HomeMy WebLinkAboutOne Town, Many Places Vision for the Future June 19941994
ONE TOWN. MANY PLACES
Southold Residents'
Vision for the Future
A Summary of Residents' Comments, Concerns and Ideas
as recorded at Hamlet Meetings held April 9, 1994
June, 1994
Compiled by the Southold Town Stewardship Task Force
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York 11971
[516] 765-1938
June 30,1994
The Honorable Thomas Wickham
and Members of the Town Board
Town of Southold
Town Hall, Main Road
Southold, New York 11971 _
Dear Supervisor Wickham and Members of the Board;
The Southold Stewardship Task Force is pleased to present to you the following
report: "Southold Residents' Vision for the Future". The report is the summary of
comments and ideas solicited through Southold's historic Hamlet Meetings and
presents residents' agenda for the future of our Town. As the US/UK team observed,
and this summary confirms, residents have a shared vision of what that future is.
When the Town Board created the Task Force and charged it with facilitating citizen
participation in the development of a blueprint for Southold's future, it could not have
envisioned the degree to which the public would embrace the opportunity to be
involved. As you know, many meetings were held to provide forums for public
opinions and ideas, culminating in the April 9, 1994 Town-wide Hamlet Meetings,
where citizens came together to create the foundation of a broad vision for our
communities.
W~th a resounding commitment to continue help developing this plan, residents who
participated in the hamlet meetings stated that while they want the Town to grow, they
also want to preserve the unique spirit of the North Fork's rural environment. The
comments and ideas recorded in this report show that by working together, we can
support a strong economy and preserve the heritage of our North Fork. What we
have found is that there is still much to be discussed and examined before a fully
developed action plan is called "complete".
The Town's investment in and commitment to this innovative process is to be
applauded. We are proud to have served on the Task Force and to have been a part
of this exciting opportunity for Southold. Throughout this process, we have tried to
listen to and understand all sides of many complex issues; we hope you will continue
the process at the next level. The ideas and concerns expressed here should help
guide your decision-making in ways which ensure a healthy economy and rich quality
of life for future generations in Southold.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Samuels
Chairman
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
II. SYNOPSIS OF RECURRENT THEMES
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III.
PUBLIC COMMENTS BY HAMLET
a. Mattituck and Laurel
b. New Suffolk
c. Cutchogue
d. Peconic
e. Southold
f. Greenport
g. East Marion
h. Orient
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10
13
17
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28
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is an appraisal of where our Town is today, and where residents think it
should be going. "Residents' Vision" is a comprehensive summary, in citizens' own
words, of a guide for the future of Southold Town. It is not written in technical, planning
language, nor does it contain easy solutions to complex issues. The development and
implementation of concrete policy for zoning and land use is a complex process; we
believe it will benefit from residents' input.
Summaries of each hamlet's vision are presented at the beginning of each chapter.
These are followed by listings of individual responses to a series of exercises designed
by the Task Force to foster participation, discussion and understanding of planning
objectives. These are the ideas, needs, preferences and positive and negative thoughts
of residents from each hamlet.
Working maps were created during each hamlet meeting to graphically display those
places where growth is preferable, where preservation should occur and where various
amenities, such as bike paths and beach access, should be accommodated. These
maps are accessible to those who would like to see them at Planning Department at
Town Hall.
In general, residents see the best hope for accommodating the Town's future needs by
planning for growth in existing hamlet centers, and preserving and enhancing the
surrounding rural areas. The residents from some hamlets placed more emphasis on
preservation and less on the need for growth; in some cases, prefering no growth at all.
Residents from other hamlets expressed the need for both open space preservation and
economic growth. In addition, the participants discussed a wide range of issues: health
care needs, recreational facilities, merchant businesses, supporting our three biggest
economic bases -- agriculture, maritime activity and tourism, and preserving our quality
life. One strong, shared desire should be noted: residents want to preserve those things
which originally attracted them to Southold, or have kept them here. They want these
things to remain for their childre, n, and their children's children.
A strong commitment to accommodate the needs of the fragile environment was
expressed throughout the Town. The exercise which produced the strongest sentiment
was to identify special places that should be available to future generations. Preservation
of land and water resources seemed to dominate the thoughts of many residents. Most
observed the importance of taking decisive action to preserve open space and protect
farming as a way of life and industry. Similarly, residents stressed the sensitivity and
importance of the Sound, bays, creeks and inlets that shape the North Fork landscape,
and noted that the preservation of these water resources is about preserving our quality
of life and the economic base of the town. Water quality protection programs, road runoff
control measures, and wildlife and open space management plans were recurrent ideas
residents expressed.
Another issue paramount to several of the hamlet groups, is the residents' desire to
ensure economic stability and employment opportunities. Participants identified at least
four general areas where economic growth is possible and desirable:
Marine and maritime related industries, including commercial and recreational
fishing, other recreational boating and sailing activity, the sale of marine supplies,
aquaculture and marinas;
Agriculture, including produce-based farming, vineyards and wine making activity,
nursery stocks, sod farming, greenhouses and landscaping;
Tourism, defined carefully by residents; and merchant and commerce-related
businesses. The nature of these economic bases and residents' preferences
about their growth are more fully explained in the chapter entitled, "Synopsis of
Recurrent Themes".
Health care and Social services, including home health care and hospital in- and
out-patient services, nursing and doctor practices, and myriad social services to
the elderly, disabled, disadvantaged and other groups, and to children, especially
childcare.
Participating residents in each Hamlet expressed a desire for land use and other public
policies that will support the future of these economic bases. They also stated
emphatically that the future of Southold is intimately connected to the stabilization of the
overall economy, including taxes, property values, and the delivery of necessary services.
The Town can ill-afford policies that support one goal to the detriment' of our overall
economic health. Underscoring this notion, the residents' self protrait includes references
to recommendations that should accomplish more than one goal at a time. For example,
when residents urge the preservation of agricultural activity through the purchase of
farmland development rights, they are also saying that they want to protect the scenic
beauty that draws tourists to come visit and then linger in our restaurants and our
merchants' stores; that they want to prevent the suburban sprawl of unchecked
development that has increased taxes and caused property values to decline more
precipitously in other areas; and that they also want to protect farming as a way of life
unique to our area.
Third, the composite sketch of Southold's future as expressed by residents also includes
widespread recognition that if Southold is to continue to be vibrant place, it needs to be
responsive to all segments of its diverse population. The special needs of seniors,
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retirees, young families, and people of all socio-economic backgrounds have to be
accommodated. To do this, residents stated that future planning must address affordable
housing demands, health and child care needs, cultural and recreational needs, and the
coexistence of residential and commercial activity. The quality of life enjoyed by our
residents today is something that citizens want to pass along to their children. If there
was one lament heard more than any other, it was that of long time residents noting that
"life isn't the way it used to be" in Southold, in part because the population has soared
and with it, unplanned growth and the increased service needs that developed which
altered the rural, small-town quality of life enjoyed in Southold. Residents voiced concern
that the same process could repeat itself if we don't plan for it now and take steps to
protect things like the uninterrupted view of the dark, night sky and ballfields, and make
way for bike paths, pedestrian-frieqdly towns and alternate modes of transportation.
VVhile the various hamlet groups voiced distinct visions and attitudes for each hamlet,
there was an overwhelming understanding of the interconnectedness of all the hamlet
centers. Almost all groups noted that if only by virtue of having to drive through other
communities to get to their own, what happens in neighboring hamlets has a profound
effect on the look and feel of other hamlets. Residents are concerned that the Town not
grow in a piecemeal, unplanned fashion, where pockets of development to destroy the
continuity of the Town's landscape and the visual environment that unites the different
hamlet centers.
Southolders recognize that the way of life characterized by stopping along Main Road to
pick up fresh vegetables at a farmstand is an experience that has been lost to the spread
of suburban sprawl in communities to our west. By their comments, it is clear that
citizens insist on preserving these rural attributes and have taken the time to prepare a
blueprint to ensure that those little, but daily treasures are not lost in the process of
growing.
SYNOPSIS OF RECURRENT THEMES
Although not all of the hamlets have the same concerns and needs, those communities
that have shared visions reveal similar thoughts on specific ideas. Though familiar words,
many of the terms that appear consistently in vadous hamlet discussions hold special
meaning in the Town of Southold. It is important that' these special meanings are
understood and used by decision-makers to create policies that will guide our Town's
future.
TOURISM
The topic of tourism dominated most of the hamlet discussions. While almost all
residents appreciate the tourist economy as an essential element of the economy of the
North Fork, there is a healthy fear of its potential excesses. The focus should be on
preserving and improving our own quality of life, which will inevitably attract visitors who
wish to experience our town and patronize our merchant and recreational businesses.
There was enormous concern that we not become a "theme village", such as Colonial
Williamsburg, or a "beach strip", such as Ocean City, MD, where the focus becomes
serving the needs of tourists over residents. All understand this will result in a loss of
Southold as a real "place" in its own right. One resident summed it up by saying, "We'd
like people to come because they're interested in what we're doing, and what we have
to offer; but e~,en if they don't come, we're still going to do those same things and have
the same stores and activities. We should be a nice place to live before we're a nice
place to visit".
AGRICULTURE
Farming as a way of life and as an economic base is very important to residents.
Citizens appreciate the scenic vistas and the open space. The also appreciate the
diversity of agricultural activities on the North Fork and understand that farmers are under
increasing pressure to consolidate agricultural operations and to sell remaining land for
development. Hamlet groups focused on this issue and the need to find mechanisms that
will support agriculture in the future. Residents supported the acquisition of development
rights and other planning techniques.
MARINE AND MARITIME RELATED INDUSTRIES
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The subject of marine activity encompasses a broad spectrum of activities. Residents
agree that fishing and recreational boating are important activities which define the
character of our town. However, the visible and invisible impacts of some marina facilities
underscore the difficulty in trying to enhance these businesses. On one hand, residents
want to see marine activity continue and expand; they look forward to the restoration of
Greenport's waterfront and the possibilities of harbor and boat festivals. On the other
hand, they are adamant that such expansion not adversely affect the rich, natural
environment. Most see the conflict between natural resource protection and marine
industry growth. What emerged is a directive to direct marina growth to the least
sensitive portions of the Town's shoreline.
RECREATION
Residents see a need for facilities for all segments of Southold's population. Increased
access to beaches was noted, as was a need for another golf course, indoor swimming
pool, tennis courts, an ice skating rink, hiking and biking trails, ball fields of all kinds and
facilities for youth activities. Some residents observed that there is also a need for
transportation to link activities, perhaps by a mini-van service, andsupport for youth
activities by helping young people get insurance or supervision for large events.
SERVICES FOR ALL SEGMENTS OF SOUTHOLD'S POPULATION
Residents defined distinct populations in $outhold Town and see specific needs for each
group. Seniors and retired persons constitute a large part of our residents; some are
natives and others start out as second home owners who later make Southold their
primary residence. Many older residents are fearful that important health care services
are not available, and that they will be forced to relocate to find the services they require.
The idea was expressed that the Town should facilitate the establishment of group and
extended care facilities. Residents also expressed concern for the needs of young
families, such as child care and activities and facilities for teens and children. Starter
housing and greater, affordable, rental options should be available to young families and
couples just starting out. Without such assistance, many young families will not be able
to.stay in Southold Town.
GROUNDWATER PROTECTION
Residents are troubled by increasing threats to the quality and quantity of the
groundwater. Residents expressed hope that by concentrating future growth away from
groundwater-sensitive lands, water purity might be safeguarded. However, where
pollution and overpumping have already compromised quality or quantity, residents want
to see actions taken to remedy the situation.
NEW BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIAL BASES
Participants in the hamlet discussions envisioned the future and what kinds of growth are
appropriate for the Town. They expressed clear commitment to ensure that present
economic bases be supported and that any future growth be consistent with the needs
of current, natural resource-dependent economies.
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VISUAL CHARACTER OF SOUTHOLD TOWN
Southolders are proud of the rural look of their communities and enjoy the scenic vistas
of historic buildings, farmlands and beautiful natural landscapes. They are concerned that
rapid development has begun to erode this visual character. Better landscaping would
enhance existing built areas, such as shopping centers. In virtually every hamlet
discussion, the subject of architectural, review was endorsed, in some cases with hamlet-
specific architectural standards and compliance procedures.
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MATTITUCK and LAUREL
Facilitator: Joe Fischetti
Mattituck residents were concerned with balanced economic growth and the need to
maintain the visual appearance of-the hamlet center and surrounding areas. When
residents were asked to consider other places that they liked and what lessons they
would like to see Southold learn from and incorporate here, participants identified areas
where commercial activity continued to thrive and economic stability was perhaps
enhanced because of tighter regulations reagrding the visal quality of the village. These
places were notable for their pedestrian-orientation and the degree to which preservation
of historic and natural resources was incorporated into the overall goals of the town.
This seems fitting for Mattituck residents to have observed in light of the .comments
participants made about the complex mix of activity that Mattituck currently supports and
the challenges that it is already beginning to face.
Residents are concerned that the visual character and quality of life in the hamlet is being
undermined by the rapid, poorly planned development that took place in recent years.
Many of the wish list items and future needs that participants mentioned reveal a desire
to go back and fix problems that could have been avoided if the area had not allowed so
much development to take place so quickly. For example, parking and traffic problems,
replanting of trees, signage problems, poorly landscaped commercial strips, etc., are all
things that residents want to see improved. They also noted that in the process,
significant natural resources and local recreational opportunities have been impaired.
Rather than find fault, however, they want to ensure that there is better communitication
between Hamlet residents and decision-makers. The diverse participants in the Mattituck
group demonstrated a clear willingness and their desire to continue this process. They
want to protect the resources and views that remain and find ways to improve the built
portions of Mattituck, consistent with the charm and appeal of places like Love Lane.
A. Special Places · Vista of Ruland's Farm and Mill Lane
· All of Oregon Road
· Cooper Farm and Farm Stand
· Husing Farm Area
· Vista opposite Brushes Creek, north to Route 25
· Soundview Avenue South overlooking Oregon Pond Firing Point
· Love Lane's special character
· Bergen Avenue
· Old Main Road - Mattituck and Laurel
· Laurel School and Post Office
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· Laurel Lake and Marratooka Lake Vista
· View of Creek Sound Avenue - Westphalia to Wickham Avenue
· Entire length of Suffolk Avenue
· wetlands, marshes and beaches
· Laurel Lane
Future Needs and Improvements
· Park District property - Sound and Bay sides
· Police and school cooperation
· Village Green and parks - public bathrooms
· Litter control
· replant trees on Main Road
· Improve existing signage (NFB sign)
· rebuild railroad station
· sand piles - Sound Avenue and Westphalia
· land clearing ordinance
· visual improvement Main Road (rail road) West to Love Lane
· Plan for sideroads - traffic study - trucks bypass
· Love Lane closed to vehicle traffic
Other Places Like Southold That We Like and Why · Kennebunkport, Maine: Clean parks, access to water
· Manchester, Vermont: vineyards, architectural controls on businesses
· Nantucket: Architectural Control
· Cold Spring Harbor, New York: preserved historic look and harbor
· Beaufort, North Carolina: Attractive Town, Boardwalk
D. Wish List
· Park District: out-of-town parking fees, improve tourist facilities
· relocate tank museum
· allow resident access to schools
· remove asphalt tanks
· indoor swimming pool and recreation facilities
· bike paths and walkways
· stop light Main Road near A&P
· more Bed & Breakfasts
· improve existing commercial areas (ie. near A&P), buffers, plantings, etc.
· accessible, affordable housing
· better enforcement of Town Codes including marinas and dumping
· camping facilities and grounds
· Zebra Stripe Love Lane
· More attractive street lighting
· clean waters for all the creeks -- control runoff
· Lower property taxes
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· grant finder and festivals and other means to pay for improvements
E. Appropriate New Businesses
· Health Spa
· Family clothing store
· Ice or roller skating
· Country Inn
· Town owned golf course
· indoor/outdoor cafes
· campground
· motels
· Mattituck Inlet Marina Jitney Service
· a youth center
NEW SUFFOLK
Facilitator: Michael Simon
The issues of concern to New Suffolk residents not surprisingly, relate mainly to marine
and waterfront activity. To most reSidents, the waterfront is the center of their community
and they would like to see it enhanced or at least restored. They like the intimacy of the
New Suffolk hamlet and want to ensure that it is retained for the future. They would like
the Town to help restore community ball fields, beaches, and sidewalks and they would
encourage private landowners to c. onsider landscaping or building improvements.
The group was supportive of efforts to preserve the visual character and quality of life in
Southold and encouraged the Town to consider the efforts of other communities who
have created architectural and planning controls to safeguard the appearance of villages
like New Suffolk. VVhile they don't think New Suffolk is an appropriate or convenient
place for commercial expansion, there is a sense that the area is highly suitable for the
establishments that are most consistent with the quiet character of the village, like office
rentals for professionals, local museums and non-profit organizations.
New Suffolk residents are concerned about recreational activity in its waters and most
especially the speed of pleasure boats and the recklessness exhibited by some jet ski
users. They feel that increased law enforcement presence on the waters, especially on
weekends and more effective enforcement of existing marine safety laws is needed.
Equally important is the need expressed by residents to take action to support marine life
in and around the creeks and harbors, by cleaning up habitat areas and reducing
pollutants that threaten water quality.
A. Special Places · Waterfront, shipyard
· GrathwohlNVest Creek
· School
· Ball Field
· Old Cove Yacht Club
· Downs Creek/Osprey Beach
· Wickham Beach
· Old Post office and General Store
· Views of Robins Island
· Town Beach
· Wooded Lot at 5th and Main (N.E. corner)
· Schoolhouse Creek Road
· Captain Marty's
· Street vistas
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· Orchards on Old Harbor Road
Future Needs and Improvements · Clean up Old North Fork Shipyard (Carr Property)
· Consider business/residential/marine zoning
· Preserve ballfield and improve facilities
· Retain School and maintain property
· Cleanup Schoolhouse Creek Road
· Repair sidewalks and stormdrains
· Improve parking for Legend's & other businesses
· Improve/replace New Suffolk Emporium
· Fix up end of Old Harbor Road
C. Other Places Like Southold That We Like and Why · Nantucket: effective Planning Board control
· Kent, Connecticut
· Door City, Wisconsin
· Massachusetts North Shore: village architecture
Appropriate New Businesses
· General Store/Ice Cream Parlor
· Local Museum
· wooden boat restoration
· Gallery
· Tours: water taxis to South Fork, Shelter Island, etc.
· Non-profit organization office rental (e.g., NFEC, Save the Bays, Baymen,
Cornell Cooperative Extension)
· Professional offices
· Yacht/boat sales
Hamlet Center Amenities · Public Lavatories
· Ballpark lights, benches
· Community Center/General Store
· Parking designation & control
· More Trees
F. Wish List · Convert old North Fork Shipyard to a park
· Ban jet skis
· Community center
· Bicycle lanes
· Speed limit enforcement
· Restore post office/general store
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CUTCHOGUE
Facilitators: Thomas C. Samuels and Helen Jones
Residents who participated in the Cutchogue Hamlet Meeting embraced a shared vision
of a Cutchogue that could balance economic growth with the protection of the open
spaces and small town atmosphere that characterize Cutchogue's quality of life. They
were very enthusiastic about being given the opportunity to provide meaningful input for
the future. People noted that the exercises were meaningful in understanding the issues
and that the disparate individual viewpoints generally fit into a consistent "big picture".
The group did not complete all of the exercises, and was not able to address many of the
issues in the alloted time. However, of the issues that were addressed, the Cutchogue
group demonstrated a strong sense of community spirit and a "give and take" attitude
beneficial to the interest of the larger community. In a particular example of this spirit one
resident, who lives next to a likely parking area, noted the necessity for parking in
Cutchogue and the positive impact it would have on Hamlet Center businesses. She
expressed a commitment to addressing community needs and a willingness to accept the
parking lot because it advanced a larger good. This willingness to consider the needs
of the whole community was expressed several times during the Hamlet discussion.
In general, the Cutchogue Hamlet group focused on three main issues: the preservation
of open space, tourism as an economic base, and our quality of life and appearance
issues. It was noted that the Cutchogue community has seemed to change quickly in
recent years, and people have become very sensitive to changes in the visual
appearance throughout the hamlet.
Preserving farmland is an important c,6ncern of the Cutchogue residents and they
explored the idea of a Transfer of Development Rights program as outlined by the
Stewardship Task Force. The concept was explained, many questions were answered,
and there was an openess to using TDRs to preserve farmland and concentrate
residential and commercial growth. It was also agreed by most participants that TDRs
be used for infilling existing lots at a higher density than currently allowed by zoning
throughout the hamlet, in addition to being concentrated in the hamlet center.
The tourist economy envisioned by residents was one that balanced the positive and
negative aspects of the tourism trade. Toudsm should provide an economic base by
celebrating the existing and ongoing local activities, rather than by simply catering to the
needs of tourists. Many good ideas for achieving this were expressed by the participants.
It is understood that visual appearance is important to tourism; specifically, there seems
to be an heightened awareness of the "cluttered and distracting" effect of new signs and
lighting on the Main Road.
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It was emphatically expressed that the Hamlet discussions should continue and that the
April 9th session, although more meaningful than previous public discussions, was still
only a beginning. Residents expressed a clear willingness to participate in a permanent
Hamlet group in Cutchogue.
Special Places
· Fort Corchaug property
· Cutchogue-New Suffolk Free Library
· Old House and Village Green
· Nassau Point Causeway.
· Marshes and creeks
· Osprey Nests
· All Beaches
· Old Burying Ground
· Cutchogue Cemetary
· Fleet Barn
· Entry to Cutchogue on Main Road from both directions
· North Fork Country Club
· End of Nassau Point
· Nurseries
· Pequash Park/Club
· Trees
· Stars at night
· Open vistas of farmland and bay
· Wickham's Farm
· Cedars Golf Course
· Fleets Neck Association Beach
· Rights of Way, access to beaches,
esp. on Nassau Point, and at the ends of roadways
· Oregon Road
· Vineyards
· North Fork Bank building
· a pervasive sense of the natural environment,
surrounding and within Cutchogue
Future Needs and Improvements
· Composition of the tax base needs to be examined and businesses
encouraged that support the local economy; strong commitment
expressed for a balanced, local economy
· There is pressure to build coming from Riverhead's recent business
expansions. People may look east for residential property as a result of
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developments like the Tanger Outlets. The Town should look at regulations
to control Southold's growth rate against this pressure.
· Taxes: keep lower for all constituencies
· the Town should persue purchase of development rights from the 80% of
agricultural landowners who are not currently farming those lands.
· awards to developers who keep in character of the existing community when
building new projects_
· parking opportunities are needed if we are to make the hamlet merchant
businesses accessible to tourist activity. Currently, Southold is not a
"destination point" of significance, as much as it is a traffic corridor.
Parking opportunities should be investigated.
· traffic control
· use LIRR for tourism pror~otion
· Bed & Breakfast accommodations
· Rest rooms on town beaches
· bus system for vineyard tours, etc.
· public access to regulations -- in particular, the public can not understand
them, feels that it is difficult to even get copies, and that in too many cases,
there is a lack of definitive interpretation by the Town on important
regulations governing land use
· marine use as "boatels" need to be examined
· desirable population growth rate needs to be determined and regulations to
support this quality of life, traffic and water. Currer~tly, the population is
influenced by Town zoning codes, but there should be an effort to
incorporate a target goal (or limit) through a Master Plan update
· park districts need improvement; ie.: Pequash
· King Kullen shopping center -- visual character needs improvement, maybe
through landscaping
· Signage laws need to be enforced -- in particular, residents pointed to
examples of currently internally-lit signs such as "Shop with us/Methodist
Church" signs
· lighting: "whole community is overlit"
· enforcement of existing laws re: lighting, signage, etc.
Places Like Southold That We Like and Why
· Sonoma and Napa Valley: Restaurants and other businesses in Vineyards;
develop place to support artisans, eg. Brecknock Hall - self supporting
· Halifax, Nova Scotia'and Camden, Maine: blend old and new building
· Essex, Massachusetts: don't want "tourist towns", old, charming; "we should
be what we are and that is attractive enough"
· Ireland: slower lifestyle, no strip malls
· North Carolina: health services, extended care -- orientation of communities
to the needs of signficant senior populations
· Longwood/Kennet Square: self-supporting community for retirees
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· Bordeaux: farms meet the sea
· Columbo Center, Toronto: arts center
· Monterey: Aquarium
· Stroudsburgh: historic rail road
· the Berkshires: lots of land preservation
· Williamsburg: historical preservation, but without the recreational
manipulation of the historical resources
· Rockport, Massachusetts: parking (* note: there was much disagreement on
this point: many traffic jams, problems with parked cars clogging roads
while owners out on boats, example of a bad tourist town)
· Prince Edward Island: bad roads, good railroad -- there is a focus on public
transportation
· Litchfield, Connecticut: Village green, churches
· Cape Cod: tax new houses 2% of the purchase price
D. Wish List
· Windmill power
· Swimming pool/YMCA
· Sidewalks (downtown)
· walking trails and shoulders on roads
· dedicated bike paths in addition to the shoulders on roads
· small parks and public access to public amenities (beaches, etc.)
· Utility lines underground and out of sight
· the Town should establish a "Public Information Officer" to help residents get
access to information and explain regulations and proceedures,
especially re: planning and zoning issues
· computerize data on land use parcels
· senior citizen housing/assisted care facilities
· extended care facilities for seniors
· access to Long Island Sound
· more active police presence
· landscaping King Kullen Shopping area
· More Town Beaches in Cutchogue community
· marine facilities for town residents -- space in New Suffolk is inadequate to
meet the needs of Cutchogue residents and larger Southold Town needs
Issues that were not fully addressed or resolved at April 9 Hamlet Meeting · Taxes
· Residents in the Cutchogue group expressed concern that the Town needed
to focus more attention on youth issues, recreational needs in the
community
· The needs of young families need to be better addressed
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PECONIC
Facilitator: Greg Palast
While all the other hamlet groups~vere identifying a place along the Main Road that
represents their hamlet center, Peconic residents were focussing on an area that is
between the two main roadways, connecting the North Road with Route 25. As a result,
Peconic residents are sensitive to the effect of the visual character of both roads as
access routes which shape people's perceptions of Peconic. Of paramount concern to
the Hamlet Meetings participants is the protection of Peconic's visual landscape.
Residents expressed strong concern that the North Road was becoming visually cluttered
with strip developments, excess signage and excessive lighting. Overall, residents of
Peconic felt that the Town of Southold was developing "way too fast" and that unchecked
commercial development was undermining the character of the community. In particular,
residents noted that they felt Peconic had changed the most radically during the last few
years.
With unanimity, Peconic residents noted there was a need for architectural review to
prevent additional projects from tainting the landscape. They want existing uses and
vacant buildings on the North Road phased out or cleared, and defunct signs and lights
removed to reclaim the vistas on the North Road. The review board envisioned by
residents would be on a Hamlet by Hamlet basis. Participants' sentiment indicated that
they disagreed with the liberalizing of the signage and lighting codes suggested by the
Task Force, noting that they wanted stricter control than was proposed. In the future,
residents want new development guided to the post office and laundromat area south of
the North Road and off of the view corddor of the main access road.
In the interest of establishing recreational pathways and increased public access and use
opportunities of coastal resources, residents urged that planning techniques be applied
to preserve open spaces and access to beaches. In particular, they want to preserve the
"greenway" that characterizes Soundview Avenue, through Richmond Creek and Little
Creek. Reduced density, required setbacks and landscape screening were also
discussed as desireable additions to current planning codes and requirements.
In short, Peconic participants want to reclaim the visual identity of their community by
shifting development off the main access roads and into the area occupied by the Post
office and laundromat.
A. Special Places · Route 48 vista
· Recreation Center
17
· Soundview Avenue
· Goldsmith Inlet
· Richmond Creek -- "nothing commercial" and "undeveloped"
B. Future Needs and Improvements
· Richmond Creek: reduce density by abandoning old sub-division maps
· Year-round swimming pool
· Little Creek
· Preserve Groundwater area along Route 48
· Access to Long Island Sound via Goldsmith, but preserve ecological
sensitivity, "not like Mattituck"
· subdivision threat along Richmond Creek
· screen water tanks at Mill' Creek, but do not send to Richmond Creek area
· Strip malls and gas stations, industrial park on Route 48
· Business zones have been "dumped" on Route 48
· Lighting at night on Routes 48 and 25
· Losing Soundview Greenway
· Loss of Inlet Fishing
· Reduce length of Town Jetty at Goldsmith's Inlet and reduce private groin on
Horton Beach.
Places Like Southold That We Like and Why
· Stony Brook: Business is confined to one area, "pretty"
demonstrate appropriate screening, architectural review,
requirements
· Garden City: Parking is located behind stores, not in front
· East Hampton: Architectural Review and limits, ie., fast food is limited
· Head of the Harbor: AFl businesses are located on Route 25A
· Sag Harbor: Village has concentrated business, its not on Main Highway
· Burlington, Vermont: "it's not like Queens", there are no lit signs
· Stockbridge, Massachusetts: them is a plaza, sense of a "center" to the
town/shopping district, them am no signs
businesses
landscaping
Appropriate New Businesses
· Should be located on Peconic Lane, near the Post Office, not along North
Road and not along Route 25, but between the two
· there should be architectural limits, off street parking, and screening in front
· eliminate industrial/business zones on North Road
· maximize farmstand/winery business opportunities
· increase opportunities for Bed & Breakfasts
E. Hamlet Center Amenities · Reduce allowed housing density around farm core
· High density zone around proposed businesses
18
· spread added density to marginal areas, increase by maximum of ~/a increase
· cluster back from creeks
· designate "mooring" and "no mooring" zones
F. Wish List
· Existing Town rules should be enforced on signs, lights, etc.
· Reduce signage, ie., eliminate real estate signs
· get more people involved---
19
SOUTHOLD
Facilitators: Whitney Booth and Joe Ristuccia
The participants in the Southold hamlet group were extremely varied and concernced
about a wide range of issues and needs. One of the interesting outcomes of the talks
was the distinction that residents made about the various communities within the hamlet
of Southold. The Bayview, Sound and Ashamomack communities see themselves as
separate neighborhoods with different priorities and needs, although many are similar.
In general, residents are concerned with the visual appearance of the hamlet. The
increasing presence of litter, vandalism and signs is a problems that could be corrected
with greater enforcement of codes and better maintainence. As a well travelled area and
the location of many town buildings including Town Hall and the High School, it is difficult,
but as residents said, "important". In addition, there are problems with the use of
sidewalks by bicyclists that could be alleviated with more bike paths or useable road
shoulders, or enforcement of codes.
Southold residents in general want to keep Route 48 and the parts to the north of the
community "clear and open". Vineyards and Beds & Breakfasts are most appropriate to
those areas and benefit from the preservation of scenic vistas and the preservation of
open spaces.
Transportation seemed to be key issue during the hamlet meeting, with many expressing
concem over the problems of summer traffic and poor connections between railroad, bus
and inter-hamlet transportation systems. Many would like to see Southold create a
system of mini-vans, trolleys or mini-buses that would be available year-round for
residents to use for getting from one hamlet to another -- especially for young people and
the elderly, as well as serving as an important service to summer toudsts who may take
trains out for the weekend. Residents hoped such service would also help promote
merchant activity since people would be walking around hamlet centers.
Three issues that were the subject of considerable comment were not resolveable by the
end of the meeting: the problems associated with moorings in the Bays, the inherent
conflict between promoting recreational and tourist activity and the resultant pollution and
litter, and more nebulous quality of life issues including garbage collection. Residents
agreed that these were all issues that would benefit from focused attention.
Citizens noted that there were many good ideas coming from residents in all Hamlet
discussions and that there should be Town support for the implementation of the
outcomes of these meetings. Many of the good ideas simply need seed money to get
off the ground and even provide opportunities for employment for young people or
20
programs that will beneift all residents and that even modest support from the Town might
make ideas that would otherwise remain "wish lists" bear fruit. In this connection, they
also observed that there need to be more cultural and social activities for all age groups
in Southold.
Special Places · West shore of Mill Creek
· Emerson Estate
· West of Founders Village
· Hummel's Pond
· Farmlands, especially those north of the North Road
· Woods off Paradise Point Road
· George Stepnoski's farm off Bayview Road
· Land around Custer Institute
· Dryad Cove and Cedar Beach area
· Wooded areas on Soundview Avenue
· South of Route 25 between Southold Hamlet and Peconic
· Southside of Route 48, east of Kenny's Road
· North Road from Southold to Mattituck
· View corridors north of Route 48
· All farmstands
B. Future Needs and Improvements
· Problems related to Old Reyder Golf Course need to be addressed
· Chain link fence at Fire Department is unsightly
· Catapano's nursery
· Lucas Ford - lights and signs are disturbing
· Main Bayview, derelict house north of Cedar needs to be addressed
· Burt's Reliable - lights and signs are problemmatic
· Old Bechtold property - possibly a site for future, planned development
· Problems related to Old Clerk's office need to be addressed
· Historic houses need to be preserved
· Parking Lots - debris, etc.
· Willow Hill - this should not be serving as a used car lot
· Southold Post Office - architecture and landscaping needed to improve
appearance
· Goose Creek Bridge - needs to be cleaned up
· Parking of school buses at residences should not be permitted
· litter on Travelers Street should be cleaned up and the street should be beter
maintained
· Strip malls - litter and appearance problems: should be cleaned up, better
maintained and landscaped
21
· Better signage on Route 25, ie., directional signage to scenic/recreational
opportunities for visitors
· "Cars for sale" all over town -- these ad hoc car lots should not be permitted
· ban chain link fences
· junk in the woods - recreational/scenic opportunities diminished due to litter
problems
· The Cove is an eyesore with all the old buildings and foundations. It should
be cleaned up and restored
· Parking rules at road ends should be tightened
· Improve landscaping for commercial buildings
· The Town Beach needs to be landscaped and better maintained
· Visual character of Port of Egypt needs to be improved. People thought
more landscaping, better maintainence, the removal of the brick chimney
and other physical improvements would make the area more attractive
C. Other Places Like Southold That We Like and Why
· Port Reyes, a town north of Sante Fe, New Mexico: Bed & Breakfasts, Inns
· Stowe, Vermont: progressive signage ordinance, cited example of a
McDonald's where the town code forced the McDonald's to look just like all
other local businesses, unable touse McDonald's trademark architecture and
signage
· Manchester, Vermont: old building preservation, some are used for new
businesses
· Ligoneir, Pennsylvania: Architectural review
· East and Southhampton, New York: Architectural Review
· Canadian Provinces: Parks and Goverment-sponsored evening community
programs
· Southwold, England: Garden Plots
· Cooperstown: Town/civic group maintained planters in business districts
· Nantucket, Rhode Island: festivals, ie., Daffodil Festival
· Bristol, Rhode Island: footpaths, etc., through public funding
· Various communities in Britain: guided walking paths, "footpaths with a
purpose" (other than scenic/woodland enjoyment
· Sante Fe, New Mexico: architectural review in the business district
· Little Compton, Rhode Island: downtown has a total, "master plan"
· Cape Cod, Massachusetts: scenic Route 6A
· European Farm Markets
· Upstate New York and areas in England with Greenbelts and a freeze on all
development in certain areas
Wish List · Hummel's Pond
· Tennis Courts, with lights
· Paddle Tennis
22
· Architectural Review Board
· Restore old houses
· grants for rehabilitation of old houses
· farm areas
· support use of old houses for new businesses
· pump out stations
· youth center ~
· sailing club for town residents
· bike paths
· lighting control
· noise pollution control
· vineyards supporting B&Bs
· transient boating
· public transportation hubs for tourism
· eliminate moorings in bays
· lower taxes
· Brecknock Hall cultural use
· Founders Landing Park District
· litter laws tightened up
· town garbage collection
· plantings in central place
· country fair for various industries
· air pollution - don't burn garbage
· vineyards, culinary use
· anti-vandalism law
· reasonable public water
· neighborhood watch
· mobile symposium on wheels
· tourist consortium grant
· preservation rural
· NYS violate sign laws
· street signs on every corner
· bike rentals
· cover trucks on way to dump
· public restrooms
· Peconic County study
· youth sailing center
23
GREENPORT
Facilitators: Victor Brown and Michael Zweig
Repeatedly, Greenport residents talked about the potential that their community is not
tapping into. What people like about Greenport is that it is a "real" place and remains a
nice place to live, whether or not people want to come visit. Whether it was about
tourism and pedestrian activity, waterfront esplanades, underexploited maritime-related
industry or transportation "hubs", Greenport residents are not at a loss for good ideas for
promoting their town. What they I~ment is lack of coordinated effort and the need for
enhanced communication and joint decision-making between the Village and Southold
Town.
The main idea among Greenport residents is how to balance needed growth with their
desire to retain existing community character. They want to bring back and enhance
maritime and tourist related businesses and they also insist that Greenport's visual
appearance be protected, that open spaces are retained for passive and active
recreational use and that the integrity of water habitats and marine life are maintained.
People see Greenport as a harbor town with an historic marine heritage and want it to
return to the heydays when it was a working harbor. The future of new jobs and
employment could be brightened by enhancing maritime related industries through
aquaculture, and by refurbishing derelict and abandoned homes and buildings.
As an excellent deep water port, Greenport could do much more to make use of maritime
related activity. Several residents observed that other towns like Greenport have world-
class boat and tall ship shows and festivals garnering national attention and providing
enormous economic benefit. However, as in the overall feelings Southold Town residents
have about tourism in general, Greenport residents underscored that they do not want to
see such activity come at the expense of local village life and a sense that we continue
to live in a "real" place. The maritime/tourism activity envisioned by Greenport residents
is that which respects and compliments other local industries and ways of life.
People observed a need for better communication with the Town to develop solutions
which would correct the undesirable appearance of the western gateway to Greenport.
Local efforts to promote Greenport and eastern hamlets as attractive tourist areas are
undermined by the perceptions created by the unlandscaped clutter of motels, gas
stations, etc., as one travels east. Residents believe that sincere effort needs to be
focussed on reclaiming lost visual resources, such as Brecknock Hall, downtown
Greenport, Front Street water vistas, and the open space alongside Route 25 near the
bridge upon entering Greenport, etc.
Residents noted that Greenport's great strength is its utility as a transportation hub and
24
that means that future planning should take full advantage of that. They expressed a
need to make Greenport more pedestrian-friendly. The thrust of attention in hamlet
discussions seemed to focus on finding ways to make Greenport more of a "destination
point" rather than a "stop on the way" to the Ferry. Bike racks, bike rental shops, better
transpOrtation between Hamlets after people disembark from the Long Island Rail Road
in Greenport, walking tour maps, and public facilities were but a few of the ideas people
discussed as being essential to the'future of Greenport as a visitor-friendly locale.
Related to this, the issue of transportation linkages was also discussed at length.
Residents observed that Greenport is an excellent location for likely connections between
the Long Island Rail Road, bus service - both East End and Southold hamlet specific, and
water transit.
As yet unresolved issues, but mattsrs of concern to residents were the need to address
the pervasive problems of litter and the lack of youth activities. There was also lively
discussion about the legal and ethical aspects of zoning and zoning changes. Residents
said they would appreciate greater outreach on the part of the Town to help understand
the concepts and tools that will enable citizens to play a more active role in shaping their
future.
Ac
Special Places · "67 Steps"
· Brecknock Hall
· Island's End Golf
· Jem Commons, next to Brecknock
· Moore's Lane
· Inlet Pond, Moore's Woods, Railroad Terminal
· Historical architecture, ie., Municipally operated old power plant (possible
historical tours there)
· Assorted museums and library
· Hospital
· working harbor
· recreation at waterfront
· harbor vistas to and from the water
Places That Should be Preserved
· Brecknock, preserve all or part, it's possible to strike an ecological balance
with a nature preserve, organic farming, etc.
· Western approach to Greenport, preserve wetlands and prevent a commercial
"strip" from taking over the approach to Greenport
· Business property (Main Street and Route 25), improve appearance
· Clarks Beach -- preserve, especially area next to Inlet Pond
· Small lot next to Old Mills Building: preserve
· Sage Boulevard area: preserve as open space
25
Future Needs and Improvements
· Volunteer "Adopt a Highway" program with Boy Scouts and other local groups
or individuals
· Western access on Route 25 and Route 48, consider business, parking,
landscaping and resulting water run-off
· unofficial dumping areas, including North Street extension, by the High
School, Chapel Lane at Route 48, Clark's Beach
· Need to support Commercial fishing, town should appeal to State for tax relief
· Need "Harbor Walk" allow views of working harbor, commercial boat building
and repair
· Concern for ferry traffic overflows through town may require "by
pass" signage on Route 48 for destinations outside of our region
· remove mounds of dirt at'blinking light at Route 25
· improve village water (old system), health concerns, rust damages hot water
heaters
· need promotion of off-season events
· promote Bed & Breakfasts
· need jobs for village residents of all ages
· improve working relationship between town and village
· consolidation of schools to reduce taxes
· develop/restore Moore's Woods as a park
C. Places Like Southold That We Like and Why
· In general, people admired locales that are "working communities", that is to
say that pleasant local, year-round life is maintained while at the same
time attracting visitors and tourists.
· New Hope, Pennsylvania: Bed & Breakfasts, sense of history (historic
preservation committment, "has a great Christmas village feeling"
· Nantucket, Rhode Island: maintains old town and seaport character, has
strong architectural review
· Camden, Maine
· Northport, Long Island: Quaint Parks
· Cape May, New Jersey: good Bed & Breakfasts with acccess and parking
off-streets
· Sag Harbor, New York: active off-season, good sense of community, night
life, stores stay open
· Stonington, Connecticut: good "walking town", attractive, well maintained,
interesting architectural history
· Newbern, North Carolina: has a working port, harbor town, village is restored,
carriage rides, special Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center which was
built to strict public criteria and standards
· not Mystic (too much like Disneyland) and not like Newport, Rhode Island
D. Appropriate New Businesses
26
· Marine businesses: keep in mind deep water port advantages, provide
transit marine facilities, include large boats
· Tourism and Jobs: tall ships, marine railway, large boat repair, museums,
blacksmith shops, restoration work, harbor walk, more Bed & Breakfasts,
restore old Opera House
· Fishing: commercial fishing attractive to tourism, mariculture, live aquarium
· Commerce: Motel property as conference center/hotel, "Business
Communications Hub/Node", hotel at Geir property
· Landscape: better landscaping of business properties
E. Wish List
· Youth activities
· water recreation
· nature trails
· bike paths
· waterfront: "Harborwalk"
· well maintained flower plantings along streets, spotted along western line of
town, along proposed harborwalk, near train station and museums
· more diverse restaurants
· better village and town litter control, use fines, enforcement, slogans/catchy
signs to foster incentive not to pollute, trash recepticles
· impose community service work as punishment for lesser crimes
· reduce auto traffic: use "bypass" concept for South Fork travelers, sign
directions to well maintained town parking area
· use financial incentives (deposits) to ensure shopping cart returns
· enlarge Floyd Library facility
· provide landscape screening for businesses, especially those businesses on
west entry into village
· ban chain link fences
· develop cultural center at Brecknock Hall
· start volunteer home beautification program (especially for seniors), perhaps
in conjunction with BOCES, Idaho program)
· enforce maintainence of unoccupied properties
· restore Clark's Beach adjacent to Inlet Pond. It is the largest undeveloped
park in Southold Town and remains virtually unusable.
27
EAST MARION
Facilitator: Bob Bayley
The general feeling of the participants in the East Marion hamlet meeting mirrored those
of their Orient neighbors. In general, 'these resident expressed a sense of a separate
identity from that of the rest of Southold Town and a desire to remain distictly different.
East Marion citizens observed that the community's sense of tranquility is precisely what
drew them there in the first place and that they are adamant that quality and character
of such an isolated and out of the way place be preserved at all costs. In a word, there
was no interest whatever in the possible expansion of the Hamlet Business district, and
in fact, little need for additional commercial or residential growth. They noted that the
architectural heritage of the East Marion hamlet is important to them and that they would
like to see steps taken to enhance it.
Preservation of existing quality of life and natural resources was of paramount concern
during the. discussions. As an issue, the preservation of Cove Beach on the Sound was
perhaps the single most frequently noted desire. Residents felt its preservation will afford
educational, recreational, water quality and environmental protection benefits to the
community. In addition, discussions on the subject of the preservation of Cove Beach
elicited a more general and larger need on the part of residents -- improved recreational
opportunities in the hamlet. This idea is reiterated throughout the comments listed below
in the form of calls for bicycle paths and hiking areas, access to water bodies, walkways,
and refurbishing of existing recreational facility resources such as tennis courts.
Although a small group in terms of numbers, the participants were very representative of
the larger community population in East Marion. The hamlet is comprised largely of
retired persons and second home owners. The hamlet group participants and follow up
discussions revealed a strong intention to formalize the process of the discussions
through creation of an East Marion Association of residents. Residents noted that they
appreciated the opportunity to express their views and would like to have a larger voice
in the future of their hamlet community.
A. Special Places
· Dam Pond/Causeway on Route 25
· Post Office
· Route 25 as it passes through the Hamlet
· Sound front
· Marion Lake
· Bay front
· view of Marion Lake
· Trees on Main Road
· Cove Beach on the Sound
28
· Sep's Farmstand on Route 25
· Recreational uses of the gravel pit north of Route 25
· Fishing from different road endings on the Bay and the Sound
· Open Spaces, "rural peace"
· Isolated Farms
· Floyd Memorial Library
· Victorian Homes on Main Road
· Friendly atmosphere
· Fresh air and birds
· Breezes
· Sunsets and sunrises
· The Dark, night sky
· Peace and quiet
· Good emergency medical service
· Close proximity to Eastern Long Island Hospital
· Ball Fields and Tennis Courts
· Truman's Beach
B. Future Needs and Improvements
· Increased access to the Sound, other than Rocky Point Road and Truman's
Beach, there should be access at Cove Beach and increased
recreational opportunities at all waterfront areas
· Enhanced use opportunties on the Bay. Access is not a problem, so much
as activity and recreational use. Residents want to be able to walk along
the shore, but cannot at present as a result of man made obstacles like
bulkheads and fences.
· General store in Hamlet Center is only open occasionally on weekends. It
would be nice if it were open on a more regular basis.
· Improved road shoulders for bicycle paths.
· The creation of facilities for cyclists -- restrooms, bike racks in Hamlet Center,
church, store, and recreational or tourist desitinations.
· Protect salt and fresh water resources by controlling road runoff. At present
there are no control measures in place, such as interception or
redirection techniques. For example, residents want to see runoff
currently running from Bay Avenue and Chapel into Marion Lake
redirected so that it is not negatively impacting this treasured resource.
· Marion Lake should be cleaned up, perhaps by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation. However, the focus
expressed was not so much on who should direct the action, so much as
it was on the need for the lake to be cleaned.
· There may be a need for a new bridge for Marion Lake to replace the aging
one and for some improvements on Bay Avenue. Stuctural assessments
should be undertaken to determine the specific needs for both.
· The Scenic Highway Grant shoulod be used as a model elsewhere in the
29
State for Department of Tranportation highway work.
· Traffic to and from the Ferry needs to be controlled. Residents suggested
three options: (a) staggering ferry discharge by use of a traffic light,
(b) ration available transit spaces, and (c) establishing another ferry route
· Slower speed limits throught the Hamlet (25-30 mph)
· The existing tailgate laws need to be enforced on Route 25 to prevent
accidents
· Control noise of traffic and speeding cars on Route 25 by eliminating bumps
and other basic road surface repair
· Limit lights on streets and homes to "preserve the sanctity of the dark, night
sky"
· Increase parking for post office, preferably behind the post office
· East Marion Hamlet voice in the control of signage. Residents want the
proposed East Marion Association to have a signficant role in the review
process over signs or in the development of regulations governing signs
in their Hamlet
C. Other Places Like Southold That We Like and Why
· Sag Harbor, New York: respect for and preservation of architectural heritage.
In particular, East Marion residents were impressed with how
expeditiously Sag Harbor handled fire damage to significant architectural
resources in their business district.
D. Wish List
· Prohibit indiscriminate tree clearing
· Restore or remove derelict buildings that impair visual landscape of the
community
· Extend and/or improve sidewalks along Route 25 and adjacent streets in the
Hamlet Center
· Provide for rights of way for bike paths and improve use of shoulders for
existing pathways. Bike paths and other bicylce-friendly additions in
Town were very important to East Marion residents, many of whom
would like to be even more bicycle-dependent as a mode of
transportation
· Planned parking and traffic control for farm stands
· Planned central farmers market and a farm stand restaurant
· More rights of way and improved public use opportunties at shoreline for
walkways, etc., such as at Cove Beach and Sound Beach
· Access steps to Rocky Point Road should be maintained
· Re-surface tennis courts
· More Hamlet Meetings -- create an East Marion Association that will be
officially recognized by the Town and consulted on matters relating to the
3O
Hamlet community
· Require public access within any new developments to create a coordinated
rights of way bike and beach paths
· Cluster housing with shared, open, green space
· No increase in business district zoning
· Preserve present post office
· Preserve all of Cove Beach through creation of a park
· Rescind commercial/motel-zoning at Oyster Factory/Shipyard Lane. The sitei~
completely surrounded by residential zoned properties
· Increase use of limited density zoning; upzone existing vacant land
· Create an architectural review or advisory panel to control visual character of
community
· Create historic preservation districts
· Enforce zonin9 and occupation laws
· Create Peconic County
E. Hamlet Center Amenities · Preserve existing Hamlet, prohibit additional growth
· Expand post office parking
F. Appropriate New Businesses · Village Country Store
· Natural Foods/Health Store
31
ORIENT
Facilitator: Anne Lowry
Orient residents sentiments about the identity of their community are intimately connected
to geography. In short, their location at the eastern most tip of the North Fork peninsula
sets the Orient community apart from their neighbors and they, like their East Marion
companions, believe there is something unique about the place east of the Causeway
and its residents. In the words of residents themselves, there is something "separate and
special" in Orient that prompts them to be fiercely "protective" of their community and to
have developed a strong sense of-self-determination.
This protectiveness is revealed in their emphatically-stated desire to severly limit growth
and new development in Orient. The community's remote location makes it inappropriate
for business. When identifying special places in Orient, most residents felt that just about
everything was special and in fact, Orient, as a place, is exceptional. This also made it
difficult to identify appropriate places for new growth, leading most to conclude that their
desire to preserve existing open space, vistas, beach access, natural resources, historic
sites and the visual character of Orient rendered it impossible to allow increased density
or new growth in the tiny hamlet.
Highly sensitive to the presence of the Ferry and its associated traffic hazards and
inconviences, they also expressed strong preferences that something be done to control
high speed traffic and noise. Many indicated a preference for the New York State
Department of Transportation to conduct a study of the problem. The study envisioned
by Orient residents is intended to determine existing traffic patterns in the hopes of
developing new regulations and laws to address the problems or enhance enforcement
of existing laws.
In addition to the problem of the Ferry, the group identified "water and coastline
protection" as an issue near and dear to them, but one that also did not have dear or
simple solutions. Orient residents noted that the dose proximity of water on virtually all
sides was a draw for them to locate there and preserving the integrity of the shoreline and
coastal communities is not only a commitment to environmental protection, but an
economic necessity.
A. Special Places · Historical Society
· Causeway view
· Narrow River Road and its ecological signficance
· Hallock Bay
· Village Lane, Pocatuck Hall and Park
32
view corridor
E. Wish List
· Review protection of historic landmarks
· The preservation of "neighborliness" in Orient, ie., slow pace, no "big
business"
· "Electricity: Yes; LILCO: No". Orient residents would like to explore switching
to alternative sources of electricity.
· No private docks
· Legal limits on the size of boats in Hallocks Bay
· More of a presence of Bay Constables and enforcement activity
· Pump-out stations
· Reduce speed limit on Main Road
· Encourage more farming
· Peconic County
· More Town support for Historic Societies
· Town support for Pocatuck Hall maintenance
F. Appropriate New Businesses
· The residents of Orient expressed a preference that there be no new
businessesor development, especially in places like Orient Harbor, where
there should be no new docks, pilings, etc.. So emphatic was the
preference that residents explored ways in which to ensure that new
building not mar waterfront areas and walking paths including obtaining
conservation easements and purchasing land or development rights.
34
· Yacht Club
· Kings Highway
· Cemetaries and Churches
· Terry Mulford House
· State Park
· Plum Gut
· Post office and General Store
· All farms and farmstands
· School
· Lands End
· Open Vistas and open farmland
Preservation Needs
· Vistas and the approach over the Causeway; "nothing should interfere with it"
· No designated bike paths in preserved areas. Unlike other communities,
Orient residents envision bike paths in preserved areas as an intrusion
into the special solitude or sense of "place" that marks areas they've
asked by preserved or have identified as special.
Future Needs and Improvements
· "if only we could get rid of the Ferry"
· Architectural review in Historic Districts
· Residents expressed an admonition to the Town that Orient's Historic
Designation was routinely overlooked in decision-making. Residents
want more attention paid to this designation and a larger voice in
decisions that will affect their Hamlet.
· Regulations and enforcement of existing regulations regarding the Bay,
particularly those for recreational boating
· Cables across the Causeway
· Land's End Road
· Traffic and Speed enforcement on the Main Road
· Greater recognition of Orient's importance to all of Southold
· Ferry traffic study
· Ban commercial development on the Point
· RetirementJExtended Care community
Other Places Like Southold That We Like and Why · Places like Orient that are remote and inaccessible
· Elie, Scotland: all residents are informed about new, proposed building
Hamlet Center Amenities · Reduce requirement for the width of roads
· Well planned paths and open spaces
· Keep any new development out of the sight of Main Road travel; preserve
33