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March 7, 2012
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SCC Continues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7.
and audience members filed out of the meeting room. Turning to Councilman Peter Van Scoyoc, Quigley said quietly, “These people giving us maps . . . This is Nazis, I don’t want to be this town . . . Imagine if this was your house. I have six vehicles, so I’d be in here as an offender, it’s unbelievable.” At the close of the comment period, Supervisor Bill Wilkinson outlined an array of measures town officials have taken to address overcrowded housing. In Springs last year 111 new cases were opened. Ninety-four of those cases went to court with 974 violations written. How complaints are handled and how records are kept have both been “totally revamped,” he said. kmerrill@indyeastend.com
Enviro Guru CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9.
environmental professional of the highest caliber.” “Under her new management, we have an opportunity to rebuild the prominent role this department has played in our Town’s modern histor y -- to reinvigorate its national reputation for rational environmental advocacy within a progressive and economically
THE INDEPENDENT Q Traveler Watchman
sustainable community,” Stanzione continued. “It’s now time for the next generation of environmental leadership to take the lead. Kim has the management skill, awareness and temperament required for reconciling our environmental and economic resources, for generations to come.” kmerrill@indyeastend.com
Motel Conversions
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8. for the area. “It’s what the whole economy of Southampton relies on,” she said. According to Eisenberg, 20 percent of existing units needed to be used for transient purposes. “Code Enforcement is not enforcing this, so it was changed to say units may be available for rental. There has been a big loss of resort accommodations due to waterfront development and such. Small motels are now obsolete.” Eisenberg and Scherer provided the board with specific instances in the conversion process that will ultimately need regulation by the town board. To get a better idea on the specifics, Eisenberg and Scherer presented a table of regulations and possible solutions to maintain the integrity of the town and provide the housing necessary. Scherer said certain conversions
REAL ESTATE
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
are occurring in inappropriate districts such as a residential in a non-residential district or a waterfront conversion that reduces public access. A solution recommended would be for the town board to add location standards to special exemption criteria for permitting the conversion. “It’s up to you to decide on a policy,” Scherer said. “Conversions are intended for existing and active uses, not those that have been abandoned,” she said. “The conversion process should include a step to ensure eligibility also. The town has spent a lot of time working on preserving open space. There has to be some kind of connection between nature, hospitality and use.” Determining the yield and development intensity were other issues Eisenberg and Scherer wanted the town board’s help with. Under the current code, one dwelling unit is allowed for each existing lodging unit, yet, according to Scherer and Eisenberg, the existing process lacks clarity, predictability and consistency. “We would like to turn to the town board to tell us whether we can be more or less restrictive,” Eisenberg said. The planning and development administrator recommended holding off on a public
IN THE NEWS
hearing and adoption for further research and discussion. “These recommendations aim to get a better product and process,” she said. Fleming added that clarity and consistency would be crucial in trying to move forward in realizing what the policies are or should be. Councilwoman Christine Preston Scalera added, “The only thing that concerns me is the density standards. That’s not policy specific.” Scherer stressed that an outreach to the resort and tourism business is crucial, recommending updating certificates of occupancy and pursuing monitoring protocols, which would then institute an annual reporting provision for hotel and motel uses. “There are transient use places that are illegal,” Nuzzi said. “Through the town attorney and code enforcement, we can determine what legal uses and illegal uses are currently occurring.” Fleming added that most of the people living in these kinds of situations don’t know that it is in fact illegal to be there, but agreed with Nuzzi, saying, “It’s irresponsible of us to continue on like this.” “I’m not suggesting we be like the Gestapo,” Scherer said. “But I can’t do this alone, I need your help.” Emily@indyeastend.com
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