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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/12/2004Town of Southold Hamlet Study MEETING MINUTES SOUTHOLD HAMLET STAKEHOLDERS MEETING AUGUST 12, 2004 Present: Stakeholders: Kathleen Dolomite, Alice Hussie, Marian Salerno, Ray Tamayo, Buddy Johnson, Tony Pravetz, Leslie Weisman, Sue Fisher, John Nickles, Jr., John Rooney, Chris Manfredi, Dino Kontokosta and Tom McCarthy. Non-stakeholders: Pat Moore, John Romanelli, Patrick Cleary and Phillip Beltz The meeting commenced m 7:10 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 Southold. Stakeholder Group Organization: Tom McCarthy and Leslie Weisman volunteered to serve as Co-chairs for the group. Hamlet Center Resource Catalog: Pm provided the group with copies of the "Southold Hamlet Center Resource Catalog" to assist members with their planning efforts. Please note that the heading on tables 3,4 & 5 mistakenly refer to "Cutchogue" rather than "Southold". The document will be revised. Overview o£ Hamlet Center/HALO concept: Pm stated that the hamlet center is primarily defined as the core business district with commercial activity that is accessible by walking as opposed to driving. 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 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. After significant discussion regarding the existing boundary with proposed modifications to extend the boundary West and North, there was agreement to leave the boundary in tact and possibly reassess upon the creation of HALO zones. In addition, it was recognized that the hamlet center does not necessarily need to be expanded to accommodate business development. Hamlet Strengths and Weaknesses: Pat distributed a synopsis of comments made from the July meeting. The many positive comments attributed to the hamlet of Southold are self-evident and apparent. Weaknesses included insufficient parking and non-conforming zoning. What Needs Fixing?: A lengthy discussion ensued about parking and consensus was reached that parking can be problematic in the summer but is generally sufficient for municipal parking exists within the hamlet. The library has limited parking but the private complex of Feather Hill suffices to provide an option. Town Hall is unquestionably inadequate to meet the Town's needs, as evidenced by the annex expansion within the North Fork Bank Building. Southold's hamlet center is unique in that it houses the seat of government for the Town. There were differing opinions as to the perception for the need of Town Hall within the hamlet as some suggestions were made to move it out of the hamlet. In creating a vision for the hamlet, a balance between the pragmatic and ideal will be necessary. Restrictions from the Health Department can frequently prevent the development of projects, however, technology is advancing to solve that problem. Restaurants are very difficult to establish due to Health Department regulations. 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 Aerial maps will also be provided The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm. The next meeting will be held in September and notices will be forthcoming. Thursday evenings are not always available to some stakeholders.