HomeMy WebLinkAboutLechner, J 5.2025 Jo-Ann Lechner
1415 Marlene Lane
Mattituck,NY
516 781-1267
To the Town Supervisor&Town Board of Southold:
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed Halo Overlay in Mattituck,specifically targeting the area
surrounding Marlene Lane,Sigsbee Road,Bay Avenue,Ole Jule Road,and Camp Mineola.It is troubling to learn of plans that
would override current zoning restrictions to allow apartment construction on vacant land and encourage homeowners to add
apartments to existing properties.
This area is uniquely situated near several environmentally sensitive water bodies,including the Bay,Marratooka Lake,and
James Creek.As a longtime resident and someone who was actively involved with the Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association in
preserving the land west of Sigsbee Road,I find this proposal deeply contradictory to the community's previous conservation
efforts.Our goal was,and should remain,to protect these delicate ecosystems from further pollution and degradation.
I understand that proponents of the plan point to advanced septic systems as a mitigation measure.However,this does not result
in a net environmental gain.For example,even if a new septic system reduces pollution output by 50%,the addition of a second
household effectively offsets that reduction,leaving us with the same level of contamination,if not more.In fact,despite recent
efforts,there have already been beach closures due to water pollution.Encouraging denser development near these water bodies
will only exacerbate these issues.
Further,our residential beach areas,such as the Marlene Lane bay beach are already at full capacity.Over 50 families share
access to this small beach alone. Increased residential density will inevitably overwhelm these spaces,diminishing the quality of
life for existing residents.Similarly,local roads like Marlene and Sigsbee are already strained by seasonal traffic,especially
from visitors to the adjacent Town beach.Additional housing will only add congestion,increase noise,and degrade air quality in
our quiet,residential community.
While I recognize the need for more affordable housing,placing multi-unit developments in sensitive residential and waterfront
areas is misguided.The Town should prioritize apartment construction in appropriate zones,such as the business district or near
the railroad corridor where infrastructure is better suited to support higher density.These locations also align with principles of
smart growth and minimize environmental impact.
Additionally,I strongly object to the exemption of the Mattituck Hotel Project from the current building moratorium.The traffic
and environmental impacts of this project,when combined with proposed apartment developments,will have a compounding
effect.Residents already face difficulty exiting neighborhood streets;adding a hotel and multiple housing units will make this
unsustainable.
It appears that this one section of Mattituck is being disproportionately targeted for development,which is deeply unfair.Our
community deserves the same consideration and protection as any other.The Town's planning should reflect a balanced
approach that values environmental preservation,infrastructure capacity,and residents'quality of life.
I urge the Town Board to reconsider these proposals and prioritize long-term environmental health and community stability over
short-term development gains
Respectfully,
Jo-Ann Lechner