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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/2007Hamlet of Greenport Stakeholders Public Meeting Saturday January 5, 2007 10:00 a.m. Peconic Landing, Greenport, N.Y. NOTES ON PROCEEDINGS Attendee Stakeholders: Victor Brown Mariel Dobler, Co-Secretary Jill Dunbar Sylvia Holtzberg Melanie Norden, Co-Secretary Peter Russo Diane Gilmore Ural Talgat Absent: Don Leslie, Jr., Chairman Tanya Padmore Nelia Purnhagen Approximately 72 people attended the meeting (half of whom signed in; a few provided written suggestions on the way out). The meeting began at 10:00 a.m. and ended at approximately 12:00 p.m. Julia Lane from the Suffolk Times, David Nyce, Greenport Mayor, and Michael Osinski, Greenport Trustee, also attended. David and Michael shared the podium with stakeholders. Sylvia Holtzberg thanked attendees for coming. Sylvia indicated that the 350 residents and 200 staff members who comprise the community of Peconic Landing are dedicated to the financial and cultural health of Greenport and want to continue to be involved in the life of community in every way, not function as an independent "gated community." Mrs. Holtzberg stressed that the Landing provides cultural and other public programs for the community, and its residents volunteer with many worthy community organizations, such as CAST, the public schools, the Greenport Historical Society, and Eastern Long Island Hospital. Peter Russo then introduced stakeholders, and Village officials. Peter read the Mission Statement, explained the handout, encouraged attendees to sign-in, summarized the meeting agenda and stressed the three Hs --- the Halo zone concept, the importance of Greenport Village as the "hub," and the incorporated and unincorporated hamlet structure of Greenport. Peter further stressed the critical importance of a strong and abiding relationship between the Village and the unincorporated Hamlet --- how they both must plan together for the future. Peter explained that every town on Long Island has "gotten in wrong," when it comes to growth and that we have to try to "get it right." Ural Talgat then spoke of his interests as a stakeholder and the Kayak/Nature/Bike Trail project,, which he outlined briefly. Ural spoke of the spectacular scenic vistas as one drives through the North Fork and how he will work in whatever way he can to preserve them and the undeveloped open lands. Michael Osinski spoke about the nature/kayak/bike trail concept from the Village's point of view and how some of the project might incorporate the Silver Lake --- an unspoiled 3 acre lake right in the middle of Greenport which few residents know about or enjoy. He indicated that the Village may cut down phragmites surrounding the Lake and allow rowboats and kayaks on the Lake. He also stressed the need to establish bike trails for school aged children, and that Mayor Nyce had already discussed funding options with the DEC and other entities for the project. David Nyce spoke briefly on his vision for Greenport. Peter Russo then turned the meeting over to attendees. The following is a summary of comments, sometimes made by one or more attendees: · Need for affordable housing (Peter Russo explained the stakeholders position on "owner occupied" only affordable housing) · Swimming pool a great idea, also need tennis and basketball courts for young people · Hampton Jitney bus stop in Greenport very unsafe. Need for lighting (Nyce explained property owned by County, so cannot be done right away) · Landlords charge exorbitant rents in Village. Issue must be addressed. · Need for various kinds of stores, and to stay open more often in off-season · Run-off to Bay at various areas needs to be stopped · Need for attractive signage throughout Village · Dam Pond must be cleaned up · Free Shuttle providing a park and ride loop should be investigated for Greenport · Not enough parking, particularly in busy seasons, Parking must be planned and addressed · Gateway area of Greenport must be beautified and junk removed on various lots · Movie theater should be open year-round · Vineyards/wineries should be able to establish B&BS and restaurants on-site. The importance ofagro-tourism was stressed · New garbage cans and new bus shelters are needed · Need for noise abatement regulations throughout Village · Keep chain stores out of Greenport (Nyce explained the difficulty and that he is looking into what Sag Harbor has done relative to chain stores. He also explained that there will be site plan review for any new projects but that advocacy is what is called for) · Need for more public transportation around North Fork to Riverhead · Make Mitchell Park more green --- plant more trees · Control Ferry traffic · Need for cooperation and collaboration between various committees of the Town and Village, some don't know others even exist · Nature, including birdlife and turtles, etc. need to be protected at Silver Lake. Not a good idea to develop. Snapping turtles are huge and a safety hazard · Consider closing off Village streets more often for shoppers · Survey should be conducted to see what community members want and need Peter Russo explained that the Stakeholders next meeting will be held sometime in May or June at a firehouse in Greenport. Peter thanked attendees for coming.