Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/09/2004Town of Southold Hamlet Study MEETING MINUTES NEW SUFFOLK HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING AUGUST 09, 2004 Present: Laura Avent, Phil Loria, Joan Robbins, Jerry Schultheis, Michael Simon, Tom Wickham, Patrick Cleary and Phillip Beltz The meeting commenced m 7:00 p.m. Pm provided an introduction 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 New Suffolk. Stakeholder Group Organization: Joan Robbins volunteered to serve as Chairperson of the group. Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pm provided the group with copies of the "New Suffolk Hamlet Center Resource Catalog" to assist members with their planning efforts. Overview o£ Hamlet Center/HALO concept: Pm stated that the hamlet center is primarily defined as the central business focusing on commercial activity. 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. In New Suffolk's case, the hamlet center boundary coincides with the hamlet business (HB) zoning designation. 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. There was consensus among the group that the area east of First Street should be considered part of the hamlet center district, despite its M-II (marine) zoning. Joan and Michael suggested that Tom Samuels' vision of that site fosters small-scale development and might be a model worthy of consideration. This plan will be presented at the next meeting. In addition, an aerial map will be provided at the next meeting to highlight the area east of First Street out to the water. Pat encouraged the group to maintain a vision for the M-II area, despite that it is private property. A significant factor to consider is that the waterfront location is very expensive and those who purchase property will expect to realize profits. Also the entire area is vulnerable to nor'easter storms. When queried what type of development was acceptable, remarks included: small office space, private docks, small museum, public boardwalk and residential units that are relatively small-scale. Jerry noted that a significant amount of property around the business center is zoned R-40 (residential low-density/1 acre) but does not conform to the zoning requirements because most homes are located on lots of much less than one acre. The possibility of modifying the zoning was discussed and considered by the Stakeholders. The school and its property were also discussed as potential sites to include in a rezoned hamlet center. The school represents a core sentiment of identity to New Suffolk residents. This is where many civic association meetings take place as well as Board of Education meetings. Extending the boundary north to Fifth Street may not be feasible, certainly not in a rectangular grid design from Second Street, for it would be very large, but some connection to the school was considered important. There will be implications to extending hamlet boundaries and the group will discuss this at the next meeting. Pat also reminded the group that funding opportunities may become available that can assist with the redevelopment and rehabilitation of hamlet centers. Hamlet Strengths and Weaknesses: Pat distributed a synopsis of comments made from the July meeting. While many positive comments were attributed to the hamlet of New Suffolk, insufficient parking was a maj or concern. What Needs Fixing?: Parking was viewed as something that needs to improve because the streets are narrow and public parking is very limited. This is compounded by the lack of enforcement. Councilman Wickham commented that a recommendation for a public parking lot could be made as well as signage about where parking is allowed or not allowed. Other items discussed that need fixing are: · The boat ramp is too steep with a bad angle · The flooding and drainage problems near the post office · Legends restaurant does not properly dispose of garbage · There is significant dust from boatyard Next Meeting Items: meeting: Pat suggested that the group discuss the following at the next HALO zones · Boundaries for hamlet center · Specifics of zoning · Specific projects-set policies and priorities The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm. The next meeting will be held in the middle of September and notices will be forthcoming.