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Community declares victory after developer withdraws building plan

A developer has withdrawn his application to develop a wooded lot near the intersection of Seventh and Corwin streets in Greenport, a proposal neighbors had been fighting against for months.

The property owner, ADF Ventures in Medford, had planned to construct a building for electrical contracting but informed the town Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday that it has decided to no longer move forward with the application. The property owner’s attorney, William Kelly of Southold, confirmed Friday that his client had withdrawn his application and declined further comment.

Seventh Street resident Susan Smith, who rallied neighbors together over the summer to petition against the proposal, attended Thursday’s meeting and said in an interview she’s pleased with the decision.

Screen Shot 2015-11-07 at 12.01.16 PM“We were all stunned and astonished,” she said. “It’s exciting we were able to make a difference.”

Ms. Smith said she shook hands with Mr. Kelly after he informed the ZBA about his client’s decision to express “no hard feelings.”

She has described the land’s current Light Industrial zoning as “antiquated” since she believes the development for the 0.2-acre property would have decreased the value of surrounding homes.

The area isn’t strictly residential, however. On Corwin Street, next door to the proposed building site, is the former warehouse for Lewis Marine Supply, which is currently vacant after the company — which opened its doors in the 1950s — shut down last spring.

The owners of the property, Fred and Donna Fragola, had submitted plans to build a 2,800-square-foot building for use as office and storage space.

Ms. Smith said she would like to see that property turned into a community resource center.

“I would love the land to be used for the good of the community with particular attention paid to teens and older people, as both groups are underserved at the moment,” she said.

As for the woods, Ms. Smith said she’s reaching out to the Peconic Land Trust for assistance in having the land preserved.

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