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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMichael Domino_114861085060Southold Zoning Update - Full Responses Name: Michael J. Domino Respondent ID: 114861085060 Q1: General Feedback: Do you feel the proposed zoning updates reflect the needs of your community? No / 11% of the 208 page report - 34 pages devoted to signs and lighting tells me you've paid attention to someone, but not the businessmen like myself who have been asking for zoning help for decades and not gotten any traction with the Town Board. Q2: Land Use & Zoning: Do these updates make sense for how you want to see land used in Southold? No Q3: Which zoning rules or land-use changes—if any—don’t work for you? Where do I start? One full page on coastal resiliency (less than 1/2 of 1%) shows you're not paying enough attention to sea level rise, salt water intrusion into (of) our fragile aquifers, failing septic systems, etc. Additionally, no need to take away the retail use in B zone with the new CB District. Q4: Housing & Affordability: Do the updates support the kind of housing you believe Southold needs? No Q5: What—if anything—would make housing options better for you and your neighbors? -There is no simple silver bullet solution to the housing affordability problem but nothing I read in this 208 page report helps my daughter (employed full time) qualify for housing or an $800k loan. -Certainly not projects like the one completed on Fishers Island, nor any that doesn't let a homeowner build equity.... allow much smaller starter homes and find flexibility to help young people build and get a piece of the American dream. Q6: Natural Resources & Environmental Protection: Do these updates adequately protect Southold’s natural resources, such as water, wildlife, and woodlands? No Q7: If not, what else would you like to see in the zoning code for environmental conservation? Preservation of land is a great concept, one I fully supported as president of NFEC, but natural resources include our groundwater and there is not enough effort there. Q8: Community Character & Historic Preservation: Do these zoning updates help retain the character of the Southold you know and love? Yes Q9: If not, what do you think could be improved to preserve Southold’s unique charm? Of little real intent to me when I'm more focused on having basic needs like drinking water and preserving my present zoning rights. Q10: Traffic, and Safety. Do the proposed zoning updates adequately address concerns related to traffic congestion and pedestrian safety? No Q11: If not, what changes would you recommend to improve or prevent further traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety in Southold? NFEC worked for decades to promote clean, safe, reliable MASS transportation. Town has never embraced that and that philosophy contributed to the congestion we have now. Q12: Support for Agriculture: Do the zoning updates provide sufficient protections for Southold’s farming industry and farmland preservation? Yes Q13: If not, what changes would you suggest to further support agriculture and prevent the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses? . Q14: Economic Development: Will the proposed zoning changes foster sustainable economic development while balancing environmental and community concerns? No Q15: If not, how could the zoning updates better support the local economy and businesses? - What balance? As the owner of property presently zoned business (to become CB under this proposal) I see an effort to save the downing hamlets at the expense of the CB Corridor Property owners. -Remove the retail exclusion from CB District, promote campus style commercial development, reduce set backs, and vegetation requirements. Commercial property is already bought at a premium why make is so much more expensive to develop if you're really interested in the survival of existing businesses. Q16: Additional Comments There should be a Town Board sit down with the business owners in each special CB District... many of whom are too busy working to make payroll, pay our taxes, etc. to become fully engaged in attending multiple meetings where their voices have less impact because their numbers are overwhelmed and diluted by the sheer volume of residential property owners. Q17: Demographic & Contact Info. Click this link to enter your email if you'd like to receive updates on meetings and future drafts. Michael J. Domino / mjdsouthold@aol.com / Southold/Greenport Q18: Are YOU responding as a: How about all of the above? Resident. Business Owner. Public Servant? Environmentalist?