HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/2004Town of Southold
Hamlet Study
MEETING MINUTES
CUTCHOGUE HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
AUGUST 02, 2004
Present: Tom McAdam, George Wieser, Dick Ploth, Barbara Taylor, Jim Grathwohl,
Gwen Schroeder, Jane Minerva, Nancy Cincotta, Cathleen Towey,
Jack DiPaola, Ronnie Wacker, Tom Wickham, Patrick Cleary and Phillip Beltz
The meeting commenced m 7:05 p.m. and Dick Ploth suggested that all meetings begin
on time. Barbara Taylor requested a brief overview of the goals of the hamlet study, for
she did not attend the kickoff meeting in July. Pat responded that the hamlet study was
commissioned by the Town Board to engage hamlet residents to define hamlet center
boundaries as well as outlying areas, known as HALO zones. Stakeholders will make
recommendations to the Town Board regarding their hamlet's boundaries and
infrastructure needs (parking, roads,) as well as suggestions for future development,
including affordable housing. Discussion ensued about the composition of the group and
possibly the lack of perspective from the business community, which may be addressed at
a later date.
Stakeholder Group Organization: Tom McAdam volunteered to serve as Chairman of
the group and Gwen Schroeder will serve as backup secretary if Phillip cannot attend a
meeting.
Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pm provided the group with copies of the
"Cutchogue Hamlet Center Resource Catalog" and suggested that members review this
material before the next meeting.
Overview o£ Hamlet Center/HALO concept: Pm stated that the hamlet center is
primarily defined as the central business district with commercial uses accompanied by
supportive land uses, appropriate infrastructure and transportation facilities. Although
some residential development exists within hamlet centers, future development in hamlet
centers should reflect a mix of businesses and complimentary uses. HALO zones are
those areas near the hamlet centers (not necessarily contiguous) that will accommodate
residential development.
Review of Hamlet Center BoundarF: A large map was provided in addition to the map
enclosed within the resource catalog for group members to discuss the proposed
boundaries of the hamlet center. Pat explained the rationale for establishing boundary
lines but encouraged the group to propose suggestions for modification. Noteworthy is
the designation of property zoned HB that is currently vacant, but located outside of the
hamlet center boundary. The possibility of incorporating this property within the hamlet
center boundary was reviewed. After considerable discussion, it was suggested that the
stakeholders reflect on this issue and bring to the next meeting any hamlet boundary
recommendations for change (if any).
Hamlet Strengths and Weaknesses: Pat distributed a synopsis of comments made from
the July meeting. While much strength was noted of Cutchogue's hamlet, a great amount
of concern was articulated about the "intensity of traffic" along the Main Street corridor.
Because this road runs through the hamlet, it impedes pedestrian traffic from crossing
streets. Possible suggestions made were to divert traffic to Route 48 or reduce and
enforce speed limit. Pat stated that there are solutions to promote '~traffic calming".
Affordable Housing: Pat reminded the group that they are charged with the task of
assisting the Town with the development of affordable housing. Phillip discussed the
dire need for affordable housing and some of the initiatives that the Town Board has
enacted (housing fund, affordable housing district, proposed inclusionary zoning, priority
population-live and work in Town of Southold and perpetual affordability).
Next Meeting Items: Pat suggested that the group think about the utilization of the
school property (administrative offices) on Depot Lane and the large piece of land north
of the post office.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05pm. Participants left their email addresses with Gwen
Schroeder for future distribution.