Sandy Hollow PDD

To: Supervisor Throne-Holst, Town Board Members Christine Scalera, Bridget  

       Fleming, Stan Glinka and Brad Bender

From: Tom Mulrooney

Re: Sandy Hollow PDD and Density Issues

Dear Board Members,

Let me say how disappointed I am with the Boards current consideration of the Sandy Hollow PDD in light of the goals expressed in the Town Master Plan of 1999 and the Southampton 400+ Sustainability Element approved in 2014.  After two years of discussion the Sustainability Element was approved. In the Executive Summary pg. 13 under Land Use Goals: Achieve land development and redevelopment that preserves Southampton’s rural and maritime heritage, and reinforces the interdependence of traditional development patterns characterized by the interdependence of compact and walkable village and hamlet centers…

Land Use: Pg. 62 Sec. 003a, continue to identify appropriate receiving areas for TDR’s that achieve smart growth principles with sensitivity to existing density, neighborhood character and historic structures.

Land Use: Pg. 62 Sec. 007b, Consider amending zoning ordinance to promote and allow for infill and mixed use development in appropriate locations such as hamlet centers and around train stations to support transit oriented development consistent with reconditions in the 1999 Comprehensive Plan Update.

Southampton Town Master Plan: The Vision for Affordable Housing; to provide an equitably disburse affordable housing in all parts of the town focusing on hamlet centers were various uses and diversities are to be encouraged.

This project is being placed away from hamlet centers, away from transit hubs, away from easy access to public transport and local businesses.  It has had to be rezoned numerous times so as to get the square peg in the round hole.

Rehab existing structures, return them to the tax rolls and spare open space.

Interestingly you the Board have compartmentalized development one project at a time ever increasing the ongoing density occurring on your watch.  The knee jerk approval by builders, architects, Agenda 21 enthusiasts and the like are to be expected. Yet there may be other issues at play that would cause the Board to move forward against the will of the people most impacted by the development and in stark contrast to the stated goals of the Towns Master Plan and Sustainability Element.  Fear of HUD suing the Town and withholding grants and tax credits, consider Westchester County and Federal lawsuits. Pressure from the State and County to implement high density affordable housing projects, political ideology, outside special interest groups with influence and financial resources, or possibly the Housing Department that is in need of a mission.

Affordable housing is a noble endeavor and we strongly support it. I would urge you to base your decision on existing Town plans.

Tom Mulrooney

Hampton Bays