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Residents speak in support of Eastern Front Brewing Co.

Five people spoke in support of Eastern Front Brewing Co. at a public hearing before the Southold Planning Board Monday evening. The Mattituck brewery is seeking site plan approval to reopen its Main Road tasting room.

“I own property here in Mattituck and I’m totally in favor of this application, so I hope you guys will take it into consideration,” said resident Mike Hughes.

Those who spoke at the hearing said they supported local businesses in the area and praised Eastern Front owner Douglas Pearsall, citing improvements he’s made to the building, such as renovating the interior.

The brewery opened in March but closed less than two weeks later for what it described as “unforeseen problems with permits.”

The proposed 1,900-square-foot tasting space is on the ground level in the front of a building where two apartments already exist. No footprint changes are proposed. Twelve parking stalls are proposed, although only eight are required by town code.

The retail space was previously occupied by a fence company and a florist, but no site plan has ever been approved for this parcel, according to a planning staff report.

Mr. Pearsall first came before the Planning Board in July to get the site plan approval it hadn’t received before opening in March.

Paige Catalano of Mattituck said she appreciates this business because it could provide jobs for young people in the community.

“I personally am a young professional who lives out here and I think that this business would be a good opportunity, not only for their family, but also for young people who are looking for jobs and experience in the community,” she said.

The public hearing was closed and Mr. Pearsall declined to comment afterward. The next step is site plan approval from the board. 

At a Planning Board meeting in July, Mr. Pearsall had said he does not want limos or buses at his establishment and that business hours would align with those of wineries in the area.

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Photo caption: Paige Catalano of Mattituck spoke in favor of the brewery during Monday’s hearing. (Rachel Siford photo)