Letters

I’m certain we can all agree on one thing: Building affordable housing in our village, Sag Harbor, is an absolute necessity — but not anything like what the mayor and his real estate development buddies have envisioned.

Adam Potter and his friends have big plans for our village. It’s worth remembering that nothing less than the historical character and way of life in our village is at stake.

After having carefully read the article in last week’s Sag Harbor Express regarding the affordable housing proposal adjacent to Bridge and Rose streets [“Sag Harbor Taken to Court Over Potter Affordable Housing Proposal,” 27east.com, October 14], the following observations are of particular importance:

Had there been an update of the 2008 Comprehensive Master Plan for the village, we might not be in the bind we’re faced with today. I’m still confident an updated plan would have identified several appropriate building sites for affordable housing, not just one location in an already congested location with severe environmental issues. The proposed site in question behind Main Street is without question the wrong place to build any kind of multifamily residential project.

Where are all those customers and residents going to park their cars? Furthermore, the fantasy of providing adequate parking will most likely lead to a multi-tier parking structure on village property. Any newly proposed retail/commercial space will lead to a big-box retailer in the heart of our village. Just what we don’t want to have happen.

The mayor’s comments directed to those of us who sincerely care about our village’s future and who oppose this project are not constructive. He clearly implies that those of us who are against this proposed project are just a bunch of elitist troublemakers. Wrong.

It’s time for the mayor to stop with his condescending remarks toward Save Sag Harbor and the Sag Harbor Partnership. It’s worth remembering we’re all trying to do what’s best for our community.

I propose that the mayor and trustees step back and review the latest inclusion of Local Laws 11 and 12. These new laws didn’t anticipate the unfortunate situation we’re now faced with, leaving the door wide open for real estate interests is not in the best interest of this or any other village.

The first order of business for our trustees should be to review and amend the 2008 Comprehensive Master Plan, as required, given the extended period of time. Letting the village voters have a say in what does or does not happen is also a goal worth pursuing.

Hopefully, we all want to do the right thing for our village, and now is the time to begin a new review of land use zoning requirements that will secure the future of our village.

Evan Schwartz

Sag Harbor