HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/23/2004Town of Southold
Hamlet Study
MEETING MINUTES
MATTITUCK HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
AUGUST 23, 2004
Present: Stakeholders: Sue Auer, Charlie Zaloom, Frank Wills, Joseph "Skip" Lee,
Constance Connor, Henry Raynor and Jim Hinsch.
Non-stakeholders: Bill Edwards, Dan Ross, 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. Pat informed the
stakeholders that it is their opportunity to chart their vision for the hamlet of Mattituck.
Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pat provided the stakeholders with copies of the
"Mattituck Hamlet Center Resource Catalog" to assist members with their planning
efforts.
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. Mattituck has a large area zoned for business that lies to the
west on Route 25 that was not originally included within the hamlet boundary.
Review of Hamlet Center Boundarv: 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.
After significant discussion regarding the existing boundary and the proposed inclusion
of the businesses located to the west toward the Mattituck shopping center, the group
agreed upon the following modifications:
Establish two hamlet centers: Love Lane as the core traditional hamlet business
district and the other hamlet center would include the strip commercial
development along Route 25. There would be different goals and objectives for
these centers, recognizing that one is pedestrian oriented, while the other is
primarily oriented to vehicular movement.
For the Love Lane hamlet center, the following changes were suggested and
agreed upon by stakeholders: (1) Extend the northern boundary to the
waterfront/inlet area as this area had historically been perceived as a part of the
hamlet center, and is appealing to boaters who would lunch and shop on Love
Lane. The traffic on route 48 presents an impediment to access this area,
necessitating either a traffic light, pedestrian bridge or some other solution to
safely interconnect pedestrians. (2) The school will not be included within the
hamlet center, but a direct pedestrian connection will be reinforced to integrate
the school with the hamlet center. The boundary will be expanded to include the
American Legion property. (3) Businesses next to the Handy Pantry will be
included. A suggestion was made to prohibit vehicular traffic on Love Lane,
creating a pedestrian mall and increasing parking nearby another suggestion was
the redirecting of traffic to make Love Lane one way northbound. Pike Street was
acknowledged as an area that can accommodate growth.
For the Route 25 hamlet center, no concrete boundaries were established but
would likely follow the existing pattern of zoning and land use. The Stakeholders
felt it was important to specifically address this area because it is the gateway to
the hamlet from the west, and the strip's appearance is inconsistent, and in many
instances, visually offensive. Establishing this area as a second hamlet center will
afford the opportunity to aggressively address the physical appearance of the area,
eliminate existing blight and encourage the development of businesses that will
complement the area in the future. Pat will bring modified maps to the next
meeting.
In discussion of proposed changes, stakeholders were advised that 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 Organization: Charlie Zaloom volunteered to serve as Chairperson
for the group.
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
The meeting a~di~ourned at 9:15 pm. The next meeting between stakeholders will be held
on September 8 at 7 p.m. at the Library. Monday evenings are not always available to
some stakeholders.