Mattituck under a microscope
How to stop Route 25 sprawl
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As the town wrestles with the multi-year rewrite of its comprehensive plan -- a guide to future development -- one question has been singled out for special consideration.
What can be done to keep Main Road in Mattituck from becoming Route 58 east?
Southold's planning staff has been charged with taking a critical look at current and future business growth along the Main Road commercial corridor stretching east from the train trestle in Laurel to Wickham Avenue, just beyond Love Lane. They'll focus on zoning, land use patterns, traffic and commercial design standards.
"There is a real concern that the development taking place is ad hoc and not supported by the infrastructure," said Supervisor Scott Russell. "We plan on reaching out to Mattituck business representatives to discuss this study with an understanding that our goal is to promote local business and that future land use should be complementing our existing businesses."
The supervisor said the reason for the study, which will take about two months to complete, is not to restrict business growth. While it may conclude that some commercial uses should be excluded, it may also suggest permitting others not currently allowed.
In essence, the study seeks to identify the steps needed to realize the Mattituck stakeholders committee's vision for the community's future.
The group described the local architecture as largely "a modern hodge-podge."
A review of commercial design standards is one of the tasks on the planning staff's to-do list.
"Frankly, I am relieved that we can focus some attention on that hamlet," Mr. Russell said. "It is becoming difficult to tell where Route 58 stops and our Route 25 starts. We need to be attentive to that hamlet for the character of that community and for the long-term stability of our established businesses there."
The stakeholders also raised the issue of turning Love Lane into a pedestrian-only mall, but noted that there is no consensus on that change. The street is closed a few times each year for special events, such as the Mattituck Street Fair in July.
Mattituck Chamber of Commerce president Terry McShane agrees with the supervisor about turning a "desperately needed" planning focus on the hamlet.
"It will give us a handle on what businesses help and what businesses hurt," he said. "I'm concerned about Mattituck's future and the future of all small businesses."
tkelly@timesreview.com
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