Local Headlines

Stories from the media featuring our village or its residents.

Planning Board Chair on the Community Preservation Fund

https://northforksun.com/guest-opinion-southold-must-stop-treating-greenport-as-a-second-class-citizen/

Greenport and Southold Joint Meeting

https://www.eastendbeacon.com/some-joint-wins-on-housing-for-southold-and-greenport/

Greenport's Historic Preservation

https://northforksun.com/guest-opinion-lets-preserve-what-makes-greenport-unique/

New Ferry Queue Project

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/greenport-shelter-island-ferry-traffic-xkddwu63

PLANNING BOARD

• The Board discussed the survey that the Planning Board is fielding to gain an understanding of the community’s input, desires, and priorities regarding planning for development within the Village. The survey responses will be analyzed overall and also based on residency status. The issues include commercial and residential property vacancy, mixed use zoning in the commercial and retail district, accessory dwelling units and parking. An opportunity for responders to provide open-ended comments for each topic was provided. Results will be announced in the next meeting, and members of the new Housing Committee will be invited to join the discussion.
• A discussion was held regarding the proposed Town of Southold Land Use and Zoning Code Amendments. Members discussed issues related to Greenport areas adjacent to the Village. Key concerns include questions of compatibility regarding how zoning districts and uses outside of the Village, abutting residential areas of the Village, affect Village residents. Another issue was the proposed uses of the Zones and whether those uses seem appropriate or too intense. Traffic in and out of the Village and parking related to that traffic are also a very big issue for the Village. An additional item that concerns the Planning Board are the impacts on the local economy regarding zoning of business districts outside the Village that are very likely to affect Village businesses. Addressing coastal resiliency is something of concern to the Planning Board but is not currently being addressed in this set of amendments. The specific example of the transitional zone in which the KOA Campground exists and its changes from a camping space to one in which cottages may be connected to Village sewer has a profound impact on the Village. 
• There was a discussion regarding entertainment and mass public assembly permits and controlling noise and the amplification of music.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

• The Commission continued to discuss the expansion of the historic district in the Village and how to make it more palatable for residents. Rather than requiring applicants to go to court if they are unhappy with the outcome of an application, a proposal was made to allow for an appeal process which would be discussed with the Board of Trustees.
• A discussion was held regarding the design and creation of plaques and/or certificates for residences in the current Historic District. These might be made available to residents for purchase. The aesthetic, historic, educational, and point-of-pride qualities were considered. Examples of how other communities have done this and a community public relations effort might be helpful.
• A preliminary discussion was held regarding minor vs major projects, the fees, and the process for consideration and approval.

VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

• The Village will renew its transmission congestion contract to protect Village rate payers from spiking costs of delivering electricity, and the new contract offers a savings of $240,000 over prior contracts. 
• The state has approved moving forward with installation of new street lighting throughout the Village. A study has been proposed for long-term replacement of our electric plant.
• Grants for the following are being pursued
• A consultant to complete and submit an updated LWRP
• Water quality issues
• Connecting the sewer system to the Sandy Beach neighborhood
• Downtown study for potential housing projects and parking through the State’s Economic Development office
• The Community Preservation Fund continues to be debated by the Village and Town boards. Greenport Village has not received any money from this fund despite having contributed to the fund for 30 years. State law requires the plan for fund allocations be updated every 5 years yet the Town of Southold has not updated the plan since 2016. The State’s recently mandated amendments require 10% of the fund be allocated to disadvantaged communities. Greenport is the only disadvantaged community in the town of Southold. The Town contends the amendment is too vague to act on. Southold Town continues to prioritize open space preservation vs historic preservation and water quality issues, while all other towns on the East End have included all three of these issues as priorities for funding. The Town of Southold has invited the Village to submit a list for funding and has agreed to continue discussions.
• Southold Town has published an 81-page housing plan, available on their website. A comprehensive plan is in development. The Town Board had adopted a subsidy schedule for contractors. The organizations that are responsible for the process, subsidy framework, and allocation of funds include the CHAB (Community Housing Advisory Board), the Affordable Housing Review Committee, and a Housing Advisory Commission which is an advocacy organization and a liaison for the public. The Village passed a resolution to opt into the Southold Town Housing Plan.
• Greenport has been designated by the State as a pro-housing community, and Southold is able to apply for and receive this designation as well. Greenport Village has a new housing committee (Greenport Affordable and Workforce Housing Committee) dedicated to expanding the greater Greenport housing supply so people who want to live and work here in safe, comfortable conditions. The Long Island Forward Housing Program is offering to provide technical assistance to communities like ours with more needs than expertise. Southold Town is able to apply for and benefit from this program to understand the economic, environmental and social impacts of alternative development scenarios for multiple areas in, and adjacent to, the Village.
• Southold Town has passed an ADU act which also allows for Care Taker Units. The Town received a $2 million ADU housing grant and used $1 million of it prior to its expiration. Updates to the process will support full allocations of grants in the future. Greenport Village can participate in receipt of funds if and when it passes legislation to allow ADUs.
• An inter-municipal agreement between the Village and the Town on the Pump-out Boat was discussed. 
• Southold Town has invited Greenport Village to collaborate on short-term rental agreement legislation. A draft from Southold will be available in September to review. Southold Town is now using a tool called Rental Scape to identify the addresses of short-term rentals, whether or not the address has a rental permit. It also tracks duration and price of rental. Greenport Village is looking into charging a lodging tax for hotels and short-term rentals.
• The Greenport Skate Park started skate lessons last fall, and 95% of kids participating in skate lessons at the Park come from outside of the Village. Funds have been secured for rehabbing the park, and a request was made for Southold Town to support the continuation of this effort. 
• A discussion about police coverage relayed that Greenport Village has not been allocated the increased support necessary for the summer season.

UPCOMING MEETINGS at the Third Street Firehouse

• Historic Preservation Commission: Thursday, July 17th at 5pm
• Board of Trustees: work session and regular meeting are Thursdays, July 17th and 24th at 6pm. At the July 24th meeting, Tara Cubie, Director of Preservation Long Island, will give a presentation of the value of Historic Districts.
• Planning Board: Monday, July 28th at 4pm
• For more meetings or changes, check here: https://villageofgreenport.org/calendar/