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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/26/2004Town of Southold Hamlet Study MEETING MINUTES GREENPORT WEST HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING AUGUST 26, 2004 Present: Stakeholders: Megan McCarry, Celia Swing, Laurie Kerr, Don Leslie, Jr., Peter Russo, Tanya Palmore, Paul Wingett, Ural Talgat, Gail Horton and Dennis McMahon . Non-stakeholders: Mary Ella Reutershan, Tom Wickham, Patrick Cleary and Phillip Beltz The meeting commenced at 7:05 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. Greenport West Hamlet Identity and Vision: Unlike other stakeholder groups, Greenport West is unique in that there is no defined hamlet center. Pat informed the stakeholders that it is their opportunity to chart their vision for the possible creation of a hamlet center for Greenport West. Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pat provided the stakeholders with three copies of maps of the proposed "Greenport West Hamlet Center" to assist members with their planning efforts. Maps were requested of the following areas to further assist stakeholders: (1) wetland/flood zone map, (2) an entire map of the 11944 zip code, (3) map of the school boundary and (4) map of Peconic Land Trust protected properties 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 Boundarv& Existing Zoning Pattern: Greenport West lies West of the Village on Route 25. This area contains many different businesses with a hodgepodge of zoning, such as Business, Light Business, Light Industrial/Office, etc. Many of the businesses in this area have been transitory over the years. It was queried whether the creation of the proposed hamlet center is necessary. Everyone agreed that the Village of Greenport very adequately functions as a "hamlet center" serving households that live within and outside the Village. In addition, the Village is a rich resource with a sewage system and public water. What Needs Fixing? It was noted that some businesses within the proposed hamlet center are visually offensive. Consensus was reached that the western Route 25 corridor is the "gateway to the Village" and needs to be improved aesthetically. Improvements to enhance the area must be defined. Improvements to the Route 25 corridor should complement business activity in the Village. Riverhead was cited for its major development on Route 58 that and how that adversely effected business in the downtown area. Environmental and ecological factors will play a key role in promoting sustainable development. Clustered development may be a logical approach, particularly in the creation of affordable housing. Proposed zoning changes would be necessary as a recommendation from the group. It was also recognized that regulatory restrictions from the Health Department can frequently prevent the development of projects, however, technology is advancing to solve that problem. Stakeholder Group Organigation: The selection of a chairperson will take place at the next meeting. It was also noted that there is significant representation from the Village of Greenport and that greater participation from Greenport West stakeholders may be advisable. Everyone is encouraged to speak with neighbors and solicit feedback. Next Meeting Items: meeting: Pat suggested that the group discuss the following at the next HALO zones Specifics of zoning Specific projects-set policies and priorities Prior to that meeting, Celia Swing volunteered to convene the group to further discussion about the development of hamlet boundaries. Maps will be provided to her for distribution at this meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.