Protecting Water Mill’s Rural and Historic Character
There are several significant developments in the planning/building stages along the Montauk Highway. The CAC has participated in all hearings relating to these projects and their impact on the future of Water Mill. We encourage your point of view on changes in our Hamlet. Please try to come to our meetings, attend public hearings and write letters to the editor. Stay tuned ---- stay engaged.
Parrish Museum
Several years ago, the Parrish Art Museum purchased the 14-acre parcel (formerly Whitmores Nursery) just east of Duckwalk Vineyard. The Swiss architectural firm of Herzog & de Meuron was hired to design their new quarters. Revised plans for a 42,000 sq. ft. building were approved and construction is underway. The Water Mill CAC supports this welcomed addition to our community. The Museum plans to open in 2012.
Head of Pond Intersection and Road Safety on Water Mill back roads
Since the fall of 2004 when CAC representatives met with Town Board members regarding safety issues on the back roads, the Town has addressed many of our concerns, including the dangerous intersection at Head of Pond, Scuttlehole Road and Strongs Lane. The Town approved a plan to redesign this intersection and it was completed May 2011.
The CAC is continuing to encourage the Town to install speed monitors along the back roads as well as increase police presence and create a uniform speed limit.
Flying Point Road PDD
There is a proposed Planned Development District with a combination of commercial and residential units for the southeast corner of County Rd 39 and the Montauk Highway. This is a crucial site and the entrance to our hamlet. There will be many meetings and revisions on this project as it moves forward. If the developer decides not to go ahead with a PDD, the property will be developed with permitted commercial Highway Business uses. The CAC will stay actively involved.
Patio.com
The business owner has purchased the northerly adjacent lot to his existing property and has proposed a 14,920 sq. ft. building to replace the current considerably structure. Site Plan review process is being monitored by CAC.
Water Mill Station
A 23,000 sq. ft. office complex was approved for the former Water Mill Railroad Station property, behind the Water Mill Shoppes center several years ago. At the time, the CAC urged that a complex of this size (we felt it was too large for the parcel) not be approved due to traffic issues and its impact on the neighboring Water Mill Community Club. The Planning Board approved it anyway and construction has begun.
Cell Tower Proposed
Omnipoint Communications proposed a 77 foot monopole cell tower to be constructed on a one acre parcel owned by Verderbers nursery located on the Montauk Hwy. opposite Pier One. Cell towers are allowed by law but the Town can mitigate its impact by reducing height and style. The Planning Board has given this project a positive declaration which means the applicant will have to undergo a full environmental impact study if they want to proceed with this proposal. The CAC has concerns about this project and will continue to monitor.
Transportation Study – County Rd 39 and its impact on Water Mill
The first phase of widening of Cty Rd 39 has been completed. The second phase will extend from the 7-Eleven to the intersection at Route 27 and Flying Point Road . This will be done by re-striping the road with 2 lanes heading east and 1 lane heading west. The CAC questions whether or not this section of the road should be widened at all. We have also requested that if the County moves forward with this plan, they create 2 lanes heading west instead of east. At this time there are no plans to expand Route 27.
Water Mill Townhouses Planned Development District
There is a proposed plan for 51 Town Houses on the 5.8 acre parcel just east of Water Mill Shoppes at Station Road. The increased density requires that the developer apply for a PDD. The plan is currently under review and with the newly created PDD legislation, hamlet specific public benefits will need to be clearly defined. The Water Mill CAC is currently developing a list of public benefits and will be sending out a questionnaire to the community for their input.
Code Violations – Chronic Problem
The CAC constantly reports code violations to the Town brought to our attention by residents relating to illegal business uses, group houses, signs and other infractions. We encourage residents to report code violations and lack of code enforcement to info@ourwatermill.org |
