Liberty Gardens Housing Development
After years of advocating against the Liberty Gardens development proposal slated for the worst stretch of County Road 39 in Southampton, the Group applauded the town board on its decision to deny the applicant’s request for a change in zoning.
The proposed 50-unit affordable housing complex would have been constructed on five acres that make up part of a nine-acre parcel with frontage on and direct access to County Road 39. The proposal drew opposition on several levels.
The added housing density in that location is contrary to the town’s zoning regulations and comprehensive plan.
A housing development with direct access to County Road 39 would exacerbate the traffic nightmare that already exists there and further complicate timely access for emergency services.
The applicant did not have finalized plans for the treatment of sewage.
There was no detailed discussion on the future development potential of the developer’s immediately adjacent property, which should have been a critical part of the overall project review.
The Group is keenly aware of the profound need for affordable and workforce housing on the East End. In pursuing this goal, it is critically important that towns require responsibly-planned and vetted proposals that meet the needs of the community. Liberty Gardens may have been a good idea, but as Southampton Town Councilman Bill Pell said, “it’s in the wrong place.”
News:
County Road 39 Housing Proposal Developers Release Environmental Impact Statement
Environmental Study For Liberty Gardens, New Affordable Apartments, Is Ready For Prime Time
Southampton Town Board Denies Zone Change for Liberty Gardens
