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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/2007Minutes of the "Greenport West" Stakeholders Group meeting Monday September 10, 2007 Floyd Memorial Library 5:30 p.m. Attendee Stakeholders: Don Leslie, Jr., Chairman Victor Brown, Mariel Dobler, Co-Secretary Melanie Norden, Co-Secretary Nelia Purnhagen Peter Russo Absent: Sylvia Holtzberg Tanya Padmore Ural Talgat Don Leslie reported on his discussions with the Chief Engineer and others at the Department of Transportation re the status of the light on Rt. 48 at the base of Sound Road in Greenport. DOT claimed that a roundabout was not feasible, as too much surrounding land would be required and the process of "taking" that land too time consuming, expensive and cumbersome. Rather it was suggested that stakeholders recommend that a 3 color traffic light be installed as an emergency measure, since the fall harvest and Christmas season will soon be upon us. The present blinking light is inadequate a traffic calming measure and there is a safety hazard at the intersection. Again, as an emergency safety measure, the group then discussed the feasibility of recommending to the County to shift the travel lanes along Rt. 48 near the Soundview Restaurant to the south of the existing roadbed, thus allowing all cars parking at the Soundview to park only on the North side of Rt. 48. D. Leslie agreed to contact Scott Russell regarding both matters. Bus shelters were discussed and the new shelters in Riverhead were cited as worthy examples. Questions were raised as to who designed those shelters and whether the same or similar ones could be designed for Southold Town. Chairman Leslie agreed to discuss the matter of the bus shelters with the other stakeholder Chairpersons. Perhaps a Town-wide grant for the shelters could be written and funding secured to build them. Victor Brown discussed his phone conversation with Melissa Spiro of the Town's Land Preservation Committee. Victor has set up an appointment with Melissa for 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 24th to discuss the preservation properties the Committee already has "in the hopper," anticipates preserving in the next year, or those properties in the Hamlet that should/.could be preserved. In this context, the Island's End Golf Course will also be discussed relative to its preservation if it is sold. The question of a public pool was briefly discussed. One stakeholder explained that the Y.M.C.A. or a hotel chain might theoretically agree to operate such a pool if all the funding and construction were in place, but it is highly unlikely that such a hotel chain would undertake the construction of such a project. Hamlet signage was discussed. Don Leslie pointed out that some of the Hamlets of the Town already have Hamlet signage installed. Victor Brown contributed a suggestion regarding signage "wording" in Southampton, as reported in Dan's Papers. Victor agreed to find out who installed the existing Hamlet signs and who designed them. The date for the Greenport Hamlet Stakeholders public meeting was discussed. Mid-October appeared to be a workable time frame. It was suggested that David Nyce be asked to attend the meeting so that he could "hear" and perhaps "fend" questions from Village residents. Don Leslie will discuss date and time with Phillip Beltz. In preparation for that meeting, stakeholders once again reviewed their initial recommendations regarding the short term and long range implementation goals they had previously prioritized. The following Short Term Implementation Projects were identified and prioritized: 2 Change the Light at Rt. 48 and Sound Road to 3 Color Secure the land swap with the County at Route 48 and Soundview Restaurant Weekly road clean-up, including removal of Cars for Sale on Town property, garbage, debris, etc. Accelerate the purchase or development rights on agricultural and open space lands in the Hamlet Investigate and encourage the purchase of development rights at Island's End (if a sale is contemplated) Facilitate Affordable Housing through legal code compliant accessory apartments. Consider Affordable Housing Amnesty program. Bury overhead utility lines for any new development/subdivision. The Long Term Projects will be identified at the next meeting. Cordially submitted, Melanie Norden Co-Secretary