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Health & Fitness

Please do not rezone the canal front parcel to accommodate high density housing.

Town of Southampton, 

I am opposed to the rezoning of the eastern property as well as the canal front parcel, even though I was originally open minded.  It is my experience that things that are not natural do not last long.  It is my opinion that the resurrection of the Canoe Place Inn and the high density townhouse development be treated as separate projects, with independent approvals.  I will refer to the Rechler group as the developers going forward as I have no angst towards them individually, as a group or their ambitions. But, we are all certain, based on communication, that the only benefit to the community, an investment in the Canoe Place Inn, is contingent on the approval of high density housing on the canal front property and is not an attractive investment in itself.
I, personally, have no emotional attachment to the Canoe Place Inn.  However, I would love to see a change of the blight to bright.  That could be in the form of a renovation, rebuild or complete demolition and planted grass.  However, if something is to be constructed at that property, it should be a self sustaining venture.  I am a believer that the economics and marketability of that parcel have proven themselves already.  But, if someone were to have a sincere investment into the property I would support them.  In this scenario, the developer's interests for that parcel are not sincere, but a bargaining chip to the town board. 
On the eastern side of the canal, my opinions are stronger.  Again, I believe that things that are not natural do not last long.  For starters, the high density townhouse site cannot support it's own sanitary needs.  Therefore it is necessary to provide assisted sanitation on an off site facility, the "eastern property".  That alone is not natural.  Contrary to the semantics and any choice of words, this is at minimum distasteful and most accurately reckless.  On day one of any plumber's career, they are taught that "*&$% rolls down hill" and do not bite your nails.  Without the long winded sales pitch presented by the heavily compensated consultants, you would not ever consider pumping that "stuff" uphill or rezoning.  I am certain that, over time, mechanical things break down.  When this happens, the developers will have already rung the register and this will be our nail biter.  
I am a realist.  I understand and accept that there are rights that are attached to the deeds which the developer has purchased.  More so, I respect their rights which they have invested in.  Additionally, I understand their pursuit of profits.  But, they did not invest in the right to high density housing.  They did not invest in properties to house waste water treatment facilities.  My family and I did not invest in a home that neighbors waste water treatment facilities or high density housing.  The developer and my neighbors invested in properties with pre existing zoning which you are now considering changing for the short term financial gain of one group for the long term financial loss and compromised quality of life of others.  That thought process is not natural or expected to have extended tenure.
As a resident, homeowner, and one of many in this sandbox, I see some characteristics of antics.  The reality is that the developer has campaigned in the areas that do not represent the entire community.  The developer did not garner the support of the people most local to their altering ambitions  We can begin to analyze the motivations involved with the meetings about our, canal local residents, backyards with people from the other side of town.  Similarly, I would not be very emotional about projects proposed in Eastport or other parts of Southampton Town.  But, I would not agree with behaviors that erode social principles and set precedent to favoritism of civility, especially ones that allow defecations to be dumped in the laps of others.  Unfortunately, I can only marginally spare this letter from the cliche that suggests that I protect where I eat.  I don't do it, nor should we allow others.  
I attended the meeting at town hall on Tuesday September 10th.  One of my neighbors pointed out that the developer group is great at marketing.  That is somewhat true.  They emphasize that the Nitrex system lowers nitrogen levels.  That is true, but not lower than where high density housing never exists.  The developers conveniently put together exhibits that are misleading, including diagrams of that are not indicative of the actual site plan.  Fortunately, the town intercepted that conveyance.  The developers sensationalized what they passively threatened the community and board as to what would otherwise go on the eastern property if the developer built to right.  The exhibit was a diagram of a building much greater in size and more intrusive to the neighborhood, without the proper setbacks commanded by code.  That behavior is a form of aggression.  I believe that regardless of the current zoning of the eastern property, the economics would not justify any development.  The developer might be able to convince me that high density housing does not attract residents that will provide a strain on the the school system.  But, they cannot sell me on the idea that this proposed project will have less educational burden, students, than restaurants.  The entire pitch could be considered insulting as the wolf in grandma's bed and as boring as a filibuster. 
I understand that there is a carrot dangling in front of you that suggests that there is a tax benefit from this development.  I wish that all of the town board took the time to actually understand the entire project, pros and cons.  I believe that it would be like jumping over dollars to pick up nickels.  We as a community have lot more to gain from this canal being a destination for many than a fling for a developer.  The Shinnecock Canal has as much or more potential than any venue in the Hamptons.  It is not a pipe dream to envision a nautical mecca of the east end.  The town has more to gain from the value that gentrification of Hampton Bays provides, than one developer or plot on a tax map could ever promise.  I see it already.  People are coming from both east and west to dine at new restaurants that offer scenery that doesn't exist elsewhere.  Conversations at all of the establishments along the canal, including Canal Cafe, Tide Runners, Cow Fish and Rhumba include how awesome the area is.   I understand the sentiment that Hampton Bays, if any, is not the flagship of Southampton Town.  However, we have seen periods of inflection where out of favor areas become chiche.  The geographic assets which we hold command greater attention. The values of an entire zip code, which has been neglected, depends on the planning and enforcement of code.  
Thus, I am animate about my position.  I am against the rezoning of the canal front and the eastern property.  This proposed change in zoning would be forever, not for better. I plead with you to listen to a strong community.  Do not change any zoning.  Do not allow high density housing that cannot exist naturally.

Brendan Byrne


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