Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/07/2004Town of Southold Hamlet Study MEETING MINUTES ORIENT HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING SEPTEMBER 07, 2004 Present: Stakeholders: Linda Sabatino, Glynis Berry, Billy Hands, Roger Tabor, Margaret Minichini and Linton Duell. Non-stakeholders: Patrick Cleary and Phillip Beltz 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 Orient. Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pat provided the stakeholders with copies of the "Orient 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. 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. Although the hamlet center is zoned as commercial, it is comprised of single-family residences, commercial and government sites. Glynis noted that the development of the hamlet center astutely provided density as small lots were created for hamlet center properties. Consensus was reached that the hamlet center suffices to meet the needs of local residents. Orient is unique in that people don't come from far away to shop in the hamlet and the Post Office functions as the focal point for coming into the hamlet center. After significant discussion regarding the existing boundary it was proposed to include some of Village Lane to the South of the General Store for this would include historical buildings such as Poquatuck Hall and Webb Hall. The group decided that this could be achieved by creating zoning rules for the hamlet business district such as "Hamlet Business Orient". This would also curtail the square footage of businesses and avert the possibility that existing single family residences would convert to larger businesses. 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. Review o£Strength & ~eakness Exercise: Many positive remarks were cited by community residents about living in Orient while traffic control and limited parking were noted as weaknesses. ~hat Needs Fixing ?: · Traffic Control: Too many vehicles speed in front of the school on Main Road and traffic calming measures are necessary. This could be accomplished through placing rumble strips in front of the school; creating a traffic rotary and/or lowering the speed limit to 40 mph on the causeway. · Parking: There is insufficient parking at Orient Point to accommodate ferry passengers. Billy Hands suggested creating a satellite parking lot in Greenport near Clark's beach in Greenport that would reduce traffic and possibly stimulate the economy of Greenport. Stakeholder Group Organization: Chairperson for the group. Margaret Minichini volunteered to serve as 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 adjourned at 8:50 pm.