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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/09/2004Town of Southold Hamlet Study MEETING MINUTES EAST MARION HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING SEPTEMBER 09, 2004 Present: Stakeholders: Perry Angelson, Ruth Ann Bramson, Joe Cherepowitch, Walter Gaipa, Karen McLaughlin, Bob Muir and Kevin Webster. Non-stakeholders: Peter Miller and Patrick Cleary. The meeting commenced at 7:10 p.m. Pat provided an introduction explaining that the hamlet study grew out of the Southold Comprehensive Implementation Strategy-Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) that was commissioned and accepted by the Town Board. Stakeholders will make recommendations to the Town Board regarding their hamlet's boundaries and infrastructure needs (parking, roads, etc.) as well as suggestions for future development, including affordable housing. Pat informed the stakeholders that it is their opportunity to chart their vision for the hamlet of East Marion. Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pat provided the stakeholders with copies of the "East Marion Hamlet Center Resource Catalog" to assist members with their planning efforts. Page iii lists names of Orient Hamlet Stakeholders that should read East Marion. Overview of Hamlet Center/HALO concept: Pat stated that the hamlet center is primarily defined as the core business district focusing on commercial activity that is designed around and accessible to pedestrians rather than motorists. Although some residential development exists within hamlet centers, future development in hamlet centers is best expressed as a mix of businesses and supportive 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 maps 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. There are three parcels in the hamlet center: East Marion Volunteer Fire Dept., Quintessentials B&B & Spa and the East Marion Post Office. All parcels in the hamlet center are zoned Hamlet Business (HB). Consensus was reached that the current hamlet center needs to be expanded to include the small store (formerly known as "Angels"). There also was extensive discussion with regard to the 20-acre parcel (R-40) abutting the northwest comer of the East Marion Fire District property with respect to future off street parking, additional road access to hamlet area, etc. Review of Strengths and Weaknesses: Residents made many positive remarks about the advantages of living in East Marion while traffic control, on street parking and the linear nature of the hamlet center (dissected by main roadway) were noted as weaknesses. What needs fixing: Traffic Control: Too many vehicles speed in front of the firehouse and the post office. Need to consider traffic calming measures possibly lowering speed limit, etc. Parking: Many East Marion residents park on both sides of the roadway in front of the post office and use the platform in front of the firehouse as a turnaround. Pedestrians cross the busy roadway, which is potentially hazardous. In addition, the small exit/entry access way to rear parking for the Post office is too narrow and is potentially dangerous for cars and pedestrians. Stakeholders recommended several potential solutions ranging from restricting on street parking; expanding parking in the rear of the firehouse for P.O. patrons; widening access road west of the firehouse to accommodate post office traffic and restricting use of present access road altogether or make it "one way." Additional suggestions were offered with regard to adding a pedestrian walkway from the rear of the firehouse to the post office for improved safety. Stakeholder Group Organization: Kevin Webster volunteered to serve as Chairperson for the group. Next Meeting Items: Pat suggested the group discuss the following at the next meeting: -H A L O zones -Specifics of zoning -Specific projects set policies and priorities and consider possible recommendations for the Master Plan The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.