed and implemented O Objective 4.3 The Town of Southold Hamlet Study(2005),a community- based planning effort where nine community groups known Protect the Town's beaches. as the Hamlet Stakeholders were formed representing each Additional information about Town beaches can be hamlet.The Hamlet Stakeholders,through public meetings, found in Chapter 13,"Parks&Recreation." generated a list of short-term and long-term recommenda- tions that were presented to the Town Board and Planning O Objective 4.4 Board for prioritization and implementation. Protect and improve soils in Southold Town. In 2008,the Town Board also formed the Hamlet Study Implementation Panel (HIP) consisting of Town staff Related goals with additional details can be found in and Town committee chairs to implement stakeholder Chapter 6,"Natural Resources&Environment." recommendations.The HIP met frequently throughout 2008 and beginning of 2009 and many short-term O Objective 4.5 recommendations were implemented and completed. Protect the Town's aquifers. The section below includes the long-term Hamlet Stakeholder recommendations relating to community Related goals with additional details can be found in character that the HIP recommended be integrated Chapter 6,"Natural Resources&Environment." within the Comprehensive Plan. 14 Chapter 5:Community Character Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Cutchogue From 1986 to 1988,SPLIA conducted an inven- tory of historic properties within the Town of A� Improve hamlet center streetscape through the Southold.The inventory(Comprehensive Survey development and implementation of a traffic- of Historic Resources in the Town of Southold calming plan focused on pedestrian flow and safety and Fishers Island)found 81 structures of historic for State Route 25. significance on Fishers Island. B Design and implement traffic-calming measures in the King Kullen Shopping Center area(improve signage). � Update and recommend properties for local, state,and national landmark status. C Work with NYSDOT to develop a streetscape plan Correspondingly,the Town has a registerfor local including the installation of street furniture and Landmark Structures and Sites.This is a voluntary the development of a street tree planting and program whereby property owners submit maintenance program. requests for local registration.No properties on D Expand the village green (SCTM# 109.-5-6.1) Fishers Island are on this register,nor is there any property to the west with the assemblage of record of applications for landmark status. historic properties. New York State and the federal government E Encourage the continued operation of the post office. each maintain Registers of Historic Places.These Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, registers contain buildings,structures,districts, Southold Planning Board,Town of Southold objects,and sites significant to the history,archi- Transportation Commission,Town of Southold Tree tecture,archeology,and culture of the state or Committee,Office of the Town Engineer the nation.Although Fishers Island is not listed on either the State or the National registers,Fort H.G. East Marion Wright is eligible for such designation (Source: A Develop streetscape plan for State Route 25 from Town of Southold,LWRP Section II.F,p.3). Rocky Point Road to the eastern HALO boundary. E I Work with the Fishers Island Ferry District to revi- B Preserve the East Marion Memorial Post Office. talize the Fort Wright and Silver Eel Cove waterfront C Develop a well-designed gateway incorporating gateway using green infrastructure technologies. traffic-calming measures. F Develop a Parade Ground Preservation Plan. D Retain the satellite limited commercial area at the > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, corner of Rocky Point Road and State Route 25. Southold Planning Board,Southold Land Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Preservation Committee,Island Community Board Southold Planning Board,Town of Southold (Fishers Island),Fishers Island Conservancy Board of Transportation Commission,Town Committees, Directors,Henry L. Ferguson Museum Board of Office of the Town Engineer Directors,Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Town Committees Fishers Island A Revitalize and strengthen the existing hamlet business center/village green. B Evaluate the General Business zoned"gateway"area west and south of the Ferry Dock on Silver Eel Cove. C Evaluate HB zoned"triangle"formed by Equestrian, Oriental,and Crescent Streets. k •� D Continue to support the role of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum and the Museum's Land Trust in the preservation of social,archeological,historical, and cultural attributes of the Island. 1 I Seek funds to do an updated version of the Fishers Island Parade Grounds Photo:Jane Ahrens SPLIA survey of historic structures. 0 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5:Community Character 15 Greenport West Orient A Develop a well-designed gateway on State Route 25 A Preserve the gateway property east of Latham's west of the Village. Farm Stand (scenic vista is important). B Preserve the natural landscape and create 75-to B Retain the post office in the hamlet center. 100-foot buffers along the hamlet's main roads. C Re-evaluate the B zoning district south and west of Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Village Lane. Southold Planning Board,Town Committees,Office of the Town Engineer > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Southold Planning Board,Southold Historic Mattituck/Laurel Preservation Commission A I Revitalize Mattituck Inlet into a recreational and Peconic commercial maritime hub. A Develop streetscape plan for hamlet center. 1 I Reconnect the waterfront with Love Lane B Encourage the continued operation of the post office. business district. 2 I Update and implement the Harbor Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Management Plan. Southold Planning Board,Town of Southold B Target area (located south of State Route 25 and east Transportation Commission,Town Committees of New Suffolk Avenue)to create a village green/ Southold park for community events. A Develop streetscape plans for State Route 25 C Target the northern portion of parcels behind the from Akerly Pond Road to Beixedon Road retail/service shops south of State Route 25 for parking. Avenue and County Route 48 from Horton Lane D Support the closure of Love Lane for events and fairs. to Boisseau Avenue. E Encourage the continued operation of the post office. B Divert truck traffic to County Route 48. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, C Increase intensity of use of Silversmith's Corner for Southold Planning Board,Board of Trustees,Zoning picnics,games,summer events,and activities. Board of Appeals,Town Committees and Chambers of Commerce New Suffolk If' A Encourage the continued operation of the post office. - B Revitalize New Suffolk's waterfront,Incorporating green infrastructure technologies. C Recognize and preserve the unique maritime heritage of the area,highlighting the history of submarine manufacturing. --� D Develop streetscape plan for First Street. E Designate the entire hamlet as a historic district. Silversmith's Corner,Southold F Develop design guidelines for commercial and D I Encourage the continued operation of the post office. residential structures. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Southold Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, Planning Board,Southold Historic Preservation Southold Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals, Commission,Town of Southold Transportation Southold Town Historian,Southold Historic Commission,Town of Southold Tree Committee, Preservation Commission Town Committees Office of the Town Engineer,Chambers of Commerce CHAPTER 6 NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT February 2020 ked* r TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Background _ 2 Water Resources ������ �■ 3 Goals and Objectives 3 Goal 1:Conserve Water Quantity y 5 Goal 2:Protect Groundwater Quality 0 12 Goal 3:Protect Surface Water Quality 15 Goal 4:Improve Watershed Management 4 a 16 Goal 5:Protect Freshwater and Marine Habitats r ti' 22 Land Resources 22 Goals and Objectives A R x 22 Goal 1:Protect Soils and Geologic Features 4. 24 Goal 2:Protect Upland Habitats and Trees _- _ ,:x �:" - -` 27 Goal 3:Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources 32 Goal 4:Monitor and Control Nuisance Species 33 Goal 5:Monitor and Control Invasive Species 35 Goal 6:Take Action Against Climate Change by Reducing Energy Consumption •. 39 Goal 7:Adapt to the Effects of Climate Change Y and Rising Sea Levels 40 Goal 8:Protect and Improve Air Quality 41 Goal 9:Continue to Manage Solid Waste and r Hazardous Waste -.x.43 Goal 10:Reduce Light Pollution c - Se e n ext pag e for lis t o f tables and figures. z CHAPTER 61 NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT Figures 6.11 Water Cycle 6.2 Southold Aquifer 6.3 Southold Town:Special Groundwater Protection Areas 6.41 Southold Town:Tidal and Freshwater Wetlands 6.51 NYSDOS Significant Coastal Habitats and NYSDEC Critical Environmental Areas `1. • � Salinas v ■ ■ 1 .... T'" � st x t app' ` r : LY LI L rJI• � of � , � ' -•� .f 61 NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT Southold Town's ecological areas are among the An integral element of the management approach most valuable natural resources in New York State. must include the implementation of an educational Bounded by two U.S.Environmental Protection Agency campaign to increase awareness. (USEPA)-designated"Estuaries of National Significance," This chapter expands on relevant goals and objectives the Long Island Sound Estuary and the Peconic Estuary, gathered from a series of planning initiatives,plans, the Town's lands and waters are protected by studies,reports,and public input sessions conducted numerous planning documents,multi-agency regula- over the last 20 years.Collectively,this information tions,and designations that recognize the quality of creates the vision of the Town with respect to natural the areas and provide management strategies.In the resources and establishes the fundamental goals and future,management strategies will focus on protection, objectives to achieve the vision. adaptation,and sustainability. Background This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan has been informed by several recent planning documents. The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), completed in 2004,provides a comprehensive analysis of the Town's resources and outlines a framework of goals for the developed coast,natural coast,and public coast.The program also includes detailed lists of projects that the Town has identified for implemen- tation.The Fishers Island Strategic Plan 2007-2017 "' (Scopaz) provides an effective planning framework for ID the Island and identifies numerous community-based Town Preserve in Cutchogue recommendations that were integrated within this plan.' Finally,Plum Island was the subject of a 2012 Managing and preserving our natural resources while Draft Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS),which promoting responsible user experiences is essential provided a comprehensive assessment of the Island's to maintaining the quality of life within the Town. natural resources.The DEIS was referenced to formulate Correspondingly,managing consumable resources to goals and objectives in this document. achieve balance and sustainability is also extremely All of the above-referenced plans are available on the important.With continued proactive and collabora- Southold Town website via the weblink icon on the tive management of the Town's resources,the quality home page. of them will improve. 1 The Fishers Island Strategic Plan 2007-2017 was prepared for the Fishers Island Hamlet of the Town of Southold in September 2007.It was written by Valerie M.Scopaz,AICP,of VMS Planning Services.See httl2s://issuu.com/fishersislandny/docs/ hamlet study - fi strategic plan 20. 2 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan WATER RESOURCES reservoir is equal to about 50 percent of mean annual precipitation or approximately 22 to 22.5 inches,or 1.9 Groundwater billion gallons per year.The water cycle is shown as Figure 6.1. Southold Town depends on a sole source aquifer for its potable water supply.The aquifer is replenished Drinking water is drawn from the Groundwater solely by precipitation,which averages approximately Management Zone IV of the Central Suffolk County Special 44 to 45 inches per year.The U.S.Geological Service Groundwater Protection Area(SGPA),which encompasses (USGS) estimates that the portion of precipitation that Shelter Island and the northern and eastern portions of the infiltrates the soil,eventually reaching the groundwater South Fork in addition to the eastern portion of Riverhead. Figure 6.1 Water Cycle -!!k,NaRTH RAIN CLOUD SOUTH)i;- ,,.,.;,,.e.,.- TRANSPIRATION EVAPORATION 'ltillk9\r 11510....... ` ,forth Shore Bi sand RUNOFF ��r�rll�l tillal r.. Iti��elrs�t.rrlr•s +,� t4111 l4Trtrn! SURFACE SEEPAGE l.............1\1'. RUNOFF � SEA , — WATER TABLE-imp LEYEL - — mss„ _SQA i FRESH, ; UNDERFLOW FLOW 100' i years Fresh Water Salt Water r .Iarjr 7 50' 100 years 200' 200 years 111t fi 250'_ Salt Water �' 7raveir tarrte ref water in years. -350' r i 0 t KILc]METER Source:Group for the East End Southold Conservation Agenda. 1'ertirrrf uafereuti}eeraftd The aquifer is characterized by a series of isolated It is important to recognize that all drinking water and water table mounds,each of which corresponds to a irrigation water supply on the North Fork is withdrawn hydraulically distinct freshwater flow system.The North from the upper glacial aquifer because groundwater in Fork is comprised of three oblong water table mounds the deeper aquifers is mostly saline. east of Mattituck Creek and James Creek that represent The importance of Southold's groundwater resources the principal freshwater flow systems.The freshwater are recognized by the designation of certain areas flow systems contain a series of flow subsystems, of the aquifer by the New York State Department each of which corresponds to the area contributing of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as SGPAs. groundwater to an individual water body.These flow These areas are particularly important to ground- subsystems are generally separated from one another water protection because they are the core areas of by local and regional groundwater divides(creeks and recharge to Southold's aquifer.The aquifer is shown bays)that extend inland from the coast and converge toward the respective water table mounds(USGS). in Figure 6.2. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 3 Figure 6.2 Southold Aquifer SOU C I']OLD'S ACZU1I:LR iwb�C.aryY: 4�w � y jH Is" Source:Group for the East End Southold Conservation Agenda. The water supply,treatment,distribution,and storage According to the Hydrogeologic Report Conducted facilities for mainland Southold's public water supply on Fishers Island,New York by Groundwater,Inc. are owned and operated by the Suffolk County Water (April 1990),groundwater recharge on Fishers Island Authority(SCWA).There is also significant usage of is estimated to be approximately 709 million gallons groundwater from private wells for residential,agricul- per year.The water supply,treatment,distribution,and tural,and commercial use. storage facilities for approximately 624 customers on Fishers and Plum Islands have their own unique water Fishers Island are owned and operated by the Fishers supply conditions.Fishers Island water supply is Island Waterworks,a subsidiary of the Fishers Island dependent upon a sole source aquifer and 22 miles of Development Corporation (FIDCO). water mains,an equalization reservoir,a surface water The Plum Island DEIS identifies groundwater on treatment plant,a groundwater treatment facility,a Plum Island within the sand and gravel of the Upper well field and three surface water reservoirs: Barlow Pleistocene Glacial Deposits.The shallow sole-source Pond,Middle Farm Pond,and Treasure Pond.The aquifer extends from land surface at the wetlands to numerous ponds on Fishers Island serve as the primary an approximate depth of 100 feet in the center of the catchment and recharge areas for the islands aquifer. Island.The aquifer is recharged solely by precipitation, Due to its hilly topography,most of the precipitation which averages approximately 45 inches per year.Safe that falls on Fishers Island flows to one of the numerous yield for the aquifer is estimated to range from 150,000 freshwater ponds or directly to the coastal shoreline. to 200,000 gallons per day(gpd). GOAL AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Conserve Water Quantity an expansion of the public water supply system. The potable water supply in the Town is limited, Expansion is expensive and difficult due to areas of and without conservation measures,the supply of groundwater contamination and salt-water intrusion. potable water in the aquifer is strained,especially Consumer rates for water will increase as costs rise for in times of drought. the SCWA. One of the largest consumers of water is the irrigation Southold has been identified as one of two areas of lawns,which increases during droughts.As the in Suffolk County where groundwater quality has population of the Town continues to grow,increased affected the existing groundwater supply.The shallow demand on the water supply system will occur,forcing aquifer is limited by underlying and surrounding salt 4 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan water and contaminants such as nitrates and pesti- Regardless of the short-term supply projections, cides. Nitrate levels exceeding 6 mg/L were found in planning for a long-term water supply in Southold is supply wells located on the North Fork in unsewered important and conservation practices must be devel- agricultural areas? oped.Conservation practices can be accomplished Water supply projections indicate that Southold will through public education and voluntary or mandatory need additional water sources by 2030.The projected homeowner participation. Following are objectives water consumption is expected to rise to 4.6 million to help implement water conservation initiatives and gallons per day(mgd)from 2.8 mgd,assuming that all strategies to conserve drinking water. homes currently on private wells would be on commu- O Objective 1.1 nity supply by 2030(including Orient).By 2030,if water continues to be used at the current rate,over 14,500 Consider mandatory water conservation gallons per minute(gpm)will be required at peak measures for residential irrigation. times,a rate that cannot be produced by the current A Designate odd/even days for lawn irrigation. water supply system. B Use rain meters to prevent automatic sprinklers To address the projected water supply needs,the from activating on rainy days. SCWA has indicated that approximately 6,100 gpm of additional capacity would be required (excluding the storage tank at Moore's Lane).This would require the siting and installation of 38 new wells if no conservation measures are implemented.An alterna- tive to pumping an ever-increasing amount of water is to implement a water conservation program that minimizes the irrigation of lawns,in addition to other measures.The Suffolk County Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan (SCCWRMP) indicates that if successful,the water conservation option would require the addition of only three new supply wells to meet the 2030 peak demand. The conservation approach is the most practical one for residents and the SCWA,as there are significant concerns with developing new wells:salt water O Objective 1.2 up-coning/intrusion;impact to wetlands and surface water bodies;additional capacity;identification and Workwith SCWA to implement water acquisition of available land for well sites and potential conservation practices and programs. treatment facilities;and cost associated with construc- • Implement the SCWA groundwater conservation tion of the additional wells,transmission mains,and measures that include public education and treatment facilities. outreach on water conservation practices and emergency measures in periods of drought through According to SCWA,if conservation measures are not Town media. implemented,a connection to the Riverhead transmis- sion line to serve Southold Town would be the most O Objective 1.3 feasible and cost-effective alternative.This option Develop water conservation and educational requires the fewest new wells;however,numerous demonstration sites. factors could affect the feasibility of this scenario. • Partner with local water conservation advocates Complete details can be found in the SCCWRMP. to fund,design,and construct educational 2 Suffolk County Comprehensive Water Resources demonstration sites at the Peconic School,Town Management Plan(SCCWRMP)by SCWA.Found at Hall,and on Fishers Island. httl2s://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health- Services/Environmental-Quality/Water-Resources/ Comprehensive-Water-Resources-Management-Plan. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 5 O Objective 1.4 o Goal 2: Protect Groundwater Support the Peconic Estuary Program initiatives Quality for water conservation practices. The protection of groundwater quality is crucial for The Peconic Estuary Program has initiated a the health of the residents and visitors of the Town. Homeowner Rewards Program to provide water conservation opportunities to homeowners within the The Town's two SGPAs for which water quality Peconic Estuary boundaries that surround the impaired protection management strategies were developed water body,Hashamomuck Pond,in the hamlet of include portions of the hamlets of Mattituck,Laurel, Southold.Funds are available to homeowners for rain Cutchogue,Peconic,and Southold (see Figure 6.3).The gardens,downspout re-direction,rain barrels,conser- designation of the SGPAs was based on two consid- erations,that"this area represents a major portion of the locally significant deep recharge and that designa- Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Town of tion could facilitate the improvement and ultimate Southold Planning Department,Town of Southold restoration of groundwater quality"(The Long Island Land Preservation Department Comprehensive Special Groundwater Protection Area > Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Water Plan,1992).3 Authority,Suffolk County Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association,U.S.Environmental Protection Agency and other non-governmental agencies O Objective 1.5 Limit the use of the sole source aquifer for filling pools. Pools are being installed at a high rate.The water to fill them comes from our sole source aquifer needed for drinking water and irrigation of farms.In periods of drought and/or in coming years when the strain on 3 Koppelman,L.E.and Long Island Regional Planning Board."The our aquifer is expected to be much higher,the filling of Long Island Comprehensive Special Groundwater Protection Area Plan"Long Island Regional Planning Board:1992.Also https: pools needs to be a lower priority. books.google.com/books?id=JeliHAAACAAJ. 6 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 6.3 Southold Town:Special Groundwater Protection Areas N Orient East Marion ORIENT LONG ISLAND SOUND Greenport HARBOR West Greenport Village Southold SOUTHOLD BAY Peconic HOG Cutchogue NECK BAY Mattituck/Laurel New Suffolk LITTLE PECONIC Plum Island BAY GREAT PECONIC BAY Fishers Island &L Q Town of Southold Wafer Bodies Q Greenport Village Q Special Groundwater Protection Area NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF, Inc.for the Town of Southold June 14,2019 0 1 2 Miles I i I 0 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 7 The SGPA Plan identifies the main groundwater Also in 2011,the SCWA added filtration systems to quality issue within the Southold SGPA as consisting Sunset Dr.#2A and#4A Mattituck wells to remove of contamination primarily from the historical use of the contaminants Aldicarb Sulfone and Sulfoxide and pesticides used for agricultural purposes.Pesticides Metolachlor ESA. Filtration was also added at the Rocky have contaminated ground water throughout much of Point Rd.#4 East Marion well to remove the contami- the horizontal and vertical extent below the Southold nants TCPA(Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid,a breakdown SGPA(Koppelman,et al, 1992). product of Dacthal)and Metolachlor. The objectives in this Comprehensive Plan are based,in In the Browns Hills System, 1 out of 16 pesticides, part,on the SGPA Plan that offers recommendations for herbicides,pharmaceuticals,and personal care prod- management strategies designed to reduce current ucts compounds tested were found,but no VOCs were and future groundwater contamination,avoid creating detected in 2011.Nitrate in this system had an average new sources of contamination,and provide the value of 3.22 mg/I and a high value of 10.87 mg/I, maximum protection of the groundwater in the SGPAs. which exceeds the MCL(SCWA 2011). The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) permits and monitors commercial and resi-dential water supply wells pursuant to Articles 4 Water ' * # s Supply and Article 6(Realty Subdivisions,Development and Other Construction Projects)of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code(2011).SCDHS also regulates 35 non- _x e community water system sites,including Plum Island, which contains 66 wells sites.A"community water } system"is a public water system that serves at least five service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. In the areas that lack a public water supply system, comprehensive water quality testing is conducted for all new subdivisions proposed with private wells. In addition to management strategies,SCWA tests SCDHS also manages a testing program for existing public water systems on a regular basis and publishes homes with private wells.The program provides annual reports outlining the results for two SCWA comprehensive water quality analysis and makes Distribution Systems in Southold Town.One is known recommendations to property owners if necessary. as Distribution Area 30,and is comprised of the 49 supply wells that serve most of Southold (except for The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Orient).The other,known as Distribution Area 35,is recommends annual testing of private wells for total comprised of one neighborhood in Orient known as coliform.Similarly,annual water quality testing of Browns Hills. private wells for,at a minimum,total coliform,nitrates, total dissolved solids,and pH is recommended by Certain areas have experienced degraded groundwater. USEPA and the National Groundwater Association In the 2011 report for Distribution Area 30,the SCWA found evidence of pollutants including compounds (NGWA).SCDHS offers a private well testing program at a nominal cost.More information about the program from pesticides,herbicides,pharmaceuticals,and can be found at:http://www.suffolkcountyny.aov/ personal care products(9 of the 16 compounds tested). Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQua lity1 Also found was Methyl Tert Butyl Ether(a volatile �/�/aterResources/PrivateWellWaterTestingProgram.aspx. organic compound [VOC])that was used as an additive in gasoline until it was banned in 2004. Nitrate,which is In addition to regulating private and non-community linked to red tide blooms in Peconic Bay,was measured water systems,SCDHS regulates subsurface sewage at an average value of 3.78 mg/I and a high value of disposal systems pursuant to Section 760-502,of 7.97 mg/I.The results are lower than the established Article 5 (Sewage Disposal),and Section 760-710 of Maximum Contaminant Levels(MCL)for drinking water Article 7 (Water Pollution Control) of the Suffolk County quality for nitrates,which is 10 mg/I. Sanitary Code.Facilities designed and constructed in 8 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan compliance with the standards will be in compliance One tool to accomplish the protection of groundwater with the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. quality is to develop and implement an Aquifer The heightened awareness of water quality problems Protection Overlay Districts(APOD)approach,which has prompted the Town and numerous agencies and would provide guidance to landowners and user organizations to elevate the need for voluntary and groups on how to better protect groundwater.Effective regulatory changes to reduce the introduction of management within an APOD ranges from voluntary pollutants in groundwater.To assist with sorting out changes in homeowner choice to application and where additions to the public water infrastructure are disposal of pesticides,herbicides,or fertilizers,and use consistent with the Town's goals,and where other of land use controls in areas located within sensitive measures are more appropriate,it is recommended groundwater recharge areas. that the Town participate in assessment programs and O Objective 2.4 initiatives that achieve the highest level of protection and conservation for public benefit. Achieve consistency in Town land use and water source protection through the re-evaluation of O Objective 2.1 zoning including permitted uses in capture Support the work of the Town of Southold Water zones,wellheads,and surface water(Fishers Quality Protection and Conservation Committee, Island) reservoir contributing areas. which focuses on and promotes the implementa- tion of the water quality and water conservation O Objective 2.5 goals and objectives of the Town. Apply the most stringent pollution control measures practicable within 50-year capture 4 zones to community supply wells(SCDHS). O Objective 2.6 Re-evaluate Chapter 215 Sewers and Sewage WATER Disposal of the Southold Town Code. CONSERVATION C O M M I T T E E The section was adopted in 1983 and an update for applicability and effectiveness in preserving ground- V H �F `012T f 0�r water quality is necessary.The section contains a provision that requires that on-site wastewater disposal Together with agencies and organizations such as systems be inspected and pumped out a minimum of SCDHS,SCWA,Long Island Groundwater Research Institute(LIGRI)at SUNY Stony Brook,USGS,and Fishers once every three years. Island Water Works,the committee works to protect p Objective 2.7 surface and groundwater quality and quantity through assessment,education,and participation. Evaluate and recommend Best Management Practices for proactive reduction of VOCs capable O Objective 2.2 of entering groundwater and surface waters. Work with SCWA,SCDHS,and Fishers Island VOCs are associated with myriad products such as Water Works Corporation in developing plastics,adhesives,paints,gasoline,fumigants,refriger- mandatory groundwater and surface water ants,and dry-cleaning fluids.Although only one VOC quality protection measures. (gasoline)was found in Southold sampling of private wells,in 2010 SCWA testing revealed that almost 65 O Objective 2.3 percent of the community supply wells in Suffolk Develop Aquifer Protection Overlay Districts County have susceptibility ratings of medium high, Town-wide. high,or very high for VOCs,while over 35 percent of the wells are rated medium or low. Protection of groundwater quality is a community The most effective method for preventing VOC responsibility centered on education and participation. contamination is to prevent their use or disposal in Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 9 locations where they have the ability to enter ground- O Objective 2.10 water or surface waters.The reduction of use of such Work with regulatory agencies and the golf products is voluntary,albeit necessary,to reduce the course industry to reduce fertilizer,pesticide, introduction of these compounds in groundwater. In and herbicide use in property management. surface waters,the reduction of the introduction of the compounds could result in a change of practices at Golf courses use significant amounts of fertilizers and, marinas and waterfront uses. in some instances,pesticides and herbicides.Suffolk County is working with Cornell University and Cornell O Objective 2.8 Cooperative Extension to reduce nitrogen loads from Evaluate and recommend Best Management East End golf courses through the development of Practices for the proactive reduction of Best Management Practices to maintain nitrate levels pharmaceuticals and personal care products in in groundwater at less than 2 mg/L.The use of Best groundwater and surface waters. Management Practices to reduce the application of pesticides and herbicides should also be developed. Pharmaceuticals refer to prescription and over-the- counter therapeutic drugs and veterinary drugs. O Objective 2.11 Personal care products refer to products used Continue to purchase open space to achieve for personal and cosmetic reasons such as soaps, groundwater and surface water resource fragrances,and cosmetics.Collectively,these types of pollutants are referred to as PPCPs.PPCPs that are protection. disposed of in septic systems,sewers,or trash have the The purchase of open space for groundwater and potential to enter our drinking water and,ultimately, surface water protection is one of the most effective our surface waters. Presently,USEPA has no health tools available.Since 1983,the Town has been active in standards or guidelines for PPCPs in drinking water and the purchase of open space properties for many uses does not require testing. including groundwater protection. In addition to the In 2010,SCWA screened all of their wells for 16 PPCPs program,the Town's subdivision regulations require and detected Dilantin and Carbamazepine. However, that wetlands be set aside as unbuildable land,and that the noted compounds were not found in the wells of a minimum of 60 percent of the buildable land area Southold Town 2010 or 2011. be preserved as open space if the parcel is over seven acres.The Town,Suffolk County,and other agencies O Objective 2.9 continue to purchase open space for many functions Work with regulatory agencies to reduce and values including groundwater recharge. pesticide and herbicide use on residential A Develop an Open Space Valuation Index to properties. evaluate parcels for groundwater(and surface water) quality protection and supply among other SCDHS classifies pesticides as insecticides,herbicides, ecological benefits. and fungicides used to kill or control insect pests and nuisance vegetation that affect crops,turf,residential B( Develop aparameter-driven valuation index to lawns and gardens,homes,pets,and people. assess the public and ecological benefits of each parcel proposed for open space purchase to assist The Planning Board and the Board of Trustees strive to the decision-makers in assessing the functions and reduce turf areas through site design.In sensitive areas, values of a parcel. non-disturbance buffers are often established to reduce turf areas and the use of pesticides and herbicides to O Objective 2.12 protect surface water bodies;however,impacts to surface Develop and apply land use tools to preserve and groundwater still occur from pesticide and herbicide Plum Island water quality in the aquifer. use.The Town should work with regulatory agencies in the development and dispersal of Best Management Consider establishing a Groundwater Conservation Practices for pesticide and herbicide use in Town. District on Plum Island to serve Southold Town's water 10 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan supply needs in the future. Under the current owner- This problem is not limited to current events.To address ship,Plum Island water resources are a public asset the water quality problems in the Long Island Sound,in and management strategies to preserve the quality 1985 USEPA created the Long Island Sound Study(LISS) and volume of groundwater should be developed for in partnership with the Connecticut Department of potential future public use. Environmental Protection (CTDEP)and NYSDEC.Years of research,monitoring,and modeling helped the LISS to O Objective 2.13 identify nitrogen sources in the Long Island Sound and Support SCWXs Groundwater Guardian Program. the levels of nitrogen control necessary to improve DO levels and meet water quality standards.The analysis A3,&OLK COUNTr Z led to the adoption of a 58.5 percent nitrogen reduction goal to reduce the extent and duration of hypoxic condi- tions in the Long Island Sound. In the Peconic Estuary,after atmospheric deposition, iA3�R A[]T#1nR � Cfi groundwater is estimated as the second largest external source of nitrogen,totaling 41 percent of The Groundwater Guardian Program is an international the total nitrogen load.Groundwater and other effort by the Groundwater Foundation to educate the nonpoint sources are the primary contributors to water public about the value of groundwater.Team members quality degradation of the Peconic Estuary,thereby contributing to algal blooms and hypoxia (SCCWRMP). of the Groundwater Guardian Program include SCWA, In 2001,the Peconic Estuary Program adopted the Citizens Campaign for the Environment,The Long Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Island Farm Bureau,Stony Brook University,and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.Team activities focus on (PEPCCMP)for the estuary.The plan includes a Nutrient Management Plan that establishes goals and objectives awareness campaigns,pollution prevention,conserva- to better manage nitrogen in the estuary. tion,public policy initiatives,waterway cleanups,and Best Management Practices.4 Recognizing the problem of nitrogen and nitrates loading in ground and surface waters,the Suffolk O Objective 2.14 County Legislature established a goal of reducing Work with regulatory agencies and institutions fertilization in residential areas by 10 to 25 percent,and to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads to passed Local Law 41-2007 to reduce nitrogen pollution groundwater due to residential fertilizer. countywide.The law states that"the quality of our water should be considered a higher priority than Both the Long Island Sound and Peconic Estuary have the aesthetics of lawns,and those high maintenance experienced detrimental changes from increased lawns require more nitrogen and are more likely to nutrient loads to ground and surface waters.In the leach excess nitrogen,so that high maintenance lawns Long Island Sound,and more recently in the Peconic should be discouraged." Estuary,low dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions (hypoxia)develop due to excessive levels of nitrogen Correspondingly,in July 2010,New York State adopted the Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Run-off Law to (N)and phosphorous(P). Hypoxia is a result of plank- tonic algae blooms that feed on the nutrients.The reduce phosphorus loading to its ground and surface algae die and settle to the bottom of the water body waters.On August 14,2010,the law prohibited the sale of newly stocked,phosphorus-containing dishwasher then decay,using up DO in the process.The oxygen detergents for household use.On July 1,2013,the law levels frequently fall below the levels necessary to also prohibited the sale of phosphorus-containing dish- sustain life and often results in fish and shellfish die washer detergents for commercial use.The law defines offs.Correspondingly,the planktonic algae is also toxic to shellfish and finfish in high densities;this also often a commercial establishment as"any premises used for the purpose of carrying on or exercising any trade, results in the death of species. business,profession,vocation,or commercial or chari- table activity,including but not limited to laundries, hospitals,and food or restaurant establishments."More 4 See https://www.scwa.com/environment/ information on the law can be found at the NYSDEC become a groundwater guardian/. website(http://www.dec.ny.goy/chemical/74885.html). Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 11 A Develop education programs that discuss the nitrate level,since nitrogen loading can vary consider- impacts on surface and groundwater of residential ably depending on crop-specific fertilization require- fertilizer use and household products that end up in ments.The data shows average nitrogen concentra- the septic system. tions in groundwater for row crops at 13.4 mg/L and B Use public service announcements and Town average nitrogen concentrations in groundwater for media channels and brochures to educate the vineyards at 5.1 mg/L(SSWRMP). public about the effects of the use of consumer products on water quality. Include education about existing regulations: Lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus are prohibited,except for establishment of new lawns, or if data confirms that phosphorus is required. Application of lawn fertilizers on impervious surfaces is prohibited. Application of lawn fertilizers are prohibited within 20 feet of a surface water body except Farm in Cutchogue in cases where a vegetative buffer of 10 feet or more exists,or special application techniques The same plan indicates that crop type also has a are employed. significant impact on the type and volume of pesticides that are observed in down gradient groundwater. „= Application of fertilizer between December 1 and In a past report entitled"Water Quality Monitoring April 1 is prohibited state-wide. for Pesticides in Nassau&Suffolk County,Vineyard g Require a maximum of I lb per 1000 sq.ft./per Monitoring Draft Report 2003-2006(SCDHS),"the fungi- year of turf application rate. cide Metalaxyl used on grapes was the most frequently Phosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents detected compound in monitoring wells. In addition for household use are prohibited. to the low levels of registered pesticides that were detected,low levels of historically applied pesticides -' Continue to include nitrogen and phosphorus and pesticide-breakdown products not associated with Best Management Practices in subdivision vineyard applications were also reported,including covenant and restrictions. Metolachlor,Alachlor,and Aldicarb.It is important to o- Require the use of native,drought-tolerant note that many of the pesticides and pesticide-break- vegetation in landscaping. down products detected have been banned in Suffolk o- Maximize widths of non-fertilized,vegetated County for decades,but are still present in the aquifer buffers on parcels adjacent to water bodies system due both to their solubility and persistence in to minimize turf area and improve water the environment. quality protection. Agricultural Stewardship Programs are currently imple- O Objective 2.15 mented by Suffolk County and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to improve agricultural Continue to support education programs that Best Management Practices by reducing the amounts achieve agricultural nitrogen load reductions,to of nitrogen and pesticides reaching ground and surface include promoting agricultural Best Management waters.More than 100 local vegetable,nursery,sod,fruit Practices,expanding Agricultural Environmental farms,and vineyards are participating in a tiered strategy Management(AEM) strategies,and promoting of AEM practices.The Agricultural Environmental organic farming,among other initiatives. Stewardship 5-Year Program goal is to significantly The application of fertilizer and pesticides is necessary reduce nitrogen leaching and run-off.More information in crop farming,a staple in the Town's economy. on the New York State AEM program can be found at http://www.nys-soilandwater.orci/aem/index.html. In addition to on-site wastewater systems,agriculture remains a source of nitrogen loads to the aquifer.The � Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Town type of agriculture affects the resulting groundwater of Southold Water Quality Protection Committee, 12 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Fisher Island Water Works,Town of Southold O Goal 3: Protect Surface Water Planning Department,Town of Southold Land Quality Preservation Department There are many challenges to protecting the quality Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Water of our creeks,bays,and other surface waters. Authority,Suffolk County Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Although today there are more regulations in place Conservation,National Oceanic and Atmospheric for protection of surface waters than in the past,the Association,U.S. Environmental Protection increased number of potential sources of pollution Agency,other non-governmental agencies,local necessitates vigilance.The Town's economy and quality civic associations of life are inextricably tied to its coastal waters being clean and productive for many uses including swim- Surface Water ming,fishing,shell fishing,and boating. All of the Town's coastal waters are assigned a classifica- tion by NYSDEC based on best usage of a particular O Objective 3.1 water body.The classifications set attainment goals and Continue to implement the goals and objectives discharge standards for point sources,but do not of the LWRP,Peconic Estuary Program(PEP) necessarily indicate existing water quality conditions. CCMP and LISS to address target issues on Most coastal waters in the Town are classified as SA. surface water quality. The SA designation indicates that the primary use of the water body is shell fishing for market purposes, The Town Code and LWRP goals and policies support primary and secondary contact recreation,and fishing. the long-term protection of Peconic Bay,Gardiners Bay, These waters are suitable for fish propagation and and Long Island and Block Island Sound.Additionally, survival (LWRP). By classifying waters as SA,NYSDEC has they reflect existing laws and authority regarding set a management goal to achieve a level of water development and environmental protection,including quality capable of supporting shellfish harvesting.This that of the PEP CCMP and the LISS.Taken together,the does not imply that waters so designated are always goals and policies and their associated standards are considered harvestable.Although much of Southold's used to determine the appropriate balance between coastal waters are classified as SA,many of these same development and preservation that will prevent wadverse effects on Southold's coastal resources. water bodies are not certified for direct market harvesting of shellfish due to the seasonal occurrence Southold Town can further these policies through the of pathogens. participation and implementation of the plans. More information on the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound Study can be found in Appendix 4. O Objective 3.2 { Continue to participate and support the Peconic Estuary Protection Committee to implement the Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) Program. Creek in New Suffolk The classification is also important from an ecological Peconic and economic standpoint because healthy,productive Protection Committee1 waters support tourism and marine uses.Town depart- ments and numerous organizations work to retain high quality surface waters through local laws,the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program,the Peconic Estuary NYSDEC regulates stormwater discharges in the Town under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, and the Long Island Sound Study. Elimination System (SPDES) Permit for Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems(MS4s) Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 13 GP-0-015-003 (MS4 General Permit).The MS4 General • Development and construction Permit regulations establish a number of required • Stormwater runoff planning,legislative,and implementation actions that • On-site wastewater treatment the Town must continue to implement.The program • Boats and marinas is designed to reduce overall pollutant loads to water bodies.The MS4 General Permit requires that the • Agriculture Town accomplish these efforts based on six Minimum • Protecting groundwater quality Control Measures: public education and outreach, O Objective 3.4 public involvement,illicit discharge detection and elimination,construction site stormwater control,post- Minimize illicit discharges into surface waters. construction stormwater management,and pollution Southold Town Code Chapter 236 Stormwater prevention for municipal operations. Management defines illicit discharge as including but The challenges of managing stormwater are compli- not limited to"discharge of solid waste,human and cated and diverse.Infrastructure ownership,age,and animal waste,antifreeze,oil,gasoline,grease and all funding all pose issues that the Town will need to other automotive products,flammable or explosive address as it meets regulations.As sea levels rise,the materials,metals in excess of naturally occurring challenges will become even more difficult. amounts,whether in liquid or solid form,chemicals not Since its inception,the New York Sea Grant Program normally found in uncontaminated water,solvents and and the PEP have spearheaded the formation of a degreasers,painting products,drain cleaners,commer- coalition to manage stormwater and meet regula- cial and household cleaning materials,pesticides, tions.This effort led to the formation of the Peconic herbicides,fertilizers,acids,alkalis,ink,steam-cleaning Estuary Protection Committee in 2015,which includes waste,laundry waste,soap,detergent ammonia, the New York State Department of Transportation chlorine,chlorinated swimming pool or hot tub water, domestic or sanitary sewage,roof structure runoff, (NYSDOT),Suffolk County,and all of the towns and animal carcasses,food and food waste,yard waste,dirt, villages within the Peconic Estuary Watershed. Participation in this coalition has saved the Town sand,and gravel.Illicit discharges include any direct or money and strengthened its MS4 program through indirect discharge to the MS4,except as exempted in the sharing of information and resources. §236-25A(discharge prohibitions)and/or as permitted by the Town." It is recommended that the Town continue to partici- The Town has always striven to control and prevent pate in the Peconic Estuary Protection Committee,Sea Grant and the PEP to achieve greater understanding illicit discharges capable of impairing water quality. of and compliance with the MS4 General Permit The Town has made significant advances in water requirements,including net reductions in nitrogen and quality protection with the passing of a Stormwater pathogen loading to water bodies and seek state and Management Law in 2007 and a revised Stormwater federal funding for remediation projects. Management Law in 2012.Also in 2012,the Town Board revised Chapter 83 Animals to include better management of domestic pet waste.These regula- tions include Best Management Practices that aim to Increase understanding and awareness of the reduce pollutant loads into water bodies. Efforts to potential impacts of stormwater pollution and identify and rectify sources of illicit discharges will activities that contribute to water quality continue to protect and restore surface waters. impairments through public education efforts. The Town has worked closely with the PEP and other O Objective 3.5 environmental organizations in producing educational Avoid and minimize non-point pollution of initiatives on the impacts of stormwater.The Town will coastal waters. continue to work with the PEP in the development of Best Management Practices to further the MS4 Program Non-point pollution is defined as"pollution from any and natural resource protection.Best Management source other than from any discernible,confined,and Practices will be developed for: discrete conveyances and shall include,but not be limited to,pollutants from agricultural,silvicultural, 14 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan mining,construction,subsurface disposal,residential, use of these systems.Further,discretionary boards may commercial and urban run-off sources."To address require the use of the systems where groundwater and non-point pollution,the Town is working to integrate surface waters are vulnerable to contamination. green infrastructure into drainage designs.For A Avoid non-point pollution by limiting non-point example,the Planning Board is requiring the use of sources capable of entering coastal waters. constructed swales and vegetated retention areas to treat stormwater in subdivisions and site plans. In B Reduce or eliminate introduction of materials that addition,efforts to reduce pollutant loads to coastal may contribute to non-point pollution. waters by managing unavoidable non-point sources C Avoid activities that would increase off-site and by using appropriate Best Management Practices stormwater run-off and transport of pollutants. as determined by use,site characteristics,design D Retain or establish native vegetation to maintain standards,operational conditions,and maintenance or provide soil stabilization or filtering capacity in programs are being implemented. littoral zones. E Preserve natural hydrologic conditions main- taining natural watercourses and drainage systems where present. F Where drainage systems are absent or incapable of handling the anticipated run-off demands: 1 I Develop open vegetated drainage systems as the preferred approach and design these systems to include long and indirect flow paths and to decrease peak run-off flows. f Use closed drainage systems only where site Parking lot in Mattituck constraints and stormwater flow demands make open water systems infeasible. One of the most influential sub-surface structures that contributes pollutants to surface waters is conventional , septic systems.The SCWA indicates that the majority of Suffolk County residents are dependent on these r 46 systems to dispose of sanitary waste;however,these systems are discharging nitrogen into the groundwater. ;. In addition,the treatment of PPCPs are becoming problematic in groundwater as a result of their disposals. + in these systems. Septic systems are required to be up-graded to newer zip_ , technology on a case-by-case basis typically prompted F by new construction or renovation of structures. Otherwise,septic systems are not generally monitored ,. for proper function,and many substandard systems remain in use. Better management and monitoring of these systems is necessary to minimize impact to ground and surface waters. G Site,upgrade,and manage on-site disposal systems Advances in wastewater treatment technology to achieve maximum pollutant control through the have resulted in a concerted effort to reduce total integration and required use of I/A OWTS or future nitrogen discharged in wastewater to below 19mg/L technologies that reduce or eliminate nitrogen using Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater from wastewater. Treatment Systems(I/A OWTS).The Town has partici- 11 Allow on-site disposal systems only when imprac- pated in this effort with SCDHS and encourages the tical to connect with a public sewer system. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 15 21 Protect surface and groundwater against Association, U.S. Environmental Protection contaminates and other pollutants by Agency,other non-governmental agencies,local keeping septic effluent adequately separated civic associations from groundwater. 3 1 Work with an institution to develop and imple- Goal 4: Improve Watershed ment a pilot program whereby waterfront Management residents can volunteer to have dye tests done Continue to proactively assess the impacts of on their septic systems to determine if the development in each watershed. systems are constructed properly. 41 Require that systems located in critical lands, The Town is comprised of distinct watersheds. within the SGPA,or in soil groups with severe Historically,the Town has addressed land use chal- limitations for sewage disposal be pumped out lenges as they occurred within each watershed; once every three years. however,in recent years a proactive approach to assess 51 Require the use of I/A OWTS or future technologies the impacts of development in each watershed hasbeen implemented. to achieve the highest level of effluent treatment attainable in new construction projects. The Town will continue to model,map,and plan each 61 Set a benchmark for systems using new tech- watershed to improve knowledge of existing condi- nology to less than 5 mg/L of nitrogen located tions in each watershed and develop a framework within the Town. for pragmatic decision-making to address land use challenges.Within each watershed/sub-watershed the 7� Require the use of I/A OWTS or future tech- Town will also continue to delineate and map sewer- treatment to achieve the higher level of effluent sheds(an area where stormwater enters one of the treatment attainable on the re-development Town's stormwater control structures)to comply with of parcels. New York State MS4 requirements. 81 Consider approaching New York State to implement a Personal Income Tax Credit O Objective 4.1 for replacement of a failed cesspool or septic system modeled after The State of Update and conduct a needs analysis on the recommendations made in the Mattituck Massachusetts Program. Watershed Study(2009). H Encourage new marina uses to participate in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Due to the age of the study,it is recommended that a (NOAA) Clean Marina Initiative. needs analysis be conducted on the recommendations The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary,benefit- included in the plan to determine applicability and based program promoted by NOAA and others create updated implementation strategies. that encourages marina operators and recreational Objective 4.2 boaters to protect coastal water quality by engaging O in environmentally sound operating and mainte- Continue to implement the Goldsmith Inlet, nance procedures.Marinas that participate in the Hashamomuck Pond,and Jockey,Town,Goose Clean Marina Program are recognized for their and Richmond Creeks Watershed and environmental stewardship. Subwatershed Management Plans. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Town of The Town has partnered with the local citizens,Suffolk Southold Planning Department,Town of Southold County,and New York State to fund,assess,plan,and Board of Trustees,Town of Southold Agricultural implement a restoration plan that addresses water Advisory Committee quality,invasive species,sedimentation,and debris Possible Partnerships:Town of Southold within Goldsmith Inlet. Stormwater Committee,Suffolk County Water In addition,the Town has partnered with the PEP and Authority,Suffolk County Department of Health, New York State to create a Subwatershed Management New York State Department of Environmental Plan for Hashamomuck Pond. In 2011/2012,three Conservation, National Oceanic and Atmosphere stormwater retrofit projects were constructed to 16 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan mitigate stormwater impacts to the water body under Possible Partnerships:Town of Southold Land this plan.The Town will continue to implement the Preservation Department,National Oceanic and plan and address stormwater control and water quality Atmosphere Association,U.S.Environmental issues in the watershed. Protection Agency,other non-governmental agencies O Objective 4.3 o Goal 5: Protect Freshwater and Develop Watershed Management Plans for all Marine Habitats remaining watersheds. NYSDEC regulates tidal and freshwater wetlands The tasks necessary to manage watersheds are complex at the state level pursuant to Article 24 and Article ranging from land use planning to engineering and 25 of the Environmental Conservation Law. community involvement.It is recommended that the In addition to State regulations,some of Southold's Town Board form a Watershed Planning Management wetlands are protected under the Federal Clean Team to oversee implementation and tracking,and Water Act, Riverhead Harbors Act of 1899,the U.S. indicate how stakeholders and partners will be involved. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Title 33, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,Section 404 O Objective 4.4 Permit Program.These wetlands have been identi- Limit the potential for adverse cumulative fied in the National Wetlands Inventory and can impacts of watershed development on water include wetlands as small as one acre.The federal quality and quantity. wetlands are defined by three criteria:type of vegetation, period of inundation,and presence of Protect water quality by ensuring that proposed hydric soils,whereas the state-designated wetlands expansion or intensification of existing watershed are defined by vegetation only. More information on development results in: the Town's classification of wetlands can be found in Protection of areas that provide important water Appendix 4. In 2002-2003 the Town Planning Office quality benefits; mapped both tidal and freshwater wetlands in the Maintenance of natural characteristics of drainage Town (see Figure 6.4). systems,and Any proposed development activities near these t. Protection of areas particularly susceptible to wetland systems require permits from both the erosion and sediment loss. NYSDEC Bureau of Environmental Protection (for Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board,Town freshwater wetlands) and the Southold Board of Southold Planning Department,Watershed of Trustees. Planning Management Team Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 17 Figure 6.4 Southold Town:Tidal and Freshwater Wetlands N Orient s LONG ISLAND SOUND East Marion ORIENT Greenport HARBOR West Greenport Village Southold SOUTHOLD BAY Peconic Cutchogue HOG NECK BAY Plum Island Mattituck/Laurel New Suffolk • GREAT PECONIC BAY Fishers Island O Q Town of Southold Tidal Wetlands Q Greenport Village Freshwater Wetlands NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF, Inc.for the Town of Southold June 14,2019 This map is a resource map and does not assume any regulatory authority. 0 1 2 Miles I i I `� O 18 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 5.1 landscaping techniques will be essential to maintaining Identify, protect and enhance quality of the ecological health of some wetland areas. coastal habitats. The Town recognizes the value of wetlands to its ecosystem,its economy,and its aesthetic character. Wetlands within Southold Town are critical natural It also recognizes that federal and state regulations resources that provide benefits including open space, concerning wetlands do not fully cover local conditions, habitat for fish and wildlife,water quality enhance- and in some cases,are less restrictive than local regula- ment,flooding and erosion protection,scenic value, tions.The Town Board of Trustees has local expertise and opportunities for environmental education.Over in the management of the Town's wetlands and in this the years,many wetland areas have been lost or capacity espouses a "no net loss"of wetlands policy,as impaired by degradation or functional loss. advocated by NYSDEC(LWRP). Wetlands and their benefits are also dependent on A Continue to identify and protect environmentally the condition of adjacent lands that provide buffers sensitive wetland and coastal resources,including between wetlands and surrounding uses.Large areas marine habitats and species on Fishers Island and of adjacent lands that previously provided a buffer for surrounding waters. wetlands have been physically lost to development or functionally lost through changes in land use,including B I Develop Harbor Management Plans for Town inappropriate or incompatible landscaping.These losses water bodies,update Fishers Island West Harbor and impairments to the wetlands and their functions Management Plan. cumulatively have impacted the Town's ecosystem. p Objective 5.2 Protecting and improving the remaining tidal and protect tidal and freshwater wetland habitats. freshwater wetlands and restoring lost or impaired wetlands are the most appropriate ways to achieve an A I Continue to achieve a"no net loss"policy of tidal increase in quality and quantity of wetlands.Historical and freshwater wetlands. losses and alterations,which have occurred in many Since 2002,tidal and freshwater wetlands have been locations in Southold,present numerous opportunities mapped at the Town level.It is recommended that for restoration. the wetland map be updated to the greatest extent practicable and that the Town Board and Board of Trustees adopt a"no net loss"of wetland systems. No net loss is a mitigation policy goal aiming to prevent and offset the destruction or degradation of wetlands. Under this policy,wetlands currently in existence should be conserved if possible through a coordinated effort of: • Wetlands protection • Creation of new wetlands • Restoration,enhancement,and management r '�'" �� • Education,research,and information This policy would apply to the jurisdictional Goldsmith Inlet boundary of a wetland system itself,exclusive of the In addition to protecting and improving the Town's regulatory buffers. wetlands,adjacent lands that provide buffers to B I Develop"Dredging and Spoil Deposition wetlands must be maintained and enhanced,and Guidelines"to prioritize and dredge Town inlets to where appropriate,re-established.These buffers are allow for critical tidal flushing of water bodies and necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the habitat restoration. Town's wetlands.Where these lands are in private Dredging of water bodies is a necessary event for ownership,educating residential owners as to the many of the creeks/harbors to improve access and long-term benefits of compatible land use and sustain marine uses that support the local economy. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 19 Responsible dredging is also necessary to support ecological processes in estuarine environments. Dredging in Southold Town is overseen by USACE, NYSDEC and accomplished in partnership with Suffolk County Department of Public Works (SCDPW).The timing of dredging for most of the Town's water bodies revolves around winter flounder spawning and shorebird migration. Dredging can be conducted when the species have migrated south,usually between September 15 and December 15.The dates are established by NYSDEC for the water bodies. Kenney's Beach,Southold Dredging in areas not maintained by the federal government or SCDPW must be performed through H� Provide adequate buffers(in width and composi- private contracts.Generally,homeowners'associa- tion) between wetlands and land uses and activities tions or other private individuals retain private to ensure protection of the wetland's water quality, contractors to perform the dredging.All dredging functions,and values. actions require approval from the Board of Trustees Vegetated buffers located adjacent to wetlands through the issuance of a permit pursuant to provide water quality protection and groundwater Chapter 275 of the Town Code in addition to appli- recharge,reduce amount and velocity of run-off, cable state and federal permits. provide flood and storm surge protection,and In response to unsuccessful dredging requests made wildlife habitat.Vegetated buffer widths from 50 to NYSDEC and USACE,the Town Board established to 100 feet are typically recommended to protect the Dredging Advisory Committee in 2012 to water quality and buffers widths of 100 to 350 feet monitor the process of dredging applications by and or more are recommended to provide important to other government entities relative to waterways wildlife functions. within the Town and report to the Town Board Buffer widths as proposed in Appendix 4 assumes and Southold Board of Trustees the status of such that a buffer is vegetated with a native plant applications.It is recommended that Dredging and community necessary to provide adequate buffer Spoil Deposition Guidelines be developed taking functions.If a buffer(existing or otherwise) is into account available information e.g.,the Dredge unvegetated,sparsely vegetated,or dominated by Site Habitat Assessment(2012)conducted by the invasive species,the buffer should be enhanced Group for the East End. with appropriate native species or widened.It is C Work with SCDPW,NYSDEC and USACE to achieve a important to note that improving buffer vegetation more streamlined process for dredging applications. (species composition and percent cover) is more effective in maintaining and/or enhancing buffer D I Support efforts that study the positive and negative values and functions than widening the buffer. impacts of dredging on marine species. Consequently,the concept of reducing buffer E Support efforts that study the positive and negative widths in exchange for enhancement through the impacts of the placement of dredge spoil on shore- planting of native vegetation is supported by the bird species e.g.,slope of dredge spoil on beach. best available science and is the most practicable F Protect water quality of coastal waters from adverse approach for the Town based on the many smaller impacts associated with excavation,fill,dredging, lots that occur along our shorelines.Recognize, and disposal of dredged material. however,that buffers should be designed to achieve the highest level of effectiveness while conforming G I Work with USEPA,USACE,New York State,and other to the limitations of parcel configuration and use. involved parties to immediately cease the dumping of dredge spoil in Long Island Sound/Fishers Island 1 � Design and establish new buffers using existing Sound,specifically at the New London and Cornfield vegetation (in its natural state)wherever possible,while allowing for appropriate Shoals sites. 20 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan maintenance.Where no vegetation exists, 21 Where restoration of former wetlands is not require re-vegetation of a buffer area with appropriate or practicable,create new wetlands native,drought-tolerant vegetation. in suitable locations as determined by sedi- 2 I Restore degraded buffers through re-establishment ment,exposure,shoreline characteristics,and of native,drought-tolerant vegetation. water regime. I Maintain densely vegetated buffers to achieve Include consideration of loss of resource values high filtration of surface runoff. that may exist at the mitigation site. 41 Provide adequate buffers(in width and composi- 31 Where wetlands are restored or wetlands created: tion)to abate storm surge resulting from hurri- a I Provide equivalent or greater area of cane/storm events. mitigation wetland. Base the actual area 51 Amend buffer definitions in the Southold Town of wetland provided on the following Code to achieve consistency between Chapters factors:characteristics of the mitigation site, 275 Wetlands and Shorelines and Chapter proposed wetland creation or restoration 268 Coastal Consistency Review and establish methods and designs,and quality of the minimum design standards. wetland restored or created relative to the 61 Partner with local institutions to develop wetland lost. optimum buffer designs to achieve the highest b I Provide equivalent or greater value or benefit effectiveness practicable. to that of the wetland area lost,as defined Incorporate a fecal coliform bacteria sand by class of freshwater wetland,as ranked in trap in buffer design coupled with high- 6 New York Codes,Rules,and Regulations density vegetation. (NYCRR) Part 664 or,tidal wetland zones,as b I Incorporate in buffers drought-tolerant, described in 6 NYCRR Part 661. vegetation that waterfowl do not eat. c A lesser area of mitigation wetland may 7 I Exempt residential actions from LWRP coastal be allowed in cases where the mitigation consistency review that include minimum wetland and its benefits would clearly be a wetland buffer widths in design,as indicated in greater value than the wetland lost. Appendix 4. d Guarantee success of the compensatory mitigation.Wetland mitigation is considered O Objective 5.3 successful if functional attributes of the Restore tidal and freshwater wetlands habitats to wetland have been reached and maintained, foster their continued existence as natural systems. including a plant density that approaches the design density. The wetlands in Southold Town have experienced and e I When a series of small, unavoidable wetland continue to experience impacts from human distur- losses requires mitigation,combine mitiga- bance.This includes construction of docks and bulk- tion projects to create larger contiguous heading,filling and dredging,removal of vegetation, wetland areas whenever the resulting impacts from adjacent land uses,and impacts resulting ecological value would be greater than from recreational activities,such as fishing,hunting, that achieved through pursuing discrete, and boating.The degree of impact depends on the separate efforts. nature and scale of human activity within or adjacent to the wetlands(LWRP). O Objective 5.4 A I Restore former wetlands in areas adjacent or contig- Promote sustainable use of marine habitats and uous to the site according to the following priorities: resources in Southold Town. I I Where restoration of former wetlands in areas A I Zone marine underwater lands to insure ecological adjacent or contiguous to the site is not appro- quality and sustainability of public underwater priate or practicable,restore former wetlands lands and waters in close physical proximity and in the same watershed,to the extent possible. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Water Resources Section 21 B I Preserve ecological quality and public access to D I Mitigate impacts to public lands and waters lands and waters by managing private docks in through the establishment of a bottomlands lease Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay. fee (e.g., in five-year intervals)for docks located on Private docks that extend into and over public Town bottomlands. waters hinder and impede public access to waters Use fees to establish shellfish spawning sanctuaries/ and along the shoreline.Navigational hazards could seeding programs and habitat restoration. also result from docks.Correspondingly,adverse ecological impacts that may occur from private E I Manage the number of future permanent docks include loss of seagrass(Fishers Island)and docks in Town creeks using alternative and seasonal moorings. degradation of water quality. F I Amend the Fisher Islands Harbor Management The Town's goals and policies support the long-term Plan and Chapter 157 Harbor Management of the protection with consideration of the economic and Southold Town Code. cultural associations afforded by Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay.Additionally,they reflect existing This will afford better protection of marine laws and authority regarding development and water quality and give the Fishers Island Harbor environmental protection.Taken together,these Committee better tools with which to implement goals and policies and their associated standards are the plan. used to determine the appropriate balance between 3 Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, development and preservation that will prevent Southold Board of Trustees,Southold Planning adverse effects on Southold's coastal resources.The Board,Fishers Island Harbor Committee,Dredging Town can further these policies through the adop- Advisory Committee tion of technical design standards that prohibit and/ > possible Partnerships:Town of Southold or manage the dock structures within these sensi- tive public areas.Correspondingly,with any effort to Conservation Advisory Council,Southold Zoning minimize impacts from dock structures,it is strongly Board of Appeals,Town Committees,Southold recommended that the Town develop a Mooring Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Land Preservation Department and Committee, Management Plan for affected waters. New York State Department of Environmental C Preserve ecological quality of public lands and waters Protection,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service,Suffolk by reducing the density of future dock structures in County Department of Public Works,other non- Town creeks and/or water bodies through the estab- governmental agencies lishment of common easements and common docks. Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan LAND RESOURCES are used to identify prime agricultural soils and Soils of Statewide Importance within Southold. The historic development patterns of the Town evolved The group identified as Prime Agricultural Soils includes around the vast areas of prime agricultural soils and soils with Land Capability Class I and II meaning they environmentally sensitive soils. have the best combination of physical and chemical Historically,residential and commercial development properties for the production of crops.Soils included in patterns were clustered in the hamlet centers and adja- these classes are: cent to water bodies,allowing for large contiguous areas o Haven loam,0 to 2 percent slopes,(HaA)-Capability of farmland.As the population increased,residential Unit 1-1 and commercial development began to sprawl from the g Haven loam,2 to 6 percent slopes,(HaB)-Capability hamlet centers to areas along the main roadways and Unit Ile-1 areas within the watersheds.This expansion,coupled • Haven loam,thick surface layer-Capability Unit IIw-2 with improved farming technologies,allowed higher crop yields on less acreage resulting in more efficient • Plymouth loamy sand,silty substratum,0 to 3 and smallerfarms.Beginning in the late 19th century percent slopes,(PsA)-Capability Unit IIs-1 and continuing to the present,there has been increasing • Riverhead sandy loam,0 to 3 percent slopes(RdA)- demand for land to build seasonal homes.Farmland was Capability Unit IIs-1 converted to residential uses,which gradually reduced • Riverhead sandy loam,3 to 8 percent slopes(Rd B)- the amount of agricultural soils.Soil conservation Capability Unit Ile-2 practices are imperative if the Town's agricultural uses • Scio silt loam,till substratum,2 to 6 percent slopes dependent upon quality soils are to be continued. (ScB)-Capability Unit Ile-1 The Soil Survey of Suffolk County,New York(Warner • Scio silt loam,sandy substratum,0 to 2 percent et al., 1975) maps and describes soil types found in the slopes(SdA)-Capability Unit IIw-1 Town.5 Soils are classified by similar characteristics into g Scio silt loam,sandy substratum,2 to 6 percent soil series,which are in turn grouped into associations. slopes(SdB)-Capability Unit Ile-1 Dominant soil associations within Southold Town o Sudsbury sandy loam (Su)-Capability Unit IIw-1 include Carver-Plymouth-Riverhead,Haven-Riverhead, Soils of Statewide Importance include soils in land and Duneland-Tidal Marsh-Beach Association soils.Soil capability class 11 and III that do not meet the criteria capability groups,as defined in the 1975 Soil Survey, as Prime Farmland soils.These soils can produce high 5 See https://www.nres.usda.gov/Internet/FSE MANUSCRIPTS/ yields of crops when managed. new york/suffolkNY1975/suffolk.pdf. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Protect Soils and O Objective 1.1 Geologic Features Protect Agricultural Soils from Conversion to Other Land Uses A I Continue to preserve Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of Statewide Importance for agricultural purposes through land preservation tools. The preservation of important agricultural soils through the purchase of development rights has been very successful.In most situations,the soils that comprise the property remain intact and continue to be farmed.This program preserves the Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section 23 soils by preventing development other than agricul- O Objective 1.3 ture from occurring on the parcel. Continue to workwith the Natural Resource B I Continue to preserve Prime Agricultural Soils and Conservation Service in soil conservation practices. Soils of Statewide Importance through the develop- ment design process. The Planning Board can request a Soil and Water Conservation Plan for subdivisions and other actions 1 Reduce the loss of Prime Agricultural Soils and clearing equal to or greater than 10 acres.To accomplish Soils of Statewide Importance to development this at little cost to the applicant,the Board refers through clustering of residential density. applicants to the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Through the subdivision design process of clustering,a land use tool that allows the O Objective 1.4 Planning Board to cluster residential lots to a preserve the unique geologic features of the specified area,the Town attempts to avoid areas Town through avoidance and/or minimization of of prime agricultural soils when locating residen- impacts from development and natural disasters. tial lots. Nevertheless,the subdivision of land still contributes to the incremental loss of viable agricultural soils. 2 Avoid Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils of r' Statewide Importance in development to h achieve large contiguous assemblages. C Expand uses on Prime Agricultural Soils and Soils '�� of Statewide Importance that will not decrease the productivity of such soils. +' t The preservation of prime agricultural soils in Southold has been largely attributed to the f continued practice of farming;however,as farming 3 practices evolve,the Town must adapt and expand the types of permitted uses and opportunities Coastal erosion bluff collapse on farmland to promote the continued use of prime agricultural soils by farmers(see Chapter 9, Geologic features of the Town include protected "Agriculture,"for related information). natural features such as beaches(including large boulders),bluffs and dunes,and unregulated,but O Objective 1.2 important,natural features such as soils.These features Avoid environmentally sensitive soils in the are threatened on a daily basis from storms,flooding, development design process. wind,and erosion.Development of uplands also contributes to loss of these features. In addition to prime agricultural soils,the Town also contains environmentally sensitive soils typically associ- The glacial outwash plain,which makes up approxi- ated with wetlands and tidal marsh areas.These soils are mately 90 percent of the Town's land area,lies directly comprised of 10 soil groups including Atsion,Berryland, south of the northern coastal bluffs.This outwash plain Canadice Silt Loam,Muck,Raynham,Scio,Sudbury, has an average elevation of 50 feet above mean sea Walpole,Wareham,and Tidal Marsh Soils.These soil level and is characterized by low hills and gentle slopes. types have characteristically seasonal high water tables Wet,low-lying lands are prevalent adjacent to nearly that are indicative of wetland and tidal marsh areas. every creek,inlet,and pond within the Town.In addi- Large areas of these soils occur in Orient and Greenport. tion,three significant freshwater bodies—Marratooka They pose numerous problems when developed, Lake,Laurel Lake and Great Pond—lie within the Town's including sanitary system failure and flooding. coastal area.Saltwater wetlands are prevalent along Development of these areas should be avoided. the edge of Long Beach Bay,the Orient Causeway,and Hashamomuck Pond.Numerous,small,freshwater 24 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan ponds and wetlands are found behind the bluffs along Preservation Department and Committee,Town of the Long Island Sound from Mattituck to Orient. Southold Conservation Advisory Council,New York Fishers Island,Robins Island,and Plum Island are the State Department of Environmental Conservation, products of the same glacial history as mainland U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Southold.All are characterized by irregular topography and steep bluffs.Robins Island has inland elevations O Goal 2: Protect Upland Habitats of up to 80 feet and steep 60-foot bluffs along 75 and Trees percent of its coastline.In comparison,Fishers Island is more than seven times as large as Robins Island,and has inland elevations of up to 117 feet,with frequent stretches of steep bluff.The central portion of Fishers Island contains four significant freshwater ponds as well as large expanses of wet,low-lying land (LWRP).Plum Island,with a maximum elevation of 101 feet,contains bluffs,beaches,dunes,and low-lying wetland areas. A Avoid significant geologic features through the development design process. In addition to the State and local regulations that protect protective natural features(beaches,bluffs, Fishers Island Parade Ground l Photo:Jane Ahrens and dunes)the Town has adopted a design process that strives to avoid geologic features through the clustering of homes in the subdivision design process. O Objective 2.1 B Engineer solutions to protect significant geologic Preserve and manage the Town's grasslands,old features from loss due to erosion resulting from field,and woodlands habitats to achieve the natural disasters. highest ecological quality and species diversity. Erosion is a natural process;however,the unique Southold's diverse upland communities can be gener- geologic features along the coastline such as ally grouped as follows: beaches, bluffs, interdunal swales,and primary and • Woodlands(Mixed Hardwood,Pine,Maritime) secondary dune systems provide vital protection to • Agricultural Fields structures from storm surge events. In recent years, • Old Field/Grasslands the intensity of such storms has increased,causing accelerated rates of erosion and loss of the Town's • Maritime Habitats(Grasslands,Dunes) infrastructure and private property.These threats The challenges of managing upland habitats include have prompted the Town's resource management managing user groups,habitat,and wildlife manage- approach to adapt,shifting ideology from reducing ment to deter nuisance animals(deer,geese)and areas of hardened shorelines to the need to harden invasive species,sustaining recreation uses,conserving shorelines in critical areas to protect property.The strategic habitat complexes to support protected engineering and materials used to harden shore- species,and protecting upland areas for groundwater lines has also shifted,focusing on natural materials recharge and water quality buffers. (boulders or a mix of boulders and vegetation) that are less likely to fail in high-energy storms.The O Objective 2.2 Town will support the design and development of Protect and restore upland habitat ecological alternative,natural,erosion control structures to quality by adhering to the following measures: mitigate erosion. A Retain and add indigenous plants to maintain and Responsible Parties:Southold Planning Board, restore values of upland ecological communities. Southold Board of Trustees B Protect existing indigenous plants from loss or Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Soil and disturbance to the extent practical. Water Conservation Service,Town of Southold Land Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 25 11 Include the use of suitable indigenous plants in 2 I Minimization of unavoidable potential adverse the landscaping plans for new development and impacts,including: in redevelopment projects where loss or distur- a I Reducing scale or intensity of use or development bance of existing indigenous plants could not be b I Designing projects to result in the least prevented during construction. amount of potential adverse impact 21 Avoid fragmentation of upland ecological c I Choosing alternative actions or methods that communities and maintain corridors to facilitate would lessen potential impact the free exchange of biological resources within and among communities. 31 Specific measures designed to protect habitat values from impacts that cannot be sufficiently a I Maintain individual resource areas as avoided or minimized to prevent habitat complete contiguous areas to protect destruction or significant habitat impairment. natural resource values.Specifically,actions that would fragment the upland ecological F I Develop a Stewardship Management Plan for native community into separate ecological islands warm season grasslands on Town-owned land on should be avoided. Fishers Island. b I Where fragmentation of upland ecological Fort Wright Parade Ground and Airport Property on communities has already occurred, miti- Fishers Island encompasses 65 acres and contains a gate the adverse effects of fragmentation rare habitat,the largest assemblage of warm season by maintaining or providing connecting grasslands within the Town.It is recommended that the corridors to allow the exchange of Town work with the Fishers Island Conservancy,Habitat biological resources. Committee,and Fishers Island Ferry District,to incorpo- C I Avoid permanent adverse change to ecological rate the latest science in further stewardship of the area. processes that provide values to the residents of The Ferry District adopted a grasslands manage- the Town and the region.Examples of the natural ment plan with the following objectives:(i) restoring processes that need to be protected are: a grassland habitat that can be managed in a cost- 1 I Clean recharge of stormwater to the aquifers and effective way;(ii) increasing the safety of the Airport surface waters. and Parade Ground by improving aircraft visibility and controlling access to airport runways and Fort 2 I Natural storm and flood mitigation by main- Wright concrete structures;and (iii) increasing public tai ral the floodplain and tidal wetlands in the access to the improved habitat by enlarging the natural state. walking path system throughout the Parade Ground I Maintenance of breeding,nesting,and foraging and creating direct access to Race Point. habitat for wildlife and fish. D I Reduce adverse impacts on upland habitats due G I Develop Stewardship Management Plans for Town to development. Open Space properties that incorporate these objectives(see Chapter 10,"Land Preservation,"for E I Mitigate impacts of new development where avoid- related information). ance of impacts is not practicable. Mitigation includes: O Objective 2.3 11 Avoidance of potential adverse impacts,including: Preserve and manage trees by adopting a a I Avoiding ecologically sensitive areas Tree Preservation Local Law for the purposes of protecting woodlands and individual historic, b I Scheduling activities to avoid vulnerable significant,and scenic trees important to periods in life cycles or the creation of the community. unfavorable environmental conditions c I Preventing fragmentation of intact upland The woodlands and trees of the Town have important habitat areas. values that include protection against climate change through carbon sequestration.Wildlife habitat and 26 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan individual trees that are significant in size and/or have Chapters 240 Subdivision of Land and 280 Zoning historic or scenic value are important to preserve. establish processes to protect woodlands and tree Street trees serve multiple purposes,including species during the design of subdivisions and site encouraging pedestrian and bicycle use by providing plans.During the subdivision application process, shade that reduces the heat generated by pavement. an Existing Resources Site Analysis Plan (ERSAP)is Around the turn of the century,clearing of woodland required.The purpose of the ERSAP is to map existing areas to allow for farming resulted in the loss of many land features including vegetative types,general trees.Additional loss occurs from storms,development, cover type,isolated significant trees with a diameter and disease.The preservation of existing trees occurs breast height(DBH) in excess of 18 inches,and the through the purchase of open space,and new street canopy line of existing trees and woodlands.Site trees are planted through the work of the Southold plans are required to show large,significant trees.The Town Tree Committee and Planning Board. features are then managed and or preserved through The woodlands and trees of the Town are managed by avoidance and/or mitigation in design. numerous boards,departments,and committees.The B Continue the tree mitigation bank managed by the Town Code currently contains regulations to prevent the Southold Town Tree Committee to allow for dona- clearing of woodlands and individual trees in numerous tions of trees and/or money for trees to be planted. sections.The Town of Southold Tree Committee(est. Town Code currently requires trees to be planted 1987) manages trees on streets and on public grounds along streets in new subdivisions and around new and administers the Commemorative Tree Program.The parking lots.In numerous cases,the Planning Board Committee also works to increase awareness of the will accept existing trees on site in lieu of requiring importance of trees and proper tree care. the planting of new trees.Correspondingly,in areas where trees might be counter-productive,e.g.,in - agricultural areas,street tree requirements are often �_. waived.The primary purpose of the bank is to replace street trees in hamlet areas and along public roads. f C Strengthen the tree-trimming coordination process between the Southold Tree Committee and NYSDOT,SCDPW,and the Long Island Power Authority to better manage tree-trimming projects r, and/or the replacement of trees removed along public roadways. D Implement a native oak and American Beech tree re-planting program. yM These tree species are critical for wildlife use and In response to residents'complaints regarding the improved biodiversity. trimming and removal of trees by the electrical utility company,in 2006,the Town worked with the utility O Objective 2.4 to develop and adopted a tree-trimming notification Update the tree list in the Town Code to include protocol to prevent the clearing of significant street native,drought-tolerant species. trees.The Town of Southold Tree Committee is actively involved in the management of Long Island Power The planting of street trees is required for every new Authority's efforts to keep electrical wires free from road created.The Town Code's highway specifications tree limbs. section lists the 10 species of trees that are acceptable. A I Continue to incorporate existing woodlands and/or This list must be updated to eliminate non-native species,notably the Norway maple.The New York State individual trees asnatural/non-disturbance buffers of Environmental Protection Interim List of Invasive adjacent to wetlands and water bodies. Plant Species in New York State identifies the Norway maple as an Invasive Species requiring management Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 27 (control and eradication).This list should also be species of bees and butterflies) critical to crop produc- reviewed to add more native,drought-tolerant species. tion have also suffered a decline in populations due Responsible Parties:Town of Southold Planning pesticides and loss of natural habitat(e.g.,development Department and excessive deer herbivory). > Possible Partnerships:Town of Southold In the marine environment,scientists have indicated Agricultural Advisory Committee,Fishers Island that warming trends of surface waters have led to Conservancy,Town of Southold Tree Committee, the decline of eelgrass beds that previously thrived Long Island Power Authority/PSEG,New York State in Peconic Bay and the Long Island Sound.Climate Department of Environmental Conservation,U.S. change is also expected to cause certain species to shift Environmental Protection Agency,other non- their ranges,with species that cannot move or adapt governmental agencies becoming extinct. The spread of invasive non-native species has dramati- o Goal 3: Protect Fish and Wildlife cally changed the composition of habitats and wildlife, Resources often reducing or replacing native species populations and decreasing wildlife that relied on the habitats for Southold contains a variety offish and wildlife resources food and shelter. and the habitats they need to survive,including species that are important to the economy,e.g.,shellfish.The One of the most aggressive invasive species in Town is U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS)and NYSDEC are the common reed (Phrogmites spp.),which often the two primary wildlife management entities that encircles freshwater and brackish systems.The plant is manage wildlife in the Town.USFWS establishes and capable of growing into dense monocultures shading maintains the protected species lists and provides out native vegetation. many strategies and programs to manage wildlife. NYSDEC manages wildlife under the New York State Fish and Wildlife Management Act that was passed by the Legislature in 1957 for two major purposes: To encourage the preservation and development of a_ fish and wildlife resources on privately owned lands fi and waters. To improve public recreational access to these resources. Both organizations strive to protect the biodiversity of the region,which includes all of the different species of animals,plants,fungi,and even microorganisms living As the Town's human population increases and wildlife in the state. habitat decreases,the need to manage fish and wildlife The most significant threats to New York's will become increasingly important.Wildlife manage- biodiversity include: ment in the Town is accomplished by several depart- ments and individuals involved in different manage- Habitat destruction,alteration,and fragmentation ment approaches.The most successful approach is • The spread of invasive species the acquisition of open space lands to protect quality • Pollution habitat from destruction.Preventing the development • Illegal collection of native species of habitat and the protection of vulnerable species will • Climate change continue to be a priority of the Town. Locally,the Town's biodiversity faces similar challenges. On certain Town-and State-owned lands and waters,the While pollution has been greatly reduced,pesticides Town is active in habitat and species restoration efforts, and fertilizers still alter the chemical balance of our including funding shellfish restoration efforts,supporting ground and surface waters to the detriment of fish and eelgrass protection and restoration efforts,and devel- other aquatic life.On land,insect pollinators(many oping Natural Resource Stewardship Management Plans. 28 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Correspondingly,the Town is focusing on managing B I Identify areas to establish shellfish spawner user groups on Town-owned lands and controlling sanctuaries in Town water bodies to increase bay nuisance species and invasive species to protect scallop(Argopecten irradian)and American oyster remaining habitats. (Crossostrea virginica)densities. A pilot program is recommended in the form of a - Town of Southold Spawner Sanctuary Management 4`,f Plan for the Peconic Bay scallop or American oyster and located in Hallocks Bay,Orient Harbor,Goose j = Creek,Corey Creek,and Richmond Creek.This I i {�•°` program will also further the goals of the Town's A LWRP and PEP. """ ~• ro Enhancement of shellfish stocks through a strategic { Y — network of"no-take"spawner sanctuaries is essen- tial for effectively restoring Peconic Bay scallops and American oysters,keystone species of the bay. The sanctuaries will increase the spawning stock biomass and should increase the fertilization success Aquaculture Cornell Cooperative at Cedar Beach in Southold of the species. In addition,stocking shellfish is an immediate step toward restoring the planktonic O Objective 3.1 food web and ecosystem function by increasing the benthic filtering capacity in the bay and creeks. Protect and manage sustainable fisheries habitats. The results of successful implementation will be long- Maintaining a sustainable fishing industry within Town term habitat improvement,improved water quality, waters has become more difficult due to pollution,theft, restoration of ecosystem function,and enhanced and inequitable catch limits that vary from state to state. commercial and recreational opportunities. A Develop a Regional Habitat and Fisheries C Continue to fund and support Hard Clam Management Plan to ensure that commercial and (Mercenaria mercenaria)Seeding Programs. recreational uses of living marine resources in These programs provide similar benefits to the Southold are managed in a manner that accom- spawner sanctuaries described above. plishes the following: Places primary importance on maintaining the long- D Encourage and continue to support existing and term health and abundance of marine fisheries. future industries related to fishing and aquaculture, Results in sustained useable abundance and including marine trades,marinas,and marine research,as important business sectors within the diversity of the marine resource. Town's economy. Does not interfere with population and habitat E I Work with NYSDEC to explore the installation maintenance and restoration efforts. Uses best available scientific information in of an artificial reef to increase commercial managing the resource. fishing productivity. Minimizes waste and reduces discard mortality of F Work with NYSDEC to develop alternative shoreline marine fishery resources. hardening systems to achieve less failure and wood Restricts commercial and recreational activities, debris in marine environments following hurricane/ including the use of certain gear types,gear storm events. sizes,and practices that have negative impacts G Work with NYSDEC and develop partnerships on marine habitats. to establish Seagrass Management Areas and o Encourages water-enhanced and water- Management Plans that sustain remaining eelgrass dependent economic and recreational activities (Zostera marina)meadows and support successful without destroying or degrading the natural seagrass restoration. coastal environment. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 29 O Objective 3.2 C I Protect vulnerable plant species through the review Protect vulnerable fish,wildlife,and plant of existing species records and field surveys of species,and rare ecological communities. proposed development sites,in the appropriate season,for the presence of listed species or condi- Vulnerable fish,wildlife,and plant species are those tions that meet their habitat requirements. species listed by the State as Endangered,Threatened, D Restore habitat of critical pollinator species(e.g., Special Concern,Exploitably Vulnerable,or Rare.These bees and butterflies) on Town-owned properties. species are protected by law,and the lists can be found online at the NYSDEC website.The presence of vulner- able species in Southold is assessed during various 4rp surveys,including the Audubon Christmas Bird Count ` and numerous surveys by the Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension and others.The Town's current development review process analyzes individual parcels for the occurrence of protected species by sr coordinating with the New York State Natural Heritage Program.Often,development areas are designed to i avoid potential habitats of vulnerable species. A Work with federal,state,and county agencies to designate portions of Plum Island,Little Gull Island, and Great Gull Island as a wildlife protection/ conservation area for their potential to contain LAI vulnerable fish,wildlife,and plant species and rare ecological communities. E Continue to identify,map,and protect rare ecolog- B Protect vulnerable wildlife species using existing ical communities as critical lands. species records and field surveys of proposed The New York Natural Heritage Program ranks each development sites,at the appropriate times,for the community with a global and state rank based presence of listed species or conditions that meet on rarity.The global rank reflects the rarity of the their habitat requirements: community throughout the world and the state 1 I Continue to support and broaden the Sea/ rank reflects the rarity within New York State.These Shore Bird Monitoring Program using ranks are used by the Town to identify and protect qualified organizations. biodiversity during the design phase of develop- Currently,the Town subcontracts with a local quali- ment projects,as well as to help target candidate fied organization to monitor and protect vulnerable properties for preservation. sea/shore bird species such as the piping plover Southold Town has begun to identify and map (Charadrius melodus)and tern species. ecological communities to protect the biodiversity 2 Ensure large-scale fence installations(e.g.,deer of the Town.A comprehensive mapping project will fencing)allow for the movement of vulnerable need to be conducted to minimize the loss of these species including the box turtle and spotted turtle. communities.The mapping project will include identified rare ecological communities described in The life cycle of many species requires seasonal the 2002 draft version of"Ecological Communities migration to habitats.For example,the recent of New York State:'This mapping effort will result in large extent of deer fencing installed in many better land use decision making. places in Southold is a cause for concern over potential blockage of turtle migration routes. F Identify,map,and protect additional significant Deer fencing should be installed with small underwater ecological communities as critical waters. openings that would allow certain vulnerable Similar to our landmass,our waters contain areas of species through (turtles or others),but still high ecological significance.Federal,state,and local accomplish the goal of excluding deer. governments and agencies have placed numerous 30 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan legal designations on our lands and waters to O Objective 3.4 provide land use managers with data that enables protect and restore NYSDEC Critical better decision-making.In 1992,USEPA designated Environmental Areas. the Peconic Estuary as a National Estuary,recog- nizing its important ecological significance.Other Southold Town contains 23 NYSDEC Critical designations of Town waters include the following: Environmental Areas(CEA).To be designated as a CEA, USFWS Northeast Coastal Areas Study an area must have an exceptional or unique character Ecological Complexes with respect to one or more of the following: New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) A benefit or threat to human health Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat -C A natural setting (e.g.,fish and wildlife habitat,forest NYSDEC Critical Environmental Areas and vegetation,and/or open space and areas of Shellfish Harvest and Seeding Areas important aesthetic or scenic quality) o Peconic Estuary Program Critical Natural • Agricultural,social,cultural,historic,archaeological, Resource Areas recreational,or educational values 6, Estuary of National Significance(Long • An inherent ecological, geological, or Island Sound) hydrological sensitivity that may be adversely A complete discussion on the meaning of each affected by any change designation is included in Appendix 4. The designations are important in review of develop- ment actions because the State Environmental Quality O Objective 3.3 Review Act requires that a potential impact on the Protect and restore Significant Coastal Fish and environmental characteristics of a CEA must be evalu- Wildlife Habitats. ated.A map showing the locations of CEA and SCFWH in Southold is included as Figure 6.5. Detailed maps Southold Town contains 21 Significant Coastal Fish and of each CEA and narratives for them can be accessed Wildlife Habitats(SCFWH).These habitats are indica- at the NYSDEC website at the following address:http:// tive of high ecological value.To designate a SCFWH, www.dec.nyciov/permits/25153.html. NYSDEC evaluates the significance of coastal fish and wildlife habitat areas;then NYSDOS,following a recom- mendation from NYSDEC,designates and maps the > Possible Partnerships:New York State Department specific areas.Recent additions to the program include of Environmental Conservation,U.S.Fish and Pipes Cove (2005)and the Goldsmith Inlet and Beach Wildlife Service,Land Preservation Department, (2005).Southold Town recognizes the importance of Agricultural Advisory Committee,Stewardship protecting and enhancing these valuable habitats.A Committee,other non-governmental agencies map showing the areas is included as Figure 6.5.A list of the SCFWHs and their narratives can be found at the NYSDOS website at the following address:http:// www.dos.ny.ciov/communitieswaterfronts/consistenc�/ scfwhabitats.html. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 31 Figure 6.5 NYSDOS Significant Coastal Habitats and NYSDEC Critical Environmental Areas N Orient East Marion LONG ISLAND SOUND Greenport West Greenport Village Southold SOUTHOLD BAY �y Peconic HOG Cutchogue NECK BAY Mattituck/Laureli New Suffolk LITTLE Plum Island PEBAY BAY GREAT PECONI C BAY „ ?� OFIsheris Island Q Town of Southold NYS DOS Significant Coastal Habitats Q Greenport Village NYS DEC Critical Environmental Areas NOTES:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 14,2019 Source:New York State Department of State;New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 0 1 2 Miles �Vqi 9 � Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan o Goal 4: Monitor and Control The Task Force implements programs and services Nuisance Species and educates the community on deer-related issues through workshops,forums,and written publica- NYSDEC classifies a Nuisance Animal as"a wild animal tions.The Task Force also works in conjunction with that is likely to cause property damage or is persistent county and state agencies to develop and co-sponsor and perceived as an annoyance.If an animal is not programs.The objectives of deer management have causing any concern,for example,it is simply passing evolved into not only managing the species as a by,is observed only once or twice and does not nuisance,but also as a vector for tick-borne diseases. cause any harm,then it should not be considered One published study has estimated that Lyme Disease a nuisance".The department defines a Damaging alone may cost society over two billion dollars a year. Animal as"a wild animal that damages property,for The Whitetail Deer is the keystone host for the tick that example,digs up your yard,eats your landscape plants transmits Lyme Disease. or vegetable garden,kills or threatens your livestock Provide education to the public on the laws or pets,fouls your lawn,eats the fish in your pond, regulating the feeding of deer. damages your home,etc" The Town does not regulate the taking of nuisance or O Objective 4.2 damaging animals;however,in 2009,the Town formed Work with organizations and property owners a Deer Management Task Force to address the serious to help assess and control ticks and prevent health and economic consequences of deer populations. tick-borne diseases. Deer The populations of Lone Star Ticks(Amblyomma ameri- canum)and Deer Ticks(Ixodes scapularis),continue to spread.As tick populations increase,so does disease risk.There are currently 10 known major tick-borne infections in the U.S.that affect humans,most of which e are carried by species of ticks that feed on deer. Geese ' 4 . O Objective 4.1 Manage Whitetail Deer(Odocoileus virginianus) populations and work with wildlife management ` �' IN agencies to educate the public on the advantages ' and disadvantages of deer populations. , Deer overpopulation is a serious problem in Southold, affecting quality of life,the economy,and public O Objective 4.3 health.Concerns include loss of crops,landscaping and Manage public properties to achieve a reduction gardens,collisions with vehicles,loss of understory in in resident Canada Goose populations. woodlands,and the spread of tick-borne diseases. Canada Geese are a valuable resource that provides In response to these concerns,the Town formed a recreation to bird watchers and hunters.But in recent Deer Management Task Force in 2009 to develop years,gaggles of local-nesting or"resident"geese have management practices to address deer overpopulation. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 33 become year-round inhabitants.They cause significant Coyote (Fishers Island) problems to recreation areas,athletic fields,and agriculture fields,including crop loss to local farmers (the geese feed on seedlings and cover crops used to preserve soils outside of the growing season).In �~$ .. addition,large numbers of geese contribute to water � �u 4° pollution by elevating fecal coliform bacteria in the water body. The Town's current policy toward geese on Town land yy` is to integrate into Land Management Plans passive ' management strategies such as the re-vegetation of areas,which is designed to deter geese from using the space.Future strategies will likely include additional methods as research reveals which are most effective. O Objective 4.4 IM Objective 4.6 Continue to provide education to the public on Workwith NYSDEC and USFWS to monitor the the advantages and disadvantages of high- Eastern Coyote(Canis latrans)on Fishers Island density goose populations. The eastern coyote(Canis latrans) is a medium-sized In 2012,the Town Board passed local legislation dog-like animal with long,thick fur,usually weighing prohibiting the feeding of waterfowl on Town-owned between 35 and 45 pounds.Their diet consists properties.The law will assist the Town in controlling of berries,insects,and small mammals,including resident populations and assist with the improvement domestic pets. Recently,the animal has been sighted of water quality efforts.A public education notice on Fishers Island and the residents are concerned should be added to the Town's website and media about their pets and the long-term impacts.It is recom- channel to disseminate the information contained in mended that the Town support a monitoring program the local law. of the species on Fishers Island. O Objective 4.5 Responsible Parties:Town of Southold Department of Public Works,Town of Southold Deer Work with NYSDEC and USFWS to develop a general Management Task Force,Agricultural Advisory permit to allow farmers to conduct controlled Committee,Island Community Board (Fishers Island) year-round hunts on multiple agricultural parcels to prevent crop and cover crop loss. , Possible Partnerships:Fishers Island Conservancy New York State Department of Environmental Canada Geese,including resident gaggles,are Conservation,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service,Land protected by federal and state laws and regulations. Preservation Department In New York,management responsibility for Canada Geese is shared by USFWS,the U.S.Department of o Goal 5: Monitor and Control Agriculture(USDA),and NYSDEC. It is illegal to hunt, Invasive Species kill,sell,purchase,or possess migratory birds or their parts(feathers,nests,eggs,etc.) except as permitted by NYSDEC defines an invasive species as"non-native regulations adopted by USFWS and NYSDEC. species that can cause harm to the environment,the economy or to human health."Invasive wildlife,insect, The circumstances when federal or state permits are and plant species occur throughout the Town needed to address a problem with Canada Geese can be complex;however,NYSDEC provides guidelines for allowing the control of geese by farmers. 34 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 5.1 In addition,Suffolk County became the first county Recognize the NYSDEC Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) in New York State to pass a"Do-Not-Sell List"in 2007, Research Program. stopping the sale of invasive plant species.The law is a major move in the fight against the spread of Mute swans are a non-native,invasive species first these species into our lands and waters.The ban on brought to this country for their aesthetic value from these species became effective January 1,2009.More Europe in the late 1800s(NYSDEC).They are a protected information on the law,along with the list of banned species under the New York State Conservation Law. species,can be found on Suffolk County's website. NYSDEC is currently conducting research to assess the impacts of the species on habitats and wildlife to The Long Island Invasive Species Management control populations. Area (LIISMA)website also has more information on local invasive legislation and the scientific ranking system developed to determine analytically whether O Objective 5.2 a species is highly invasive(see http://www.nyis. Develop an education program prohibiting info/?action=liisma pages). the introduction,throwing,dumping, depositing,or placing invasive species O Objective 5.3 on/in Town land and waters. Target the removal of invasive species from Invasive species are species that have been introduced Town-owned lands to facilitate the re- into the Town's habitats(both terrestrial and aquatic). establishment of indigenous community types They are adaptable to ecosystems,and in high densi- when a known population of endangered, ties can cause harm to the existing environment and threatened,species of special concern,locally native animal and plant populations.NYSDEC identifies rare or unique native species,or ecological invasive species as the second leading threat to New community is directly jeopardized. York State biodiversity. On Town-owned properties,the introduction of exotic The Town contains many species of invasive and invasive plants and animals poses a clear threat plant species; however,the most problematic are to native species,integrity of the natural communities species with aggressive growth habits that displace and biodiversity. native habitats or protected species. Landowners frequently seek permits to remove the common reed O Objective 5.4 from their properties. On Fishers Island, residents Encourage Landscaping Best Management have become increasingly concerned about the Practices to eliminate the use of invasive species. establishment of the common reed, kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspi- p Objective 5.5 datum) (Personal Communication). Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) is also becoming more Continue to educate the public about the prevalent in Southold. benefits of using native species in landscaping. In addition to terrestrial species,aquatic species have Include a web page on the Town's website that provides also become problematic,prompting Suffolk County to plant species recommended to replace non-native plant pass legislation to prevent the spread of invasive,non- species and support native plant use in landscaping native aquatic plants and animals.The law prohibits through the development of a handout of nurseries that the introduction,throwing,dumping,depositing, sell native plants as a supplement to Town applications. and placing of invasive species in any river,stream, In addition,as mentioned above in Water Resources, lake,pond,wetland,or stormwater drain,in whatever include schematics on the benefits of varying widths capacity and for whatever purpose. and vegetative compositions of vegetated buffers adjacent to water bodies. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 35 O Objective 5.6 Diseases such as Oak Wilt have the potential to destroy large areas of woodland.Education is key to preventing Work with Cornell Cooperative Extension of the spread of tree diseases. Suffolk County and NYSDEC to provide information on how to control invasive species Responsible Parties:Southold Town Planning including Integrated Pest Management(IPM). Board,Southold Land Preservation Department and Committee,Southold Town Department of A Provide education on the potential impact of the Public Works emerald ash borer(Agrilus planipennis)and Asian longhorned beetle(Anoplophora glabripennis)on Possible Partnerships:Southold Town Tree trees located within the Town. Committee,New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service,Suffolk County Department of Public Works, other non-governmental agencies o Goal 6: Take Action Against Climate Change by Reducing Energy Consumption For each region,the report includes observed climate trends and future climate projections.Within each of the eight sectors,climate risks,vulnerabilities,and adaptation strategies are identified with integrated The emerald ash borer(Agrilus plan ipennis) themes of equity,environmental justice,and economics. The findings indicate that climate change will pose One of the most problematic invasive species threat- significant challenges to land use and natural resources ening ash trees in the Town is the emerald ash borer management in the future.Increases in temperature (EAB),an invasive wood-boring beetle that is native and extreme heat events(heat waves)are expected to to Asia.The EAB infests and kills North American occur and will affect the drinking water supply,crop ash trees,including green ash(Fraxinus spp).The ranges,pest populations,and habits of wildlife as well EAB's presence has now been confirmed in seven as prompting a large increase in energy demand.Small counties across the state and rapidly spreading. changes in precipitation rates,extreme precipitation More information is available at http://www.nyis. events,and increased frequency of warm season info/?action=management. droughts are also expected to occur.The report indicates Similarly,the Asian longhorned beetle is also a threat that heavy downpours have increased over the past to trees in the Town.The species has been found 50 years,and the trend is expected to continue.These to infest and kill trees such as maples(Acerspp)and downpours cause localized flooding and stormwater elms(Ulmus spp). runoff,which increases pollutants in surface waters. Other species that warrant control are the gypsy Southold has been on the forefront of the alternative moth (Lymantria dispar)and the hemlock woolly energy movement and has made significant changes adelgid (Adelges tsugae). to application processes and legislation to integrate renewable energy and energy conservation measures O Objective 5.7 in the Town. Support the Cleaner Greener New York Fighting In 2006,the Town Board created the Southold Invasive Species initiative. Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee to make recommendations regarding renewable and alternative O Objective 5.8 energy policies and investigate federal,state,and local Educate the public and tree service companies utility legislation initiatives,incentive programs and about preventing the spread of diseases that grant/loan funding opportunities.The committee also affect native trees. worked with local businesses and landowners,utility companies,and governmental entities to establish a 36 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan proactive approach to integrate renewable and A Continue to reduce energy consumption at alternative energy into land use and building design Town facilities. while educating the public about opportunities.In B I Continue to improve efficiency of the Town's 2007,the Committee drafted the Small Wind Energy vehicle fleet. Code permitting wind turbines on agricultural properties greater than seven acres.In 2010,the Town 1 � Continue to replace the Town's current vehicle Board adopted dark skies legislation reducing energy fleet with alternative fuel vehicles and site alternative fueling stations at Town facilities. consumption Town-wide.In 2012,the Committee spearheaded a streetlight retrofit/replacement project. 21 Find funding to hire a consultant firm to conduct a feasibility study and cost benefit analysis for the Town to transition to alternative vehicle fleet and siting of shared alternative fueling stations at Town facilities. 31 Purchase multiple vehicles of the same type for Town fleets to improve maintenance and repair costs and efficiency. 41 Consider appointing a part-time fleet manager for all Town vehicles. O Objective 6.2 In addition to legislative efforts,the Town has capital- ized on numerous funding programs to purchase Continue to improve the energy efficiency of new alternative fuel vehicles upgrade facilities and equip- construction and remodeling projects. ment,and implement energy conservation measures. Application processes were also changed;at the A Improve the energy efficiency of new construction direction of the Town Board,the Building Department and existing building stock through building codes, developed a fast track permit process for residential NYSERDA,and utility company energy-efficiency and commercial solar installations. programs,including the New York Energy Star Program and Long Island Green Homes. Currently,due to incentive programs and government B Evaluate the Long Island Green Homes Program for support,alternative energy has become available with Consortium participation. competitive pricing.The integration of alternative energy uses and cost-saving measures are progressing within the The Long Island Green Homes Consortium is a Town.Correspondingly,the Town continues to position cooperative effort of seven Long Island municipali- itself to capitalize on incentive programs and funding to ties.The goal of the Consortium is to reduce energy install renewable energy systems on Town property. costs and usage for Long Island homeowners by helping them get comprehensive home energy O Objective 6.1 audits and make cost effective energy upgrades to their home.Currently,Southold Town is not a Continue to improve the energy efficiency of member of the Consortium. Town facilities and fleets. C I Maintain the most up to date International Building Several energy upgrades have been made to Town Codes(IBC)and International Energy Conservation buildings in the past. Recently,numerous energy audits Code(IECC)and provide training for Town staff to have been completed. implement. Similarly,significant progress in fleet management has occurred with implementation of the Fuelmaster O Objective 6.3 Fleet Management System.The system monitors fuel Minimize reliance upon energy through design efficiency in vehicles and identifies which vehicles are and new technologies. inefficient.All of the Town vehicles are monitored by the program (except those located on Fishers Island). A� Design subdivisions and site plans for optimum solar orientation and access. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 37 B Encourage developers and residents to orient and F Work with the Long Island Solar Energy Industries design structures to achieve optimum passive Association (LISEIA) in the development of projects. solar exposure. G Capitalize on incentive programs for the develop- C Protect solar access of all property owners through ment of commercial renewable energy infrastructure. the establishment of adequate setbacks. D Encourage the use of geothermal heating and cooling in structure design. O Objective 6.4 Reduce energy consumption through improved �Ir�A�� POW, communication and collaboration regarding �i 1 energy issues. A I Provide energy conservation education and aware- ness in Town communications. Provide energy conservation information on the Town website with links to Renewable Energy Long { Island,electric company rebates,Energy Efficiency Programs,Economic Development Programs (commercial),NYSERDA,and other energy conserva- O Objective 6.6 tion groups and programs. Protect scenic,natural,and cultural resources B Work with utility companies to provide energy while planning for the provision of adequate conservation promotional materials to residential energy for the future. and commercial building owners through the Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee. A� Protect scenic qualities important to the community from public vantage points including New York C Hold periodic public coordination meetings through State Route 25 and Suffolk County Route 48 when the Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee locating energy generating or transmission facilities. to keep people informed of the latest programs Mitigate adverse impacts through: offered by the utility companies. • Burying transmission lines O Objective 6.5 • Supporting innovative designs Expand renewable energy opportunities that • Requiring significant vegetative buffering provide direct benefit to citizens,while ensuring • Requiring large setbacks quality of life. • Requiring relocation A Update Chapter 277 Wind Energy Code to address • Denial health,safety,and welfare concerns of citizens. B Protect natural resources and environmental B Amend the Town Code to allow commercial renew- qualities when locating energy generating or able solar energy power generation projects. transmission facilities. C Identify potential parcels for commercial small wind Mitigate adverse impacts through: energy systems including parcels on Fishers Island. • Supporting innovative designs • Requiring significant vegetative buffering D I Consider amending the Town Code to expand • Requiring large setbacks renewable energy projects for residential use on parcels greater than seven acres in size. • Requiring relocation E Encourage and support renewable energy • Denial uses on Plum Island that take into account the 11 Discourage facilities from locating in designated environmental sensitivity and Atlantic Flyway. environmentally sensitive areas. 38 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan 21 Preclude the potential degradation of coastal O Objective 6.7 resources by locating and constructing new Ensure maximum efficiency when siting major electric energy generating/equipment/ energy generating facilities. transmission facilities so that they would not adversely affect: A Achieve maximum transmission efficiency by siting • Commercial navigation major energy generating facilities close to load centers. • Commercial and recreational fishing B Work with energy providers to co-locate,where • Agricultural lands possible,facilities such as transmission lines,pipe- • Designated SCFWHs lines,substations,and terminals. • Habitats critical to vulnerable fish and C Encourage the adoption of designated generation wildlife species,vulnerable plant species, and transmission and facility sites and corridors to and rare ecological communities protect against incompatible development and to • Important Bird Areas maximize increased capacity. • The Atlantic Flyway • Wetlands and protected natural features O Objective 6.8 C Scenic resources(scenic views from State Route 25 Work to foster collaborative relationships with and County Route 48) energy providers. D Protect historic and cultural resources when locating A Work closely with energy providers during the evalua- energy generating or transmission facilities. tion of development plans to assess cumulative impacts Mitigate adverse impacts through: on energy availability and reliability in the Town. • Supporting innovative designs B I Coordinate with energy providers in siting discus- • Requiring significant vegetative buffering sions to ensure energy infrastructure is adequate to • Requiring large setbacks support growth and infrastructure development. • Requiring relocation C Encourage involvement of energy providers in area • Denial planning processes. E Work with energy providers through the specific O Objective 6.9 area planning process to identify appropriate coastal locations for major energy generating or Provide information to the community regarding future energy facilities. transmission facilities. Consider coastal locations where a clear public A Keep up-to-date information about locations of benefit is established using the following factors. existing and potential new generation and transmis- There is a demonstrated need for the facility. sion facilities on the Town website. The facility will satisfy additional electric B Review development proposals along with short- capacity needs or electric system needs. and long-range plans of energy providers to ensure Alternative available methods of power an understanding of where facilities may be and to generation and alternative sources of energy keep prospective residents and businesses informed. cannot reasonably meet the public need. Upgrades of existing facilities cannot reasonably O Objective 6.10 meet the public need. Participate in regional energy planning The facility incorporates feasible public initiatives and programs. recreational uses A Participate in the Cleaner Greener Communities regional planning efforts. B Consider participating in the Climate Smart Community Initiative and adopting the Climate Smart Communities Pledge. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section 39 O Objective 6.11 could rise to 5 to 10 inches.This poses a real risk to the Improve the efficiency of natural gas in new low-lying areas and the natural resources within the construction and remodeling projects Town. Home design and erosion control structures through education on National Grid programs located within these areas will need to be reengineered and incentives. to adapt to more frequent flooding events. Southold Town has participated in some sea level rise Provide links on the Town's website for the planning during the 2014 update to the Suffolk County incentives and rebate programs offered by National Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, Grid its Renewable and Alternative Energy which contains goals for coastal resilience specific to Committee website. Southold.See also Chapter 12,"Natural Hazards,"which Responsible Parties:Southold Planning Board, contains related goals and information about planning Southold Energy Committee for sea level rise. Possible Partnerships:The electrical utility company,National Grid,New York State Energy O Objective 7.1 Research&Development,New York State Develop a Coastal Resilience Plan. Department of Environmental Conservation,other .� non-governmental agencies o Goal 7: Adapt to the Effects of Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels ill Sea level rise,warming waters,and changes in storm -» - patterns will affect our coastal dynamics.The Town has adapted to coastal hazards(storms,tidal surges, flooding,and erosion)throughout time;however, -- currently an unprecedented high density of residential structures and infrastructure is located in potentiala hazard areas.Recent storm events have damaged Building damaged by Hurricane Sandy coastal residences,natural features,and public infra- structure in areas of the Town.In 2012,Hurricane Sandy A Continue to work with NCAA and The Nature flooded a large majority of the"A"mapped Federal Conservancy in the development and application of Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) Flood Zones, the Vulnerability Assessment for Coastal Hazards for including areas never flooded before in recorded history. the Town. The A Zone mapped areas are subject to inundation by the 1percent-annual-chance flood event.This event This includes prioritizing parcels for land protec- tion to help achieve coastal resilience by avoiding has resulted in a shift in how the Town approaches the management of development in the coastal zones. development in high hazard areas including planning for expected impacts from sea level rise Correspondingly,the most significant challenge to that include: the Town over the next 100 years will be the adap- Flooding and storm surge impacts.The Town tion to climate change and sea level rise. In"Climate experienced this impact with Hurricane Sandy Adaptation Guidebook for New York State"(2011), (2012);as noted above;most of the A mapped the authors project that Long Island will experience FEMA Flood Zones flooded within the Town. between a 2 to 5 inch rise in sea level in the 2020s.6 Property loss occurred in numerous locations. With rapid ice melts due to warming trends,the level Saltwater incursion into groundwater aquifers 6 Rosenzweig,Cynthia,et al."Climate Adaptation Guidebook for New will impact ecological function and the ability York State,"in Responding to Climate Change in New York State: to provide drinking water.As sea level rises and The Climaid Integrated Assessment for Effective Climate Change intrudes into groundwater,wells will fail. Adaptation in New York State:Final Report.Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences,Vol.1244.Blackwell Science Publishers,Osney Mead,Oxford,England:2011. 40 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan <. Groundwater tables will rise,impacting residences attenuating waves,and growing upwards as sea in lower elevations,and flooding basements levels rise. and sanitary and drainage systems.This has Further discussions on sea level rise and coastal serious implications for water quality for both flooding as they relate to public safety and future groundwater and coastal bays and estuaries. land use are included in Chapter 3,"Land Use& <. Vegetation changes are also expected to Zoning;'and Chapter 12,"Natural Hazards:' occur with an increase in saturated soils from groundwater favoring wetland species over > Responsible Parties:Southold Planning Board upland species that require drier conditions. > Possible Partnerships:Southold Land Preservation Species composition is also expected to change Department and Committee,Southold Town in the upland habitats with more fast-growing, MS4 Committee,New York State Department of adaptable species becoming more dominant. Environmental Conservation,Federal Emergency o Salt marshes will continue to disappear and/ Management Agency,U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, or migrate inland with sea level rise.Salt Suffolk County Department of Public Works,other marshes provide crucial habitat for fish and non-governmental agencies wildlife,recreation,and act as a buffer to storm surges.The loss of salt marshes has been well p Goal 8: Protect and Improve documented by The Nature Conservancy. Air Quality The Town has adopted a proactive approach to prepare for hazards recognizing that adapting to these threats is unavoidable. Using tools such as the coastal resilience tool being developed by NOAA and The Nature Conservancy will help Town plan- ners consider projections of where and how rising sea level might impact communities as they plan for ,( " 40 future development. Tx; B Continue to implement the goals in the Suffolk County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,including goals related to coastal resilience and sea level rise specific to Southold. r ' C Identify critical natural defenses to address sea level rise using cost-effective natural solutions. Air pollutants originate from industries that manufac- ture chemicals and other goods,vehicles,and power 1 I Re-assess taking into account how sea level rise equipment,and from energy facilities that burn oil, impacts the purpose and width of buffers in gas,or coal.Hot summer weather sets the stage for Town Code Chapters 275 and Chapter 111. the formation of ozone(03)and fine particulate matter 21 Re-assess the use of traditional,hardscape shore- (PM z 5),two pollutants of concern for human health. line structures versus the benefits of natural, Fish and wildlife show harmful effects from acid rain softscape solutions. and mercury in the air.Greenhouse gases(chiefly Adaptation to coastal hazards has traditionally carbon dioxide) in the air are attributed to changing been undertaken,often unsuccessfully,using the world's climate(NYSDEC Website). shoreline hardening and engineered defenses. Currently,the air quality within Southold Town is The engineered approach must adapt to more considered to be within federal regulatory standards. long-term and natural solutions.The Nature The Town does not contain large industrial uses that Conservancy and partners are identifying natural are capable of producing localized threats to air solutions(e.g.,green,grey-green)and improving quality.However,regional sources could affect the the science of ecosystem-based adaptation from Town's populations and/or environments with the right the latest research. Natural solutions may help weather conditions. to counter hazard impacts:binding sediments, Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment ' Land Resources Section 41 There are ways that the Town can help to reduce D Limit discharges of atmospheric radioactive material regional air pollution;these include continuing to to a level that is as low as practicable. develop sustainable,energy efficient buildings and , Responsible Parties:Southold Planning Board, grounds,planning for safer pedestrian movement Southold Energy Committee in and around the hamlet centers to reduce vehicle dependency,and improving mass transportation and > Possible Partnerships:The electrical utility vehicle efficiency of the Town's fleet. company,National Grid,New York State Energy Research&Development,New York State O Objective 8.1 Department of Environmental Conservation,other Reduce the production of greenhouse gases. non-governmental agencies A Participate in the Cleaner Greener Communities p Boal 9: Continue to Manage Solid regional planning efforts. Waste and Hazardous Waste B Support the Complete Streets concept. Solid Waste Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable The Town's solid waste activities on the mainland are safe access for pedestrians,bicyclists,motorists,and managed by three facilities operated by the Town and public transportation riders of all ages and abilities. permitted under NYSDEC's Part 360 Regulations that C Reduce reliance on vehicles through the improve- regulate waste disposal: ment of mass transportation and safe pedestrian A transfer station for residential and commercial traffic controls and sidewalks in hamlet centers. solid waste and recyclables; D I Continue to replace Town fleet vehicles with alterna- A yard waste compost facility;and tive fuel,low emission vehicles. A construction and demolition (C&D) processing E Continue to replace aging equipment with more and transfer facility. energy efficient equipment. All are located in Cutchogue.The Town does not collect residential or commercial waste and relies on O Objective 8.2 private carting companies or residents to Control or abate existing air pollution and deliver waste to the facilities. prevent new air pollution. The transfer station accepts household and A Restrict emissions or air contaminants to the commercial garbage and recyclables,the compost outdoor atmosphere that are potentially injurious or facility accepts all manner of vegetative yard debris which unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of life (e.g.,leaves,brush,and land-clearing debris)for or property. composting,and the C&D facility accepts non- 1 I Continue to promote the no idling policy for hazardous building materials resulting from new Town vehicles. construction as well as demolition activities.The compost facility produces leaf compost and woodchip B I Recycle or salvage air contaminants using best mulch for public use.The facilities are operated by available air cleaning technologies. the Southold Town Solid Waste Management District A strategy to recycle certain types of these contami- under the Town's Solid Waste Coordinator. nants has already been implemented at the Town Landfill in Cutchogue where all appliances containing On Fishers Island,solid waste is managed by Fishers refrigerants are properly emptied and recycled by a Island Waste Management(FIWM),which runs a transfer and compost facility processing household trained,licensed technician (LWRP).Propane tanks and fire extinguishers are also recycled. garbage,furniture,appliances,recyclables,construc- tion waste,and yard and landscaping debris. C I Limit greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution Hazardous wastes are collected one day a year. Fishers resulting from vehicle or vessel movement or opera- Island's waste is carted to Connecticut;thus,FIWM tion,including actions which directly or indirectly must comply with both New York and Connecticut laws change transportation uses or operation,resulting regarding waste management and recycling. in increased pollution. 42 Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 9.1 Manufacturers of these and other products have Continue to manage solid waste to protect public been required,through state legislation across health and control pollution. the country(including in New York),to help local governments deal with the unique disposal/recy- A Consider adopting a deconstruction code for the cling issues they pose.Consider supporting product teardown of buildings to improve recycling. stewardship legislation at the state level,where B Consider increasing recycling opportunities appropriate,for items requiring substantial,unique, for organic materials beyond yard waste at the and costly end of life management efforts. Cutchogue Facility. D Use approved methods endorsed by NYSDEC to C Perform outreach to improve commercial recycling dispose of solid waste that is not otherwise being at the Cutchogue Facility. reused or recycled. O Objective 9.2 O Objective 9.5 Consider appointing a Town Recycling Develop an Emergency Waste Disposal Plan to Coordinator to further increase recycling plan for the collection,storage,and disposal of opportunities in Town. debris and materials from natural disasters. Such a plan should address issues of collection,storage, O Objective 9.3 and methods of removal (for ultimate disposal)of Continue to implement diversified recycling disaster-related debris.This debris would typically programs. include vegetative matter(trees,stumps,etc.),rubbish (i.e.,ruined contents from dwellings),and construction In 2012 a total of 36,000 tons of incoming waste and debris from damaged buildings.In addition,any rubbish recyclables was received,of which 31,000 tons were and construction debris resulting from an emergency transferred off site for ultimate disposal and/or recy- situation could contain a hazardous component which cling.As indicated above,the Town's recycling program must also,in turn,be managed appropriately.Since is efficient and progressive,collecting and processing disposal fees charged to residents have historically been 13 products for a total of 13,044 tons in 2012.A table waived for storm or emergency debris,issues resulting summarizing the types of recyclable materials collected from the potential loss of revenue that would normally is included in Appendix 4. fund waste management and disposal activities would also need to be considered. O Objective 9.4 Plan for proper and effective construction debris O Objective 9.6 disposal prior to undertaking major development Continue to operate solid waste management or activities generating solid waste. facilities to prevent or reduce water,air,and noise pollution and other conditions harmful to A� Reduce the amount of solid waste generated by the public health. continuing to implement the pay-as-you-throw system. B Reuse or recycle material. Hazardous Waste C Support product stewardship efforts whereby NYSDEC regulates collection,storage and transport manufacturers of items that are hazardous or of hazardous waste within the Town through Part pose uniquely difficult and expensive disposal or 360 permits. recycling challenges help organize and finance Two types of hazardous waste that occur in town are programs to manage those products properly at the end of their useful life.Also known as"extended household and industrial.Household hazardous wastes producer responsibility;'this approach to waste (HHW)are materials found in residential wastes such as management has been adopted for a range of oil-based paints,pesticides,automotive fluids,home hard-to-manage products such as electronic hobby chemicals,cleaning products and compact waste("e-waste"),rechargeable batteries,paint, fluorescent bulbs(CFCs).These chemical wastes are accepted free for proper handling and disposal from pharmaceuticals,mattresses,and other items. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6:Natural Resources&Environment I Land Resources Section 43 residents on four special HHW drop-off days each year O Objective 9.11 and should continue to be handled and discarded with Site solid and hazardous waste facilities to avoid special care. potential degradation of coastal resources. Industrial hazardous waste is subject to regulations that are more stringent and is not managed by the Town due to Solid and hazardous waste facilities should not be located regulatory controls.Rather,industrial standards and prat- within the coastal area unless there is a demonstrated need tices provide appropriate opportunities for this hazardous forwaterborne transport of waste materials and substances. waste to be handled properly.The Town presents several If the need for a coastal location is demonstrated,preclude opportunities to dispose of these substances annually. impairment of coastal resources from solid and hazardous waste facilities by siting these facilities so that they are not O Objective 9.7 located in or would not adversely affect: Ensure maximum public safety through Agricultural lands continued management of household and Natural protective feature areas industrial hazardous waste collection,storage, cs Surface waters,primary water supply,or principal and disposal. (sole-source)aquifers In 2012,a total of 60 tons of household hazardous Designated SCFWHs waste was collected over four days through the Town's Habitats critical to vulnerable fish and wildlife STOP(Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) Program. It is species,vulnerable plant species,and rare recommended that the Town and Fishers Island Waste ecological communities Management continue to hold hazardous waste • Wetlands collection days. > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Solid Waste Management District,Fishers Island Waste O Objective 9.8 Management District Remediate inactive hazardous waste , Possible Partnerships:New York State Department disposal sites. of Environmental Conservation Future use of a site should determine the appropriate level of remediation. O Coal 10: Reduce Light Pollution Light pollution wastes energy,disrupts natural O Objective 9.9 processes including leaf retention on deciduous trees Prevent and remediate discharge of petroleum and bird migration,as well as being detrimental to products(waste oil) by following methods human health. LED lighting is far brighter and often of a approved for handling and storage of petroleum cooler,blue light temperature(blue light is disruptive of products and using approved design and circadian rhythms and sleep cycles). maintenance principles for storage facilities. O Objective 10.1 O Objective 9.10 Revise Town Code to address LED technology. Transport solid waste and hazardous substances The Town Code for exterior lights was revised just before and waste in a manner that protects the safety, LED technology was widely available.Updating the code well-being,and general welfare of the public,the is necessary to address the issues related to LED's. environmental resources of the state,and the continued use of transportation facilities. ` 3 Y - -46 A. ! 7 Toss fir ' y !`"Vw e 4 ..Y, s' L7C• CHAPTER 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Background 2 Goals and Objectives j 2 Goal 1:Encourage New and Facilitate the Growth of Existing Business Sectors that Pursue Stable and Sustainable Employment 8 Goal 2:Promote Economic Development - that Ensures an Adequate Tax Base Without Compromising the Unique Character of the Town 13 Goal 3:Preserve and Improve the Vitality of Each of the Town's Hamlet Centers f and HALO Zones as Walkable Local ir+ Business Districts 17 Goal 4:Preserve and Encourage Industries that Support Existing and Future Agriculture and Aquaculture Uses F f 20 Goal 5:Preserve,Encourage,and Continue to Support Existing and Future Maritime Uses as an Important Business Sector within the Town's Economy r CHAPTER 71 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT �f f I v a � �n 7al. 71 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The economic outlook for Southold Town is a concern beneficial because they are essential to a strong tax of the community.To retain and enhance the vitality base for the Town. of the downtowns and hamlet centers while avoiding retail sprawl is important.The Town aims to attract new businesses that will strengthen hamlet centers and provide quality employment,while encouraging an - l� environment that allows existing businesses and jobs to G-_ thrive and maintains the uniqueness that is Southold. - - i This chapter addresses economic development that is appropriate for Southold.The following goals and objec- tives for the Town are based on extensive community input and consideration of its history,previous economic data collection efforts and development initiatives, changing demographics and the socio-economic status of Fishers Island Hamlet Center residents,an inventory of its businesses,and other factors that affect its economy.The appendix to this chapter, Commercial/industrial lands result in: Appendix 5,is available for further insight into how A higher tax base,which helps support school these goals and objectives were formulated.Appendix budgets(approximately 60 percent of the total tax 5 illustrates the economic chapter methodology and levy is school district taxes); includes the review of past planning and economic • Employment creation within the community;and development initiatives,a business inventory,an industry • Provision of consumer and service business needs profile,updated in 2012,and a leakage analysis. within the community. Background To determine how the Town's existing zoning could relate to the future potential changes in land use,and Previous planning efforts in Southold Town have in turn,the future of the Town's economy,the Town sought to strengthen the downtown areas and performed a zoning and buildout analysis for commer- hamlet centers rather than increase the intensity of tial and industrial parcels as a first step.This analysis uses outside of those areas.The rural character and revealed that the hamlets of Cutchogue,Southold, agricultural use of much of its land together with the and Mattituck/Laurel have the highest potential for vitality of the hamlet centers represent the current increasing the amount of commercial/industrial square character of the Town.Industrial land use in the Town is footages of building area.This topic is described in situated either proximate to hamlet areas,or in areas of more detail in Chapter 3, more Use&Zoning:' the Town that provided road and/or rail access as well as an established land use pattern that makes an area The tax base analysis used to assess the fiscal needs of appropriate for continued industrial use and expansion. the Town and its school districts provided a compre- hensive look at the existing land uses and tax base,tax Industrial and commercial zoning districts provide for rates,budgets,assessed valuation,and otherfiscal data important land uses that serve many needs within specific to school districts and other taxing jurisdictions. the community and the region.They are seen as This analysis indicated that the Town's tax base appeared 2 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan to be sound,with a healthy balance of residential and the existing zoning mix would have major implications non-residential uses.Southold Town has established an for the tax base.A reassessment of the tax base is recom- optimal mix of businesses,and industrially zoned busi- mended prior to any major changes to the commercial nesses.The analysis also found that it was not likely that and industrial zoning districts. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Encourage New and Island Community Board (Fishers Island),Fishers Facilitate the Growth of Existing Island Ferry District,Southold Business Alliance, Business Sectors that Pursue North Fork Promotion Council,Long Island Farm Stable and Sustainable Bureau,Long Island Wine Council,local school districts,local businesses and representatives from Employment a range of industries,and interested Town residents, This includes agriculture,aquaculture,health care, including high school students,and a representative renewable energy,tourism,light industrial,retail/ from the Village of Greenport. service-based,and the maritime-related industry. _ O Objective 1.2 x f _ Develop a formal Business Retention and Expansion Program through Town government. n: The ability of the Town to retain businesses is often easier than attracting new businesses to town.Town- wide efforts in business attraction and retention should I. p em toY a sim ila r focus,and a Business Retention and E ri Expansion Program would set out to accomplish this. A Business Retention and Expansion Program would seek to identify and understand the issues and Southold Hamlet Center obstacles faced by a variety of local businesses in the Town,through a series of detailed surveys,interviews, meetings,and organization of representatives from key O Objective 1.1 business owners throughout the Town.The program Support the work of the Southold Town will assist in understanding the immediate concerns of Economic Development Committee to ensure local business owners seeking to improve Town-wide successful implementation of the Town's efforts to retain and encourage growth.Coordination economic goals and objectives. with officials from the Village of Greenport would Southold Town does not currently have a department strengthen this program.Findings would be funneled with primary responsibility for economic development. into an action and implementation plan that focuses As such,it is recommended that the Town continue on the successful retention of business in town.This to support the work of their Economic Development program will assist in marketing and attracting new business to town and will allow for an increased provi- Committee,which is responsible for the successful Sion of stable and sustainable employment opportuni- implementation of the goals and objectives in this ties for current and future residents of the Town. chapter of the Comprehensive Plan,as well as other economic development initiatives in the future. Develop a formal Business Retention and Expansion Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board Program specific to Fishers Island. The needs of businesses and the local economy on Possible Partnerships:Mattituck Chamber of Fishers Island differ greatly from those of mainland Commerce,North Fork Chamber of Commerce, Southold.As such,it is recommended that a sepa- Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, rate Business Retention and Expansion Program be Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 3 developed to address these needs.In addition to <. Retail/service-based (especially on Fishers the identification of issues and obstacles faced by Island,where service-based businesses such as local businesses and a business needs analysis,this housekeeping,caretaking,and catering comprise program should include a thorough examination of the strongest industry) the types of businesses that can be attracted and The maritime-related industry. retained to the Island that will increase its year- In addition,it is recommended that the program round population. include a branch specific to job placement for high > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic school and college students,with the aim to increase Development Committee,Island Community Board the number of employment opportunities for young (Fishers Island),Southold Town Board people Southold.Such program curriculum—for both Possible Partnerships:Local high school students, adults and students—should include those aimed at Fishers Island Ferry District,Village of Greenport, both blue-collar and white-collar employment oppor- Suffolk County Department of Labor,Suffolk tunities.Coordination with officials from the Village of County Department of Economic Development and Greenport would strengthen these partnerships. Workforce Housing Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee O Objective 1.3 > Possible Partnerships:Local school districts,Village Strengthen job-training and workforce of Greenport,St.Joseph's College,Stony Brook development University,Suffolk County Community College, University of Connecticut,Cornell Cooperative Strengthening job-training and the development of the Extension,Eastern Suffolk BOCES,Brookhaven local workforce is necessary to ensure that residents National Lab,Renewable Energy Long Island,Suffolk are trained in the fields that align with the Town's County Department of Economic Development and established and emerging business sectors,including Workforce Housing,Suffolk County Department of agriculture,aquaculture,health care,renewable energy, Labor,New York State Department of Labor tourism,and light industrial,retail/service-based,and the maritime-related industry.The difficulty in finding skilled workers makes Southold Town a less desirable O Objective 1.4 place to start or relocate a business.Moreover,the aging Support local business through the creation of a workforce within Southold Town raises concerns as Business and Entrepreneurship Center. to what will happen when veteran workers retire.This There is a need for a place that interested persons and potential scenario,combined with the need to reverse existing businesses could go for guidance in starting/ the area's"brain drain,"could be addressed with an expanding their business in town.A Business and improved job-training and workforce development Entrepreneurship Center would serve these needs program that would assist with the provision of stable by assisting local entrepreneurs and small-business and sustainable employment opportunities for the owners with successful marketing tactics,business plan diverse base of current and future residents of the Town. preparation,funding sources,incentives,and finding Program curriculum should focus on bolstering skill available property in the Town—all of the resources sets within both the established industries within the that small businesses require,but have difficulty Town,as well as the up-and-coming industries that obtaining on their own. interest the next generation.These include: In addition,the Town should explore whether such • Agriculture a center could be coupled with a business incubator, • Aquaculture which would allow new businesses and entrepreneurs • Health care to share the costs of space and services.Coordination • Renewable energy with officials from the Village of Greenport would • Tourism strengthen the formation of such a center. • Light industrial Such a center could also serve as a central location to assist local residents and employers with other resources pertinent to both finding employment and seeking 4 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan qualified employees.This would serve to assist seasonal O Objective 1.5 workers,seniors re-entering the workforce,and young Add low-impact commercial uses to the parcels people.Furthermore,the center could serve as a location fronting the Village Green on Fishers Island to for futurejob fairs,conferences,and/or seminars dedi- provide increased opportunities for needed cated to growing the local employment base. goods and services and business opportunities A Business and Entrepreneurship Center would likely and jobs for local residents. be most efficient by taking the form of a satellite center p of another similar and established center on Long Island.When examining a location for the center,it is suggested that the Town consider historic preservation, :; renovation,adaptive reuse of an existing structure,or Y sharing space with an existing or vacant community building,such as the Peconic School or the Human Resource Center. - A I Continue to coordinate with Southold Youth Bureau and local school districts to create a program r :} ;, � for high school students at the Business and Entrepreneurship Center. « B Once the Business and Entrepreneurship Center is Fishers Island Village Green established,create a program specific to the needs and interests of local high school students.Such a Fishers Island has two"downtown"hamlet centers— program would teach the students about entrepre- one at the area surrounding the ferry terminal and neurship and business planning,as well as provide the other along the Village Green.According to island mentorship opportunities.This would attract residents,Fishers Island's Village Green—home to the students to learn about the businesses in town,as Post Office,Fire Department,liquor store,Beach Plum, well as foster additional employment opportunities and several seasonal shops—is losing commercial for them.Such a program could aid in reversing space to residential use. the brain-drain effect by attracting recent college graduates and young professionals back into the Over the past few years,several businesses located Town's diverse workforce. along or proximate to the Village Green have been sold and converted to residential units. Others have �s Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic sold their businesses but remained in their homes, Development Committee,Southold Town Board in essence converting the unit to one that is strictly Possible Partnerships:Local school districts, residential in use. In an effort to retain the hub of Southold Youth Bureau,Southold Business commercial activity along the Village Green,the Town Alliance,Village of Greenport,Mattituck Chamber should examine and amend the zoning for permitted of Commerce,North Fork Chamber of Commerce, uses in this area to ensure that the downtown setting Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, remains viable into the future as a location for the Island Community Board (Fishers Island),an existing provision of retail goods and services that support Small Business Development Center such as the Island residents. one at Stony Brook University,Suffolk County a Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Department of Labor,Suffolk County Industrial Development Committee,Southold Town Planning Development Agency,Suffolk County Department Board,Southold Town Board,Island Community of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, Board (Fishers Island) New York State Department of Labor,U.S.Small Business Administration,local civic associations Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 5 O Objective 1.6 A The Southold Youth Bureau should continue to work Work with the local chambers of commerce to with both mainland and Fishers Island schools to develop additional incentives and programs to encourage additional public-private partnerships increase membership and active involvement of with Town businesses. local businesses. B The local schools should work to boost student participation by increasing the number and type of Local chambers of commerce offer members opportunities being offered,e.g.,educational and numerous opportunities and activities including training programs that appeal to the next generation networking,advertising,and marketing;member- within the targeted industry sectors of agriculture, to-member discounts;workshops;guest speakers; aquaculture,health care,renewable energy,tourism, community events;and for members of the Chamber light industrial,retail/service-based(especially on of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut,access to health Fishers Island,where service-based businesses such as care.Membership within the North Fork Chamber of housekeeping,caretaking and catering comprise the Commerce provides members automatic member- strongest industry),and the maritime-related industries. ship within the North Fork Promotion Council,which provides additional advertising and marketing to local C I Targeted businesses should include the largest businesses.All member businesses—both on mainland employers,in addition to local farms,fishing indus- Southold and on Fishers Island—should continue to be tries,marinas,wineries,and/or hospitality,restaurants, informed of available benefits and encouraged to take banks,automotive repair,electricians,plumbers,HVAC full advantage of such resources. technicians,and other service-based establishments in Southold Town and Greenport Village. While the local chambers provide an important role in This will increase the likelihood that high school the Town's economy,continued efforts should be made graduates possess the skills needed by employers and to encourage stronger participation and community industries in town and that they consider remaining in outreach.The Town should work in concert with the Southold upon graduation. local chambers to develop additional incentives aimed at increasing membership and active involvement. In addition to short-term job-shadowing programs, short-and long-term employment opportunities that O Objective 1.7 match student interests with employer's needs should Continue supporting business-education be explored.Year-round and summerjob opportunities partnerships such as vocational training,job- should be surveyed within the community and posted shadowing programs,internships,and other within the Guidance Office at each of the high schools. mentoring programs focused on targeted sectors. This could in turn foster additional employment oppor- tunities within a variety of local industries for the youth Sectors include: in Southold Town,and may help to reverse the brain- Agriculture drain effect,giving students another reason to consider • Aquaculture remaining in their hometown after graduation. • Health care > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic • Renewable energy Development Committee,Southold Youth Bureau, • Tourism Island Community Board (Fishers Island) • Light industrial 3> Possible Partnerships:Local school districts,Youth • Retail/service-based Advisory Council,Business Advisory Board,Village • The maritime-related industries. of Greenport,Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut,Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, The three mainland high schools have formed a Business North Fork Chamber of Commerce,Suffolk County Advisory Board that works with local businesses to Department of Labor,Suffolk County Department provide students with career education.In addition to its of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, partnership with Eastern Suffolk BOCES,these programs New York State Education Department,New York allow students additional opportunities to explore State Department of Labor,Eastern Suffolk BOCES, careers that interest them through a variety of programs. Cornell Cooperative Extension 6 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 1.8 within all parts of Town.Recent college graduates, Seek to reverse the"brain drain"through the young professionals,and young families have attraction and retention of recent college difficulty affording housing in Southold,which in part graduates and young professionals to the Town's has resulted in an invaluable loss of talent,diversity, diverse workforce. and resources. To become a more live-work community (at Overall,the median age of residents of Southold Town the time of this analysis in 2011 55.8 percent of is 10 years older than that of the residents of Suffolk residents lived and worked within the Town),the County,according to the 2010 U.S.Census.The Town's Town must provide housing that accommodates large senior population and relatively small popula- those who wish to live here—especially recent tion of college-aged persons and young professionals college graduates and young professionals.The have resulted in the need for the Town to diversify its 2005 Hamlet Study and the 2007-08 Hamlet population for a sustainable future. Stakeholder Initiatives identified providing A Provide various job opportunities—including affordable and diverse housing as a priority of entry-level and professional positions—that the Town. Public participation efforts suggested meet the needs of recent college graduates and the need for additional affordable and workforce young professionals. housing in all parts of Town.To do this,the It is recommended that Southold Town partner Town will continue to improve its zoning code to with the Town of Riverhead and the Village of provide more flexibility for the creation of afford- Greenport to create a joint task force to find able rentals and homes,especially in the hamlet ways to create a significant number of regional centers and HALO zones. entry-level and professional jobs for recent C Create a set of incentives aimed at providing graduates and young professionals.The task force financial assistance for first-time home buyers. could survey local businesses—including large In addition to the provision of affordable housing employers such as Eastern Long Island Hospital, options,an alternative solution is to provide Peconic Landing,and other businesses that cater incentives for recent college graduates,young to the Town's aging population,as well as local families,and others to purchase a home in farms,fishing industries, marinas,wineries,and/ Southold Town.Such incentives could include or hospitality, restaurants, banks,and other easing the tax burden through property tax service-based establishments—about their credits and deductions,a reduced payment for upcoming employment needs,and then work municipal services, legal counsel,and/or a reduc- with area colleges and universities—including St. tion in assessment that would phase out over a Joseph's College,Stony Brook University,Suffolk short time in exchange for collaborative volun- County Community College,and University of teering efforts with various Town committees Connecticut—to recruit graduates to the East End and/or initiatives. to fill these positions.This should be revisited on an annual basis to encourage a constant influx of Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic younger residents. Development Committee,Southold Town Housing Advisory Commission,Island Community Board B Ensure an array of housing alternatives—including (Fishers Island) both affordable and workforce options—that meet the needs of recent college graduates,young Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Department professionals and other members of the Town's of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, diverse workforce. New York State Division of Housing and Community A diverse housing stock—both affordable and Renewal,Walsh Park Benevolent Association workforce,rental and owner-occupied—is needed Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 7 O Objective 1.9 , Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Department Ensure the provision of various housing options of Economic Development and Workforce Housing, for the Town's growing senior population. New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal,Suffolk County Office for the Aging,Walsh z Park Benevolent Association asss °t' a. O Objective 1.10 Continue to support the arts industry through the provision of live/work space in appropriate areas of the Town. The arts play a strong role in the history and tradition of �- k2I:�iI[)1511'fS h(;l'f•_SI1 f7\ll' the Town's culture and local economy.Artisans,gallery - --•* owners,actors,musicians,painters,instructors,and local craftsmen all enliven hamlet centers and enhance Founders Village in Southold quality of life.The Town should ensure the provision of studio space and/or affordable live/work spaces in As the population in the Town continues to age,resources appropriate areas of the Town.Such space could take geared toward a retired population,namely senior the form of studios located above other uses or could housing,will be in demand throughout the community. be designated vacant buildings converted to studio A diverse housing stock for senior residents—both space and/or business incubators for young artists in the community.This type of development should rental and owner-occupied,affordable and market-rate, be targeted to the Town's hamlet centers to increase as well as naturally occurring retirement communi- vitality and the overall strength of the industry in town. ties—is needed within all parts of Town.Despite the recent construction of Peconic Landing and the Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic operations of other assisted-living communities and Development Committee,Southold Town Housing skilled nursing facilities that cater to the Town's aging Advisory Commission,Southold Town Board,Island population,there is an unmet need for senior housing, Community Board (Fishers Island) especially affordable options for active senior residents. Possible Partnerships:East End Arts Council,North Many of the Town's senior residents are moving to Fork Promotion Council,Long Island Convention& Riverhead and other places farther west because they Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission,Suffolk County are unable to find suitable housing in Southold. In Office of Film and Cultural Affairs,Suffolk County addition,residents of Fishers Island that were formerly Department of Economic Development and Workforce provided with housing through their employers are Housing,Lighthouse Works,local civic associations being forced to leave the Island upon retirement,due to a lack of affordable housing options. O Objective 1.11 The Town should work to ensure that such senior Ensure access to high-speed internet and reliable housing alternatives are provided throughout the wireless communications. community.This can be done through the preservation and renovation,reuse or adaptive reuse of historic Access to high-speed internet and reliable wireless and vacant structures and the provision of incentives communications are vital to attracting and retaining to property owners and local developers who do so. local businesses and residents who work from Wherever possible,the Town should target new senior home.Work with service providers to ensure access housing within the hamlet centers and HALO zones. throughout the Town. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Housing Development Committee Advisory Commission,Southold Town Senior Possible Partnerships:Internet service providers, Services,Human Resource Center,Island Community wireless service providers,emergency communica- Board(Fishers Island) tions providers 8 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan o Goal 2: Promote Economic to determine whether the demand for various types Development that Ensures an of retail is met Town-wide and also specifically on Fishers Island.The findings of the leakage analysis Adequate Tax Base Without revealed that numerous retail goods and services are Compromising the Unique unavailable or underrepresented within both mainland Character of the Town Southold and Fishers Island.However,given Southold Town's unique character,most of this underrepresenta- O Objective 2.1 tion is appropriate,particularly that of larger retail Promote public-private partnerships and ways to stores and warehouse-type stores that are found in improve the quality of life for Town residents abundance within a relatively short drive to Riverhead through all future development initiatives. or elsewhere. Public-private partnerships are agreements between a Since the time of the leakage analysis,completed public agency and a private sector entity that can revi- in 2010,online retail stores and home delivery have talize communities and their quality of life.Oftentimes, become much more common,making it convenient such partnerships provide improved levels of service to purchase goods that might be otherwise unavail- and quality of life at reduced cost to town government. able in the immediate area.There may be,however, Successful partnerships can result in a greater level of a remaining unmet need for local goods and services public safety,health,educational opportunity,trans- that can and should be supplied within Southold Town. portation options,infrastructure improvements,and Moreover,while there are dozens of industries,e.g., community revitalization. pharmacies,electronics and appliance stores,and A good example of a small but successful design- family clothing stores with a strong demand on Fishers related public-private partnership in Southold Town Island,and shown as missing on the Island by the is the public square between the municipal parking leakage analysis,very few of these industries are appro- lot and the former Capital One Bank building on Pike priate for the character of the Island.Furthermore,most Street in Mattituck.This"pocket park"includes land- of these business sectors would not be able to sustain scaping,sitting areas and tables with built-in checker/ themselves year-round on Fishers Island.Despite this, chess boards.The Town should work with private island residents indicate that there is a substantial developers to ensure that these and other features unmet demand for various goods and services among including landscaping,seating areas,sidewalks,and/ the Island's year-round population. or pedestrian access are worked into all future develop- In an effort to determine which of these business ments seeking to locate in Southold. sectors should be pursued, it is recommended that > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic the Town hold a series of public meetings to gather Development Committee,Southold Town input from the community. Only those business Architectural Review Committee,Southold Town sectors that are likely to be economically viable Recreation Department,Southold Town Planning year-round and those that fit into the community Board,Southold Town Board character of both mainland Southold and Fishers Island should be considered for further business O Objective 2.2 attraction efforts. Determine specific types of retail goods and A I Create a series of tax,zoning,and infrastructure services, if any,that should be actively sought incentives to encourage all new businesses to out through a series of public meetings held by locate in the Town's existing hamlet centers and use Town government. existing buildings whenever possible. Differentiate these business sectors between those that In keeping with Southold's unique character,it is can be supported by a year-round population within recommended that all new businesses locate in mainland Southold and Fishers Island. the designated hamlet centers.Not only will this increase the liveliness of Southold's downtowns,it A leakage analysis(see Appendix 5)was prepared that will help curb sprawl and preserve the open space examined consumer spending habits and compared that is so critical to the Town's unique character. them with sales data of various goods and services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 9 In an effort to encourage businesses to locate in Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic the existing hamlet centers,it is recommended Development Committee,Southold Town Planning that the Town create tax and zoning incentives that Board,Southold Town Board will be made available to all businesses wishing to Possible Partnerships:Mattituck Chamber of locate downtown,as well as to existing businesses Commerce,North Fork Chamber of Commerce, to remain in the hamlet centers.These tax incen- Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, tives could include PILOT programs,municipal tax Island Community Board (Fishers Island),Suffolk exemptions and abatements,expedited review County Department of Economic Development and process and waived fees,increased density, Workforce Housing coverage of chamber of commerce membership dues,infrastructure improvements,and other incen- O Objective 2.3 tives deemed appropriate by Town government. Encourage a cluster of light industrial uses at the In addition,the Town should create alternative area surrounding the North Fork Industrial Park incentives aimed at improving public infrastructure and the Cutchogue Business Center within the that will enhance local businesses in downtown boundaries of existing zoning. settings.Incentives such as municipal parking areas, pocket parks,sidewalks,and/or the provision of The area surrounding the North Fork Industrial Park and seating areas would greatly benefit the opportuni- the Cutchogue Business Center—north of County Route ties for local businesses in town.The Town should 48 along Depot Lane and Cox Lane—is an industrial work with local realtors to ensure that this informa- hub that is home to many successful manufacturing tion is made available to all businesses expressing and production businesses.The hub has the potential interest in locating within the Town. to be a center of industrial activity in Cutchogue,due to its strategic location off Route 48,attractive design, and diverse tenants.The North Fork Industrial Park has not yet been built out to its potential,but is an ideal location for new industry related to the production and manufacturing of goods,especially appropriate businesses and complementary uses focused on the - targeted sectors of agriculture,aquaculture,health care,renewable energy,tourism,light industrial,retail/ service-based,and maritime-related industries. v Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Board First Fridays inMattituckPhoto:Times Review Media Group Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Department of Labor,Suffolk County Department of Economic B Encourage the attraction and retention of locally Development and Workforce Housing,Suffolk owned businesses. County Industrial Development Agency Town residents have indicated that they would O Objective 2.4 rather shop at locally owned stores than at corpo- rate franchises owned by those residing outside of Expand and improve infrastructure as the community.In an effort to maintain character appropriate,to serve existing businesses and while also keeping revenue streams within the accommodate new growth. community,it is recommended that Town govern- The 2005 Hamlet Study and the 2007-08 Hamlet ment seek to encourage the location of additional Stakeholder Initiatives identified the need to improve locally owned,"Mom&Pop"establishments during various components of the Town's infrastructure,be business attraction efforts.This can be done though it access,stormwater drainage,pedestrian resources, offering similar incentives to those described in and walkable hamlet centers,bicycle paths,and/or an Objective 2.2-A. improved public transportation system.Public participa- tion efforts confirmed the need for these infrastructure 10 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan improvements throughout the Town to better accom- A possible sharing of services could involve the modate hamlet center growth and improve circulation provision of sewer in parts of the Town near the for both residents and tourists.The Town should work Village of Greenport's boundaries.The Village's with Suffolk County and New York State Department sewer system is the only one in the immediate area, of Transportation to implement recommended action and though operating at only half capacity,it does items outlined in these previous studies. reach beyond the Village boundaries. It is inappro- A As commercial/industrial development occurs priate and unrealistic to extend such sewer service in conformance with Town zoning,maintain and throughout the entire Town,given its rural character provide infrastructure in a manner that supports the and cost,both environmental and economic. planned non-residential growth of the Town. However,the Town should explore ways to partner with the Village on possible sewer expansions that Non-residential growth is needed to maintain might allow for increased economic development economic stability through taxation of uses that opportunities specifically associated with the attrac- create less of a burden on community services, tion and/or expansion of key industries in nearby particularly the school districts.The Town's zoning parts of Town. encourages responsible commercial growth in hamlet center areas and limited commercial and Other opportunities for shared services should be industrial growth in areas proximate to major roads. evaluated with the Village of Greenport,Riverhead Town,the local school districts,Eastern Long Island Support for appropriate growth may be needed as Hospital,and other large employers and organiza- land use proceeds in conformance with the Town's tions on the East End. Comprehensive Plan.This could come in the form of promoting municipal parking,sidewalk and C Explore the possibility of developing a commuter pedestrian safety initiatives,appropriate access to boat for Fishers Island residents. public water,Town road maintenance,and related infrastructure improvements. Further assistance can be provided by facilitating regulatory programs that support appropriate commercial/ L industrial growth through zoning,land use incen- tives,community development activities,and _ related programs. ' i ' B Explore measures associated with increasing the provi- sion of shared services with neighboring jurisdictions -� as well as businesses within the Town,where available Fishers Island Ferry dock The sharing of services is a useful,yet often overlooked tool aimed at increasing the efficiency Transportation is crucial to economic development and effectiveness of municipalities and businesses on Fishers Island. Fishers Island Ferry provides alike.The sharing of services is already underway in transportation to and from the Island and New Town,with a prime example being the sharing of London,Connecticut, but the ferry service tends to police protection between Southold Town and the cater more to those who do not reside on Island. In Village of Greenport.A greater level of inter-agency addition,this service does not offer a direct route cooperation would serve to stabilize various compo- to mainland Southold. Beyond the Fishers Island nents of Town government,while saving taxpayer Ferry,options for residents'access to and from dollars and securing the Town's economic future. Fishers Island are limited.A commuter boat would Under such an agreement,funding,and resources present vast opportunities for mainland residents of a given service—including snow removal,code to quickly and directly commute to Fishers Island enforcement,trash collection,controlling storm and vice versa.This would improve the relationship water runoff,the provision of water and/or sewer between the mainland Town and Fishers Island, services,and maintenance of parks and athletic while increasing employment,shopping,dining, fields,among others—is shared between two or and other opportunities that are currently not more parties. easily accessible to Town residents. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 11 Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic O Objective 2.6 Development Committee,Southold Town Highway Create a set of architectural,landscape and site Department,Southold Town Transportation design standards that reinforce the Town's Commission,Southold Town Storm Water Run-Off distinct character to be applied to all new Committee,Southold Town Parks,Beaches and construction and redevelopment projects Recreation Committee,Southold Town Department of through the Town's regulatory process. Community Development,Southold Town Planning Board,Southold Town Board,Island Community Appropriate standards allow the Town to shape how a Board(Fishers Island),Fishers Island Ferry District given piece of property is developed,what it looks like, Possible Partnerships:Village of Greenport, and how it will affect the quality of life of nearby busi- Riverhead Town,Suffolk County Department of nesses and residences. Design standards offer the Town Economic Development and Workforce Housing, the ability to assist with the development of attractive Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, buildings,encourage compatibility of building design, Suffolk County Transit,Metropolitan Transportation increase the streetscape and the overall pedestrian Authority,New York State Department of experience,encourage additional investment among Transportation,New York State Office of Parks, existing and potential new business,all while striving to Recreation and Historic Preservation maintain the distinct character of each hamlet center. A set of standards should be created that address street O Objective 2.5 lighting,signage,streetscaping,colors,pedestrian Collaborate with other departments and access,parking,and building materials that reinforce regulatory agencies in the Town to increase the the Town's distinct and rural character.These standards efficiency of the regulatory and enforcement should focus on and complement the unique cultural, process,including updating the Town Code to recreational,and historic resources found within reflect the most current land use goals. Southold's communities. A more efficient regulatory process would incentivize Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic local businesses to expand their operations.It would Development Committee,Southold Town also encourage new business to locate in Southold, Architectural Review Committee,Southold Town providing additional employment opportunities for Planning Board,Southold Town Board current and future residents of the Town.In addition,a more efficient enforcement process would contribute O Objective 2.7 to the economic well-being of local businesses.As Update the buildout analysis every five(5)years such,it is recommended that Southold Town govern- to track the relationship of existing zoning as ment work to improve the regulatory process to related to development and the Town's tax base, achieve the same goals in an efficient manner. thus allowing the Town to evaluate whether the zoning supports the goals of viable downtowns Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic and a sustainable tax base while retaining the Development Committee,Southold Town character of the Town. Architectural Review Committee,Southold Town Building Department,Southold Town Land The buildout analysis,found in Chapter 3,"Land Use& Preservation Committee,Southold Town Board, Zoning,"provides a valuable tool to determine the rela- Southold Town Planning Board,Southold Town tionship between development potential and existing Zoning Board of Appeals,Southold Town Board of development on a zoning district basis.Tracking the Trustees,Island Community Board(Fishers Island) status of each zoning district and the potential for Possible Partnerships:Mattituck Chamber of development in the Town at five-year increments Commerce;North Fork Chamber of Commerce, would provide insight into the appropriateness of Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, existing zoning,the need for the purchase of develop- Suffolk County Department of Health Services,Suffolk ment rights and/or acquisition,and would allow the County Department of Public Works,New York State Town to make adjustments in programs as needed, Department of Environmental Conservation,New based on the status. In addition,a Tax Base Analysis York State Department of Transportation should be conducted prior to any major changes to 12 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan commercial zoning districts to ensure a sustainable tax maintained using strategies aimed at increasing base will be maintained. energy savings,water efficiency,and indoor Responsible Parties:Southold Town Board, environmental quality,while reducing carbon Southold Town Planning Board,Southold Town dioxide emissions,and improving stewardship of Zoning Board of Appeals resources and sensitivity to their impacts. Such buildings are designed to lower operating O Objective 2.8 costs and increase asset value,reduce waste sent to Provide findings from the buildout analysis to landfills,conserve energy and water,be healthier and each of the local school districts so that they may safer for occupants,reduce harmful greenhouse gas accommodate for such findings in future district emissions,qualify for tax rebates,zoning allowances planning efforts. and other incentives,and demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and School districts can utilize information from the social responsibility.In an effort to set an example for Comprehensive Plan to factor into their long-range environmentally responsible development,the Town planning efforts.Estimating potential tax revenue and should mandate that all new Town-owned buildings potential schoolchildren generated from future devel- be developed under LEED guidelines,and strive for opment is important for use in planning to accommo- certification whenever possible. date anticipated growth. B Create a range of incentives for commitment of Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic renewable energy sources. Development Committee,Southold Town Board In an effort to further the Town's commitment to Possible Partnerships:Local school districts renewable energy sources,it is recommended that the Town create a range of incentives for house- Objective 2.9 hold and commercial use.These incentives could Strive to maintain and create a healthy include municipal tax abatements,infrastructure environment with a dedication to environmental improvements,tax credits for the purchase of sustainability through encouraging renewable energy-efficient products and installation of solar energy sources and green business practices and/or wind-powered energy suppliers,as well as through Town government. the creation of an annual Town-sponsored program to pick up and recycle old appliances. Environmental sustainability strives to meet the needs of today's residents without compromising the needs In addition,the Town should work with Long Island of future residents.Now more than ever,environmental Power Authority(LIPA)/PSEG,Fishers Island Utility sustainability is a necessity for the future of Southold. Company,and other energy suppliers and hold an annual seminar,stressing the importance of renew- Over the past few years,Southold has witnessed able energy,and providing technical guidance on an increase in renewable energy sources and green successful conversion practices,as well as efficiency business practices,such as biodiesel in home heating. measures and incentives available to residential and Town residents'desire for renewable energy sources commercial buildings. including wind,solar,and others is increasing,in part to help offset the rising cost of energy.As such,the Town � Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic should continue to facilitate renewable energy infra- Development Committee,Southold Town Building structure and promote the use of renewable energy Department,Southold Town Agricultural Advisory among businesses and households in Southold. Committee,Southold Town Renewable and Alternative Energy Committee,Southold Town A I Mandate that all new Town-owned buildings be Conservation Advisory Council,Southold Town Board developed under LEED guidelines. Possible Partnerships:Long Island Power Authority/ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design PSEG,Fishers Island Utility Company,New York (LEED) is an internationally recognized green State Energy Research and Development Authority, building certification system.It verifies that a New York State Department of Environmental building is designed,built/retrofitted,operates and Conservation,United States Green Building Council Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 13 o Goal 3: Preserve and Improve practicable,the Town should encourage new develop- the Vitality Of Each Of the ment to locate in existing vacant or underutilized struc- tures/parcels within the Town's hamlet centers and HALO Town s Hamlet Centers and zones.Incentives to do so could range from chamber HALO Zones as Walkable Local membership and short-term tax breaks,to discounted Business Districts impact fees and expedited permitting,municipal �- parking areas,pocket parks,sidewalks and seating areas, to tax credits and PILOT agreements,among others. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Housing Advisory Commission,Southold Town Board, J Southold Town Planning Board,Island Community F } Board (Fishers Island) Possible Partnerships:Southold Town Historic Preservation Commission,Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Workforce Housing Main Street in Southold O Objective 3.2 Prepare a list of priority development sites— Objective 3.1 specifically within the Town's hamlet centers and Concentrate new residential and commercial HALO zones—that qualify for expedited development in the Town's hamlet centers and permitting,funding,and incentives. HALO zones,and encourage infill development, The Town should prepare a list of available properties historic preservation,renovation,and adaptive to encourage the location of future businesses within reuse,where possible. existing structures and/or vacant land within the Town. A Provide incentives for new development and/or This list should include: business relocation for the reuse and adaptive reuse • The acreage of the parcel of existing structures within the Town's hamlet • The size of the building where applicable centers and HALO zones. • Current land use and zoning B Target new residential and appropriate commercial • Available infrastructure development to each of the Town's hamlet centers • Estimated taxes and/or the surrounding HALO zones in an effort to * Any other pertinent information curb sprawl and preserve the rural character and * Vacant lands and vacant buildings in each of valuable open space in other parts of Town.The HALO zones were identified as areas for growth that the Town's hamlet centers and HALO zones to are based on smart-growth principles(promote encourage adaptive reuse walkability,provide a range of housing opportuni- €�' Historic preservation, renovation,and infill ties,foster attractive communities with a sense development while avoiding the potential for of place,and integrate a mix of land uses,among retail sprawl others).Through the careful placement of new A list of priority development sites that qualify for residential and commercial development,the Town expedited permitting,funding,and incentives will assist in curbing sprawl while increasing the Once the list is prepared,the Town should share with liveliness of their downtown centers and preserving local real estate agencies and partner with them to the rural character of the Town. encourage development at these sites. It is further Public participation efforts pointed to the need for the recommended that the Town revisit the list on an Town to examine ways to reuse existing vacant and/ annual basis and revise as necessary to accommodate or historic structures instead of building new.Where future change. 14 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic is transferred.A sanitary flow analysis would deter- Development Committee,Southold Town Board, mine if sanitary flow credits are available within Southold Town Planning Board,Island Community the hamlet,or if transfer from another part of Town Board(Fishers Island) would be needed to increase density.Town flow Possible Partnerships:Mattituck Chamber of credits or transfer of flow could be used to increase Commerce,North Fork Chamber of Commerce, seats in a restaurant,or add an accessory apart- Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut,local ment above a store.This would provide economic realtors,local trade organizations stability and growth potential for businesses and landowners,and would provide an opportunity for needed alternative housing options for the Town's O Objective 3.3 diverse workforce. Explore ways to overcome the obstacle of limited sanitary flow credits on individual B Work with Suffolk County Department of Health parcels, in an effort to help businesses and Services to allow available sanitary flow credits to be landowners in hamlet centers expand or add transferred over property lines within a hamlet center. accessory apartments. SCDHS regulates transfer of sanitary flow credits. Once a sanitary flow analysis is prepared for each Suffolk County Department of Health Services(SCDHS) hamlet,coordination with SCDHS would assist limits the volume of sanitary waste discharged in determining what transfer of credits may be on a given sized parcel of land to 600 gpd/acre (Groundwater Management Zone IV),provided public possible between parcels within the hamlet center. water is available.SCDHS will permit transfer of sanitary When analyzing the potential for such transfer credits that result in no more than double the allowable of credits,it is important to remain sensitive to sanitary flow density,subject to approval of the Board communities with fragile groundwater systems;the of Review.The Town Code allows this transfer only for use of I/A OWTS or future technologies would be housing that meets the Town's guidelines for afford- useful in achieving this goal.This would facilitate the able,and not for an existing business to expand (for overall objective of allowing businesses and land- example,a restaurant wanting to add more seats).Due owners to expand business and housing opportuni- to the small size of many downtown parcels,even with ties in a manner that would benefit the community double the density they may not be able to meet the through hamlet growth.Such benefits include flow requirement to add an apartment. additional jobs,tax revenue,shopping opportuni- ties,business critical mass,and hamlet vitality—as With the advent of innovative alternative on-site well as needed alternative housing options for the wastewater treatments systems(I/A OWTS),there Town's diverse workforce—including smaller acces- sory be opportunities in the future to provide some apartments providing more affordable housing, limited expansion of the amount of density on a parcel "eyes"on the community,and consumer demand for the purposes of providing affordable rentals over within the hamlets. commercial uses in the downtown.There may also be an opportunity for existing businesses to be able to C Revise Town Code Section 117 Transfer of expand using these systems;however,in addition to Development Rights,to allow for commercial uses the SCDHS allowing it,the Town Code would have to in hamlet centers to purchase sanitary flow credits be amended also. from the Town's bank. A I Commission a sanitary flow analysis for each hamlet Section 117 in the Town Code provides a means center to determine the future potential of sanitary for the Town to"bank"sanitary flow credits from flow credits available in each hamlet. acquired lands.Recognizing that expansion of business opportunities within the hamlets has SCDHS requires that an overall groundwater community benefits(as outlined in Objective 3-3B., management plan determine the allowable flow and flow that could be achieved based on above),the Town should consider amendment of Section 117 to allow commercial uses to purchase transfer of sanitary credits,provided no significant credits from the Town for business expansion.This groundwater impacts would result from the would provide revenue back to the Town to fund increased density in hamlet to which sanitary flow further open space acquisition,and would advance Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 1s planning goals of facilitating business growth to are appropriate,but a residential character is more achieve economic vitality in the hamlet centers. in keeping with surrounding areas.This would take Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic the form of the RO zone,but with more allowable Development Committee,Southold Town Board, uses.Finally,it was determined that certain indus- Island Community Board (Fishers Island) tries would benefit from the ability to sell products manufactured on site,either by allowing this Possible Partnerships:Southold Town Housing through zoning or special permit.These types of Advisory Commission,Suffolk County Department zoning districts should be considered on a Town- of Health Services wide basis in order to provide a wider range of commercial/industrial districts to fit the needs of O Objective 3.4 certain areas of the Town. Evaluate and update commercial zoning district R. uses and locations in each hamlet to ensure ` ? r' downtowns remain vibrant and uses are Y consistent with the community character of t- individual hamlets. The Town seeks to maintain existing hamlet centers and has taken many initiatives toward strengthening the hamlets by defining these areas and their associ- ated HALO zones through the 2005 Hamlet Study, ' which involved significant stakeholder input.A review of hamlet areas found that there may be potential for retail sprawl,which is counterproductive to this objec- tive.In Mattituck,it was noted that B business zoning on the western New York State Route 25 approach to the hamlet center allowed general business use,which would potentially detract from the hamlet. Love Lane in Mattituck Consequently,the elimination of retail sales and B I Promote a blend of commercial and residential use restaurant use from this area were considered more in the HB zoning district;all residential use would consistent with the goals/objectives of strengthening create a school district deficit in educating the the hamlet center.Similarly,some areas of industrial children that would result from an all-residential zoning were found to be antiquated and consideration scenario,and would also result in a loss of business of zoning and uses more appropriate to the hamlet was use in the hamlets within a zoning district specifi- warranted.Review of existing Town zoning maps finds cally created for hamlet businesses. that the area east of Cutchogue on State Route 25,and The HB zone is one of the Town's zoning districts the area north of Southold on Suffolk County Route that allows both residential and commercial use. 48 both have moderately large areas of B zoning that The HB is the key hamlet center zoning district should be reviewed to ensure that the business growth that promotes business uses in a manner that adds would not detract from these two hamlet centers. vitality and a mix of retail use in downtown areas.If A I Consider expanding the types of commercial and HB zoning became all residential,it would detract industrial zoning districts(and/or allowable or from the critical mass of business activity that special permit uses),to more specifically tailor the defines the hamlets.In addition,such an outcome types of businesses to particular areas of the Town, would add schoolchildren and would not achieve a within and outside of the hamlets. tax positive situation for school districts. In Mattituck,it was noted that retail and restaurants Consideration should be given to promoting may not be appropriate for the B business zone. residential use above retail stores where sanitary Furthermore,it was noted that a modified B zone for allowable flow and/or transfer of sanitary credit neighborhood-type uses may be appropriate to (within Town only)would allow the requisite density apply to certain areas where retail and service uses of uses.Business incentives should be used to 16 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan attract new business to hamlet centers,and overall, however,recommended that the existing acreage a mix of business and residential,favoring business of commercial/industrial land be maintained and over residential should be achieved. not reduced,recognizing that minor shifts in types C I Maintain the existing acreages of commercial/indus- and allowed uses in business zoning districts may be trial land available for development to support the appropriate as noted under other objectives. tax base,consumer needs and employment.Adjust D I Consider further definition of uses that would likely more specific areas of the Town with respect to be successful in fulfilling community needs in order commercial/industrial districts as needed to ensure to encourage these uses and provide an optimum land use compatibility,while maintaining a net mix of land uses toward maintaining the vitality of balance of commercial/industrial use potential. the hamlet centers. The Town zoning maps provide a basis for sound This chapter is informed by an economic study commercial and industrial growth planning in component referred to as a leakage analysis,which the Town. Review of the zoning maps finds that examines consumer spending habits and available Marine districts are appropriately located in areas goods and services to determine what demand is that would promote water dependent and water- met or unmet on a Town-wide basis(see Appendix enhanced uses. HB zoning is used in hamlet centers, 5).There are demands for local goods and services and B business zoning appears in specific locations that can and should be supplied locally.Some as appropriate based on transportation access leakage is appropriate,for example,that of larger or existing uses.Limited business(LB) is used in retail store sales that can be accommodated in targeted areas where appropriate to allow respon- Riverhead,since Southold Town is not appropriate sible,limited business activity. Residence Office for these types of retail facilities. (RO) is targeted for areas on the outskirts of hamlets The leakage analysis prepared for the where there are existing residential and office uses, Comprehensive Plan provides a valuable tool that and further RO activity is appropriate. enables the Town,chambers of commerce,or The Light Industrial (LI)and Light Industrial/Office individual landowners,investors,and entrepreneurs (LIO)zones are applied to existing uses where to identify the types of goods and services that appropriate or are located along transportation would have the greatest likelihood of success.The corridors(Mattituck on County Route 48;north existing"business inventory,"in Appendix 5,identi- of Cutchogue on County Route 48 and west of fies the existing uses within the Town.Comparison Greenport on State Route 25)and railroad access of the leakage analysis and business inventory yields locations(Mattituck,Peconic,Southold,and west information that can be evaluated on a hamlet-by- of Greenport).Large,potential growth areas are hamlet basis to further determine supplemental situated around the Town solid waste manage- businesses to fulfill unmet demand.Note that the ment facilities and along State Route 25 west of inventory and types of leakage including the role Greenport.Commercial and industrial land use must played by online retailers are constantly shifting also be carefully situated in order to not cause land and should be updated just prior to this evaluation use compatibility issues between adjoining uses being performed. and/or create traffic congestion. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic These commercial/industrial zoned areas are Development Committee,Southold Town Board, dispersed throughout the Town in a manner that Southold Town Planning Board,Southold Town recognizes the importance of hamlet centers and Zoning Board of Appeals,Island Community Board provides for existing and potential businesses (Fishers Island) commensurate with Town needs from the business Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Industrial and tax revenue perspectives,while maintaining Development Agency,Mattituck Chamber of defined hamlet centers and overall quality of life. Commerce,North Fork Chamber of Commerce, As a result,few changes are found to be necessary Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, other than those noted in Objective 3-4A.It is, private landowners,investors,entrepreneurs Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 17 o Goal 4: Preserve and Encourage In addition to incubator farms,farmland can be made Industries that Support Existing more affordable by narrowing the potential future uses. For example,the Town could pay an extra premium to and Future Agriculture and preserve some farmland specifically for growing food Aquaculture Uses crops,and in turn,that farmland would be more afford- able for a farmer who wants to grow food crops. y z3> Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Y MR Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town Land Preservation Committee/Department, L Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council - _ , Possible Partnerships:Peconic Land Trust,Long Island Farm Bureau,Long Island Wine Council, a Cornell Cooperative Extension,Farm Credit East- . Riverhead Branch O O Objective 4.1 Objective 4.2 Workwith the Long Island Farm Bureau,Peconic Promote an affordable farmland program to Land Trust and Cornell Cooperative Extension to bring new farmers to Southold. create community seminars and events focused The lack of affordable farmland is the primary issue on prominent issues including how to start up a associated with increasing the agricultural business and small agricultural business and where to go for bringing newfarmers to town.Affordable farmland is help or find available resources and land. necessary to bring the next generation of farmers to The demand for local produce is high.To cater to the Southold,as well as to encourage the diversity for crops growing demand for small agricultural businesses that otherwise would be infeasible for a young or second- and to increase the supply of local goods,the Town is careerfarmer.One way to overcome this is through the encouraged to work with the Long Island Farm Bureau development of an affordable farmland program. to create seminars and events on how to start up a Peconic Land Trust initiated an "incubator farm" small farm,where to go for help or find resources,avail- program,where a large plot of land is split;an estab- able land,and the like.The Town should promote the lished commercial farming business leases the majority resources available with the Long Island Farm Bureau of the land,and several young and second-career and Peconic Land Trust,including the ability to match farmers each lease a small one-to three-acre plot.This prospective farmers with available farmland,technical "incubator"program is beneficial in that it allows young assistance,and funding wherever possible. farmers the resources they need—a plot of land,utili- Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic ties,and other shared resources including knowledge Development Committee,Southold Town from an established farmer on the premises—without Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town having to take out a mortgage. Land Preservation Committee/Department, It is recommended that the Town work with the Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council Peconic Land Trust and the Long Island Farm Bureau > Possible Partnerships:Long Island Farm Bureau, and decide whether to partner with Peconic Land Trust Cornell Cooperative Extension,Peconic Land and expand the existing incubator program,or pursue Trust,Long Island Wine Council,Farm Credit East- the creation of a similar type of program—whether it Riverhead Branch,New York State Department of be replicating such an incubator farm,or through the Agriculture and Markets creation of a land bank or the leasing of land—to be run by Town government. 18 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 4.3 A I Strive for Southold Town to become a center of Consider revising the Town Code to bring back excellence for culinary experiences,through encour- the"set-off,"and allow local farmers to subdivide aging complementary uses and economy of scale their property by splitting off just one lot. businesses to locate in town. Southold Town should be developed as a center of For many years,the Town Code allowed local farmers excellence for culinary experiences,through the to subdivide their property by splitting off one lot continued promotion of local products.A wide for the purpose of providing a house lot for a family range of quality restaurants,cafes,and specialty member or selling one lot to earn extra income.This food stores currently exist and complement the policy allowed many traditional farm families to avoid Town's strong food and beverage industry. higher cost alternatives for housing. Unfortunately,the Continued efforts should be taken to promote these practice was found not to be meeting its original goal, restaurants through further initiatives with the and was consequently removed from the Town Code. Village of Greenport,Riverhead Town and the North Housing for farm families,however,is still a pressing Fork Promotion Council,Long Island Wine Council, need,and it is recommended that the program be and other means of promotion. re-written back into the Town Code in another,more ti , suitable form that will provide a similar benefit. Overuse of the practice must be avoided as it can lead" to agricultural land becoming disjointed. If a lot is subdivided for this purpose,it is recommended that the Town consider strengthening this provision by adding a clause that ensures that the subdivided lot remains tied to operations of the agricultural industry. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic r Development Committee Southold Town Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town Land Preservation Committee/Department, y Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council, Southold Town Board ..... Possible Partnerships:Peconic Land Trust,Long B Complement the strength of the Town's tourism Island Wine Council,Long Island Farm Bureau and agriculture industries through the provision O Objective 4.4 of services that promote economies of scale in Southold Town.There has been increased demand Support the local agricultural industry,and the for people buying space in town and at the increased production of a diverse range of local local wineries to make their own wine.With this goods in the North Fork. increased demand may come a role for cooperative warehousing and distribution space.Moreover,the Currently,approximately 150 farms operate in the Town should seek to attract new and appropriate Town,with the industry responsible for creating at businesses including small"country"hotels,bed& least 1,000 jobs.Southold has gained a reputation breakfasts,rental cottages,and specialty foods,as for producing premium produce,flowers and other well as high-end to family-friendly and economical landscaping materials,dairy products,seafood,and restaurants.Wherever possible,these Town efforts wine.The strength and the inter-relatedness between and programs should be coordinated with regional the Town's agriculture sector,restaurants,recreational initiatives at the regional,county,and state level. facilities,and the tourism industry present a major opportunity to Southold's economy. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 19 O Objective 4.5 Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council, Continue to cater to the"locavore"population Southold Town Renewable and Alternative Energy through encouraging greater participation in the Committee,Southold Town Board community-supported agriculture program,in , Possible Partnerships:Long Island Farm Bureau, addition to promoting the purchase of various Peconic Land Trust,Long Island Wine Council,New types of local produce native to Southold Town. York State Energy Research and Development There is a strong desire to buy local and support the Authority,American Wind Energy Association local farming industry.While many farms in Riverhead O Objective 4.7 have already done so,relatively few in Southold have joined the community-supported agriculture band- Continue to pursue relationships through Cornell wagon. Local farms should consider creating a commu- Cooperative Extension and other key players to nity-supported agriculture program.This program has promote the Town's aquaculture industry,and the bSouthold Project in Aquaculture Training(SPAT). been extremely popular with residents throughout Long Island and New York City purchasing a "share" Aquaculture has historically played a major role in of fruits,vegetables,eggs,poultry,and flowers from the Town's economy,but the industry has faced East End farms. Farmers are ensured demand for their many obstacles over the past few decades through product,and the up-front payments benefit local overfishing,brown tides,and various natural disasters. farmers immensely;customers are benefited with Continued efforts must be made to ensure that aqua- the convenience of fresh and often organic products culture remains strong well into the future. delivered to them on a regular basis. The Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Center and Cornell Cooperative Extension offers the Development Committee,Southold Town SPAT program.The program was created to restore Agricultural Advisory Committee,Island Community shellfish at a hatchery through acommunity-driven Board(Fishers Island),North Fork Promotion Council volunteer program.Volunteers are able to harvest half Possible Partnerships:Long Island Farm Bureau, of the shellfish for personal use,while the other half is Long Island Wine Council,New York State returned to the local waters to restore the population. Department of Agriculture and Markets,Cornell According to Cornell Cooperative Extension,over 400 Cooperative Extension,Peconic Land Trust,East End people have participated in the SPAT program,and Tourism Alliance millions of shellfish have been restored into the local waters since the program's inception.Efforts should O Objective 4.6 be made on behalf of the Town to foster continued Broaden opportunities for landowners to explore partnerships through this and other programs of a the interrelationship of agriculture and similar nature. renewable energy. > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Public participation efforts indicated Town residents' Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town desire for continued environmental sustainability Conservation Advisory Council,Fishers Island through renewable energy sources including the use of Harbor Committee,Island Community Board wind,solar,and other such efforts in town.It is recom- (Fishers Island),Southold Town Board mended that the Town partner with local farmers and agricultural landowners to help to sustain agriculture's Possible Partnerships:Cornell Cooperative Extension, importance within the Town's economy. Fishers Island Conservancy,Peconic Land Trust, Long Island Farm Bureau,Peconic Bay Aquaculture Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Advisory Committee,Peconic Estuary Program, Development Committee,Southold Town Nature Conservancy of Long Island,New York State Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town Department of Environmental Conservation Land Preservation Committee/Department, 20 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 4.8 o Goal 5: Preserve, Encourage, and Consider the economic impact to agricultural Continue to Support Existing landowners when considering zoning actions. and Future Maritime Uses as an Agricultural landowners must be able to secure Important Business Sector financing for equipment and management of ongoing within the Town's Economy farm operations.Often agricultural landowners' equity is in the land that they own;the highest and best use is considered for appraisal purposes in evalu- ating loans.As a result, land use decisions that change the highest and best use of land,could potentially affect the ability of agricultural landowners to secure _4- financing.This should be considered in the context of potential zoning actions. �. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town Land Preservation Committee/Department, Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council, Marina in Mattituck Southold Town Board,Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals This includes fishing related industries,marine trades, > Possible Partnerships:Long Island Farm Bureau, marine biology,marinas,recreational boating support Long Island Wine Council,Cornell Cooperative uses,and related uses. Extension,Peconic Land Trust,Farm Credit East- Riverhead Branch,New York State Department of O Objective 5.1 Agriculture and Markets Maintain consistency with the policies adopted under the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. O Objective 4.9 The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Continue to explore additional means to control was prepared in 2004,and provides strategies to the Town's deer population. encourage and protect the waterfront areas of The agricultural economy is negatively impacted by the the Town.It emphasizes the importance of coastal deer population that eats the crops.While Southold zone and traditional maritime uses in terms of the Town did enact a hunting program on its preserved commercial and recreational qualities of the Town. land two years ago,additional measures aimed at The LWRP also recommends waterfront access and controlling the deer population should be explored. water-dependent/water-enhanced uses,and provides an array of information relating to coastal and Town- Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic wide resources.The Town should be consistent with all Development Committee,Southold Town policies adopted under this program,as it pertains to Deer Management Task Force,Southold Town all future development and maritime uses. Agricultural Advisory Committee,Southold Town Land Preservation Committee/Department, Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Southold Town Conservation Advisory Council Development Committee,Southold Town Parks, Beaches and Recreation Committee,Southold > Possible Partnerships:Long Island Farm Bureau, Town Land Preservation Committee,Southold Peconic Land Trust,New York State Department of Town Conservation Advisory Council,Fishers Environmental Conservation Island Harbor Committee,Island Community Board (Fishers Island),Southold Town Board Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 21 Possible Partnerships:Cornell Cooperative O Objective 5.3 Extension,Peconic Land Trust,Fishers Island Create a series of Blueway Trails around Conservancy,Peconic Estuary Program,Nature mainland Southold. Conservancy of Long Island,New York State Department of Environmental Conservation The Town's waterfront includes a wide range of natural systems and recreational features,a rich history of O Objective 5.2 providing cultural attractions and a variety of dining Develop and implement Harbor Management and shopping opportunities.A Blueway Trail is a water- Plans for all Town creeks and harbors to establish dependent pathway,or"trail"that connects these orderly development of these areas and maintain points of interest using canoes,kayaks,and small boats. water quality. A series of Blueway Trails should be created that A Harbor Management Plan is essentially the strives to encompass the entire Town's mainland waterside component of an LWRP and seeks to shoreline,starting from the north shore of Laurel, regulate uses,structures,and conflicts specific to a wrapping around Orient Point,and back to the south given harbor. Harbor Management Plans have been shore of Laurel.This would enhance the use of the developed for specific waters in Mattituck and Fishers waterfront and provide a greater appreciation for the Island and a generic Harbor Management Plan was Town's resources,while linking the waterfront and created as part of the LWRP. It is recommended recreational facilities, beaches,parks,commercial use, that the Town develop and implement Harbor restaurants,and other attractions throughout Town. Management Plans for all other key Town creeks, Coordination with the Village of Greenport would inlets,open waters,and harbors to create guidelines strengthen this initiative. and limits on competing uses of the waterfront. > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic In addition,such Harbor Management Plans should Development Committee,Southold Town address appropriate economic development policies Transportation Commission,Southold Town Parks, including the avoidance of investment in high hazard Beaches and Recreation Committee,Southold Town areas subject to coastal flooding,wave action,storm Recreation Department,Southold Town Board surge,and sea level rise. In turn,this will provide for > Possible Partnerships:Village of Greenport,New York appropriate development and uses,maintain water State Department of State,New York State Department quality,and allow for the efficient use of the water uses of Environmental Conservation,New York State Office and natural resources. of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preservation Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic Development Committee,Southold Town Parks, Objective 5.4 Beaches and Recreation Committee,Southold Consider amendments to the zoning of larger Town Land Preservation Committee,Southold marinas to better accommodate and position Town Conservation Advisory Council,Fishers them as a viable use in the Town's economy. Island Harbor Committee,Island Community Board (Fishers Island),Southold Town Board Large marinas are facing pressures to expand their services to include swimming pools, restaurants, Possible Partnerships:Peconic Estuary Program, boat rentals,storage space,and other services that Cornell Cooperative Extension,Peconic Land cater to their customer's needs. In order to accom- Trust,Fishers Island Conservancy,Peconic Estuary modate this demand and continue to promote Program,Nature Conservancy of Long Island,opera- Southold's traditional maritime heritage,the Town tors of local marinas,New York State Department of should consider zoning amendments for marinas of State,New York State Department of Environmental appropriate size and location to better match the Conservation,United States Power Squadrons, needs of their clients. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 22 Chapter 7:Economic Development Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic O Objective 5.6 Development Committee,Southold Town Parks, > Work with the federal and state governments Beaches and Recreation Committee,Southold Town and municipalities to develop regional fisheries Zoning Board of Appeals,Fishers Island Harbor management plans for commercially viable Committee,Island Community Board(Fishers Island), marine species located in the Town's waters. Southold Town Board A Coordinate with the New York State Department Possible Partnerships:Local marinas of Environmental Conservation,and the compa- rable state agencies in Massachusetts,Connecticut O Objective 5.5 and Rhode Island to establish equitable landing Preserve the scenic views along the Town's limits for commercial marine species in state and shoreline through continued acquisition of Town waters. waterfront property,balancing its uses to include Discussions between the Town and many of its resi- preserved land and a range of outdoor activities and public recreation. dents have indicated that there exist inequitable commercial fishing and landing limit quotas and regulations between New York State,Connecticut, Massachusetts,and Rhode Island.This has resulted -w,--- in boats from neighboring states landing more fish and shellfish than Town-based boats, in Town waters. In an effort to level the playing field and at the same time increase productivity among the Town's lobstermen,fishermen,and other _ - - Baymen,it is recommended that the Town work , .:, �-Vit . ' `` with New York State Department of Environmental - Conservation and comparable agencies in neigh- 4 , boring states to establish equitable landing limits Crab shack in Orient in state and Town waters. B Petition New York State Department of While Southold Town has done well to acquire proper- Environmental Conservation to establish patrols to ties for preservation purposes,public comments have eliminate poaching and theft of gear. indicated the desire for waterfront property acquisition— including for beaches,parks,and other areas of access.It Poaching is a large concern that results in a signifi- has been noted that boating in town has become more cant loss of income to Town residents and Baymen. difficult due to the lack of access points.As such,it is As such,it is recommended that the Town work recommended that the Town examine ways to acquire with New York State Department of Environmental additional property along the waterfront.This can be Conservation to establish patrols to eliminate used for both passive and active recreational purposes, poaching as well as theft of marine gear and equip- as well as providing critical linkages for those interested ment from both personal watercraft and commer- in coming ashore for lunch,shopping,or recreational cial boats in Town waters. purposes.As these properties are acquired,they should C Work with New York State Department of be added to the Town's series of Blueway Trails. Environmental Conservation to explore the instal- Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic lation of an artificial reef to increase both the fish Development Committee,Southold Town Parks, population and the productivity of the commercial Beaches and Recreation Committee,Southold Town fishing industry. Recreation Department,Fishers Island Community Fishing in the bays is not as productive as it once Board,Southold Town Board was.One way to increase this productivity is Possible Partnerships:Peconic Land Trust,Peconic through the installation of artificial reefs,or man- Estuary Program,New York State Office of Parks, made underwater structures meant to imitate the Recreation and Historic Preservation benefits of natural reefs.Artificial reefs serve Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7:Economic Development 23 to attract fish from nearby areas,allowing smaller connections are underutilized.Few boaters make it as boats the ability to enter into waters that they far as Love Lane,especially out-of-towners who may would not otherwise be able to access.Assuming not realize the shopping and dining opportunities that they are installed correctly,artificial reefs have been lie just beyond the waterfront.In an effort to increase proven to have a positive impact on marine ecosys- the ability of the waterfront to serve as a generator for tems,while increasing the fish population.The economic development,it is suggested that the Town installation of such a reef could have tremendous find a better means of connecting the headwaters of beneficial impacts for both the local fish population the Creek to Mattituck's thriving hamlet center. and Southold's fishing industry. A Create a program aimed at providing bicycle use Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic between the local marinas and the hamlet center. Development Committee,Fishers Island Harbor Both visitors by boat and area merchants would Committee,Island Community Board (Fishers Island) benefit from a program to encourage walking Possible Partnerships:Southold Town Baymen's or bicycling into the Mattituck hamlet center.A Association,Fishers Island Lobstermen's Association, program to provide bicycle use for visitors at the Fishers Island Conservancy,New York State marina would increase accessibility into the shop- Department of Environmental Conservation, ping areas.The program could be a collaboration Connecticut Department of Environmental between marina owners and local cycle shops and/ Protection,Massachusetts Department of or the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce. Environmental Protection,Rhode Island Department B Increase access through regular dredging of of Environmental Management,Department of Mattituck Inlet. Interior,United States Fish and Wildlife Service To build upon its importance as a resource O Objective 5.7 and encourage the link between the creek and Mattituck's hamlet center,it is recommended that the Enhance the connection between Mattituck Inlet Inlet undergo more frequent dredging.Fishermen and the hamlet center. and marinas are faced with economic difficulties if Mattituck Inlet is an important economic, they can't get in and out of the inlet because it is environmental,and recreational resource in the hamlet silted in.Dredging is part of maintaining the Town's of Mattituck.Located just north of the hamlet center, infrastructure,and should be done on a regular basis. Mattituck Inlet runs two miles into the North Fork from Such dredging will assist in keeping the Inlet navi- Long Island Sound,and is the only harbor on the±50 gable,improving access and economic development mile stretch between Port Jefferson and Orient Point. opportunities to and from the Town for recreational As such,Mattituck serves as an important maritime and commercial boaters alike. location with the Inlet being a popular destination for > Responsible Parties:Southold Town Economic boaters.The hamlet's accessibility to water,in addition Development Committee,Southold Town Dredging to a designated anchorage,a Town park and boat Advisory Committee,Southold Town Parks, ramp,marinas,and maritime uses located close to the Beaches and Recreation Committee,Southold Town hamlet center make it a key economic driver. Recreation Department,Southold Town Board The Inlet is historically tied to the commercial offerings > Possible Partnerships:Mattituck Chamber of of Love Lane and surrounding areas;however,the Commerce,North Fork Promotion Council t Ipr y1��•. � �( R� i, � � � • . L _ �'k4�IT'° ^m��_�,p"'/•'.,{"- L ._._ r •M s�= ate. frA .J a I L a �14 .�. : • • • # F^ AP WC .5' y i it t y �1 k I - a �,1. •.yf}. � _y1I -• ..4 1 ` � .� L rt .y + �i "firr pY4 1 �.. r, i • • • r of s 4 3•r. � . . . yy�S I A ..} fly rt , r4 q. cm o AP . f liIr i VT , ° �. AL% S __ All " w 8 HOUSING his chapter discusses the current condition of the homes expressly to rent them out for short-term housing sector in Southold Town and provides vacations using websites such as AirBnB and VRBO.com. goals and objectives for the sector.Currently,housing In addition,although home prices fell significantly in Southold Town consists mostly of single-family during the Great Recession,the 2017 median sales price homes.According to the 2010 Census,there are 14,186 for a home was higher than ever before,pushing home homes in Southold Town.Of those,only 10 percent ownership beyond the reach of many residents. are available for rent year-round,compared with 21 percent in Suffolk County overall (see Table 8.1).In addition,a large number-5,217,or 37 percent—of the housing stock consists of second homes for seasonal and occasional use.These factors combine to produce the area's high home prices and the lack of available year-round rentals.Nearly 58 percent of the homes in = Southold Town are occupied by the owner or renter � . year-round. - Table 8.1 Existing Housing Inventory:2010 U.S. { Census Data -- ._ Total Number of Housing Units 14,186 y ►� y.y `` Year-round housing units-owner occupied 6,847 Year-round housing units-renter occupied 1,423 Seasonal housing units 5,217 The federal Department of Housing and Urban Background Development(HUD)considers housing"unaffordable" if housing costs are greater than 30 percent of total Housing Costs and Affordability household income.The American Community Survey 2012-2016 Five Year Estimate (ACS)found the following Southold has long been a destination for second- for Southold Town: homeowners and retirees due to its rural character and plentiful recreational opportunities.The buying power Almost 50 percent of renters pay>30 percent of of the second and retirement home purchasers has their income on housing been a major factor in driving up home prices.From <, Over 30 percent of homeowners pay>30 percent of 1990 to 2005,single-family homes in Southold tripled their income on housing in price,as measured by median sales,far outstrip- These statistics show that residents are over-extending ping the increase in the median income for Southold themselves to live in Southold.The median sales price residents.Low inventory,especially of homes on the of a home in 2017 reached $565,000(Suffolk Research lower end of the price range is also a problem and Service Inc.),a figure that surpassed even the pre- contributing to this low inventory is the business of recession high of$525,000 in 2007 and which is the vacation rentals,which is based on the buying of highest median sales price in the past 11 years. 2 Chapter 8:Housing Southold Town Comprehensive Plan According to the ACS,median income for all house- Table 8.2 Other Housing Characteristics from holds in Southold Town was$79,438.Generally,a Collected Data household with that income could afford to pay no more than $198,595 for a home(or carry a mortgage no greater than that amount).So half of the households in Senior Housing-Cooperative Units 389 Southold—households earning less than the median— Peconic Landing 345 and Colonial Village 44 would qualify for homes under that$198,595 ceiling, Senior Housing-Condominium Units when very few homes on the market sell for less than Founders Village:92,Pheasant Run:60,not including 152 $300,000.Many Southold families could not afford their Harvest Pointe 124 units approved&under construction present home if they were to buy it at today's prices. Section 8 Number of Subsidies 370 Figure 8.1 The Lack of Affordability Moderate-Income Subsidized Home Ownership 22 The Cottages at Mattituck Southold Median Affordable Southold Median Special-Needs Housing 10 income House Home Price Developmentally/mentally disabled Recovery House 1 "Sober home"serving up to 10 people Homeless Shelter � Provided in winter rotating the shelter among partici- 1 pating churches-serving up to 70 people per night Changes to the Town Code have been made over the years as experience has demonstrated where improve- (U.S. i ments were needed.For example,the Affordable MedianCOMMURRY Survey (23 x Housing Zoning District has a requirement that housing 203-2017 5-yearsestirrate) units constructed in that zone maintain a perpetual cap on the maximum sales price or rental price to keep $79,438 $198,595 $565,000 them affordable.The first Affordable Housing Districts developed prior to this requirement did not remain affordable,and the houses were resold at market rates. Additional changes included a housing registry created Housing Needs and Challenges to help match people in need with affordable housing. Safe and affordable housing is vital to a community's To be eligible for the Town's housing registry,the total stability and growth.Increasing the amount of afford- household income cannot exceed the median income able housing to help sustain its year-round residents for Nassau-Suffolk Counties(2018 Nassau-Suffolk is a goal of the Town.Fewer than 10 percent of the median income for a family of four=$116,700).When housing units counted in the 2010 Census were year- the registry was established,few applications came in round rentals. In addition to the scarcity of market-rate until a developer/sponsor proposed building 22 units rental housing,the subsidized rental housing units (The Cottages in Mattituck,partly funded by Suffolk administered by the North Fork Housing Alliance have County),priced at$178,000 to $214,000 for two- remained stagnant through the years,despite the rising bedroom homes.When these units were advertised, number of residents in need of rent subsidies to afford more than 350 applications flooded in,and the registry to remain in their communities. list swelled to more than 400 applications on file,90 Safe and affordable housing is also needed for the percent of which were from Southold residents. vulnerable citizens in our population.Seniors,people Although there were 400 people on the housing with special needs,people in recovery from substance registry,many of them could not afford the down abuse,and the homeless may need subsidized housing payment,nor could they qualify for a mortgage.This options.Table 8.2 shows a variety of housing types for highlighted the large unmet need in the Town for year- residents currently in need of these options. round rental housing for people that were making too much for subsidies,but not enough to buy a home. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8:Housing 3 This includes apartments for households making changes to the housing registry process that made it between $70,000 and $116,700(60-100 percent of the simpler for future landlords have enabled other rental median income),or what the Town Code refers to as projects to move forward. "moderate-income families:' ft IN The need for rentals brought about a series of code changes to help spur homeowners and businesses to create accessory apartments,and to incentivize devel- - opers to create small apartment developments.These code changes were also in line with the community's desire to retain community character.Homeowners ttgp are allowed to create accessory apartments in their a homes and can rent them out at market rate.They can IFT T, AT MATTITUCK also create accessory apartments in existing acces- sory structures(e.g.,converting a detached garage to an apartment)to rent to family members or to income-eligible tenants at affordable rates.The rules q for apartments in commercial buildings were loosened, including allowing all-residential apartment build- ings in commercial zones.The allowable density and The Cottages atMattituck minimum size of affordable apartment developments in the Affordable Housing District were adjusted to Availability of affordable housing for full-time residents, allow more apartments of smaller size. especially workers,is a serious problem.High housing costs will ultimately result in the ongoing decline in year- TheTown also maintains a Sanitary Flow Credit bank, round residents,young people,and families in the area. which allows a developer to buy low-cost credits to add The diminishing representation of year-round residents one or more affordable apartments to a commercial and young families will have an impact on our commu- building where they would otherwise not be allowed to nity overall,and more specifically on local employers, by the Suffolk County Department of Health.Another school enrollment,and staffing of local volunteer efforts longstanding code requirement has been inclusionary such as the all-volunteer fire departments. zoning,which states that up to 20 percent of any new subdivision over five lots must be made affordable or The quality and upkeep of housing is a related issue. the developer can choose to opt out by paying into the Southold has largely been spared neighborhood blight, Town Housing Fund. yet blighted housing conditions do occur.If such condi- tions are ignored,they can lead to lower property values These changes have seen some limited success.Since and damage quality of life for neighbors.Overcrowding 2004 there have been 27 accessory apartments and other unsafe conditions are another form of neigh- approved by the Town's Zoning Board of Appeals,and borhood blight,which also endangers tenants. one new affordable apartment and one market rate apartment in a commercial building.Inclusionary Continued efforts to help meet the need for safe, zoning for subdivisions has brought in nearly a half a attainable housing are necessary.The following are goals million dollars to the Housing Fund in 2017.And toward this end. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Create Affordable Housing Additionally,a zoning analysis could be conducted to allow for infill development in areas capable of The Town needs to review the adaptive reuse of absorbing more density such as the hamlet centers and existing housing stock and commercial structures, HALOS,e.g.,locating additional housing units into an i.e.,renovating them as a way to increase the housing existing neighborhood. inventory without harming the visual landscape. 4 Chapter 8:Housing Southold Town Comprehensive Plan The need for additional housing must be met if the moderate-income family dwelling unit.The Southold is to maintain a vibrant workforce large buyout amount is currently set at twice the amount and varied enough to serve year-round residents and of the median income of a family of four for Nassau/ seasonal visitors.Though Southold,like most places, Suffolk County per unit required and not constructed. mainly relies on private enterprise to supply housing, "Perpetual affordability"for affordable housing units the Town does have within its control a variety of ways that come up for resale.These restrictions limit how to influence the development of housing.The following much the seller can ask to prevent the units from are necessary requirements that must be satisfied in rising to market rate after subsidies have expired. order to create affordable housing in any significant number(more than five units): <� Higher densities for affordable apartments in the Affordable Housing District. Co Support of the Town Board and Planning Board for • Amendments to the housing registry process the proposed concept(location of site,architectural to improve the ability of owners of affordable design,proximity to hamlet centers,infrastructure,etc.) apartments to choose eligible tenants. Availability of grants,based on income,from federal Allowing apartment buildings to be located in and state entities that subsidize homeownership for commercial zones. qualified buyers. co Change of zoning designation by the Town Board to Affordable Housing District (AHD Zone) in �.. appropriate areas to permit the higher density ®® allowed by that district. co Transfer of sanitary flow credits in accordance with Suffolk County Department of Health and Southold Town regulations. c_'o Assistance from Suffolk County Department of Workforce Housing toward the purchase of land or 11 C infrastructure improvements. r 0 Provision of public services(utilities)and infrastructure(water,drainage,roads)to support the development of housing. 13 Ability of the sponsor or developer to make a Mixed-use building in Mattituck subsidized project financially viable(tax abatements through New York State)while keeping the housing O Objective 1.1 affordable and to achieve enough density(via Provide diversified housing using existing rezoning)and subsidies to make it worthwhile. buildings to help meet the needs of current In addition,the Town has implemented legislation year-round residents,including senior citizens, and policies intended to increase affordable housing, and local workers. including the following: A Encourage the development of accessory apart- "Inclusionary"zoning that requires new ments in existing barns and garages that can be developments of five or more housing units to renovated into small apartments for singles or provide 20 percent of the potential number of couples or that allow the homeowners(retirees,etc.) housing units as affordable. to downsize and live in the accessory apartment A"buyout"option,which was created for developers while renting their house to larger families. who choose not to build affordable units within the B I Continue to work with the Family Service League to new development allowing developers the ability to expand its HomeShare Long Island program,which make a substantial payment to the Town's Housing provides affordable housing for both seniors and Fund.Each year the Town Board establishes an non-seniors,generally in the form of rooms within amount that developers must pay in lieu of building existing homes. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8:Housing 5 C I Establish loans and grants from the Town's B I Develop partnerships with non-profit housing Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) developers to build age-restricted apartments using funding to convert larger homes from existing stock HUD's Section 202 funding. into units of affordable rental housing,especially in C Develop moderate-income home-ownership units or near hamlet centers. with age restrictions through inclusionary zoning D Encourage the development of diversified housing policies,change of zoning to AHD,and partnerships for artists and crafters in hamlet centers in combina- with housing providers. tion with galleries,etc.,drawing on Suffolk County D i Approach appropriate individuals within federal, Workforce Housing funding. state,and county governments to help the North E Consider using buyout funds from inclusionary Fork Housing Alliance increase its inventory of subsi- zoning to partner with non-profits to acquire and dized rental apartments and address the growing rebuild substandard housing units.Renovated needs of lower-income residents. units could be sold to households on the Housing E Investigate the provision of tax incentives to Registry with covenants and restrictions to ensure prospective homeowners to mitigate the sanitary perpetual affordability. In addition,consider using impact of new construction. buyout funds for purchase of homes that are short-sale and/or foreclosed to households on the F Explore the feasibility of identifying potential Housing Registry. locations that would be appropriate for higher- density affordable housing that would be readily F I Consider using the Town Housing Fund to set up a available to potential sponsors for development. revolving grant assistance program to enable house- Identification would be part of the process of public holds on the Housing Registry to rehabilitate and/or meetings with the Town Board,Planning Board,and buy homes on the existing market that would lower Housing Advisory Commission. the purchase price to stimulate sales. Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission, Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission, Town Board,Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals Southold Senior Services,Building Department, Zoning Board of Appeals,Planning Board, Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Economic Architectural Review Committee,Community Development and Workforce Housing,Community Development Block Grant Development Corporation of Long Island,Long Island Housing Partnership,Housing Urban Development, Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Economic New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Development and Workforce Housing,Suffolk Walsh Park Benevolent Association,private devel- County Office for Aging,Family Service League, opers,local religious institutions Walsh Park Benevolent Association,Habitat for Humanity,Community Development Corporation of O Goal 2: Promote Awareness Long Island,Long Island Housing Partnership About Housing Issues O Objective 1.2 Many residents are unaware of the existing resources Encourage the development of new,diversified that might help them obtain funding to buy a home, housing to help meet the needs of current year- fend off foreclosure,or maintain their home.Affordable round residents,including senior citizens,and housing (also known as"workforce housing") is often local workers. plagued by misconceptions and myths. A I Develop units of moderate-income home ownership O Objective 2.1 through the Town's inclusionary zoning policies, Develop a series of educational forums to inform Suffolk County 72 H transfers(tax default properties), the public about housing services, programs, change of zoning to AHD,and partnerships with and resources. non-profit housing developers utilizing New York State HOME funding.This could include consideration A I Teach skills to promote successful home ownership of changing code to allow smaller sized homes than and landlord/tenant relations. have been allowed (less than 850 square feet.) 6 Chapter 8:Housing Southold Town Comprehensive Plan B Work with banks and non-profit providers to O Goal 3: Retain Residents inform homeowners about resources to abate in Existing Housing mortgage foreclosures. C Highlight resources and programs that promote Southold's population has a high percentage of energy efficiency and weatherization. senior citizens. D Deepen public understanding of who needs afford- able housing and why. E To promote conversion to affordable accessoryAL apartments,create a one-page flyer that clearly explains how to create accessory apartments with information about additional tax assessments, �m maximum rental charges,selection of tenants,etc. ■i This could include a checklist of what is needed along with offering the services of the building department to visit prospective sites to offer Cottages suggestions about feasibility of the concept.In addi- tion,Town could host information and discussion The ACS estimates that over 37 percent of the year- sessions with the public. round population is 60 years or older.This sizable F Strictly enforce fair housing laws so that every segment of the population will require special forms of person has equal access to housing without regard housing and assistance to make it possible for them to to race,color,religion,gender,sexual orientation, age in place and continue living in the Town. family or marital status,disability,or national origin. Objective 3.1 Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission, O Renewable Alternative Energy Committee Provide resources to help residents stay in their homes. Possible Partnerships: Community Development Corporation of Long Island, Long Island Housing A To maintain seniors in their homes,look into estab- Partnership, North Fork Housing Alliance, regional lishing naturally occurring retirement communities banks, local religious institutions (NORCs)through grant funding for the Town's Senior Services.A NORC is a neighborhood or O Objective 2.2 locality where many elderly live;it becomes eligible Produce printed materials and Internet resources for various social services that make it easier for the to complement educational forums. elderly to remain in their homes. B I Promote universal design elements in the building A Create fliers and brochures and make them available code to accommodate seniors aging in place and at Town Clerk's office and other municipal offices. persons with physical disabilities.Such elements B Use the Town's website to post PDFs with informa- promote safety features and remove physical barriers tion about housing resources. that older people or the disabled cannot handle. Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission, C Provide education about services and resources Department of Information and Technology that help with weatherization,energy efficiency, Possible Partnerships:Community Development and home repair for households that qualify under Corporation of Long Island,Long Island Housing income limits. Partnership,North Fork Housing Alliance,Long D Mandate that all participants in the Town's afford- Island Power Authority able housing programs participate in homebuyer education classes from regional housing providers such as the Long Island Housing Partnership and the Community Development Corporation of Long Island. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8:Housing 7 Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission O Objective 5.1 Possible Partnerships:Rebuild Together Long Island, Continue to review and research policies and Community Development Corporation of Long best practices elsewhere to find solutions to Island,Long Island Housing Partnership,North Fork meet housing needs of the Town's residents. Housing Alliance,Southold Town Human Services, local religious institutions O Objective 5.2 Explore policy and legislative changes that could O Goal 4: Protect Quality Of Life provide a greater inventory of affordable housing. Protect quality of life for neighbors of neglected homes and blighted properties,and protect the O Objective 5.3 safety of tenants in rentals. Seek grant funding for a pilot program to explore infrastructure improvements that would allow O Objective 4.1 for the opportunity to develop very limited Address the problems that result from increased density such as apartments over blighted properties. storefronts in hamlet centers. A Strengthen the staffing of code enforcement to deal The infrastructure to be explored would include the with blighted housing. newest technology in small package sewage treatment B Develop a pilot program to rehabilitate units of plants,which are much more compact,efficient,and blighted housing with loans and grants through the limited in size and scope than traditional sewer systems. Town's CDBG funding. O Objective 5.4 O Objective 4.2 Promote the integration of Leadership in Energy Address the problems that result from tenant and Environmental Design (LEED) (or similar overcrowding (fire safety,parking,garbage,and certification that is not as costly)and Energy Star noise) in unpermitted and/or unsafe structures. building standards in affordable housing construction to promote occupant sustainability. A Create an outreach program to inform property owners of code as well as ways to address violations O Objective 5.5 of properties to bring them up to code. Examine the merits of creating a housing authority. B� Create a rental permit system to help ensure the safety of tenants. O Objective 5.6 C Strengthen staffing of code enforcement to address overcrowded housing. Encourage the creation of a local community land trust;a non-profit group that lowers the cost Responsible Parties:Town Board,Building of housing by selling houses without the land. Department and Code Enforcement Office,Community Development Block Grant Reviewing Committee They typically buy the land,develop homes on the land Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Economic and sell those homes while retaining ownership of the Development and Workforce Housing's Office of land and assuming the associated costs of the land, Community Development thereby lowering the cost of the house. Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission, o Goal 5: Develop Best Practices Town Board,Town Attorney,Planning Board in Housing > Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Legislature, For the Town to meet the housing needs of Suffolk County Health Department,Suffolk County its residents,it must stay abreast of national Planning Department and Planning Commission, legislation,policies,and programs that could Community Development Corporation of Long provide fresh solutions for creating housing. Island,Long Island Housing Partnership P sir 77 er Aft P. rte. 4 Pa � 1 •. 44 91 16 } � � -F � -'R$ '� �,1 a •u t ,v _ �-• - •��■Y fY r�tiYr -.�. CHAPTER . Tables 9.11 .. 5 Industries in Southold, . Output 9.21 .. Categories Development9.31 Farmland Protected from Residential . . Town Figures . . i V ` 4 - r ; .. .i 'r sR• ` �. -t •s� 1. } w �• > !JK� -- 1 1 914 ` ` ,�_ ;4 rip 9 AGRICULTURE Agriculture is an important part of Southold,both Existing Conditions in terms of economics and land area used,with about 30 percent of its 33,350 acres in farmland (see Farm Inventory Figure 9.1). In 2010,the Southold Agricultural Advisory Committee Figure 9.1 Southold General Land Use conducted an inventory of farm operations and crop types.They found that in Southold Town there were Recreation& approximately 134 agricultural operations representing Agriculture Open Space a diversityof s(see Table 9.2). 30%(10,008 ac.) 13%(4,488 ac.) crops Not developed Table 9.2 Crop Categories' 9%(3,008 ac.) Vineyard 2,151 Vegetables/Fruits (not grown in greenhouses) 1,835 Developed(includes Nursery/Greenhouse 1,444 residential&commercial) Fallowz 1,150 48%(15,846ac.) Sod 913 Hay,alfalfa,grain,field corn 786 Fallow 23 730 Agriculture forms therefore an integral part of the Livestock 576 identity of the Town.Agriculture and related businesses Woodland 466 combined are in the top five economic engines of our Aquaculture 272 economy according to data compiled in Chapter 7, "Economic Development"(see Table 9.1). Christmas trees 64 Table 9.1 Top 5 Industries in Southold,by Output to This inventorywas completed in 2010,and crop types are subject to change over time.The total acres is 379 acres larger than the the Local Economy amount of agricultural land shown in Figure 9.1,meaning there Industry are some areas thatare recognized as farmland,and yetare not coded as such in the land use field,or that some areas of Construction Industry&Related $156,000,000 farmland are no longer classified as such(2010 inventoryversus 2018 land use data). Government $139,000,000 z The"Fallow'category represents farmland that is either being Agriculture&Related Industries $120,000,000 rested from cultivation as partofnormal farming practice,orhas recen tly s topp ed being ac tively farm ed. Retail $108,000,000 s The"Fallow 2"category represen ts farmland tha t has b e en Medical Industries $89,000,000 fallow for long enough to have small cedars and brush. Source:Minnesota IMPLAN Group Industry Profile.2008 Data Chapter 9:Agriculture Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Approach The challenges to agriculture in Southold are many. To retain agriculture as part of Southold's fabric and One of the largest difficulties is competition with economy,we need to understand farming as a business. growers in other places who have lower costs of doing business.The costs of doing business for a farm in The business of farming has many forms in Southold, Southold include land and utility prices that are among from rows of vegetable crops,to the structured vine- the highest in the country.Other challenges include yards with their trellises,to greenhouses and nurseries weather,pests,crop diseases,and potential conflicts with large areas of connected greenhouses with potted with neighbors,which present riskfor a business.Farms plants,to the open water of the bay where shellfish also have many layers of regulation,beginning with grow.Farming business models also vary widely,and town zoning,and including county,state,and federal include wholesale growers,retail farm stands,u-pick regulations.Another challenge for the Town in its farms,wineries with live music,and corn mazes, efforts to retain the business of agriculture is to protect hayrides,and other on-site entertainment. public health and safety. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Retain and Advance the A I Provide written policies and procedures for agricul- Industry Of Agriculture tural site plans,including a handout at the Building Department and Planning Board counters. O Objective 1.1 The Town Code provides for agricultural site plan Ensure Southold Town Code and policies encourage applications to have some of the technical require- and advance the business of agriculture. ments waived,though the specific procedures for these waivers are not clear.A detailed policy and Farming has been part of Southold Town for its entire procedure handout would help applicants under- history.Over the years,there have been major transitions stand the requirements.In addition,land-based from one type of farming to another,necessitated by the structures used for aquaculture should also be changing marketplace and competition from other included under this policy. places.The ability of agriculture to make transitions is essential to the continuation of farming in Southold. Responsible Parties:Planning Board Possible Partnerships:Building Department, Agricultural Advisory Committee B Review Town Code to ensure the language allows • for diversity and new ideas in farming uses and k$ activities.The Town Code needs to be updated so it is flexible on future agricultural practices and is consistent with the definitions and policies of the New York State Department of Agriculture and . - Markets while also balancing public health,safety, ,q and welfare concerns. 1 Exempt certain agricultural structures/uses from site plan review. Digging potatoes in Southold Town Site plans are required to ensure the public's health,safety,and welfare.Some agricultural The Town must find ways to ensure its regulations and structures are of a type,size,or location where development rights easements to provide enough there is little or no possible impact to the public, flexibility to allow agricultural businesses to flourish, or may not actually be considered"structures" while continuing to balance the needs for public safety because of their function (seasonal hoophouses and quality of life. are an example of this). Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9:Agriculture 3 21 Broaden Town Code to specifically allow on-farm Town Code to allow retail sales of aquaculture processing of any type of crop into retail and products at farm stands. wholesale-ready products(e.g.,pies,preserves, 101 Land containing ancillary land-based structures chips,wine,beer,vodka),including the processing used for aquaculture should be included in of livestock.Products must be primarily made the Agricultural District and be eligible for the from what is grown on the property,as well as on Agricultural Assessment. otherfarmland owned or leased by the person or 11 Consider an increase in the lot coverage for company conducting the processing.Being able greenhouses. to convert a crop into a value-added product may be essential to agriculture's future success as a Currently the lot coverage for any structure is 20 percent on most agricultural land.Greenhouse business in Southold. operations or even high tunnels to extend the 31 Amend the definitions in Town Code to be growing season need to be able to cover a higher consistent and up-to-date with current and future percentage of land to maximize efficiency. agricultural practices(Chapters 70,72,240,280). 41 Add definitions to the Town Code to clarify A sliding scale of lot coverage may be advisable, agriculture-related terms where necessary. with smaller parcels being allowed a higher 51 Define a development right and what uses percentage.Drainage of stormwater must be remain after development rights are purchased. considered ahead of time for a high percentage of lot coverage with impervious surfaces. In other words,is the purchase of a development right simply to prohibit residential development? Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory What uses remain intact after a sale of develop- Committee,Town Board ment rights?Clarify this in the Town Code. > Possible Partnerships:Building Department, 61 On land where development rights have been Planning Board,Land Preservation Committee, sold to the Town (Town-preserved farmland), Long Island Farm Bureau,Long Island Wine Council consider providing the same agricultural rights - as land that has not had its development rights ~� sold.This would allow for on-farm marketing and other structures and uses on development rights sold land. L 71 Explore ways to allow farms to have multiple ¢ 5 ' agricultural uses without having to satisfy the minimum lot size requirement for each use. 81 Consider bringing back the"set-off"for active farms only,with strict new rules to prevent Greenhouse interior the incremental subdivision into many lots over time.This is to allow for the creation of C I Refer development applications related to agriculture one lot for a family member without having to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for an opinion. to go through the full subdivision process. The Town Code was revised in 2018 to codify Considerations would include whether a viable the participation of the Agricultural Advisory farm is left behind,determining the appropriate Committee in the site plan process for agricultural size of the set-off parcel,and ensuring it is a projects.Other boards may also take advantage of one-time-only allowance. the expertise on this committee for applications 91 Clarify what is currently allowed under Town relating to agriculture. Code for aquaculturists to retail their harvest in Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee Southold.If impediments exist due to an aqua- culturist's location in the water rather than on Possible Partnerships:Building Department, land,consider finding a way to remove or lessen Planning Board,Zoning Board of Appeals, the impediments through amendments to the Board of Trustees Chapter 9:Agriculture Southold Town Comprehensive Plan D I Review future Town Purchase of Development D Add signage to the entrance of the Town stating Rights(PDR)easements to ensure the language that the Town is a"right to farm community." allows for diversity and new ideas in farming uses E Increase enforcement of this Town Code requirement. and activities. > Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee Committee Possible Partnerships:Real estate companies and Possible Partnerships:Planning Board,Land real estate industry organizations Preservation Committee O Objective 1.3 E I In future Town PDR easements,allow for a residence Continue to protect farmland from conversion to within the easement area. a non-agricultural use. Reserving one development right for a residence within the easement will allow for more flexibility in Farmland protection in the form of purchase of devel- the future location.This development right would opment rights has been steadily occurring in Southold be retained by the owner of the property(and thus since 1974 when one of the first-ever purchase of would not be purchased by the Town). development rights was undertaken by Suffolk County. Of the approximately 10,000 acres of agricultural land Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory in Southold,over 4,700 acres of farmland have been Committee preserved by various levels of government/non-profit Possible Partnerships:Planning Board,Land organizations by the purchase of development rights Preservation Committee and through the subdivision process(see Table 9.3). Supporting agriculture through the other goals in O Objective 1.2 this chapter will also help to prevent the conversion Promote awareness of and enforce the provisions of farmland. of the Farmland Bill of Rights(aka Right to Farm) Table 9.3 Farmland Protected from Residential in Town Code. Development in Southold Town In 1997,the Town Board amended the Town Zoning Code to include the Farmland Bill of Rights,the purpose of which is to reduce conflicts between people residing Southold Town PDR 2,633 on tracts adjacent to farmlands.This section of the Suffolk County PDR 1,751 code finds that agriculture is an essential activity within New York State PDR 22 the Town,outlines the benefits of farming along with Peconic Land Trust 207 finding that these benefits offset any nuisance that may Subdivision Open Space 178 be caused,and identifies farming practices that are in compliance with applicable regulations to be protected Total 4,767 farm practices.Certain provisions of this law,such as the requirement that brokers provide a copy of the bill of A� Promote the purchase of development rights by the rights to purchasers of property adjacent to farms,may Town,County,and State. need some promotion and awareness to ensure it occurs. B I Continue seeking funding from other sources for A Work with the real estate industry,including real development rights purchases,including federal estate brokers and real estate attorneys,to promote and state grants. awareness of the requirements of the Farmland Bill C Promote conservation subdivisions and Open of Rights in Southold Town Code. Development Area Plans(ODA),and Agricultural B I Create a brochure promoting awareness of this Planned Development Districts(Ag PDD). requirement that can be distributed to the public. D During the subdivision process,provide and enforce C Ask the local paper to run an article on the Town's required buffers between farms and houses and buffers to the street.Buffers should be placed on "Farmland Bill of Rights,"or include mention of it in the residential parcels created in the subdivision to articles related to agriculture. keep as much land in agriculture as possible. I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9:Agriculture 5 E I Contact appropriate state-elected officials Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory to promote the extension of the Community Committee,Southold Town Economic Development Preservation Fund (2 percent transfer tax used to Committee,North Fork Promotion Council fund land preservation efforts on the East End), Possible Partnerships:Long Island Wine Council, which will sunset in 2050. Long Island Farm Bureau,Mattituck Chamber of > Responsible Parties:Planning Board,Land Commerce,North Fork Chamber of Commerce,East Preservation Committee End Tourism Alliance,Village of Greenport,Village of Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County,New York Greenport Business Improvement District State,federal grant programs O Objective 1.4 Maintain a current inventory document of active agricultural lands. g Maintaining an inventory document of active farmland is important to detect trends and determine whether the Town's goals of maintaining and advancing agricul- ture are being met. A I Update existing inventory at least every five years, oras needed. O Objective 1.6 Responsible Parties:Planning Board Promote a"Buy Local"Campaign Possible Partnerships:Agricultural Advisory Matching local producers with local buyers is a win-win Committee,Peconic Land Trust for all involved.Produce that reaches the consumer BI Implement a program to help connect new farmers is fresher,and the costs and environmental impacts with owners of fallow land that might agree to long- associated with shipping are reduced. term leases for agriculture and potential property A I Work with local organizations to promote a"buy tax savings. local"campaign for agricultural products(e.g., There are almost 2,000 acres of fallow land identi- Grown on Long Island). fied in the latest Southold farmland inventory.This > Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory program could work well for people who are just Committee beginning and may need only a small amount of land to start. > Possible Partnerships:Southold Economic Development Committee,Long Island Farm Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Bureau,Peconic Land Trust,Long Island Wine Committee Council,Human Resource Center Possible Partnerships:Cornell Cooperative B I Encourage schools to educate children about the Extension,Long Island Farm Bureau,Peconic connection between farming and food. Land Trust > Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory O Objective 1.5 Committee Promote and support agriculture-related tourism. Possible Partnerships:School districts Agriculture-related tourism helps farmers sell their O Objective 1.7 product.Promoting tourism,however,must also take into Promote the direct purchase of fresh vegetables consideration the welfare and safety of Town residents. and fruits by schools and other institutions. 0 Continue to work with the North Fork Promotion Direct connections between schools and other institu- Council (NFPC) to help promote agriculture- tions to local farms have been successful in other areas. related tourism. 6 Chapter 9:Agriculture Southold Town Comprehensive Plan The Town might be able to be instrumental in encour- 3> Responsible Parties:Southold MS4(Stormwater aging this type of partnership between local cafeterias/ Pollution Prevention) Committee kitchens and local farms. Possible Partnerships:Agricultural Advisory o Work with schools,senior centers,hospitals,food Committee,Southold Shellfish Advisory pantries,and other institutions to encourage their Committee,U.S. Department of Agriculture purchasing fresh vegetables and fruit and other Natural Resources Conservation Service,Suffolk products directly from local farms. County Soil and Water Conservation District, Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,Baymen's Association,Southold Possible Partnerships:Schools,hospitals,nursing Board of Trustees,Association of Marine Industries homes,Long Island Farm Bureau,Southold Human Resource Center B� Educate boaters about aquaculture operations to prevent the breakage of gear and the spread of O Objective 1.8 contaminants from bilge water. Promote the continuation of aquaculture in Southold. Aquaculture is agriculture,the main difference being that the crop is grown in water.Aquaculture,as typi- cally practiced in Southold,requires clean water in the bays and creeks to be successful.The crop most is,. commonly grown by aquaculturists in Southold is shellfish.Shellfish are filter feeders,and their filtering '° -— •. of the seawater provides an environmental benefit to —, the health of the bays.Pollutants and siltation from stormwater runoff,groundwater pollution from septic systems,and lawn chemicals,among other inputs,all Boaters can unknowingly destroy aquaculture contribute to the degradation of our bays and creeks crops by travelling over buoys and pulling them up. and can create a toxic environment for shellfish. They can also cause the spread of contaminants by A Improve water quality in the creeks and bays for pumping out bilges near aquaculture operations. aquaculture(the cultivation of aquatic organisms Responsible Parties:Southold Shellfish Advisory such as shellfish). Committee 1 I Continue the stormwater runoff prevention > Possible Partnerships:New York State initiative (MS4)to prevent stormwater runoff Department of Environmental Conservation, from polluting the creeks,bays,and other Baymen's Association,Southold Board of Trustees, surface waters,including a voluntary use of marinas and boating associations best management practices for preventing C Provide a source of information and guidance for stormwater runoff from farmland. Devise low- new aquaculturalists by providing links to educa- tech,low-cost solutions to stormwater runoff for farms that do not use up a large amount of land. tional programs,and existing aquaculturists. 1 Seek funds for an East End surface water-quality Responsible Parties:Southold Shellfish testing facility or create a volunteer program Advisory Committee to test water quality in a manner that is accept- > Possible Partnerships:Agricultural Advisory able to the New York State Department of Committee,Suffolk County Planning,U.S. Environmental Conservation. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources 31 Educate homeowners about the impacts of Conservation Service,Suffolk County Soil and septic systems and lawn fertilizers and chemicals Water Conservation District,New York State on the groundwater,and the steps that can be Department of Environmental Conservation, taken to lessen those impacts. Baymen's Association,Southold Board of Trustees I Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9:Agriculture 7 o Goal 2: Protect Prime chemicals.While these chemicals are heavily regulated by Agricultural Soils from other levels of government,the Town could have a role in providing education and awareness,especially to new Depletion, Removal, and farmers,about the best management practices available Excessive Erosion and how they relate to Southold's unique environment. Soil is an important natural resource that must be Develop an informational website page and brochure protected for future generations. regarding best management practices for agriculture O Objective 2.1 in Southold,including links to relevant agencies. Engage in soil conservation. > Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee A Encourage farmers to engage in soil conservation > Possible Partnerships:Cornell Cooperative Extension,Long Island Farm Bureau planning with U.S.Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Suffolk o Goal 4: Promote Improved County Soil and Water Conservation District. Agricultural Yields Through B Prevent stripping of soil underneath farm structures Nuisance Wildlife Management through education programs in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Southold is home to diverse wildlife,some of which C In partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension cause major problems for crops. encourage cover cropping to prevent soil erosion through education about the importance of soil management and best techniques. D Encourage crop rotation,where appropriate. E Consider adding a page to the Town's website that focuses on agriculture and contains links to soil conservation resources and agencies. *■- _� F Work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to find improved 4#' methods to control Canada geese and deer to prevent their removal of cover crops.One example of improved p p p . {� .� , , management is to implement an aggregate limit rather than a daily limit for the taking of geese. �— Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee These include deer,Canada geese and wild turkeys. Possible Partnerships:U.S. Department of With almost no natural predators,the populations of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, these animals grow unchecked,leading to increasing Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District, damage to crops.Solutions to these problems should New York State Department of Environmental be explored by working with several levels of govern- Conservation ment regulatory agencies,as well as local growers. Work with regulatory and farm support agencies to o Goal 3: Promote Best determine if there are ways for the Town to help find Management Practices for solutions to this problem. Agricultural Pesticides and Herbicides > Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee This is to protect groundwater and surface > Possible Partnerships: New York State water resources. Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department Southold's aquifers,creeks,and bays are all susceptible of Agriculture,Southold Deer Management Task to pollution from the use of pesticide and herbicide Force, Long Island Farm Bureau 8 Chapter 9:Agriculture Southold Town Comprehensive Plan o Goal 5: Promote Best B I Develop an informational page on the Town's Management Practices to website regarding local crop diseases and pests, including the above information and links to Prevent the Movement Of Crop existing information such as the"Blightcast" Disease and Pests from One provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Location to Another > Responsible Parties:Agricultural Advisory Committee Awareness and education of the public of the methods by which crop diseases and pests are � Possible Partnerships:Cornell Cooperative moved from one place to another can help prevent Extension,Long Island Farm Bureau their causing widespread crop loss. o Goal 6: Protect Public Safety by For example,excavating and moving soil in an area Ensuring Adequate Parking with golden nematode can spread this devastating crop pest to other places.Another example is late and Traffic Control On Private blight,a fungus that affects potatoes and tomatoes, Property at Retail Agricultural among other crops.This fungus is spread by the wind, Operations and a home gardener could easily spread it to commer- • Consider codifying parking requirements for cial crops if they are unaware of it. agricultural-related retail operations that attract O Objective 5.1 large numbers of people. Responsible Parties:Southold Town Raise awareness and educate the public about Transportation Commission the risks of crop disease and pests. Possible Partnerships:Agricultural Advisory A Develop an informational brochure regarding local Committee crop diseases and pests,including what the home gardener can do to help prevent crop diseases from moving from home gardens to commercial crops. t ti�u, CHAPTER 10 LAND PRESERVATION February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Background 2 Goals and Objectives 2 Goal 1:Farmland 4 Goal 2:Open Space 5 Goal 3:Active Recreation 6 Goal 4:Land Stewardship r See next page forlist of tables and figures. t 4 l CHAPTER 10 1 LAND PRESERVATION Tables 10.1 Protected Lands in Southold Town 10.2 Protected Lands and Land Available for Development y4 f, 64 r e — 4s�+c `i+f+fi ,t rtyr 10 LAND PRESERVATION This chapter discusses land preservation as it pertains require that 60 percent of the land be preserved as open to Southold Town's vision for its future.Southold's space for parcels seven acres or more.So far,about 820 residents have historically been in favor of land preserva- acres of open space have been preserved as a result of tion to maintain the Town's farmlands and open spaces. the clustering requirement for subdivisions. The goals and objectives to achieve adequate preserva- The Town also offers variations on the conservation tion of the Town's land resources are presented. subdivision concept.These variations preserve land Background and provide benefits to the landowner in the present, while deferring any actual subdivision until later.Such Southold's character is formed in large part by its options include the Open Development Area (ODA) open spaces,including its farmland,natural lands,and plans and the Agricultural Planned Development parks.Protecting these assets has long been a goal of District(Ag PDD) programs. the Town.Since 1983,the Town has actively funded land preservation projects through bonds and the funds generated through the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund Act(CPF) (see Appendix 7 for more details on the CPF). From 1983 to 2018,Southold Town has protected a total of 3,351 acres through purchases of land and development rights. Purchases of land and farmland development rights w continue to be an important part of land preservation; however,the Town recognizes that additional methods of preserving land are necessary to maintain Southold's quality of life and agricultural base.These include subdi- vision regulations that require clustering to create open space,as well as incentive-based,voluntary programs to reduce density.In 2006 the Town Board enacted new subdivision regulations,codifying the conservation Other entities in addition to the Town that have subdivision (incentive-based and voluntary),as well preserved land in Southold include the park districts, as a mandatory clustering requirement for standard Suffolk County,New York State,federal agencies subdivisions.Conservation subdivisions are voluntary (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and preserve a minimum of 75 percent of the land,along [NOAA],United States Fish&Wildlife Service)and non- with up to a 75 percent density reduction for which profit organizations such as the Peconic Land Trust and the landowner is compensated.Standard subdivisions The Nature Conservancy. 2 Chapter 10:Land Preservation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Table 10.1 includes a summary of all land preserved Nearly 27 percent of the total land area of Southold to date. Town is protected from development,and a nearly equal amount—also approximately 27 percent—of its Table 10.1 Protected Lands in Southold Town total land area is available for development,as shown Owner&Type of Protected Land Total in Table 10.2.More than half of the land available for New York State Open Space' 477 development is currently farmland.A more detailed discussion of land use can be found in Chapter 3,"Land New York State Parkland 384 Use&Zoning." Park District 167 Private Farmland Development RightS3 207 Table 10.2 Protected Lands and Land Available for Development* Private Open Space 3,4 924 Southold Town Farmland Development 2633 Rights , Land protected from development Subdivision Open Space 828 (except agricultural development is allowed on 8,952 development-rights sold land) Suffolk County Farmland Development 1,751 Land available for development Rights Parcels>_7 acres in residential zoning districts Suffolk County Open Space 525 must preserve at least 60%of the area as open 8,357 Suffolk County Parkland 134 space when subdividing into additional lots.Note that this amount is an estimate,based on the best Town Open Space 633 available data,and is subject to constant change. Town Parkland 71 *The remainderof the land in the Town is either developed or Town/County Partnership Open Space 218 considered unavailable for development for various reasons. Total 8,952 Since April 2004,the Town has tracked its rate of Open Space represents lands purchased outright forpreserva- land preservation versus land development.This tion where typically only passive recreation takes place(e.g., effort was conducted primarily on the mainland hiking,nature observation). where the bulk of the subdividable land is located. z Parkland represents parks where active recreation takesplace The land, located in R-40, R-80,and AC zoning (typically ball fields,tennis courts,etc.). districts, had an overall preservation rate of 93 3 Private represents non-profits and other non-government groups that have protected land. percent from 2004 to 2018. 4 Development Rights represent land where the rights to develop Following are the goals and objectives relating to land were purchased(e.g.,farmland where the landowner retains the preservation in Southold Town. right to farm it butsells the rights to build houses). GOALS AND OBJECTIVES O Goal 1: Farmland In addition to the purchase of development rights, Continue to promote farming with an overall goal agriculture is best protected by ensuring that farming of retaining at least 8,000 acres(80 percent of the remains a viable business.The total amount of land in current agricultural acreage)in agriculture. agriculture in 2018 equaled approximately 10,000 acres, or 30 percent of Southold's total land area.About 48 Protecting farmland from conversion to residential percent of the 10,000 acres is protected in some way(see development is crucial to Southold's future,both for Chapter 9,"Agriculture,"for more details),which leaves its economy and its community character.Funding to about 5,200 acres of farmland available for residential purchase additional development rights is expected to development(technically some portion of this land be available for many years due to(1)the extension of would be protected by the 60 percent open space the Peconic Bay CPF to 2050;(2) strong property values; requirement for subdivisions of 7+acre parcels).In other and (3)a robust number of property transfers. words,of the 8,800+/-acres of land available Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10:Land Preservation 3 for development in Southold Town,over 5,200 of those G Keep preserved agricultural land in active agriculture acres,or about 60 percent,is farmland.Ideally,all of through incentives and easement requirements. this land would continue to be available for agriculture; H Ensure that information about options for land- however,in the case that some conversion of agricultural owners regarding land preservation for agriculture land does occur,the Town's goal is to ensure that at least is readily available on the Town's website,as well as 80 percent of current farmland remains in agriculture. in the Planning and Land Preservation Departments. O Objective 1.1 Responsible Parties:Land Preservation Committee, Land Preservation Coordinator Ensure Southold Town Code and policies encourage and advance the business of agriculture. Possible Partnerships:Agricultural Advisory (See Goal 1.1 ofChapter9,'Agriculture,"for detailed objectives to Committee,Peconic Land Trust,Suffolk County,New encourage&advance the industry of agriculture). York State,federal funding sources O Objective 1.2 Continue to purchase farmland development rights to preserve farmland. Landowners have the option to sell development rights to government entities via several funding mecha- nisms,including the 2 percent transfer tax known as the Peconic Bay Region CPF (see Appendix 7 for more detail on the CPF).The sale of development rights extinguishes the right to build houses,while retaining the right to use the land for farming.A total of 4,760 acres farmland have been protected from residential development,with over half of those acres having been Objective 1.3 protected by the Town.The Town has been active in Promote conservation subdivisions and design all the purchase of development rights and has protected subdivisions of farmland to enhance agriculture. over 2,600 acres of farmland in this way. Where land is being subdivided,continue to encourage A f Prioritize farmland preservation efforts to create conservation subdivisions where possible.Where large,contiguous blocks of farmland where possible. standard subdivisions do occur on farmland,ensure B Regularly update the Peconic Bay CPF Plan. that the clustering provision of the subdivision code is implemented to best preserve the future of farming on This plan,created as a result of the Peconic Bay the parcel. Region Community Preservation Fund Act,contains the list of parcels eligible to be purchased using the A f Promote the benefits of conservation subdivi- funds generated by this program (see Appendix 7 sions,Open Development Area Plans(ODA),and for more details on the CPF). Agricultural Planned Development Districts(Ag PDD)to landowners and continue to expedite the C Continue to seek partnerships with Suffolk County processing of conservation subdivision applications and New York State to protect farmland. in the Planning Department. D Continue to seek grants to increase the amount of B I Design both standard and conservation subdivisions land the Town can protect. involving farmland to enhance farming and minimize E Contact appropriate state-elected officials to promote potential incompatibility with residential neighbors the extension of the CPF,which will sunset in 2050. by incorporating the following into the design: F Identify other financing opportunities and mecha- 1 I Design the location of the lots so that the nisms to protect land including issuing additional remaining farmland is of a shape and size that is local bonds,creating additional partnerships,and conducive to farming (e.g.,tractors can maneuver, finding other financing tools including bargain sales access to sunlight is maximized,and the number and estate planning. of adjacent residential lots is minimized). 4 Chapter 10:Land Preservation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan 21 Design the location of the open space/farmland With approximately 3,100 acres of non-farmland so it is contiguous with other farmland. remaining available for development,there remain 1 Avoid locating lots adjacent to active farmland opportunities to preserve other types of land to to the extent possible. achieve important goals such as the preservation of 41 Where lots are adjacent to farmland,provide natural resources,scenic resources,and creation of vegetated evergreen buffers on the residential lots. pocket parks or hamlet greens. 51 Design agricultural open space to maintain the O Objective 2.1 viable agricultural lot.Issues to be considered include the location of the irrigation well,farm Continue to purchase open space parcels. utility buildings,and existing or future home- Purchasing land for preservation remains one of the stead location,among others. surest ways to protect the land.The Town continues to C Encourage a continuation of farming on agricultural have a steady stream of income for land preservation land that is preserved in a subdivision. from the Peconic Bay CPF program.In addition,the D Monitor and enforce required buffers adjacent to Town continues to receive grant funds and participate in farmland and open space. partnerships with other entities to purchase open space. Responsible Parties: Planning Board,Planning A I Prioritize the existing parcels for open space in a public staff,Land Preservation Committee,Land process and using the following parameters as a guide: Preservation Coordinator • Parcel will help to create a contiguous block of open Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County,New York space to improve the habitat values of natural lands State,federal grant programs • Parcel contains environmentally sensitive areas • Parcel will help protect surface and/or O Goal 2: Open Space groundwater quality • Parcel provides meaningful access to the water in areas that lack public boat ramps and beaches Parcel provides a trail extension or connection and enhances the Town's trail system Parcel contains scenic values(see Chapter 5, "Community Character;'for recommendations on a scenic inventory) v • Parcel is in the 100-year floodplain • Parcel provides value as a village green in or near =- a hamlet center =� • Other criteria B Consider a separate prioritization system for parcels on Fishers Island. C Identify other financing opportunities and mecha- Continue to preserve lands with high-quality natural nisms to protect land including additional local resources,including wetlands,watersheds,shorelines, bonds,partnerships,and other financing tools, significant trees and woodland,and wildlife habitat; including bargain sales and estate planning. those lands with recognized scenic values;and smaller D Ensure that information about options for land- parcels that could provide for village greens or neigh- owners regarding land preservation is readily borhood pocket parks. available on the Town's website,as well as in the Protected land other than farmland is often referred Planning and Land Preservation Departments. to as open space.Open space lands are typically Responsible Parties:Land Preservation Committee, purchased outright(as opposed to farms where only Land Preservation Coordinator the development rights are purchased and the land- > Possible Partnerships:Henry L.Ferguson Museum owner retains ownership of the land itself.) Land Trust(Fishers Island) Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10:Land Preservation 5 O Objective 2.2 island so that funding can be obtained to build a new Promote conservation subdivisions and design lab elsewhere.Without zoning,the island is vulner- all subdivisions of non-farmland to enhance able to inappropriate development should it become natural and scenic resources. privately owned.Zoning Plum Island is necessary to ensure that natural and economic resources are When subdivisions occur,they must be designed protected,along with the public's health,safety,and so that natural and scenic resources are taken into welfare. account and protected to the extent possible.This Much of the island,though heavily used in the past by can be accomplished by clustering the lots to avoid the military,has reverted to its natural state,and now development in environmentally sensitive areas and contains significant wildlife habitat and endangered scenic viewsheds. and threatened plant and animal species.The Town A Encourage conservation subdivisions on lands with must consider how it will protect the environmentally high-quality natural and/or scenic resources. sensitive areas of the island,while retaining the B Design clustered subdivisions of non-farmland to economic benefits in the form of jobs that the research be compatible with adjacent open spaces and other lab provides. protected lands by making the open space from the A I Apply a zoning district that addresses its unique subdivision contiguous with the existing open space. circumstances,including the island's natural C I Promote trails and links to existing trails when resource and scenic value,as well as the potential to designing clustered subdivisions. provide jobs in the future. D I Aggregate open space as much as possible to create B I Explore the feasibility of working with other govern- larger blocks. ment agencies to protect the environmentally sensitive areas on Plum Island. E Limit the number of lots that border the open space to the extent feasible to limit future Responsible Parties:Planning Department encroachment issues. > Possible Partnerships:U.S. Fish&Wildlife Service, F Consider increasing the mandatory open space The Nature Conservancy percentage for subdivision on lands located over particularly sensitive aquifers(e.g.,in sole source o Goal 3: Active Recreation aquifers where private wells are the main source of drinking water). Responsible Parties:Planning Board,Planning t Department Possible Partnerships:Land Preservation Committee,Land Preservation Coordinator,Peconic Land Trust,The Nature Conservancy,Suffolk County -� O Objective 2.3 Protect the environmentally sensitive and historically significant areas of Plum Island. Plum Island,an 816-acre island located less than a mile Southold Town offers numerous recreational oppor- off Orient Point,has been under the control of the tunities on its land and waters,and has acquired and federal government since before zoning was enacted managed many acres of recreational lands through in Southold.The federal government continues to its diverse programs. Further opportunities have operate the animal disease research lab on the island; been established by the four park districts,those of however,there is legislation from Congress directing Mattituck,Cutchogue-New Suffolk,Southold,and the U.S.General Services Administration to sell the Orient-East Marion. 6 Chapter 10:Land Preservation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 3.1 D Standardize easement language to the extent Continue to preserve lands for active recreation possible(both for purchase of development rights where needed. and subdivision open space)to facilitate future compliance and monitoring. Detailed objectives relating to active recreation and E Provide educational materials to new owners of land possible additional land preservation for that purpose over which the Town holds an easement to alert the can be found in Chapter 13,"Parks&Recreation." landowner to the terms of the easement and reduce Responsible Parties:Parks&Recreation Committee, the potential for inadvertent easement violations. Recreation Department F I Create pamphlets containing information on ease- Possible Partnerships:Land Preservation ments to send to new landowners. Committee,Land Preservation Coordinator G Create online resources on the Town website. H Formalize the procedure for the notification to new O Goal 4: Land Stewardship landowners with Town-held easements and request Land stewardship is an important aspect of the acknowledgement of receipt of notification. land preservation program and involves managing I Provide educational materials to landowners adja- Town-owned land,as well as monitoring the Town's cent to protected lands to reduce the potential for easements on lands where development rights were encroachments(both online and in paper format). purchased or where preservation was a condition of a subdivision approval.The purpose for managing Responsible Parties:Land Preservation Coordinator, and monitoring land preserved with Town funds is to Town Planning Director ensure that the use of those lands meets the purpose(s) Possible Partnerships:Landowners, for which they were preserved. Homeowners Associations O Objective 4.1 O Objective 4.2 Ensure compliance with Town-held conservation, Continue to manage Town-owned open open space,and development rights easements. space/nature preserves through a land The Town holds easements over farmland and other stewardship program. types of land,meaning the Town has extinguished the z . development rights by purchasing them or requiring they be extinguished via the cluster subdivision _. process.To ensure the easement is being honored ' overtime,the land must be monitored regularly. The Town Land Preservation Department monitors the easements over land where development rights have been purchased,including over 100 parcels Y- representing over 2,000 acres of land.The Town holds additional easements over open space in subdivisions : . that represent over 700 acres,and which are in need of being included in a formal monitoring program. A Expand the easement monitoring program to include +, the lands protected through the subdivision process. B I During the monitoring of each easement,record The Town manages the open space/nature preserves it the use of the property and add that data to the owns through routine maintenance and management Town's GIS database. plans.There are over 50 preserved parcels,representing C Standardize annual or biannual monitoring over 800 acres of land to be managed,and there were 11 of easements. Town preserves managed for public use as of April 2019. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10:Land Preservation 7 The management plans outline the uses for each 21 Create self-guided walking tours(e.g.,podcasts) preserve,the trail system (if any),and other appropriate offering insights into the geology,history,wildlife, uses,as well as steps the Town should take to responsibly and natural features of each preserve manage the property for the purpose it was preserved, 31 Post the trail maps online for download including creating and maintaining parking areas,wildlife 41 Create Paper Trail maps/brochure handouts habitat management,and trail maintenance. 51 Offer trail maps&information at trail-head kiosks A Maintain current trails and public access points to Town nature preserves. > Responsible Parties:Land Preservation Coordinator, Land Preservation Committee B Open additional preserves to the public as time and resources allow. Possible Partnerships:Volunteers,civic asso- ciations,Boy Scouts,Girl Scouts, Reserve Officer C I Balance public access with protecting the ecological Training Corps (ROTC),Rotary Clubs,Elks Clubs, integrity of each Town preserve. Chambers of Commerce,local businesses,schools, D I Create policies and/or guidelines for routine mainte- North Fork Audubon nance of Town open space/nature preserves. E Continue to write,adopt,and implement manage- ment plans for all preserves. Provide the public with an online resource to find F Create a trail system that includes links to preserves open to the public and provide existing trails,recreational facilities,and new information about land protected with easements. trails where feasible. Create an interactive map for the website that includes G I Create a formal volunteer or"friends"program to all the protected lands. help preserve stewardship. Information for each protected parcel to include FI Establish a formal process for the public to report the following: problems at preserves. Protection type(owned by Town or easement held f Create an Adopt-a-Preserve program where groups by Town) can provide funding for land stewardship. Whether it is open to the public ! Educate the public about everyday land stewardship General description of the allowed and prohibited values they can follow when visiting preserves. uses K Promote the public's use of the trails through > Responsible Parties:Land Preservation Coordinator the following: > Possible Partnerships:GIS Coordinator,Southold I I Make the trails accessible on smart phones with Town Information Technology Department, live GPS tracking Southold Town Planning Department CHAPTER 11 HUMAN SERVICES February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Background 2 Human Services Needs 2 Trends and Projections 3 Funding for Human Services 3 Human Services Needs of Residents �. .� 3 Goals and Objectives 3 Goal 1:Services for Seniors 4 Goal 2:Services and Programs for Youth 5 Goal 3:Employment 5 Goal 4:Recreational and Cultural Opportunities 5 Goal 5:Transportation 6 Goal 6:Improve Opportunities for Households Living in Poverty r-= 6 Goal 7:Education about Human Services Programs 7 Goal 8:Human Services Delivery and Coordination 7 Goal 9:Assist Underserved Populations/Minorities 8 Goal 10:Behavioral Health Needs 8 Goal 11:Housing for Persons with Human Services Needs 9 Goal 12:Civic Engagement and Volunteerism E" CHAPTER 11 HUMAN SERVICES a k 9��. 4%1 -4 r 4 e^hur e\t,. a+ . .�- 11 HUMAN SERVICES Human services is an all-encompassing term Simeon by the Sound.Since then the program has relating to helping and supporting people so they broadened its network of services to meet the increased can live more satisfying,autonomous,and productive needs.In 1993,the Town of Southold purchased the lives.This may include fulfilling basic needs such as Human Resource Center(HRC)and established the food,housing and medical care,or providing greater Southold Town Department of Human Services to serve opportunities to support achieving self-sufficiency. as a Community Focal Point and to increase capacity for Whether through direct intervention with human co-location and coordination of programs and services services providers or through access to knowledge, for Town residents.In addition to the services provided resources,and programs,providing human services directly at the HRC,the HRC serves the community as helps individuals,families,groups,and communities resource for all human services needs by providing address and/or better cope with economic,health, coordination with other public and private agency and social issues to promote their greater functioning programs and services(see Appendix 8 for a list of within society. services provided and coordinated). In addition to fostering community responsibility and "'- social equity,the provision of human services empha- sizes the value of diversity and respect for people of different incomes,ages,abilities, races,ethnicities, and cultures. Local municipalities generally have a limited role in addressing human services needs since they rely onr„ a larger infrastructure of government(federal,state, sr:"0xsJ:R1 Jt'ta and county)with enhanced funding to efficiently and effectively provide services.Private human services providers complement the efforts of government. This chapter will articulate services currently provided either directly by Southold Town or those provided by seniorservices Suffolk County and private agencies;highlight unfulfilled needs that may need to be addressed in the future that Currently,residents belonging to the following catego- ries or in need of the following services are targeted are critical to the well-being of individuals,families, for assistance through the human services goals and and communities in the Town of Southold;and assist the Town's Human Services department with ongoing objectives of the Town: planning for coordinated and integrated services. • Senior Citizens • Youth Background • Individuals with developmental disabilities Southold Town has provided human services for over • Individuals with behavioral health needs such as four decades.In response to the federal enactment of mental illness and/or substance abuse the Older Americans Act in 1965,the Southold Town • Victims of domestic violence Senior Nutrition Program was established in 1974 at San • Households experiencing poverty 2 Chapter 11:Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan • Unemployed and underemployed of New York City,Suffolk County has the second- • Lack of access to healthcare and medical services largest senior population in the state.In 2010,66 • Underserved minorities who may lack resources or percent of all clients served by the Suffolk County be discriminated against due to their minority status Office for the Aging were 75 years of age or older. • Lack of access to recreational programs This population is most likely to have multiple and chronic health conditions and require a variety of • Homeless or living in substandard conditions services to remain safe and independent in the Human Services Needs own homes.The growth of the senior population in Suffolk County and Southold Town has increased Through a series of community interviews,the the demand for public and private community- following human services needs were identified: based services by senior services network providers • Transportation on the East End. The limited availability of public transportation o Increase in Second Homeowners impedes residents'access to services and programs. The number of homes identified as second (not • Employment a primary residence) has increased.Many second Additional employment opportunities are needed homeowners will retire in the future and make the for Town residents. Town of Southold their primary residence,thereby Housing increasing the already aging population of year- Housing is very expensive and remains completely round residents. out of reach for many citizens with or without 40 Decline of School-Aged Children human services needs. The number of families with school-age children Health Care Costs is declining. Health care costs have sky-rocketed and policy o Increase in Hispanic Population changes to Medicare and Medicaid have impacted The Hispanic population increased from 982 to older and low-income residents. Many struggle to 2,382 according to the 2000 and 2010 Census data. obtain accurate information regarding benefits, This 142 percent increase will require bilingual entitlements,and supportive services. language programs and services to assist this Lack of Spanish Language Resources growing segment of the population. Despite the significant increase in the Latino o Decrease of Funding from Federal,State,and population,many human service providers do not County Governments offer Spanish-speaking staff and/or resources. As governments must do more with less,less Opportunities for Youth Activities funding is available for human services programs Surveys indicated a desire for a multi-purpose and resources. gymnasium and swimming pool complex including i`$ Increase in Requests for Food a teen center for afterschool activities. In addition, Stamp Assistance youth reported that they would like the Town to From 2007 to 2012,Suffolk County has witnessed an consider creating a Youth Court in conjunction increase of households seeking assistance from the with the Southold Police Department. food stamp program. Decrease in Household Income Trends and Projections When adjusting for inflation over the past two The following trends and projections in Southold decades,median household income increased in Town's popoulation have been identified: five hamlets(Cutchogue,Greenport West,Laurel, Increase in Senior Population Mattituck,and Southold). However,the median =� household income decreased in other parts of the Southold's year-round population continues to age. Town,including East Marion,Fishers Island,New According to the 2010 U.S.Census,seniors 60 years Suffolk,Orient,and Peconic.While the price of other of age or over increased 3.5 percent over the decade goods,namely housing,fuel,and groceries,has and represent one in three people.Nationally one steadily increased,income levels have not been able in eight Americans is over the age of 60.Outside to keep up. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11:Human Services 3 • Decrease in Childcare Subsidies Funding for Human Services Subsidized childcare was a hallmark of"welfare reform"to help get parents back to work.Funding The Town receives funding from various revenue went from the federal to the state to the county sources to support human services(see Appendix 8 governments to provide subsidies for childcare/ for detailed list of funding sources and services).It is daycare.Due to significant funding cuts,Suffolk important to note that there is a trend for diminished County has changed eligibility requirements, funding for human services programs. making it far more difficult to access payments, as parents now must be at or below the federal Human Services Needs poverty line.This measure is counterproductive of Residents in assisting households near the poverty level, as heads of households frequently cannot work There are myriad human services needs for the resi- dents of Southold.Fortunately,many of these needs without this assistance. are currently addressed by existing Town and County • Increase in Incidents of Domestic Violence programs as well as resources from private providers In addition to a correlation with substance abuse, (hospitals)and non-profits.Although funding from incidents of domestic violence are exacerbated by other government entities has diminished over time, diminished economic opportunities.The East End's the Town will continue to creatively and effectively only provider of domestic violence services,The deliver programs and services to address human Retreat,reported in 2012 a significant increase of services needs. calls for assistance on its multilingual hotline. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Services for Seniors O Objective 1.1 f Sustain services for seniors. A Continue to provide the following programs for seniors through the Town's Human Services Department: - • Home-delivered meals • Congregate meals • Case management • Residential repair t • Transportation for shopping and social events l�lallll p pp g • Medical transportation r • Entitlement counseling • Wellness education Katinka House • Telephone reassurance to the homebound • Caregiver support groups and counseling Senior citizens make up a major part of the population g Continue to provide social model (i.e.,non-medical) of the Town of Southold and are valuable assets for adult day care services at Katinka House. the Town's growth and stability.Seniors are known for supporting local businesses and they provide valuable C� Support the medical model of adult day care contributions by volunteering their time and expertise services at San Simeon by the Sound. toward Town committees and non-profit services.To D Sustain the Town's collaboration with Eastern meet the needs of its citizens,the Town should continue Long Island's Geriatric Center of Excellence and to fund its rich array of programs and resources for Suffolk County's New York Connects Program to seniors as well as seek to improve their lives through promote availability of information and resources additional resources(see Appendix 8 for details). to benefit seniors. 4 Chapter 11:Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan E Continue to provide part-time services to seniors O Objective 2.1 living on Fishers Island. Sustain services to youth. F Continue community outreach regarding vouchers for seniors to enable them to meet their nutritional A Continue annual funding requests with the New needs through the New York State Senior Farmers York State Office for Children and Family Services for Market Nutritional Program. Youth Bureau funding. B Continue annual funding requests with Suffolk O Objective 1.2 County Youth Bureau for assistance with opera- Enhance services to seniors. tion of the Town's DARE(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program for elementary students. A Continue to partner with non-profits groups C Support the funding request for the Family Service to initiate Naturally Occurring Retirement League's counseling program. Communities(NORCs)that foster aging in place with independence supplemented by human D Continue to solicit funding for the student Summer service agencies. Works program. B Investigate funding opportunities through E Support the efforts of the Southold Business the New York State Office of Mental Health to Advisory program to provide job mentoring and job continue providing mental health screenings to shadowing experience with Town departments. seniors and caregivers. O Objective 2.2 C With the Youth Bureau and schools,develop intergenerational programs helping seniors with Enhance services to youth. property maintenance such as leaf raking and A With senior services,expand intergenerational snow plowing. programs for youth. D With Suffolk County,improve access to benefits B Improve recreational opportunities for youth. for eligible seniors through a shared electronic application process. C� Seek funding from private corporations to supple- ment programs for youth. Responsible Parties:Human Services Department, Responsible Parties:Southold Youth Bureau, Southold Youth Bureau Human Services Department,Southold Police Possible Partnerships: Family Service League, Department,Southold Recreation Center,Southold Eastern Long Island's Geriatric Center of Parks,Beaches and Recreation Committee Excellence,Suffolk County's New York Connects, San Simeon by the Sound,Peconic Landing,NY Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Youth Bureau, State Office of Mental Health,NY State Office for Family Service League,local schools,Island Aging, Island Health Project, Rebuild Together Community Center,Island People's Project,U.S. Long Island Army Reserve Officer Training Corps,Communities That Care,North Fork Alliance,private corporations o Goal 2: Services and Programs for Youth Youth are our future.Over the years,the Town has witnessed a decrease of children and young people living in Town.Indeed,many youth do not remain in the community after they graduate from high school due to the lack of employment opportunities and affordable housing. Sunflower field in Mattituck Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11:Human Services 5 o Goal 3: Employment A Issue annual surveys to assess parks and recreational needs of the community and facilitate focus groups. Chapter 7,"Economic Development,"addresses employment issues in the Town.The important B I Develop and enhance recreational programs based connection between employment and quality of life for on responses from the community;include cultural programs(Peconic Lane Community Center). residents is reemphasized in this goal. C Partner with existing entities(East End Arts Council, O Objective 3.1 Peconic Landing,North Fork Community Theatre, Improve employment opportunities for Southampton Cultural Center,Northeast Stage,etc.) Town residents. that provide cultural programming to offer educa- tional classes,performances,art exhibits,concerts, A I Co-locate employment counselors at the Human and other leisure activities. Services Department from Suffolk County D Enhance technological capacities of the Recreation Department of Labor to teach skills relating to job Center and Peconic Lane Community Center to search,resume writing,interview skills,etc. promote cutting-edge program offerings. B I Host"job banks"with local employers E Create additional cultural and recreational programs seeking employees. for people with developmental disabilities that C Continue to solicit funding for the student Summer could include youth volunteers. Works program to provide employment opportuni- Responsible Parties:Southold Recreation ties for financially disadvantaged youth. Department,Southold Parks,Beaches and Recreation D On Town's website,provide link for Suffolk Committee,Department of Data Processing and County Department of Civil Service for Information Technology,Planning Department, employment opportunities. Southold Developmental Disabilities,Human Services E Explore utilization of Suffolk County Office of Department,Southold Youth Bureau Retired Executives(SCORE)to assist residents with > Possible Partnerships: Peconic Landing,Fishers employment search and retention Island Community Center,historical societies, Responsible Parties:Human Services Department, libraries,East End Arts Council,North Fork Southold Youth Bureau,Southold Economic Community Theatre Development Committee o Goal 5: Transportation Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Department of Labor,Suffolk County Civil Service,Suffolk County Getting around in the Town of Southold can be chal- Office of Retired Executives lenging for some residents since public transportation is limited.The current limitations of public transporta- O Goal 4: Recreational and tion particularly affect low-income families who cannot Cultural Opportunities afford to purchase a vehicle,seniors who can no longer drive,youth who are not old enough to acquire a Recreational,educational,and leisure activities license,and individuals with disabilities. evolve with time and it is important to remain current while satisfying the needs of a diverse population. Local public transportation is restricted to one bus line, Technological advances require that the facilities and the 592,which is provided by Suffolk County Transit activities remain compelling and instructional for and travels from Orient Point,through the Village of all Town residents.Chapter 13,"Parks&Recreation;' Greenport to East Hampton along New York State addresses this topic in more depth. Route 25.Buses typically run once every 15 minutes in the westbound direction during the weekday morning O Objective 4.1 peak of 5 to 7 AM and once every 25 minutes in the eastbound direction during the evening peak of 5 to Provide for a variety of recreational,educational, g PM.Weekend service is also available with lesser and leisure experiences and programs to meet frequency,with buses running every 40 minutes at the diverse needs of the community. peak times and every hour otherwise. 6 Chapter 11:Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Opportunities to transfer to other bus lines throughout O Objective 6.1 Suffolk County exist;however,there is often a Continue the support of human services that prolonged wait time.Suffolk County Accessible Transit remediate the impact of poverty on residents of (SCAT) serves individuals with disabilities,but certain Southold Town and Greenport Village. program limitations exist including no door-to-door assistance provided (curbside pick-ups only);pick-up • Continue funding of human services through the limited to within 3/4 mile from a Suffolk County Transit Town's Community Development Block Grant fixed bus route;and reservations that are made on (CDBG)funds that provide assistance to food a first-come first-served basis and cannot be made pantries,child care and afterschool programs, beyond a week in advance.Travel by train is even shelter to the homeless,counseling services,and more limited as the Long Island Rail Road provides other related programs. fragmented service at odd times that frequently does not coincide with work schedules. Responsible Parties:Town Board,Human Services Department,Community Block Grant Reviewing O Objective 5.1 Committee Improve public transportation opportunities to > Possible Partnerships:Family Service League,North enable residents to travel throughout the Town Fork Early Learning Center,Community Action of and the County,and to enable employers to Southold Town,North Fork Parish Outreach,Suffolk attract employees without vehicles. County Office for Aging,Suffolk County Department of Health,Suffolk County Department of Social • Work with Suffolk County and New York State to Services,Peconic Community Council,Catholic increase public transit opportunities. Charities,Island Harvest O Objective 5.2 o Goal 7: Education about Human Expand transportation services to increase Services Programs access to human services programs.(e.g.,youth programs,recreation programs for people with Many residents who could benefit from services developmental disabilities). are unaware and sometimes reluctant to ask about existing resources. • Explore the feasibility of repurposing Town fleet vehicles for alternative uses that address O Objective 7.1 transportation needs for human services programs. Expand awareness of and access to human Responsible Parties:Human Services Department, services information and resources. Youth Bureau,Southold Developmental Disabilities A Develop a comprehensive resource directory of Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Office for human service agencies and resources. Aging,Suffolk County Youth Bureau,Metropolitan B I Continue to update and produce a Youth Bureau Transportation Authority,Long Island Rail Road, Resource Directory. East End Transportation Commission,Southold Transportation Committee C Host educational forums to inform public about resources. o Goal 6: Improve Opportunities D I Expand distribution of information brochures and for Households Living in Poverty other print materials Town-wide. While most households in Southold do not experience E Use the Town's website to post important information poverty,a safety net must be in place to help those and to provide direct links to other human services who struggle daily to survive and to help households agencies and resources including local libraries. who struggle to subsist and meet their economic and F Coordinate with public and private community healthcare needs.The impact of poverty on individuals organizations and local media to inform residents of and families has many ramifications to everyday life. available services and resources. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11:Human Services 7 G Feature an educational item in print media and on (including signage,website,and other references the Town's website (e.g.,Did You Know...?). to the department)to broaden an awareness of H I Ensure that communications are developed in the diverse programs available to address human Spanish and other languages as needed. services needs. Responsible Parties:Southold Human Services, Responsible Parties: Human Services Southold Youth Bureau,Department of Department,Southold Community Development Information Technology Reviewing Committee s Possible Partnerships: Health Care Issues and the Possible Partnerships: Regional non-profits,Long Elderly Committee,Family Service League,North Island Community Foundation Fork Early Learning Center,Community Action of Southold Town,North Fork Parish Outreach,North O Goal J: Assist Underserved Fork Apostolate,college student interns,volunteers Populations/Minorities o Goal 8: Human Services Delivery Populations identified as underserved can benefit from additional assistance from the human services and Coordination delivery system through education,access to resources, Effective and efficient delivery of human services is and specialized programs. Underserved populations crucial.It is essential that all service delivery agen- may include Hispanics,African Americans,Women, cies,public and private,collaborate and continue to Veterans,Victims of Domestic Violence,Sexual build strong interrelationships to maximize service Minorities(gay,lesbian,transgendered),Physically and delivery and minimize duplication of efforts and cost. Mentally Disabled,and others(see Appendix 8 for In addition,more comprehensive data collection detailed census data).Underserved populations may be and on-going sharing of information is necessary as more vulnerable and socially isolated because of their regional human services providers develop implemen- minority status.The Department of Human Services tation plans and identify potential funding sources. currently provides a"community services room"to allow greater access for all residents including those in O Objective 8.1 the underserved populations. Continue efforts currently funded by Southold Minorities may experience discrimination in housing Town to provide for the coordinated,efficient,and and employment.An extreme form of discrimination is effective delivery of human services that integrate bias crimes against minorities.The Town must exhibit programs and reduce duplication of services. a welcoming atmosphere for all underserved popula- tions and affirm its zero tolerance for discrimination A I Develop a standardized reporting tool that can be and bias. utilized by service providers for more comprehen- sive program evaluation and planning. Data can p Objective 9.1 also be used for grant applications and program development.Seek grant funds from the Long Provide resources and programs that can benefit Island Community Foundation for development and underserved populations. implementation of standardized monitoring tools. A Expand opportunities to groups that service minori- Host workshops to invite human services providers ties to co-locate at the community services room. to broaden their knowledge about more effective This could include Suffolk County Offices of Minority reporting and evaluation tools. Affairs,Office for Women,and the North Fork B Schedule quarterly meetings with human services Spanish Apostolate(bilingual resources). providers to enhance networking and information B Partner with the County's Minority Business exchange. Development Council and Women's Business C For improved clarity for residents,consider Enterprise Coalition to increase business opportuni- renaming the"Human Resource Center"(sometimes ties for minorities. referred to as the"Senior Center"or the"Nutrition C I Highlight information and resources in Human Center")to"The Department of Human Services" Services Resource Directory. 8 Chapter 11:Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan D I Provide workshops for the Town and local busi- O Objective 10.1 nesses on federal mandates under the American's Coordinate resources to address behavioral with Disabilities Act(ADA)and Rehabilitation Act. health issues and promote wellness. E Promote literacy through enhancing the provision of English as a Second Language(ESL)services to A I Partner with public and private service providers minorities at Town sites and local libraries. to host educational workshops featuring speakers and resources on various topics relating to behav- O Objective 9.2 ioral health needs. In addition,work with local Ensure Town infrastructure is ADA compliant hospitals and providers to increase the awareness about the availability of behavioral health services • Enact an ADA Transition Plan and designate an ADA for Town residents. Coordinator for Town infrastructure according to B I Co-locate in the Human Services Department Title 6 Federal regulations. community services room the human services O Objective 9.3 providers who give information and referrals for behavioral health needs. Discourage and remediate acts of discrimination and bias. C Work with schools to prevent and address behav- ioral health needs of students. A Host workshops for businesses on equal D Continue wellness seminars and workshops for opportunity practices. seniors and caregivers with relevant topics(e.g., B Sponsor educational forums on discrimination Alzheimer's disease,depression,senior nutrition) and bias. Responsible Parties:Human Services Department, C Continue anti-bias education initiative with Southold Youth Bureau local schools. Possible Partnerships:Stony Brook Eastern Long D Document and monitor incidents of hate crimes Island Hospital,Peconic Bay Medical Center,South and bias acts. Oaks Hospital,Mental Health Association of Suffolk Responsible Parties:Human Services Department, County,American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Southold Police Department,Southold Town Long Island Chapter,Suffolk County Health Engineering Department,Southold Anti-Bias Department,Communities that Care,North Fork Taskforce,Economic Development Committee, Coalition,regional schools Southold Youth Bureau o Possible Partnerships:Regional non-profits,Suffolk Goal 11: Housing for Persons County Veterans Service Agency,Suffolk County with Human Services Needs Office of Minority Affairs,Suffolk County Office Persons with human services needs have acute housing for Women,Long Island Gay Lesbian Bisexual and needs that may be different from those of the general Transgendered Network,Long Island AIDS Coalition, population.Safe and affordable housing is vital to a North Fork Women for Women Fund,North Fork community's stability. Many residents are in need of Women's Resource Center,The Retreat,North affordable housing,particularly low-income individuals Fork Spanish Apostolate,Holocaust Memorial and and families who rely on government subsidies. Tolerance Center of Nassau County,local libraries Southold has an unusually large number of senior citizens where 40 percent of year-round residents o Goal 10: Behavioral Health Needs are age 55 or older.This sizable segment of the Behavioral health issues such as untreated substance population will require special forms of housing and abuse and mental illness can have a serious impact assistance to make it possible for them to age in on individuals,their families,and the community as place and continue living in the Town.As the Town's a whole.Increased access to education and available population of retirees and senior citizens continues resources in the community can provide greater oppor- to grow,the need for a younger,stable workforce will tunity for improved health and a better quality of life. also increase. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11:Human Services 9 O Objective 11.1 than have been previously envisioned (fewer than Provide additional diversified housing from 850 square feet). existing stock in all of the Town's hamlets to help B I Develop partnerships with non-profit housing meet the needs of current year-round residents. developers to build age-restricted apartments using HUD's Section 202 funding. A Encourage the development of accessory apart- ments in existing barns and garages that can be C� Develop moderate-income home-ownership renovated into small apartments for singles or units(condos,etc.)with age restrictions through couples or that allow the homeowners(retirees,etc.) inclusionary zoning policies,change of zoning to Affordable Housing District,and partnerships with to downsize. housing providers. B Continue to work with the Family Service League to expand its HomeShare Long Island program,which D� Explore the feasibility of identifying potential loca- provides affordable housing for both seniors and tions that would be appropriate for higher-density non-seniors,generally in the form of rooms within affordable housing readily available to potential existing homes. sponsors for development. Identification of such locations would be part of a public meeting process C Promote universal design elements in the building with the Town Board,Planning Board and Housing code to accommodate seniors ageing in place Advisory Commission. and persons with physical disabilities. Establish loans and grants from the Town's CDBG funding to E Support the development of assisted-living facilities convert larger homes from existing stock into units inappropriate locations. of affordable rental housing. Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Responsible Parties:Housing Advisory Commission, Commission,Town Board,Planning Board,Zoning Southold Senior Services,Building Department, Board of Appeals Zoning Board of Appeals,Planning Board, Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Economic Architectural Review Committee,Community Development and Workforce Housing,Community Development Block Grant Development Corporation of Long Island,Long Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Economic Island Housing Partnership,Housing Urban Development and Workforce Housing,Suffolk Development,New York State Homes and County Office for Aging,Family Service League, Community Renewal,Walsh Park Benevolent Walsh Park Benevolent Association,Habitat for Association,Community Land Trust of Southold, Humanity,Community Development Corporation of Private Developers,Independent Group Home Long Island,Long Island Housing Partnership Living,Inc.,Aid for the Developmentally Disabled O Objective 11.2 o Goal 12: Civic Engagement and Encourage the development of diversified Volunteerism housing to help meet the needs of current year- round residents,including senior citizens. (This sub-goal is also in Chapter 8,"Housing,'along with more s details on the housing needs of the Town). o f VOL - EF&E AEPAkiM EH; f A Develop units of moderate-income home owner- ship through the Town's inclusionary zoning _2 --- policies,Suffolk County 72 H transfers(tax default —� - - -_ properties),a change of zoning to Affordable ' W_ Housing District,and partnerships with non-profit housing developers utilizing New York State r - HOME funding.This could include consideration of East Marion Volenteer Fire Department changing the building code to allow smaller homes 10 Chapter 11:Human Services Southold Town Comprehensive Plan The implementation of human services strategies G Explore opportunities for free legal counseling for requires the engagement of Town residents to improve non-seniors. the condition of lives for individuals,families,and H Continue the Town's participation in providing neighbors.The high demand for human services community service opportunities with the requires a dedicated base of volunteers to assist the Justice Court. Town and community service groups to help others improve their lives.In addition,volunteer efforts by I� Where feasible,support efforts of Fire Departments local firefighters and emergency technicians are invalu- so as to assist their recruitment and retention of able to the Town's safety and well-being. volunteers and enable teaching and re-certification. J Engage underserved minorities to increase their O Objective 12.1 participation in civic affairs and volunteerism. Promote civic engagement and volunteerism. K Promote mobile Town Board meetings throughout the community to increase access and A I Facilitate an array of volunteer opportunities citizen engagement. through community meetings with non-profits, hospitals,faith-based institutions,etc. Responsible Parties:Human Services Department, Southold Town Board,Southold Youth Bureau, B I Develop"job descriptions"of positions available. Southold Justice Court,Southold Anti-Bias C Initiate a "Southold Community Service Day"with Taskforce,local civic associations networking opportunities to enable potential volunteers to learn about opportunities. Possible Partnerships:Community Action Southold Town,Family Service League,North Fork Early D Formalize a"Town of Southold Community Service" Learning Center,Robert Perry Day Care,Peconic program for youth and the general population, Community Council,faith-based institutions,Retired especially retired seniors. Senior Volunteer Program,local hospitals,fire E Continue Retired Senior Volunteer Program(RSVP) districts,U.S.Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, telephone assurance program to homebound seniors. Boy Scouts,Girl Scouts,Rotary Clubs,Lions Club F Continue provision of Elderlaw clinics for seniors. CHAPTER 12 NATURAL HAZARDS February 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 Goals and Objectives 4 Goal 1:Mitigate the Effects of Natural Hazards to Achieve Coastal Resiliency,Protect Public Safety,and Reduce Economic Loss 6 Goal 2:Complete a Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Plan 7 Goal 3:Provide Education to the Public Relating to Natural Hazards See next page for list of tables and figures. AW L' - -. J& At } . �� CHAPTER 121 NATURAL HAZARDS Figures 12.1 Special Flood Hazard Area for Southold Town 4 i Im. 121 NATURAL HAZARDS - Natural hazards are natural events that threaten lives The National Flood Insurance Program is predicting an and property,and tend to occur repeatedly in the same increase in flooding frequency;as strong storms occur geographical locations.They can often be predicted more often,coastal inundation will be more frequent, because they are related to the weather patterns and/ and sea levels will continue to rise.With 210 miles of or physical characteristics of an area.Southold Town shoreline,and over 1,100 homes and many businesses is subject to natural hazards that can imperil human located in the flood zone,Southold Town is vulnerable lives,property,and the environment.Within the last to coastal flooding. century,the Town has witnessed significant weather- related occurrences including numerous hurricanes, tropical storms,severe thunderstorms,and nor'easters. The hazards from these storms include flooding,wind 'Ah damage,shoreline erosion,and tornados.Other natural hazards that occur,and are predicted to re-occur,are T,nr drought and extreme temperatures.Below is a list _ of natural hazards for Southold Town.Planning and preparing for natural hazards can and will help save = lives and property. ILL Natural hazards for Southold Town: , Flooding (coastal,riverine,flash,urban) Nor'easters(extra tropical cyclones,including severe Over time,sea level rise will contribute to worsening winter low-pressure systems) coastal flooding and related hazards such as salt- Severe Winter Storms(heavy snow,blizzards, water intrusion into groundwater areas currently ice storms) used for drinking water.According to measurement Coastal Erosion data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Severe Storms(windstorms,thunderstorms,hail, Administration (NOAA),sea level has risen about two tornados) inches in the Long Island area over the past 20 years `x Hurricanes (tropical cyclones,tropical storms, (1993-2013). In the next 20 years,the rate of sea level tropical depressions) rise is predicted to increase due to the warming of • Sea Level Rise the oceans (water expands as it warms) and due to ice • Drought melt from the polar region.Studies project that Long • Extreme Temperature(heat wave or cold temperatures) Island will experience a two-to five-inch additional rise in sea level in the 2020's. If the rate continues • Wildfire to increase, however,the actual sea level rise in the Severe storms,severe winter storms,and nor'easters 2020's could reach as high as 10 inches.2 This will are noted as high risks for Suffolk County,and are result in more homes and infrastructure being vulner- predicted to occur frequently in Southold Town, able to the effects of future storms. according to the County's hazard mitigation plan.' 1 Suffolk County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,2007. 2 Climate Adaptation Guidebook for New York State,2011. 1 2 Chapter 12:Natural Hazards Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Figure 12.1 Special Flood Hazard Area for Southold Town N Orient LONG ISLAND SOUND East Marion ORIENT Greenport HARBOR West Greenport Village Y Southold " SOUTHOLD BAY e Peconic �I Cutchogue HOG NECK BAY a� New Mattituck/Laurel ( = suffolk LITTLE PECONIC Plum Island BAY GREAT PECONIC BAYOF � Y1 l Fishers Island Q Town of Southold Water Bodies Q Greenport Village Special Flood Hazard Area NOTE:Map prepared byAKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 14,2019 Based on flood hazard maps from the Federal Emergency Management Administration 0 1 2 Miles I i I 0 Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 12:Natural Hazards 3 The following link provides more information about sea and reduction in the quantity and quality of drinking level rise:https://sealevelrise.org/.To view the potential water.Hot,dry weather can also lead to wildfire, effects of sea level rise for Southold,click on the following another potential natural hazard. link:https://maps.coastalresilience.orci/newyork/. Local government is charged with responding imme- To minimize potential damage to structures in vulner- diately before and after natural disasters to protect able areas,the National Flood Insurance Program its citizens.Government has a shared responsibility identified those areas most vulnerable to flooding. with its constituents to plan and manage emergency These areas are collectively known as the Special Flood resources.All Southold residents and visitors are Hazard Area and are predicted to have a one percent encouraged to take personal responsibility for their likelihood of flooding in any given year(see Figure own preparedness before an emergency is imminent. 12.1).The Special Flood Hazard Area is also the area To fulfill its share of the responsibility for emergency likely to flood during a 6-to 8-inch storm surge(as planning,the Town produced a plan for responding to was experienced in Southold during Hurricane Sandy coastal storms. in 2012).Flooding can also occur beyond the Flood The Town of Southold Hurricane/Coastal Storm Hazard Area during storms that are more powerful. Emergency Response Plan (herein noted as the Another online resource for modeling coastal flooding Emergency Response Plan)was adopted by the Southold that residents can use to see their potential vulnera- Town Board in 1995 and serves as a template to guide bility to flooding from different-sized storm surges and the Town's efforts to prepare and respond to weather- sea level rise is located at the following web address: related emergencies.This plan was prepared with the https://floodig.com/. assistance of the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Coastal flooding causes erosion,which is another Rescue and Emergency Services and the New York State significant natural hazard for Southold. Erosion of the Emergency Management Office.The plan defines the shoreline can also be caused by the normal processes Town's role in and responsibility for emergency response of wind,currents,and wave action.Coastal erosion to hurricanes and other coastal storms in order to save leads to loss of property and structures,and potentially lives and reduce injuries.The Emergency Response Plan hazardous conditions for waterfront landowners.There includes information about the location of emergency are areas in Southold Town that experience significant shelters,evacuation procedures,and other protective erosion problems,and steps need to be taken to deal measures.It also establishes protocols enabling the with this issue. Supervisor to declare a"State of Emergency." To implement the Emergency Response Plan,the Town has designated an Emergency Preparedness Team serving as the Southold Town Office of Emergency Management.This team consists of a diverse member- ship of employees from the Town,Fire Departments, Greenport Village,and Fishers Island.They are respon- sible for preparing for,responding to,and managing the immediate impacts from natural hazards,and have - `-a = successfully done so since their inception. C Emergency response is only one part of planning for natural hazards.Hazard mitigation and post disaster Erodingbluff between Town Beach and Horton Point recovery and reconstruction are the other main areas of natural hazard planning.Hazard mitigation plan- In addition to the increasing frequency of severe storms ning was updated for Southold in 2014 when the U.S. and related flooding,the 2011 ClimAid report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) New York State Energy Research and Development accepted the Suffolk County Multi-Jurisdictional Authority(NYSERDA)also predicts increases in extreme Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.Southold participated in heat events(heat waves)and droughts for Long Island. this plan along with most of the towns and villages in Extreme heat and drought can cause loss of human life, Suffolk County.The plan identifies hazards,assesses the damage and loss of agricultural crops and landscaping, risk from those hazards,and lists mitigation efforts for 1 4 Chapter 12:Natural Hazards Southold Town Comprehensive Plan the County and each town.This mitigation plan must Planning for natural hazards relates to several of the be updated every five years. other chapters in this Comprehensive Plan. Building Post-disaster issues,at least short term,are discussed coastal resiliency into the Town's plan will help the in the Town's Emergency Response Plan;however, economy,make housing safer,and protect future the Town needs to take a more comprehensive and investments in property,both private and public. long-term approach to post-disaster recovery plan- For these reasons,Chapter 6,"Natural Resources& ning.Preparing for a potentially devastating storm Environment,"and Chapter 3,"Land Use&Zoning," is prudent,and one of the objectives in this chapter both contain significant references to planning for includes a recommendation for creating such a plan. natural hazards and contain similar and additional goals to those put forth in this chapter. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Mitigate the Effects of O Objective 1.1 Natural Hazards to Achieve Prepare a coastal resilience plan for Southold Town. Coastal Resiliency, Protect Working toward a town that is more resilient to coastal Public Safety, and Reduce hazards will require a multi-step approach that results in Economic Loss changes to policies and regulations.Southold Town has already taken steps to become more resilient to coastal The Town faces numerous hazards that are likely natural hazards such as flooding and erosion from to occur,including severe storms,nor'easters,and storms and sea level rise through existing regulations hurricanes.Mitigation involves taking steps to ensure relating to flood zones,wetlands,and building codes. those hazards will not cause injury or death to people, These and additional regulations from other levels of and to reduce economic loss to structures and other government need to be assessed for their effectiveness property.As mentioned above,the Town has a hazard in mitigating the effects of coastal hazards. mitigation plan that can be found within the County's Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (Hazard In addition to this chapter,this plan contains goals Mitigation Plan). and objectives in other chapters that will lead towards coastal resilience,including Chapter 6,"Natural The Hazard Mitigation Plan contains a profile of Suffolk Resources&Environment;'and Chapter 3,"Land Use County and Southold Town,identifies the potential &Zoning:'Existing plans such as the County's Hazard hazards,assesses the risk of the hazards,and proposes Mitigation Plan also have a role to play in our coastal ways to reduce the impacts from the hazards(mitiga- resilience plan. tion).This plan can be found online at the following web address: https://fres.suffolkcountyny.aov/ After assessing existing tools and plans,data and RESPOND/Approved Plan2014.aspx. models from the most reliable sources will be used to formulate a rational plan for improving our coastal Coastal resilience is a term used to describe a place's resiliency wherever feasible.Sources for data and ability to withstand coastal hazards such as sea level models related to sea level rise and flooding include rise and flooding while minimizing threats to human NOAA,FEMA,and New York State,as well as academic life and property.The Hazard Mitigation Plan can institutions.Models such as interactive maps showing be considered part of the Town's coastal resilience the land that sea level rise is predicted to affect are plan.An excerpt from the plan with the Hazard available from several sources right now,and will Mitigation Measures for Southold Town is included become more accurate overtime. as Appendix 9. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 12:Natural Hazards 5 Examples of sea level rise models can be viewed at the > Responsible Parties:Emergency Preparedness Team following websites: > Possible Partnerships:Southold Planning Board NOAA's Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts and Planning Department,Southold Town interactive map:https://coast.noaa.ciov/slr/ Trustees,Village of Greenport,Natural Resources Coastal Resilience.org website's Future Scenarios Conservation Service Map:https://maps.coastalresilience.orci/newyork/ A Audit Southold's existing regulations related to O Objective 1.3 coastal resilience. Implement the recommendations for hazard mitigation for Southold in the Suffolk County B Identify the best models for sea level rise. Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. > Responsible Parties:Planning Board The current mitigation plan includes data and analyses Possible Partnerships:Emergency Preparedness for individual towns.Southold's portion of the plan Team,Office of the Town Engineer,Suffolk County, includes a history of the occurrence of natural hazards, New York State an analysis of its future vulnerability to those hazards, Possible Funding Sources:New York State Hazard and a list of hazard mitigation measures. Mitigation Grant,New York State Department of Southold has a list of mitigation measures in the State Environmental Protection Fund Grant current plan,some of which have been completed,and some of which are outdated or inconsistent with the O Objective 1.2 Town's current goals.This plan can be found online at Continue to participate in the updates to the following web address:https://fres.suffolkcountyny. Southold's hazard mitigation plan in cooperation gov/RESPOND/ApprovedPlan2014.aspx. with Suffolk County and the Suffolk County Those measures include retrofitting evacuation routes Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. from flood hazard areas,considering the relocation or This plan was updated in 2013 and approved by FEMA in elevation of structures in the floodplain,and stabilizing 2014.FEMA requires this plan be updated every five years. vulnerable bluffs(see Appendix 9 for a list of the A current mitigation plan is important for a community to mitigation measures). remain eligible for hazard mitigation grant funds that can help implement the mitigation measures. A f Add"extreme temperatures"as a significant hazard. Extreme temperatures are identified as a hazard for Suffolk County,but the risk of extreme temperatures causing wide- spread problems was not considered significant in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.Recent studies predict an increase in the future occurrence of extreme temperatures,which suggests we must consider how we might mitigate the effects of this hazard. B Identify mitigation measures that have already been accomplished and remove them from the plan. C Identify new mitigation measures and add them to Flooding from Hurricane Sandy in Southold the plan,including the following: o Measures that address agricultural land/crops at A Prioritize the mitigation measures. risk from flooding,drought,and storms. B Identify funding sources to implement Measures that address the increased pollution mitigation measures. and health hazards from flooding due to storms, C Identify partnerships and areas of cooperation with as well as water inundation due to sea level rise. adjacent municipalities including Greenport Village, These measures include flooded sewer and septic Riverhead,and Shelter Island. systems,oil tanks,and drinking water wells. 1 6 Chapter 12:Natural Hazards Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Responsible Parties: Planning Board, and responding to the damages of natural hazards. Planning Department The existing plan requires periodic updating to reflect Possible Partnerships:Emergency Preparedness changes in personnel,technology,and resources. Team,Office of the Town Engineer,Suffolk County, A I Update the plan to include the latest shelter loca- New York State,Village of Greenport,Southold Town tions and resources provided at those shelters. Trustees,Town of Riverhead,Town of Shelter Island B I Consider how best to inform residents ahead of time that their house is in a flood zone,and that they may O Objective 1.4 be subject to future evacuations,or that their location Re-examine the location of the Coastal Erosion is at risk of being isolated during a flooding event Hazard Area line. (example:Orient Causeway flooding). In 1991,the Town of Southold enacted the"Town of C I Provide Spanish-speaking volunteers at shelters. Southold Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Law"to allow > Responsible Parties:Emergency Preparedness Team the Town to assume the responsibility,authority,and administration of the Coastal Erosion Management � Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Department Program established pursuant to Article 34 of the New of Fire,Rescue and Emergency Services,New York York State Environmental Conservation Law.The law State Emergency Management Office regulates activities in an area called the Coastal Erosion Hazard Area (CEHA).This area is located along the Goal 2: Complete a Post shoreline where coastal erosion is most likely to occur. Disaster Recover/ and Development within the CEHA is generally prohibited Reconstruction Plan due to the risk of erosion. Because odds are that natural disasters will occur in The line identifying the location of the CEHA(known Southold,the Town needs to plan for long-term recovery as the"CEHA line")was mapped by the New York State and reconstruction.Depending on the extent of the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) disaster,this phase can go far beyond the time frame in the late 1980s.Since enactment of the law,shorelines and activities covered by the Emergency Response Plan. have changed due to erosion caused by wave velocity According to guidelines published by FEMA together and adverse weather conditions caused by storm with the American Planning Association,3 this is"a plan events.Correspondingly,severe erosion and structural for managing post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. loss has been documented along the Peconic Bays, Such a plan provides descriptions that include,but on Fishers Island,and on other shorelines in areas not are not limited to,lines of authority,interagency and included in the mapped CEHAs. intergovernmental coordination measures,processes for It is recommended that the Town work with NYSDEC to expedited review,permitting,and inspection of repair re-assess the accuracy of the existing CEHAs,as well as and reconstruction of buildings and structures damaged the designation's applicability to additional areas along by natural disasters." the Great Peconic Bay and Little Peconic Bay shorelines The post-disaster plan differs from the emergency that are not currently mapped as CEHAs. response plan in that it focuses on the long-term Responsible Parties:Planning Board recovery efforts that must occur beyond the emergency preparedness and response functions of government Possible Partnerships:New York State Department just before,during,and immediately after an emergency of Environmental Conservation event.The average timeline for emergency response efforts is three days,while recovery and reconstruction O Objective 1.5 can go on for weeks,months,or even years. Update the Town of Southold Hurricane/Coastal Storm Emergency Response Plan. O Objective 2.1 The Town's Emergency Response Plan reflects the Town's Consider creating a Recovery and ReconstructionOrdinance in the Town Code. efforts to expediently and effectively respond to natural hazard emergencies.This document serves as a valuable 3 Planning for Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction.1998. resource in assisting personnel responsible for preparing Planning Advisory Service Report Number 483/484.Schwab,et.al. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 12:Natural Hazards 7 A Recovery and Reconstruction Ordinance is an action E Coordinate debris removal from private property. a community can take to better manage disaster F Outline public participation in recovery planning. recovery.This is an ordinance the Town would have in place to establish a set of rules and an operational G�Create a framework to coordinate donations and organization to deal with the aftermath and long-term distribution of supplies to affected residents. recovery from a major disaster. > Responsible Parties: Planning Board, Recovery and reconstruction ordinances typically Planning Department create a recovery organization and authorize a variety > Possible Partnerships:Emergency Preparedness of pre-and post-event planning and regulatory Team,Southold Town Trustees,Southold Town powers and procedures related to disaster recovery Departments including Building,Public Works, and reconstruction.This organization would operate Highway,Community Development,Human parallel to and in cooperation with emergency opera- Resources,and any other departments that might be tions,typically continue beyond the typical time frame involved in reconstruction and recovery,Village of of emergency operations,and deal with issues such as Greenport,Riverhead,Shelter Island,Suffolk County planning and building that are outside the purview of typical emergency operations. O Goal 3: Provide Education to Some examples of areas a Recovery and Reconstruction the Public Relating to Ordinance might cover include the following: Natural Hazards A Create temporary regulations dealing with debris O Objective 3.1 hazard abatement,temporary use and repair permits,handling non-conforming uses,and permit Create an easy-to-read plan for residents and fee waivers. visitors that clearly describes what to do in the B Emergency Contractor Certification.A system would event of natural hazard emergencies. be set up to help vet and establish the legitimacy of the flood of contractors that typically flows to Objective 3.2 regions experiencing a disaster. Use social media as a tool to inform residents and C Create a recovery management organization that visitors of natural disasters,including how to lasts into the long-term recovery phase and helps prepare ahead of time,what to do when a direct the preparation of recovery plans as well as predicted natural disaster is imminent or helping to implement those plans. occurring,and how to deal with the aftermath. This organization or team is created by putting together an interdisciplinary team of staff and O Objective 3.3 officials involving all aspects of town government, Add links to the Town website with flood zone including Building,Information Technology, information,maps,and visual representations of Geographic Information Systems,Planning, flooding scenarios. Engineers,Human Services,Public Works,Highway > Responsible Parties:Planning Board Department,Accounting and any others that might be able to help the effort. Possible Partnerships:Emergency Preparedness D I Create a template Recovery Plan to be ready for Team,Information Technology details to be added depending on the type of disaster that occurs. Ila CHAPTER 13 PARKS & RECREATION February 2020 .,., . TABLE OF CONTENTS i 1 Background 3 Existing Conditions 4 Goals and Objectives 4 Goal 1:Ensure Diverse Programming a. 5 Goal 2:Maintain Existing Facilities and Grounds 6 Goal 3:Create New Recreational y Opportunities and Facilities 7 Goal 4:Ensure Access to Recreation i Opportunities 8 Goal 5:Promote Health and Wellness ,r, - i See next page for list of tables and figures. CHAPTER 131 PARKS & RECREATION Tables 13.11 National Recreation and Park Association Outdoor Facility Standards Figures 13.1 Public Parks,Preserves,and Bike Routes in Southold Town 1 _ Am ' r r —� ar so 131 PARKS & RECREATION zR.fk , Southold Town offers numerous recreational oppor- recommendations including the development of a tunities on its land and in its waters,and has acquired "professional staff"for recreational purposes. and managed many acres of recreational lands through The Town established a recreation department in 1985. its diverse programs.Figure 13.1,at the end of this Currently the recreation staff consists of one full-time chapter,shows the public parks,preserves,and bike director and one part-time staff member to develop routes currently available for use in Southold Town. and administer programs.In 2004,the Town transferred Further opportunities have been established by the responsibility for the maintenance of public properties, four park districts: Mattituck,Cutchogue-New Suffolk, including parks and recreation,to the Department of Southold,and Orient-East Marion.The Southold Public Works.In addition,the Town created a volunteer Recreation Department offers many programs for the committee (Parks,Beaches and Recreation)that was recreational use of residents. charged with making recommendations to the Town The County of Suffolk,State of New York,School Board to promote recreational opportunities. Districts,and several private organizations also have In 2004,the Town Board increased the collection of parks landholdings within the Town for recreational purposes. and recreation fees to the amount of$7,000 per lot,which A complete inventory is listed in Appendix 10. the Planning Board may collect if an applicant cannot This chapter addresses providing numerous activities suitably accommodate a park or public trail for recre- and programs that offer recreational,educational and ational purposes within a subdivision plat($3,500 per lot leisure opportunities that meet the needs,preferences, for conservation subdivision and no charge for Affordable and financial abilities of Southold's residents and Housing District).Fees are maintained in a separate trust visitors.An effort to determine future needs relating to fund and can be used exclusivelyfor the acquisition of these activities requires an examination of the existing public parks,playgrounds,or recreation,and/orforthe inventory of programs and facilities. In addition,it improvements of public parks and recreational facilities. requires the engagement of the public to determine the types of recreational and leisure activities they envision for the future. Background In the past,participating in recreational activities some ! ■�i 0 or enjoying parks and open space for recreational purposes was an informal arrangement.Unlike many chapters found within this plan,there are limited '- studies and recommendations regarding parks and recreation. In 1981,the League of Women Voters In May 2008,the voters approved a referendum for issued a survey assessing recreational needs in which the Town to purchase the site formerly known as"the it was reported that the Town's residents wanted Peconic School"situated on 4.3 acres on Peconic Lane more parks and trails and an indoor pool/gymnasium next to the Town's existing Recreation Department.Now complex.Two consultants also provided reports to the known as the Peconic Lane Community Center(shown Town Board in the early 1980's that featured concrete above),the Town has utilized much of its Suffolk County 2 Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)funding perceived to be most needed in town are noted below toward the rehabilitation of the site.The Center features in order of priority: three rooms that can hold up to 30 people for meeting • Indoor swimming pool space and educational classes as well as leisure activities * Bicycle,walking,and jogging trails and a small auditorium with stage. • Bowling lanes Engaging the Public to Determine • Performing arts Perceived Recreational Needs and Gaps • Indoor sports complex To determine what types of recreational activities In reviewing written comments/suggestions from the the public would like for the future,a survey was public,many emphasized combining functions to meet developed and launched on the Town's website. needs,i.e.,combining the swimming pool and gymna- Respondents were solicited through the Recreation sium complex so that it could host teen activities as well Department's E-Newsletter,a link on the Town's as childcare.A few participants noted the inferior website,and an advertisement in the Suffolk Times. condition of the dog park and the need for expansion Initially this effort provided 118 responses.Additional and improvement of grounds.Several comments strategies of community outreach increased the survey referenced the need for diverse programming with response to almost 200.Surveys were also provided additional instructors to offer"advanced programming." to students at local schools to ascertain the types of recreational and leisure activities that youth would like to see developed in Town.Seniors(55 years of age and older)comprise 40 percent of the Town's population; therefore,the Special Projects Coordinator met with seniors at the Human Resource Center to discuss the Town's Comprehensive Plan and distribute surveys. ,S In addition to soliciting public feedback throughax " surveys,three focus groups were conducted at the Southold Town Recreation Center to elicit ideas about what types of recreation and leisure activities are needed in the Town,what obstacles and impediments exist for current programming,and what kinds of Southold Town Dog Park recreational activities offered in other East End towns would be suitable for Southold. Focus Group Comments• The Southold Youth Bureau board and Youth Advisory Three focus groups were convened to discuss recre- Council convened a meeting devoted to strategic ation in Southold Town.The content of the discussion planning for youth services in preparation for Chapter strongly favored the development of additional cultural 11,"Human Services,"of the Comprehensive Plan.Over programming such as performing arts,theatre,movies, 90 percent of respondents stated that priority planning musical programs,and arts and crafts activities within should include the development of a year-round multi- the newly acquired Peconic Lane Community Center purpose gymnasium and swimming pool complex site.In addition,it was suggested that the name of the with the capacity to provide space for a teen center for department responsible for administering programs afterschool activities. should be changed from "Recreation"to another name Survey Responses• such as"Recreation,Education and Leisure." Appendix 10 contains a detailed response of surveys Performance Standards received by the public.Initially,responses were collected The National Recreation Park Association adopted online.Printed copies were later made available. standards for basic outdoor recreational facilities that The top five survey responses from the public provide guidelines for municipalities planning recre- regarding the recreational facilities/programs that they ational activities(see Table 13.1).These standards may Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation 3 be applicable to other suburban or rural communities, • T-ball baseball field (1) but they are not necessarily appropriate for Southold • Playground area (1) Town with its preserved farmland and semi-rural hamlets. • Restroom facilities Its reference is merely to provide guidelines for planning. • Pickleball courts(3) Table 13.1 National Recreation and Park Association Jean Cochran Park Outdoor Facility Standards • Roller hockey rink(1) StandardFacility • Baseball field,with lights(1) (Southold"' ' ' approximately000 • Tennis courts(3) Baseball 1 per 5,000 • Basketball court(1) Basketball 1 per 5,000 • Football field (1) (also used for lacrosse,soccer) Handball 1 per 20,000 • T-ball baseball fields(2) Golf Course 1 per 50,000 • '/z mile walking track Softball 1 per 5,000 Laurel Lake Park Tennis 1 per 2,000 Little League baseball fields(2) Swimming Pool 1 per 20,000 Playground area (1) Ice Hockey 1 per 100,000 Strawberry Fields Fairgrounds(leased from Volleyball 1 per 5,000 Suffolk County) Soccer 1 per 10,000 a Sports fields(3) used for soccer,lacrosse Football 1 per 10,000 Old School House Park(leased from Orient/East Field Hockey 1 per 20,000 Marion School District) Track(1/4 mile) 1 per 20,000 • Basketball court(1) Existing Conditions • Tennis court(1) • Playground The Town contains a range and diversity of parkland • Little League baseball field (1)also used for soccer and other open space suitable for recreational purposes. However,not all of this land is in public Facility and Program Planning and hands. Private owners and operators provide recre- Adequacy Analysis ational opportunities,as became evident in the crafting To develop the Town's goals and objectives for this of the Town's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program chapter,the following methods were utilized: document.This includes private marinas and golf courses.The Inventory contained in Appendix 10 • Review of previous studies denotes all land used for park and recreation purposes. • Review of survey responses and comments A distinction is made between government-owned • Review of focus group discussions properties,school-district properties,and private prop- • Review of National Recreation and Park erties. Below is a listing of Southold Town's recreational Association performance standards parks with current sports activities: • Review of existing inventory Robert Tasker Park • Interviews with recreation department staff and members of the Parks,Beaches and Tennis courts(3)with lights Recreation committee Little League baseball fields(3),1 with lights 4 Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan GOALS AND OBJECTIVES o Goal 1: Ensure Diverse O Objective 1.4 Programming Continually research and assess recreational Provide for a variety of recreational,educational, programs of other municipalities in the region as and leisure experiences and programs to meet the well as throughout the country. diverse needs of the community in an efficient and cost-effective manner. O Objective 1.5 Recreational,educational,and leisure activities Develop and enhance cultural programs and evolve with time and it is important to remain activities to be contained in the Peconic Lane current as well as satisfy the needs of a diverse Community Center. population of seniors,youth,and part-time residents. Technological advances require that the facilities and activities remain compelling and instructional for all O Objective 1.6 Town residents. Partner with existing entities that provide cultural programming to offer educational classes, performances,art exhibits,concerts,and other leisure activities. O Objective 1.7 Enhance technological capacities of the Town Recreation Center and Peconic Lane Community Center to promote cutting-edge program offerings. O Objective 1.8 - Utilize social media to learn about new programs and activities at the Recreation Department and to gather feedback on program offerings. Southold Town Recreation Center O Objective 1.9 O Objective 1.1 Increase staffing of the Recreation Department Issue annual surveys to assess the parks and to include skilled and experienced full-time staff recreational needs of the community.Meet with and part-time staff that could research funding participants at the Human Resource Center and opportunities and resources. Youth Bureau to further ascertain the needs of seniors and youth. Staffing could also include employment opportunities for youth. O Objective 1.2 O Objective 1.10 As a follow-up to survey responses,facilitate Change the name of the Town's Recreation focus groups to garner additional information Department to something else(e.g.,"Recreation, regarding what the community desires in terms Education and Leisure").The newly named of recreational needs. department can raise its profile through branding. O Objective 1.3 > Responsible Parties:Southold Recreation Provide exit surveys to participants who take Department,Southold Parks,Beaches and classes and participate in recreation activities. Recreation Committee,Department of Data Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation 5 Processing and Information Technology,Planning O Objective 2.3 Department,Southold Human Resource Center, Develop a database of existing parks and Southold Youth Bureau recreational facilities that notes the condition of Possible Partnerships:Peconic Landing,Fishers the site,what needs to be improved to enhance Island Community Center,historical societies, utilization,and when enhancement must take libraries,East End Arts Council,North Fork place(e.g.,replace sod on baseball fields in spring.) Community Theatre,Group for the East End O Objective 2.4 Goal 2: Maintain Existing Establish point-in-time surveys to access Facilities and Grounds utilization rates of parks and recreational Enhance utilization of existing park lands,open facilities during different times of the year, spaces,beaches,and recreational facilities month,and day. through ongoing maintenance,stewardship,and facility improvement. O Objective 2.5 The Town has an impressive inventory of park lands Increase collaboration and communication with and recreation facilities.Through aggressive efforts schools and park districts to coordinate the use to preserve farmland and open space,the Town of fields and facilities to maximize recreational has acquired land suitable for the development of opportunities for residents to prevent overuse passive and active recreation.This conversion of land and degradation. requires some expense to promote safety,access, trails,etc. It is important that existing resources are O Objective 2.6 maintained and protected to prevent overuse and Install permanent bathrooms at Jean Cochran degradation.While existing resources may appear Park and Strawberry Fields and consider adequate at present, it is imperative that the Town installation of portable toilets at other locations continually assess whether recreational needs are if warranted. being met and purchase additional land and develop sites when warranted. O Objective 2.7 O Objective 2.1 Through land preservation stewardship offer Collaborate with schools to explore the more bicycle and walking/jogging trails. feasibility of adding a shared sports turf (artificial turf)field with lighting to an existing IM Objective 2.8 Town park that is centrally located for field Finish the restoration of the Pavilion at Laurel sports such as lacrosse and soccer and a Lake. regulation track. School teams need a field that can be intensively used Objective 2.9 in all seasons and where big games can be hosted,and Continue participation in the Bay to Sound natural turf is easily overused and destroyed.Other trails project. athletic club teams could rent the field.The Town would manage the field and its schedule. O Objective 2.10 Ensure seasonal installation of receptacles to O Objective 2.2 collect refuse and provide timely removal of Promote compatible and multiple uses of parks refuse from public beaches.Educate the public on and recreational sites. the maintenance of parks and beaches with campaigns such as"Carry Out What You Carry In." 6 Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan O Objective 2.11 O Objective 2.21 Install lighting with timer on tracks in Jean Connect the west end bike path to the east end Cochran Park to enable recreational activities in recreational trail on Fishers Island. winter hours. O Objective 2.22 O Objective 2.12 Increase the usefulness of the Town park at Increase law enforcement patrols to improve Silversmith's Corner by including a few small the quality of public beaches through permanent tables for picnics and scheduling elimination of illegal parking,camping, more activities in the park. littering,and fishing practices. > Responsible Parties:Southold Recreation Department,Department of Public Works, O Objective 2.13 Land Preservation Committee,Southold Police Develop document for public distribution and for Department,Fishers Island Community Board,parks the Town's website that illustrates the existing districts,school districts inventory of parks and recreation facilities (active and passive.) , Possible Partnerships:Suffolk County Department of Parks and Recreation,Peconic Land Trust, New York State Department of Environmental O Objective 2.14 Conservation,Village of Greenport,youth service Develop recreational offerings devoted to groups(Boy Scouts,Girl Scouts,etc.),The Nature seasonal outdoor activities such as bird Conservancy,Southold Garden Club,Cornell watching,cross-country skiing,paddle tennis, Cooperative Education,New York State Office fishing,and deer hunting. of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preservation, Chambers of Commerce,local civic associations O Objective 2.15 Provide an ice-skating alternative to using local o Goal 3: Create New Recreational ponds by creating a safe,lighted ice-skating rink Opportunities and Facilities in winter. O Objective 3.1 O Objective 2.16 Obtain additional land for recreational purposes Continue to maintain the sledding hill at where feasible and necessary. Marratooka Lake Preserve. O Objective 3.2 O Objective 2.17 Enhance communication and coordination with the Utilize volunteers and community groups for Parks,Beaches and Recreation Committee and the clean-up of beaches and trails. Land Preservation Committee to cultivate opportunities to purchase land with Community Preservation Funding that will provide scenic O Objective 2.18 benefits to residents and visitors as well as provide Develop community gardens with vegetables needed recreational activities.Trail systems should and flowers within designated Town facilities. be designed,developed,and maintained to provide passive recreational activities for hiking and biking. O Objective 2.19 Create an exercise trail with exercise stations. O Objective 3.3 Enhance existing trails or create new hiking trails O Objective 2.20 through the subdivision process by having them Establish greenways in hamlet centers. dedicated to the Town without spending Community Preservation Funds. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation 7 O Objective 3.4 O Objective 3.9 Conduct a feasibility study that would include Work with the Peconic Estuary Program to design researching the availability of funding (public and construct a Blueway trail system throughout and private),operation (public and private)and the Peconic Estuary. suggested location of a year-round gymnasium and swimming pool facility. O Objective 3.10 The proposed multi-purpose complex may include Explore locations for a village green in Mattituck an extensive gymnasium with exercise equipment, hamlet center. weights,indoor heated swimming pool to permit lap swimming,indoor basketball court,bowling lanes,and � Responsible Parties:Southold Parks&Recreation lockers,etc.The feasibility study will include the possi- Committee,Southold Land Preservation bility of creating collaborations between for-profit and Committee,Southold Town Board,Department of non-profit partnerships that could make the creation Public Works,Southold Youth Bureau,Fishers Island Community Center and operation of the proposed multi-purpose complex financially viable. > Possible Partnerships:Peconic Estuary Program, YMCA,Chambers of Commerce,local civic associa- O Objective 3.5 tions,other non-profit or private entities Provide a separate or integrated youth center containing ping-pong, pool tables,foosball, Goal 4: Ensure Access to entertainment lounge,and snack bar,while Recreation Opportunities providing rooms suitable for counseling, Ensure access to beaches,parks,and recreational career development,and additional facilities and participation in recreational programs recreation programs. by residents and visitors. O Objective 3.6 WW Add an indoor swimming pool to the Community Center on Fishers Island, if feasible and funding is available. • Objective 3.7 Acquire two additional playing fields. .. - The recreation director reports that there is an v_ overuse of fields in town;specifically,the department T= receives many requests to use Strawberry Fields for soccer,baseball,and lacrosse. It would be prudent to acquire two additional fields of approximately 15 Goldsmith Inlet in Peconic acres (each)to support additional recreational activi- ties(fields)and parking. In the past the Town's recreational needs were primarily met by school districts and autonomous park districts O Objective 3.8 that did not afford access to all residents of the Town.In recent years the Town has taken a more proactive stance Within existing recreational sites,develop a and has sought to increase its land holdings and the supervised skate park that requires participants recreational facilities that are available to all residents and to wear appropriate gear to promote safety, visitors.Waterside access is provided by way of public have parental permission,and release the Town beaches,public road ends,private association beaches, from liability,etc. public and private boat ramps,marinas,and moorings. 8 Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Most recreational facilities and programs have been O Objective 4.7 offered at no charge or priced where revenues Enhance the promotion of recreational activities offset expenses. through continued advertising in local papers as Access to Town beaches and boat ramps is provided well as email notification,social media,and by purchase of passes and stickers at the office of the website postings. Town Clerk.The fees are set by the Town Board. The Recreation Department provides the use of Town O Objective 4.8 fields and facilities at no charge for non-profits,local Create a central database of recreational schools,charitable groups,little leagues,etc.Other user offerings that include activities not sponsored by groups are charged a fee to use the fields. the Town and post on the Town's website. O Objective 4.1 > Responsible Parties:Recreation Department, Southold Town Board,Town Clerk,Peconic Landing, Provide recreational opportunities to residents Human Resource Center,parks districts that are centrally located as well as geographically tailored for all 10 hamlets. O Goal 5: Promote Health and O Objective 4.2 Wellness Partner with existing sites and facilities(i.e., Initiate a Town-wide wellness campaign to improvephysical and mental health. Peconic Landing in Greenport West hamlet,Human Resource Center in Mattituck)to offer programs in As the Southold Parks and Recreation Department different geographical areas in town for residents evolves into providing greater educational opportuni- who do not want to travel ties for the public,opportunities exist to introduce to Peconic. people to many ways to optimize healthy lifestyles. O Objective 4.3 O Objective 5.1 Utilize Parks and Recreation fees to ensure that Work with school districts to develop a"fit pass" recreational facilities comply with the Americans allowing residents the opportunity to use school for Disabilities Act. facilities(playground,gymnasium) during evening hours. O Objective 4.4 O Objective 5.2 Deliver programs and activities that are reasonably priced so that most households are Offer educational classes throughout Town with able to participate. topics relating to stress management,obesity, smoking,depression,etc. O Objective 4.5 Promote discussion with parks districts to enable O Objective 5.3 all Town residents the ability to access park Provide recreational activities in conjunction districts;this access could be in the form of a with classes to maximize the ability to promote Town-wide"beach pass"that residents purchase. better health. This could include posters,information packets, O Objective 4.6 and resources. Engage the residents of Fishers Island(via surveys,focus groups,etc.)to convey their needs O Objective 5.4 in order to develop appropriate activities and Work with schools and human service providers programs to be offered on Fishers Island. to tailor more programs that support a lifestyle absent of alcohol,tobacco,and drugs to local youth and tweens. Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation 9 O Objective 5.5 , Responsible Parties:Recreation Department, Work with the Human Resource Center to tailor Suffolk County Department of Health,Southold programs toward seniors. Youth Bureau,Schools,Human Resource Center Possible Partnerships:Stony Brook Eastern Long O Objective 5.6 Island Hospital,Southampton Hospital,Peconic Sponsor monthly contests and activities that will Bay Medical Center,Stony Brook Hospital,Cornell offer prizes for changing behaviors to more Cooperative Extension,Suffolk County Department healthy lifestyles. of Health,New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services,Suffolk County Prevention Resource Center,school districts J. •� �. � .ice` Southold Town Comprehensive Plan Chapter 13:Parks&Recreation 11 Figure 13.1 Public Parks,Preserves,and Bike Routes in Southold Town LONG ISLAND SOUND Fishers Island Oregon Rd o r Bergenq�e Oregon Rd d c �tPhal � t �� � � �N nhiRd f w County Road 48 4 8 n., R0Gt a o co 25 0. ¢ r m ' !� Route 25 m25 NN o Pa°o�ogaygtJ q�e �c O` SOUTHOLD NarowRiver�Rd;. 4�'c o ;. BAY ORIENT HARBOR � wed HOG o e� NECK Qo BAY �a p GREAT PECONIC BAY ROBINS ISLAND LITTLE PECONIC BAY Ilk— Legend Public Parks and Preserves by Owner Q Town of Southold Arterial Road Southold Town New York State Orient/East Marion Park District Q Greenport Village Major Collector Road Suffolk County Cutchogue/New Suffolk Park District Southold Park District Bike Routes Local Road Southold Town and Suffolk County i Mattituck Park District NOTE:Map prepared by AKRF,Inc.for the Town of Southold June 20,2019 Source:Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency. ©2019.County of Suffolk N.Y. 0 1 2 Miles I i I _ d 1 a Wj Southold Town Hall 53095 Route 25 PO Box 1179 Southold,NY 11971 631.765.1800 southoldtownny.gov 3 ,7p f k