HomeMy WebLinkAboutLindley, Carol; Perman, Margot; Riehle, Jurgen 7.2025 July 18, 2025
Re: Southold Zoning Update Comments
Dear Heather,
While the elimination of restaurant use in the former RO zones (renamed Transitional) is
commendable, we were disappointed to see that the other commercial uses remain.
Although the Transitional zone is defined as"essentially residential", it is de facto treated
as commercial with the potential of large building sizes and density for office/apartment
construction. It's particularly disturbing that high-traffic uses such as a hotel(albeit
subject to the new"country inn" limitations) and a retail garden center are permitted, as
well as a wireless communication facility(!). These permitted commercial uses are not in
keepingwith multiple Comp Plan goals, including community character and preventing
overdevelopment and sprawl.
Ideally,we would prefer to see the property returned to its original residential zoning(R-80)
or perhaps Hamlet Residential, both of which would allow for multiple dwelling options to
address the current affordable housing crisis.
On the other hand, the inclusion of impervious surfaces in overall lot coverage (which you'll
recall was a significant issue us with the medical offices proposal) is a very welcome
change that will lead to more measured and historically appropriate development for our
town.
Best regards,
Carol Lindley
Margot Perman
Jurgen Riehle