HomeMy WebLinkAboutCR 48 Corridor Land Use Study 8/1999COUNTY ROUTE 48 CORRIDOR
LAND USE STUDY
SUPPLEMENTAL FINAL GENERIC
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
August 1999
C:RAMER CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINAL
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
on the
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
COUNTY ROUTE 48 CORRIDOR
LAND USE STUDY
Location of Action:
The corridor north & south of Sound Avenue/County Route 48/NYS Route 25
between the Riverhead/Southold Town Lines (west) and Manhasset Avenue, Greenport (east).
Town of Southold, County of Suffolk, New York
Lead Agency:
The Town Board of the Town of Southold
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
Jean W. Cochran Supervisor
William D. Moore Deputy Supervisor
Louisa P. Evans Councilwoman
Alice J Hussie Councilwoman
William D. Moore Councilman
Brian G. Murphy Councilman
John M. Romanelli Councilman
Lead Agency Contact:
Elizabeth A. Neville Town Clerk
Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
(516) 765-1801
Prepared by:
Cramer Consulting Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 5535, Miller Place, New York 11764
Prindpal Autbors:
Thomas W. Cramer, ASLA
Kenneth Weiner
AUGUST 1999
N
FINAL
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
on the
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
COUNTY ROUTE 48 CORRIDOR
LAND USE STUDY
INTRODUCTION
This document represents a Supplemental Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement
(FGEIS) for the County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. The Land Use Study, Draft
GEIS, and Final GEIS are incorporated into this document by reference.
Due to clerical error, 34 written comment letters were omitted from the Final GEIS,
which was accepted on July 20, 1999. This Supplement to the Final GEIS contains
copies of the omitted comments and their appropriate responses. Consistent with Part
617.11(a) of SEQR, the Town Board "shall afford agencies and the public a reasonable
time period (not less than 10 calendar days) in which to consider the final EIS before
issuing its written findings statement. "
The Town Board of the Town of Southold accepted the DGEIS as complete on April 20,
1999. Subsequent to its acceptance, a public hearing was held on the DGEIS at the Town
Board Room, Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York on May 6,
1999. Public comments on the DGEIS and County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study
were accepted by the Lead Agency until May 20, 1999.
Section 617.9(b)(8) of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) provides
guidance on the contents of a FGEIS. This section states that:
A final EIS must consist of the draft EIS, including any revisions or
supplements to it, copies or a summary of the substantive comments
received and their source (whether or not the comments were received in
the context of a hearing); and the lead agency's responses to all
substantive comments.
This document in conjunction with the Final GEIS complies with the requirements of this
section.
3
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS:
Substantive comments from written comment letters on the County Route 48
Corridor Land Use Study are provided below in italicized print and are
immediately followed by the name of the commentator(s) (bold print in
parentheses). Appropriate responses to the comments are provided in regular print
following each comment. Copies of the written comments are included in the
Appendix.
1. We have some concern about the recommendation to increase the commercial
marine usage in the area surrounding Mattituck Inlet. This southern portion of
the inlet is a wetland area that is sensitive to road runoff and the pressures of
development of marine uses. (North Fork Environmental Council, Ina)
The 1985 Master Plan Update (RPPW), as well as other past Town of
Southold plans and studies, recommends the enhancement of water -related
recreational and commercial activities. The Update states that:
"marine -related water -dependent uses are encouraged at appropriate
locations on or near the coast and/or along creeks and bays where they
do not negatively impact on residential neighborhoods or the natural
environment. The demand for expanded mooring and storage space is
high and is likely to grow, but potential sites are limited."
The MI zoning district allows for the development of marinas; slips; piers;
wharves; boatyards; marine engine repair and sales; yacht and marine
insurance brokers; structures and uses owned or operated by the Town of
Southold, school, park, or fire districts; the sale or rental of fishing, diving or
bathing supplies; and other related uses. The MII zoning district includes the
above uses as well as mariculture or aquaculture operations, beach clubs,
yacht clubs or boat clubs.
Mattituck Creek is the only portion of the County Route 48 corridor
that may be appropriate for such uses. Additionally, the
recommendation to re -zone appropriate parcels adjacent to Mattituck
Creek to MI and/or MII zoning category is consistent with the land use
proposals included in the Master Plan Update.
It is acknowledged that the southern end of Mattituck Creek contains
environmental resources that are sensitive to development. It is noted that the
recommendation the commentor refers to is found under the theme (category)
"Preservation of the Natural Environment" in the "Recommendation and
Opportunities" section of the Study. Furthermore, the Study only makes a
recommendation to re -zone to MI and/or MII because "opportunities exist in
the vicinity of Mattituck Creek to enhance marine recreational and marine
4
business usage." The Study does not commit the Town to act on any of the
recommendations found within the Study. The recommendations are general
in nature and do not identify specific parcels. If the Town chooses to consider
this recommendation specific parcel(s) will be identified for changes of zone.
As part of the change of zone process a hard -look under SEQR would be
carried out on the specific re -zonings.
2. We are writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt the
recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. Preservation of the
farming industry and the rural character of Southold Town is of the utmost
importance to us and we hope you will take the steps needed to guarantee that
this goal is reached. We feel the recommendations made in this study will not
have a negative environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. (Leonard and Shirley Trapido, Margaret Brown, Johanna
Northam, Janet Gold, Robert Ringewald, Anne Lowry, C.P. Rogers, Debra
O'Kane, Edythe and Harold Winters, Debbie Sidlauskas, Ruth Horowitz,
Norman Horowitz, Denis Maksymowicz, Jeri Woodhouse, Peggy Dickerson,
Bruce DiNuzzo, Lucille Goodman, A. Juge, Kathleen Pillai, Sandra Gannon,
Cathy Stankewicz, Gwynn Schroeder, Joseph McKay, Christine Hunt and Chris
Babcock, John Page)
The comment is so noted and acknowledged.
3. Greater Setbacks (page 47 and appendix 3-4) we have 11.5 acres, the property
ranges from 200 feet wide to 700 feet wide. Increasing the setbacks will render
much of the property useless for any future barn or shed construction. (Paul and
Maureen Grippa, Mattituck resident)
Page 47 of the Land Use Study contains a recommendation requiring "greater
setbacks from the roadway for larger agricultural and commercial buildings".
Large buildings along the corridor tend to block or otherwise disrupt open
vistas. As no specific regulation has been written with regard to this
recommendation, it is not possible to give a discrete response to the above
comment. It is important to note, however, that the recommendation is
intended to preserve open vistas and not to hinder agricultural or commercial
activities or the construction of related structures. Setbacks of large
agricultural or commercial buildings may be implemented at the time of site
plan review to allow for site-specific considerations.
4. Curb Cuts (page 40 and 52) — it is unclear as to the status of the existing curb
cuts on our property, will they be taken away with this proposal? We are also
concerned with future restrictions on new curb cuts, which would limit access to
our property. We have a separately zoned acre on Old Sound Avenue and we are
greatly concerned this proposal would render this parcel worthless. (Paul and
Maureen Grippa, Mattituck resident)
5
The Land Use Study (page 52) recommends that the Town Code should be
modified "to limit curb cuts to one per site unless unusual circumstances
exist". The recommendation does not state or imply that existing legal curb
cuts be removed from properties. Instead, the recommendation simply seeks
to limit the number of curb cuts for new development to one per site.
Therefore, each site may have at least one point of access. Under certain
circumstances, it may be appropriate for two or more sites to utilize a common
curb cut. For example, adjacent commercial uses may share a common access
if it ensures a safe and efficient flow of traffic both on-site and on the
roadway. It should be noted that this recommendation is a current policy
presently in use in the Town and in the Suffolk County Department of Public
Works (SCDPW) in reviewing proposed development plans along CR 48.
5. Vegetation Buffers (page 51) — we have continually enhanced our property with
tree plantings. However, we are concerned with the impact of this proposal - will
we have to have pre -approval every time we need to cut a shrub or remove a tree
on our property? (Paul and Maureen Grippa, Mattituck resident)
The recommendation on page 51 of the Land Use Study states "require
vegetated buffers between residential development and the roadway".
Although not explicitly stated, this recommendation is not directed at
individual homeowners or existing residential development. Instead, the
recommendation regarding vegetated buffers is intended to apply toward the
creation of new residential developments. Residential developments,
particularly those constructed on former agricultural fields with limited or no
screening vegetation, are recommended to be screened with natural or
indigenous vegetation to soften views from perspectives along roadways.
This recommendation should be implemented at the time of subdivision plan
review for the development to allow for flexibility and consideration of site-
specific characteristics.
6. Type of Fence (appendix 3-3) — dictating the type offence that is permitted is
insulting to homeowners. (Paul and Maureen Grippa, Mattituck resident)
The commentator refers to one of the Visual Resource Best Management
Practices listed in Appendix 3 of the Land Use Study that states "if a fence is
required, use rail type fencing that is visually compatible with agricultural
use". As with all of the management practices listed, the practice regarding
fences is a recommendation and is not a mandate. The intent of the best
management practices is to list various minor aspects of site development that
maintain or enhance the character of the County Route 48 corridor. These
best management practices are intended to be flexible and should utilized at
the time of site plan review as appropriate. ,
7. If you are zoning away people's property rights, they should be compensated.
(Paul and Maureen Grippa, Mattituck resident)
The re -zoning of a parcel of land does not constitute the taking of property
rights. It is important to note that the Land Use Study made recommendations
0
to the Town Board that may or may not be accepted by the Board. If the
Town Board chooses to pursue the re -zoning of a parcel, a public hearing
regarding the re -zoning will be held and public input accepted. For the
ultimate purpose of balancing residential, commercial, environmental and
recreational needs, re -zoning of parcels may include re -zoning from
commercial to residential as well as re -zoning from residential to commercial.
If a parcel of land is re -zoned, the land will still have value and will still be
able to sustain a viable use. Therefore, no compensation is necessary or
required. The Town of Southold as well as other Towns on Long Island and
New York State have re -zoned parcels of land in the past.
8. All property owners affected by this proposal should be individually contacted
and informed. (Paul and Maureen Grippa, Mattituck residents)
Owners of properties that are considered for re -zoning will be contacted and a
public hearing regarding the re -zoning will be held.
9. After so many studies and reports, covering a decade or more, we hope that this
report will finally be accepted. (Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Mould, Orient residents)
The comment is duly noted.
10. I am writing on behalf of my husband and myself to urge the council to adopt the
recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. We think the draft
environmental impact statement shows the way to preserve farmland and open
spaces. (Charles & Betty Baker, East Marion residents)
The comment is duly noted.
11. From what I have reac4 I want to express my support for the recommendations for
preservation of the open space land along the route. We need more study and
more meetings to discuss the issues. Could we askfor an extension of the
moratorium until we discuss it more? (Joella Ureeland, Mattituck resident))
The comment is acknowledged. If the Town Board chooses to proceed with
the adoption and implementation of any changes to the Town Code or parcels
re -zonings as recommended in the Land Use Study, public hearings will be
held and the appropriate level of SEQR review will be applied.
12. We strongly urge you and the Town Board to adopt the recommendations of the
Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. We must preserve the farming and rural
character of Southold Town. (John and Marilyn Flynn, Cutchogue residents)
The comment is duly noted.
13. 1 support the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. It is
good. It will not have a negative effect. (Helen Kruger, Mattituck resident)
The comment is duly noted.
14. We are in complete support of the recommendations set down in the DGEIS study
of the North Road (Carol and Louis Wirtz, East Marion residents)
7
The comment is duly noted.
15. My concern is my land on County Route 48, I do not like having to give up my
land, that either I own or will inherit for the whole of the town to admire and for
tourists to drive by. (Steve Doroski, Southold resident)
The Land Use Study does not recommend the condemnation and/or taking any
properties.
16. When are you going to publish the parcels that are in question? (Steve Doroski,
Southold resident)
A generic identification of the kinds of parcels likely to be amenable to re -
zonings to A -C or other suitable uses is described at page 46 of the Land Use
Study: "Some lands presently zoned commercial are surrounded by and/or are
being used for agricultural purposes. They may also be part of larger A -C
parcels. Some parcels represent an inappropriate expansion of commercially
zoned lands into agricultural areas." Identification of specific parcels is not
required in the context herein. It is important to note that the statement on
page 46 of the Study is a recommendation to the Town Board and is not a
proposed action by the Board. If the Town Board chooses to proceed with the
recommendation, each parcel will be subject to individual review and SEQR.
As discussed in the SEQR Handbook, the intent of the DGEIS is to provide a
short, broad and general discussion of the logic and rational for the
recommended actions.
17. You just don't just give someone a track of land anywhere the Town chooses and
expect that to console their losses, and will that remuneration be of comparable
value? If you are going to condemn land you better be ready to compensate the
owners with the market value of that land, because this land will not be forfeited
without a fight. (Steve Doroski, Southold resident)
The Land Use Study for the County Route 48 corridor does not recommend
the condemnation and/or the taking of properties.
8
APPENDIX
WRITTEN COMMENTS
MAY 2 0 1999
Sou*dd Town Clerk
NORTH FORK ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL, INC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattituck, NY 11952 516-298-8880
May 17, 1999
Supervisor Jean Cochran
Town Hall
Southold New York, 11971
Dear Jean,
The North Fork Environmental Council would like to congratulate you and
the Town Board for your courageous initiation of the Route 48
Moratorium and Study. As you are well aware, the Town of Southold is in
jeopardy of becoming suburbanized and if serious steps are not taken
expeditiously, we stand to lose the very things that make the North Fork
such a truly wonderful place to live, work and visit. Preserving farmland
and limiting commercial growth along the Route 48 corridor is an integral
component of maintaining our rural -heritage.
After careful review of the Generic Draft Environmental Impact Statement
the Council has concluded that, on the whole, the recommendations of .the
Study -will only benefit the Town and the citizens. of: Southold.. We have
some concern'"however about the recommendation to increase the
commercial marine usage in the area surrounding . Mattituck Inlet, This
southern- portion of the inlet is. a wetland area that is sensitive to road run-
off and -the -pressures of development of. marine uses: ; We have "every
confidence that these issues will be addressed -at the appropriate time.
You have the opportunity to make history by implementing the
recommendations made in the Study. Even though volumes have been
written on how to maintain our rural character and preserve our way of
.life, no prior. Town .Board has had the fortitude to see these studies
.through.-.Not.everyone will. be happy, with the changes that will occur
should; these recommendations. be mplemented•aiid there have' been
obje006ns, raised by a segment of the cominun tyy`but'tfiis-is'not h'ow,the
majority .of the people of Southold 'f eel, •as was shown. by pa sage ;of 'the
a non-profit or9adliatlon for the P! Von of land, cel; air and
orinted oh 100% recycled oaw
Community Preservation Fund and the numerous bonds for preservation.
Implementation of these recommendations will be a big step in ensuring
that Southold Town remain a special place.
We, expect that you will follow the enactment of the moratorium with
action on the consultant's recommendations. The expiration date, early in
June, does not allow time to do this and we think that a moratorium
extension is necessary.
Sincerely,
oward Meinke
Acting President
c.c. Town Board Members
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME: ( ra tj o
ADDRESS: �� o not- s i r e P
'
ao.dam h �oh (Coad
Cifc � J o S L,e �1
N e'v V or 1< 1 ) 5 3S
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:ADDRESS: 'ro
3'U4--e�O(d
I
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
E
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerel
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
�a-,Q
o her / t
r
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME: /q Y)1 7 e Lo w r `?
ADDRESS: i G na X 2Z C/
�/'Cw ���(�s AYli5s6 -C) zz�4
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the fanning industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium,
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:1`7 . C-Oe--rs
ADDRESS: $Ow 6(L (3,5-
VAIJ
51140 N`f Il9s�
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sinc rely,
PRINT NAME: ►�� 'G' VLe-
ADDRESS: 2-� GNQaAA tOA4
zr�s�'
I
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
{ I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS: .� (� (� 0
6?�
c,17-
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of ,June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
Ik6-4-x- J-ACL-L�
PRINT NAME: lebk%e S�CJI�-44as
ADDRESS: OLoo5HV
'� Y
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is.of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
i
I
i
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS: m A- hi
JA -SS Au � o J SVT
a 35
V 0 r
C uT c-�1 oG-v� f
on
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourabe you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
conununity. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerel ,
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS: t c{ 5 e a �-c51 aQ.✓�
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
i.
Sincerely,
i
ii
1
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS: 6;1-t
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning. of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME. Pe. A
ADDRESS: TM
S S 5 v e—
CLI-A74,6 Ll I I. -S s"
i'
I
i
R May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincer
PRINT NAME: v C E c� N zzo
ADDRESS:
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am %w icing today to encourage you and the Town board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Presentation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope youA411
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but wi.li in fact preserve and protect our
conununity. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely.
�r
��y .0 e a a au►u
PRINT NAME: (�1cY p a Box 6+9
ADDRESS:NEW $%AOVA, NY t195tiC639
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
Qt-�4 e'L; L.. -
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
0
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
Sago Pa, E pv-b day
Ltu.rLL' 1�4fi- IIQ's
(J
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
" the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
! environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
! Sincerely,
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
?-3
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
eO�A,6 t- It�
PRINT NAME: da 4 h L-.
ADDRESS: -Pa "g aX q o 1
7.e "in; c i ^j I
L l5 SY
May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran,
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June,
I encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
hll-�
PRINT NAME:
ADDRESS:
Gwy nJ /1
,2-i5-su /7'1A r,AJ
Cj �eaw
Paul & Maureen M. Grippa
1100 County Road #48
Mattituck, NY 11952-3104
516-298-5501
May 16, 1999
Town Board
Town of Southold
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
To Whom It May Concern:
We have reviewed of the County Road 48 Corridor Land Use Study and feel compelled to provide the
following feedback. Please understand our position is that of homeowners, not being attorneys we are not
totally clear on all the aspects or impacts of the proposal. We are in favor of preserving the scenic vistas
but find issue with compromising peoples' property rights without compensation.
Greater Setbacks (Page 47 & Appendix 3-4) — we have 11.5 acres, the property ranges from 200 feet wide
to 700 feet wide. Increasing the setbacks will render much of our property useless for any future barn or
shed construction.
Curb Cuts (Page 40 & 52) — it is unclear as to the status of existing curb cuts on our property, will they be
taken away with this proposal? We are also concerned with future restrictions on new curb cuts, which
would limit access to our property. We have a separately zoned acre on Old Sound Avenue and we are
greatly concerned this proposal would render this parcel worthless.
Vegetation Buffers (Page 51) — we have continually enhanced our property with new tree plantings.
However we are concerned with the impact of this proposal — will we have to have pre -approval every time
we need to cut a shrub or remove a tree on our property?
Type of Fence (Appendix 3-3) — dictating the type of fence that is permitted is insulting to homeowners.
What will this lead to next - restricting the colors we are permitted to use when painting our homes!
General comments:
If you are zoning away people's property rights they should be compensated. We believe this to be true for
residential as well as commercial property owners.
All property owners affected by this proposal should be individually contacted and informed. After
numerous conversations with our neighbors, we have found most of them are unaware of this proposal and
this is also very troubling — legislation proposals must always be thoroughly communicated to the effected
parties.
Legislating good taste is an impossible task. Who is to judge what is good taste? It is all a matter of
personal preference and whose preference will dictate!
In closing, as stated earlier we are not attorney's and are concerned with the possibility of other issues we
did not discover during our review that would also negatively impact property owners. This information
should also be free to the residents — not carrying a $16 fee for information.
e�rely yours, _
Paul Grippa
q4,je,6C_ MAY 17 1999
Maureen M. Grippa
MR. J. A. MOULD
P.O. B. q . VILLAGE LANE
ORIENT. N.Y. 11957
zy�u
/Lay
/ f
h1A
MAY 19 19 1
SUPERVISORS OFFICE
TOWN OF SOU, tow
May 18,1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran;
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June, I
encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely,
L L
PRINT NAME:
ADRESS: � X/1 X ? I
`� ✓ VVI �` y l 1 \ �� �l �\�
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Betty M Baker
Jean W. Cochran, Supervisor
P.O. 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Ms. Cochran:
P O Box 505 East Marion NY 11939-0505
May 18, 1999
I am writing on behalf of my husband and myself to urge the council to adopt the
recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. We were drawn to this area some
twelve years ago because of its rural character, which seems to be eroding. We do not want to
see Eastern Long Island come to resemble Nassau County or the North Fork to emulate the South
Fork. We think the draft environmental impact statement shows the way to preserve farm land
and open spaces. They are the backbone and charm of this area.
Sincerely yours,
xv," rz-'�.
Charles and Betty Baker
MAY 19 t;
I 1
SUPERVISORS OF—F �E
TOWN OF SOUTNOLD
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I MAY 1.9 im
TUPERVISORS OFFICE
OWN OF SOUTHOLD
i
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May 18, 1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran:
We are writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt the
recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study. Preservation of the fanning
industry and the rural character of Southold Town is of the utmost importance to us and
we hope you will take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. We feel the
recommendations made in this study will not have a negative environmental impact, but
will in fact preserve and protect our community.
Sincerely,
Christine Hunt & Chris Babcock
5700 Vanston Road
Cutchoguc, New York 11935
MAY 18
RS O"FICE
OUl HOLD
k:AROL & LOUIS WIRTZ C
PEBBLE BEACH FARMS
PO BOX 192
EAST MARION, NY 11939-0192
(516) 477-3487
MONDAY, MAY 17, 1999
To: Supervisor Jean Cochran;
We are in complete support of the recommendations set down in the DGEIS study of the
North Road. The idea of the likes of Bob Celic dictating the use of land and the way it is
zoned is enough to rally the support of this community to adapt the study.
We sincerely hope the Town Board will not yield to the empty threats of those only here
as long as they can serve there own interests.
Sincerely,
L
MAY �181999
06 tgtkj VISORS�OFFIC�E 16
May 13, 1999
Supervisor Cochran and
Southold Town Board Members
Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Supervisor and Board Members,
I am writing with great concern about the proposed land preservation and future
development of Route 48, as well as the watershed plan.
My family has lived and worked farm land on route 48 for the past 80 years or more, this
land has been passed down from generation to generation. Frank Zaveski farmed this
land and then on to Steve Doroski, who will pass it to his family Barbara Szczotka and
Joan Jenkins and their families. We continue to operate a business on this land and use
the land for farming and horticultural uses. We like the rural look of Southold Town just
as everyone else does in this town. We have watched Southold Town grow over the
years with new families, but not to many new businesses. Southold Town has made it
very difficult to keep our children here in a working capacity or to even consider opening
some sort of business endeaver. Mrs. Cochran, you of all people, who has worked with
children all her life, do not show any concern for keeping our children here. They can't
afford to live here! Taxes are high; building is difficult and in general not economically
feasible to raisea family. The environmentalist who have moved here from other. areas of
the Island or Country would like to keep Southold town rural, as we all would like. I
liked Southold Town the way it was before they all moved here, this seems to be an
ongoing scenario. Places and things change all the time, but not at the expense of a few
for the whole.
My concern is my land on Rte 48, I do not like having to give up my land, that either I
own or will inherit for the whole of the town to admire and for tourists to drive by. If
the shoe were on the other foot, how would you consider your interest in your childrens
inheritance and future? It's easy to make decisions and have wonderful visions when you
have no interest in the area under scrutiny. We have worked hard for many years on this
land for our future and for our childrens future. This is becoming a communistic town,
which is trying to tell us what we can and can not do on our own private property, that we
pay taxes on. Don't you think you have made enough restrictions and 2% taxes? When
will it stop!?
When are you going to publish the parcels that are in question? It is not fair to the people
whose land is in question to leave everything in the dark, because that's when talk starts
and trouble starts. Mr. Cramer's study, I'm sure, must have listed the parcels in
question. We are sure you know who they are as well as we already know who we are
because these same inquiries have been brought up before in regard to the watershed
plan. Who are you kidding?
TDR's are not going to work, either. You just don't give someone a track of land
anywhere the Town chooses and expect that to console their losses, and will that
remuneration be of comparable value? If you are going to condemn land you better be
ready to compensate the owners with the market value of that land, because this land will
not be forfeited without a fight. Believe this!
Elections are coming and seats on the board will be changed, there is no doubt about
that. I am very disappointed and shocked at the turn of events in the last few years during
all your terms in office. I feel very betrayed by you all!
Sincerely,
MAY 18
TC', . ' ! �:(I' J} :OLD
May 18,1999
Dear Supervisor Cochran;
I am writing today to encourage you and the Town Board to adopt
the recommendations of the Route 48 Corridor Laird Use Study.
Preservation of the farming industry and the rural character of
Southold Town is of the utmost importance to me and I hope you will
take the steps needed to guarantee that this goal is reached. I feel
the recommendations made in this study will not have a negative
environmental impact, but will in fact preserve and protect our
community. Since the moratorium expires in the beginning of June, I
encourage the Board to consider extending the moratorium.
Sincerely, 1 ��
vim- J
.J o .k N �C• �c1 �—
JAI, y� r � � 5
PRINT NAME:
ADRESS:
MAY 19199A
SUPERVISORS OFFICE
TnwN OF SOUTHOLD
_-7
COUNTY ROUTE 48 CORRIDOR
LAND USE STUDY
DRAFT GENERIC
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
April 1999
CRAMER CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
1 DRAFT
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
' on the
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
1 COUNTY ROUTE 48 CORRIDOR
LAND USE STUDY
Location of Action:
' The corridor north & south of Sound Avenue/County Route 48/NYS Route 25
between the Riverhead/Southold Town Lines (west) and Manhasset Avenue, Greenport (east).
Town of Southold, County of Suffolk, New York
Lead Agency:
The Town Board of the Town of Southold
53095 Main Road
'
Southold, New York 11971
Jean W. Cochran Supervisor
William D. Moore Deputy Supervisor
Lousia P. Evans Councilwoman
Alice J Hussie Councilwoman
William D. Moore Councilman
Brian G. Murphy Councilman
John M. Romanelli Councilman
'
Lead Agency Contact:
Elizabeth A. Neville Town Clerk
Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
(516)765-1801
Prepared by:
Cramer Consulting Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 5535, Miller Place, New York 11764
Principal Authors:
Thomas W. Cramer, ASLA
'
Kenneth Weiner
APML 1999
Date of Acceptance:
Comments Accepted By:
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DRAFT
GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
on the
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
COUNTY ROUTE 48 CORRIDOR
LAND USE STUDY
Table of Contents
I.
Executive Summary
Page 1
II.
Description of the Action
Page 5
III.
Environmental Setting
Page 11
IV.
Potential Significant Adverse Environmental Impacts
Page 12
and Mitigation Measures
V.
Alternative
Page 15
1
' I. Executive Summary
BACKGROUND OF PROPOSED ACTION
As the first step in an effort to provide for better land use planning along the County
Route 48 corridor, the Town Board of the Town of Southold enacted a local law entitled "A
Local Law in Relation to a Temporary Moratorium on the Issuance of Approvals and/or Permits
for Business Zoned Property Along the County Route 48 Corridor in the Town of Southold".
The intention of the nine-month moratorium on development within the corridor was to provide
for
'
"...an examination of the existing zoning along Route 48 from Mattituck to
Greenport... to insure that economic activity takes place in desirable locations
thereby maximizing the existing character of the Town's hamlet centers "
Furthermore, the Town Board indicates that the moratorium is necessary in order to
"...to make amendments as to the level and nature of business uses that are
appropriate along Route 48, such that these uses complement existing hamlet
economic centers and that business uses appropriate outside hamlet centers are
provided ample location in which to be situated. "
The purpose of the County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study is to provide
recommendations to the Town Board regarding appropriate land use and zoning within the
corridor. These recommendations are the final step in a four -step planning and study process that
is intended to provide a methodical and comprehensive look at land use and zoning in the
1 corridor. The first step in this study is to identify the characteristics of the corridor and
surrounding areas that the Town and its citizens believe are important and valuable (Section III
of the Study). These characteristics are often categorized as goals in land use plans and studies.
The characteristics that the Town believes are important may also be garnered from the intent of
Town actions, particularly previous land use decisions, re -zonings and code changes.
Subsequent to the identification of desirable characteristics, an analysis of existing conditions
along the corridor is conducted (Section IV of the Study). These existing conditions include
1 existing zoning, land use, non -conforming lots, soils and habitats, economy, historical areas and
' traffic conditions that may or may not be consistent with the desirable characteristics outlined in
step one. The third step in the process outlines the outstanding needs of the corridor based on a
' comparison of the desirable characteristics of the Town to the existing conditions of the corridor
(Section V of the Study). In other words, the outstanding needs are an enumeration of the work
that still needs to be done to make the desired characteristics of the Town a reality. The final
step in the process provides recommendations relative to satisfying the outstanding needs
' (Section VI of the Study). The recommendations provided in the Study include potential future
zoning code changes, changes in permitted land uses within specific zoning districts, potential
zoning changes, and the adoption of visual resource best management practices. Once this study
is completed the Town would, at its discretion, implement all or part of the recommendations
found within this document.
The 15.3 -mile study corridor is situated entirely within the Town of Southold and
includes portions of Sound Avenue, County Route 48 and State Route 25. The corridor begins
on Sound Avenue at the western Southold Town line and continues along Sound Avenue to its
junction with County Route 48 in Mattituck hamlet. The study corridor then follows County
' Route 48 until its junction with State Route 25 in the hamlet of Greenport. The corridor then
terminates at the intersection of Manhasset Avenue and County Route 48/State Route 25. All
' parcels located within 1,000 feet of the above portions of these roadways are included in the
study, with the exception of those parcels that are within the jurisdiction of the Village of
rGreenport.
PROVISIONS OF SEQRA
It is important to recognize that this Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement
(DGEIS) incorporates into it by reference the County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study (herein
' referred to as the Study). These two documents taken together should be considered as the
complete DGEIS. More specifically, the Study contains a detailed discussion of the Study's
' purpose and goals as well as the existing conditions in the Town. These aspects of the Study
represent the typical State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) Environmental Impact
Statement sections "Description of the Action" and "Environmental Setting". This document
builds upon that information by adding the mandatory SEQRA sections of "Executive
Summary", "Significant Adverse Environmental Impacts", "Mitigation Measures", and "No
1 Action Alternative". Taken together, therefore, these two documents represent the complete
DGEIS.
As stated in the SEQRA regulations (Part 617, Section 617.10), a GEIS may be used "to
assess the environmental impacts of ...an entire program or plan having wide application...
... including new or significant changes to existing land use plans, development plans, zoning
regulations or comprehensive resource management plans" regardless of whether or not the
action is expected to possibly result in adverse environmental impacts. Although the Town of
Southold has not identified any significant adverse environmental impacts for this action, the
Town has chosen to use the format of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) in its
subsequent SEQRA review of and public comment on this Study. Precedent for utilizing a GEIS
in such a manner, as a forum for public discussion, has already been established by the New
' York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in its use of a GEIS for changes to
' the SEQR regulations and with other Long Island Towns for their adoption of their land use
plans. It is noted that this section of the SEQRA regulations does not mandate that
municipalities prepare GEISs for land use plans and the like, but rather suggests that these
actions may result in adverse environmental impacts that may require an EIS. Actually, the
majority of the potential impacts considered by the Study are anticipated to be beneficial.
1 With respect to specific actions carried out under the recommendations of the Study,
Subdivision 617.10(b) of the SEQRA regulations states that:
"Impacts of individual actions proposed to be carried out in conformance with
these adopted plans and the thresholds or conditions identified in the generic
EIS may require no or limited SEQR review as described in subdivisions (c) and
(d) of this section.
' The SEQRA regulations go on to state that "GEISs and their findings should set forth
specific conditions or criteria under which future actions will be undertaken or approved,
including requirements for any subsequent SEQR compliance". Therefore, SEQRA review of
future actions conducted in conformance with the Study will be managed pursuant to the
following GEIS procedures:
4. A supplemental to the final GEIS must be prepared if the subsequent proposed action
was not addressed or was not adequately addressed in the GEIS and the subsequent
action may have one or more significant adverse environmental impacts.
1
SEQRA Regulations Section 617.10 (d)
1. No further SEQRA compliance is required if a subsequent proposed action will be
carried out in conformance with the conditions and thresholds established for such
actions in the GEIS or its findings statement;
2. An amended findings statement must be prepared if the subsequent proposed action
was adequately addressed in the GEIS but was not addressed or was not adequately
addressed in the findings statement for the GEIS;
3. A negative declaration must be prepared if a subsequent proposed action was not
'
addressed or was not adequately addressed in the GEIS and the subsequent action
will not result in any significant environmental impacts;
4. A supplemental to the final GEIS must be prepared if the subsequent proposed action
was not addressed or was not adequately addressed in the GEIS and the subsequent
action may have one or more significant adverse environmental impacts.
1
1 II. Description of the Action
1 Introduction
The Town of Southold enacted a moratorium on the issuance of approvals and permits for
' business -zoned properties within the County Route 48 corridor. This moratorium is to expire on
June 9, 1999. The County Route 48 corridor as defined in the Study, is as follows:
' "The study corridor is situated entirely within the Town of Southold and includes
portions of Sound Avenue, County Route 48 and State Route 25. The corridor
begins on Sound Avenue at the western Southold Town line and continues along
Sound Avenue for approximately 1.5 miles to its junction with County Route 48 in
Mattituck hamlet. From this point, the study corridor follows County Route 48
for approximately 13.4 miles until its junction with State Route 25 in the hamlet of
Greenport. The study corridor then terminates approximately 0.4 mile later at the
intersection of Manhasset Avenue and County Route 48/State Route 25. All
parcels located within 1, 000 feet of the above portions of these roadways are
' included in the study, with the exception of those parcels that are within the
jurisdiction of the Village of Greenport. The total length of the study area from
the western Town line to Manhasset Avenue is approximately 15.3 miles. "
The Town Board of the Town of Southold stated that the moratorium
" ... is intended to reserve the status quo o the Route 48 corridor to provide the
P 4 .f
' Town board an opportunity to review the zoning ofproperties along the Route 48
corridor, the likely impacts to the community based upon the existing zoning of
properties along Route 48, and to make amendments as to the level and nature of
1 business uses that are appropriate along Route 48, such that these uses
complement existing hamlet economic centers and that business uses appropriate
outside hamlet centers are provided ample location in which to be situated. "
The goal of the County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study is to provide the Town with
viable recommendations that may be easily implemented. These recommendations are intended
to correct or avoid past land use mistakes that degrade the character of the corridor as well as, in
' part, the character of the hamlet centers.
n
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t
East -west traffic in the Town of Southold is concentrated on two arterials. State Route 25
is a two-lane highway that travels alternately through the open quality of agricultural land use
and the residential and commercial quality of the Town's hamlet centers. County Route 48 (two
and four -lane) in conjunction with Sound Avenue (two-lane) primarily possesses an agricultural
character with occasional interruptions by isolated commercial land uses and residential
developments. Development along the County Route 48 corridor does not lend itself to the
commercial center character or sense of place character of development within the hamlet
centers, but rather, commercial development along the study corridor is more sporadic and
without focus. This development tends detract from the primarily agricultural and rural character
of the corridor.
County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study
The County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study followed a four -step process that was
intended to culminate in comprehensive land use recommendations. The process first involved a
review of past land plans, studies and actions in an effort to identify the goals and desires of the
Town with respect to the land use and character of the study corridor. The goals and desires of
the Town were found to lend themselves to categorization by four major themes. A full
discussion of the following themes is provided in Section III of the Study:
1. The preservation offarmland and agriculture,
2. The preservation of open and recreation space,
3. The preservation of the rural, cultural, commercial and historical character of the
hamlets and surrounding areas, and
4. The preservation of the natural environment.
The next step was to analyze the existing conditions in the corridor in terms of existing
zoning, existing land use, non -conforming lots, soils and habitats, economy, historical areas and
traffic (Section IV of the Study). This portion of the Study, in effect, forms the Environmental
1
Setting portion of this DGEIS. It was found that the Study corridor predominantly possesses an
attractive open and agricultural character. However, several sporadic pockets of commercial and
industrial development tend to detract from this character. Furthermore, it was found that a great
potential for additional commercial and industrial development still exists in these areas. This
type of development is necessary for a healthy economy and to meet the needs of consumers in
the area, however, it is equally important that commercial and industrial growth be concentrated
in the appropriate areas.
The Outstanding Needs for the County Route 48 corridor enumerated below are the
' culmination of careful comparison of the intent of the Town (through land use plans and studies)
and the resultant effect (existing conditions). Therefore, the goals are not new, but rather reflect
' the past and present vision of the Town and its citizens regarding what the Town of Southold is
and should become (Section V of the Study). Due to the configuration of development in the
Town of Southold and the size of the Town itself, land use and zoning within the County Route
48 corridor has a significant effect on areas outside of the corridor. In particular, future
development within the corridor influences the residential, commercial, economic and aesthetic
character the hamlet centers. Subsequently, to provide for sound planning and to avoid
potentially conflicting development strategies for the hamlet centers and the County Route 48
1 corridor, the goals given below are intended to be universally valid anywhere in the Town of
Southold.
1 • Provide for viable land use development at intensities sensitive to subsurface
water quality and quantity.
r•
Maintain and strengthen hamlet centers as the focus of commercial, residential,
and cultural activity.
'
• Preserve the open, agricultural and rural character of areas outside of the hamlet
centers.
• Provide for a variety of housing opportunities for citizens of different incomes and
age levels.
'
• Enhance the opportunities for pedestrian friendly shopping.
1
• Continue to support the Town's agricultural economy.
• Maximize the Town's natural assets, including its coastal location and
agricultural base, by balancing commercial, residential and recreational uses.
' • Encourage appropriate land uses both inside and out of hamlet centers.
• Promote balanced economy and tax base.
• Preserve the integrity of the Town's vegetative habitats, including freshwater
wetlands and woodlands.
1
The final section of the Study, Recommendations, is the result of the methodology
outlined above. The discussion on recommendations and opportunities that follows provides a
means of meeting these Outstanding Needs to the best extent practicable. It is suggested that the
' Town be flexible in applying some of the recommendations to actual land use decisions. A
variety of techniques and mechanisms may be utilized to achieve desired results. It is important
' to consult Section VI of the Study for further explanation of each recommendation.
' • Re -zone parcels to more appropriate uses.
• Promote incentive zoning as a means to preserve agricultural and other desirable
parcels, and as mitigation for change of use where appropriate.
8
• Strengthen the Town's marine -recreational and marine -commercial activities.
• Encourage the preservation ofparkland and public access to the waterfront.
• Support tourism by maintaining and strengthening the Town's assets that attract
tourists, namely hamlet center businesses, historic heritage, building architecture,
'
a sense ofplace, rural and open character, agriculture, and marine activities.
• Preserve prime farmland in the Town and continue to support the diversification
'
of agriculture.
• Preserve the historic, cultural, architectural and archaeological resources of the
Town.
• Ensure the efficient and safe movement ofpeople and goods within the Town.
• Preserve visual quality of hamlet centers.
' • Encourage appropriate land uses both inside and out of hamlet centers.
• Promote balanced economy and tax base.
• Preserve the integrity of the Town's vegetative habitats, including freshwater
wetlands and woodlands.
1
The final section of the Study, Recommendations, is the result of the methodology
outlined above. The discussion on recommendations and opportunities that follows provides a
means of meeting these Outstanding Needs to the best extent practicable. It is suggested that the
' Town be flexible in applying some of the recommendations to actual land use decisions. A
variety of techniques and mechanisms may be utilized to achieve desired results. It is important
' to consult Section VI of the Study for further explanation of each recommendation.
' • Re -zone parcels to more appropriate uses.
• Promote incentive zoning as a means to preserve agricultural and other desirable
parcels, and as mitigation for change of use where appropriate.
8
' • Require greater setbacks from the roadway for larger agricultural and
commercial buildings.
• Orient buildings to limit the interruption of scenic vistas and views.
' • Continue enforcement of the Town Code with respect to the type of products
permitted to be sold at farm stands.
' • Promote incentive zoning as a means to preserve agricultural and other desirable
parcels, and as mitigation for change of use where appropriate.
' • Continue enforcement of the Town Code with respect to the conversion of
agricultural buildings to other commercial uses.
• Cluster residential development away from the roadway.
• Require vegetated buffers between residential development and the roadway.
• Develop and implement the use of visual resource best management practices.
1 • Amend the Town Code with respect to the Residence Office (RO) District.
• Amend the Town Code with respect to the Limited Business (LB) District.
' • The Town Code should be amended with respect to non -conforming uses.
• Re -zone appropriate parcels adjacent to Mattituck Creek to MI and/or MH zoning
category.
• Preserve the integrity of the Town's vegetative habitats, including freshwater
wetlands and woodlands.
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• Modify the Town Code to allow other uses in vineyards under special permit.
• Modify the Town Code to limit curb cuts to one per site unless unusual
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circumstances exist.
• Require links between the parking areas of commercial operations to allow for
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vehicle movement between adjacent establishments.
• Require that subdivided residential lots access side roads and not directly to
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County Route 48, where appropriate.
• Where appropriate, consider the use offlag lots with common drives for
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residential development.
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As stated previously, these recommendations are intended to correct or avoid past land
use mistakes. Furthermore, the purpose of the recommendations is to bring land use
development in the corridor into conformance with the goals and desires of the Town as outlined
in past land use plans, studies and actions.
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III. Environmental Setting
The Environmental Setting for the County Route 48 corridor is found in Section IV of the
Study (Existing Conditions). As stated previously, the Study and its contents are incorporated
into this DGEIS by reference. The Existing Conditions section of the Study includes discussion
and analysis of existing zoning, existing land use, non -conforming lots, soils and habitats,
economy, historical areas, and traffic conditions in the Town of Southold.
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' IV. Potential Significant Adverse Environmental Impacts
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and Mitigation Measures
' The County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study provides a discussion of the goals and
desires of the Town of Southold as maintained by past land use plans, studies and Town actions.
' Additionally, the Study provides an assessment of existing conditions along the corridor and
identifies those areas where the existing conditions are inconsistent with the goals. Finally, the
' Study offers various recommendations to bring the conditions of the corridor into conformance
with the goals of the Town. Therefore, by its fundamental structure, the Corridor Study
' identifies past impacts and proposes mitigation measures that could be implemented so that these
impacts are corrected or avoided in the future. Consequently the implementation of the
' recommendations of the Study is not anticipated to result in any significant adverse
environmental impacts. Instead, the Study is expected to result in significant beneficial
' environmental impacts and positive social impacts as well.
In addition to the analysis presented above, a review of the Criteria for Determining
' Significance in Section 617.7 of the SEQRA regulations finds that the proposed action, the
adoption of the County Route 48 Corridor Land Use Study, is not anticipated to result in any
' significant adverse impacts to any of the criteria examined. These criteria include impacts to:
"...air quality; groundwater quality or quantity; surface water quality or quantity;
traffic; noise levels; solid waste production; potential for erosion, flooding, leaching or
drainage problems; impacts to vegetation, wildlife, significant habitat areas; and
' threatened or endangered species; impacts to Critical Environmental Areas; historical or
archaeological resources; architectural or aesthetic resources; existing community or
neighborhood character; energy; and agriculture. "
' Also examined was the potential for adverse growth -inducing actions, and any potential
changes in two or more elements of the environment or cumulative impacts from two or more
related actions, no one of which would have a significant impact on the environment, but when
' considered together result in a substantial adverse impact on the environment. The analysis of
these types of impacts also found that they would not be generated by the adoption of the Study.
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No significant adverse impacts were identified because the adoption of the Study would
not in and of itself result in any direct modification of the environment (i.e. no construction or
development activities are actually proposed). In addition, the Study does not commit the Town
to any one course of action. Instead the Study presents, in the form of recommendations,
mitigation measures or a range of mitigation measures that could be utilized in future land use
decisions to minimize or avoid impacts identified in the Study as being caused by past
development patterns.
In conclusion, the Town of Southold has not identified any significant adverse
environmental impacts for this action. As noted above, the proposed action is expected to result
in long-term beneficial impacts on the Town of Southold including those actions which are
environmentally -sensitive, socially -desirable and economically feasible.
Nevertheless, individuals reviewing and commenting on the Study are encouraged and
requested to identify' any potential impacts of the Study during the public comment period.
It is noted that the SEQRA regulations also state that "GEISs and their findings should set
forth specific conditions or criteria under which future actions will be undertaken or approved,
including requirements for any subsequent SEQR compliance". Therefore, SEQRA review of
future implementation programs will be conducted pursuant to the GEIS procedures for future
actions as follows.'
"SEQRA Regulations Section 617.10 (d)
1. No further SEQRA compliance is required if a subsequent proposed action will be
carried out in conformance with the conditions and thresholds established for
such actions in the GEIS or its findings statement;
2. An amended findings statement must be prepared if the subsequent proposed
action was adequately addressed in the GEIS but was not addressed or was not
adequately addressed in the findings statement for the GEIS;
3. A negative declaration must be prepared if a subsequent proposed action was not
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addressed or was nor adequately addressed in the GEIS and the subsequent
action will not result in any significant environmental impacts;
4. A supplement to the final GEIS must be prepared if the subsequent proposed
action was not addressed or was not adequately addressed in the GEIS and the
subsequent action may have one or more significant adverse environmental
impacts. "
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V. Alternatives
The recommendations supplied in this document were devised in an effort to achieve the
goals of the Town as stated in numerous land use plans, studies and citizen surveys. As an
alternative to the recommendations, a No Action alternative is discussed below. No action herein
is determined to mean that land use and development would continue to occur under the present
Town Code, zoning and regulations, i.e. the status quo. A No Action alternative entailing a No -
Build and no physical activity scenario is both unrealistic, unfeasible and, therefore, is not
discussed.
Under a No Action alternative, a more comprehensive, coordinated approach to directing
land use will not be implemented and the goals of the Town and its citizens will not be addressed
in a cohesive manner. If no action is taken, existing problems and issues identified by past land
use plans and studies with respect to the County Route 48 corridor will not be rectified or
addressed and will continue to represent significant areas of concern for all who live and work in
the Town of Southold. Furthermore, due to the present configuration of development in the
Town, future development along the corridor will have a significant effect on the sense of place
and commercial center character of the hamlet centers. Continued commercial development in
the corridor will effectively draw much of the consumer activity out of the hamlet centers and re-
establish it along the County Route 48 corridor. Such a scenario would also result in increased
vehicular traffic in the corridor and degrade the open rural character that is large part of the
reason why the Town of Southold is presently a highly desirable place to live.
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