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Southold considers plan to allow limited retail in light industrial areas

A plan to allow limited retail uses in light industrial areas moved forward this week with Planning Board feedback on the proposal pending before the Town Board.

Acknowledging the large number of vacant warehouses near the Long Island Rail Road tracks in downtown Mattituck, the town’s Mattituck Corridor Study, unveiled early this spring, suggested that the sale of products made on-site in that area be allowed.

Town planning director Heather Lanza told the Town Board Tuesday that the Planning Board would like to limit retail uses in light industrial areas to 15 percent of the gross floor area, up to a maximum of 750 square feet.

Although planners want limits on retail use, Supervisor Scott Russell said “a bakery that wants to hire 50 people and sell baked goods and Poland Spring Water” should have flexibility in what it offers.

The Planning Board also suggested geographic restrictions on where retail sales would be allowed, perhaps limiting them to within a certain proximity of hamlet centers.

The matter has been referred to the Town Board’s code committee.

At Monday’s Planning Board work session, two projects that have raised neighbors’ eyebrows moved one step closer to a vote.

Joe Battaglia may receive approval for his controversial subdivision on Hobart Road in Southold as early as this coming Monday, depending on whether he can plant enough trees this weekend to screen out a large house under construction on a portion of the 2.3-acre lot.

“I talked to him Friday, and we left off that he may plant this weekend,” said town planner Mark Terry. “Conditional final approval has been scheduled for June 13, if he plants the trees between now and then.”

Board members said they’ll inspect the site before voting.

JAMES CREEK VOTE SCHEDULED

A second controversial subdivision, for five lots on James Creek in Mattituck, is set to go before the Planning Board for a vote June 13.

The plan, proposed by Alan Cardinale, came under fire from neighbors worried about flooding on their properties and the impact more boat traffic would have on the creek.

According to Mr. Terry, one proposed lot is just six feet above sea level, two feet below the required eight-foot elevation. But if the property were regraded to eight feet, it would likely funnel water onto neighboring parcels.

He suggested that the board require the house on that lot to be built on pilings.

Mr. Terry plans to run that idea by the town engineer before the vote.

The Planning Board has also not received a plan for a horse corral proposed for another lot on the subdivision.

“I’m not sure if they will be ready with the corral by Monday,” said Ms. Lanza. Planners will wait until Friday to receive that document before deciding whether to go forward with Monday’s vote.

Also at Monday’s work session, the owners of North Fork Hardware in Southold requested adding an already built patio to their site plan.

Board members agreed to permit the patio on the condition that merchandise isn’t left there overnight.

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