Majority of Public Speaks Out Against Heritage At Cutchogue Project at Hearing

NORTH FORK, NY-A second public hearing on a controversial proposal for the Heritage at Cutchogue senior condominium project brought out fewer speakers — but the majority of those who stepped up to the podium blasted the plan.

A first public hearing was held in August; the planning board said at the time that the second hearing would be held after the draft environmental impact was completed.

The proposed residential site plan for Heritage at Cutchogue is for the development of 124 detached and attached dwellings, a 6,188 foot community center with an outdoor swimming pool and one tennis court, 284 parking spaces — of which 256 are associated with the residential units and 28, with the community center, on a vacant 46.17 foot parcel in the hamlet density zoning district.

The property is located at 75 Schoolhouse Road, on the northwest corner of Griffing Street and Schoolhouse Road, approximately 1,079 feet north of Main Road in Cutchogue.

For years, the proposal has sparked an outpouring of public protest, with residents crying out agains density and the potential impacts to quality of life in Cutchogue — and Monday night, the concerns remained the same.

Residents said they were fearful of a spike in traffic, safety concerns, and how the project could potentially shatter the North Fork’s bucolic way of life forever.

Hauppauge attorney John Wagner, representing the applicant, kicked off the night by explaining that the emphasis has been on exploring at alternative wastewater treatment technologies, to result in reduced nitrogen loading. To that end, a “very successful” meeting took place in January between Suffolk County and project engineers, he said.

With alternative systems currently being tested in Suffolk County pilot programs, Wagner said results, based on initial data, appear to indicate “substantial nitrogen reduction.”

“We will definitely used those systems going forward,” he said, with the county supporting the implementation even before the alternative pilot systems have garnered approval.

“We are looking to be on the vanguard of that movement,” he said.

Joe Polashack, vice president of the New Suffolk Civic Association, said the group has great concerns. While he said he was happy to hear the applicant’s attorney speak to septic issues in a positive way, runoff is still a problem.

The future of shellfishing on the North Fork is a critical issue, he said.

In addition, Polashack said, traffic is already a major problem in the summer. “We don’t need more traffic. I know we can’t stop people from moving ahead financially but we hope you consider what’s happening to our area. It’s getting to be an untenable situation.”

Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski said County Executive Steve Bellone has been instrumental in implementing the 19 pilot programs across Suffolk County.

He said the pilots would likely not be approved for use until June or July.

“The county is committed to making those changes,” he said.

The fact that the applicant is looking to explore an alternative wastewater treatment system is “very encouraging,” Krupski said.

Cutchogue resident Paul Romanelli said when he’s spoken in the past, his biggest concern has centered on a solution to nitrogen loading. “They appear to be on the right track,” he said. “I’m in favor of moving this forward if all the other issues can be resolved.” He suggested perhaps the pilot programs can be considered for all septic systems, even existing cesspools and sewer systems as they age.

“I’m in the life safety business,” he said. Over past year, carbon monoxide detectors have become mandatory in all homes. “This is along the same lines, keeping people safe and improving the environment.” Southold, he said, can take the leadership role in implementing alternative septic systems.

Nancy Bertorello of Cutchogue was in favor of the plan. Having lived in the hamlet for 50 years, she said she would like to stay in the community, near her grandchildren, yet downsize, with someone to mow the lawn. “Being able to stay in my town is very important,” she said.

Safety concerns

Kelly Evers, a mom of four who lives on Schoolhouse road, said one issue she feels is not getting enough attention is the impact of traffic on a residential street. “There are roads that are better equipped than Schoolhouse Road.”

Children ride their bikes and people walk their dogs on the quiet street, she said. “This area is not equipped to accommodate this traffic,” she said. “Schoolhouse Road would essentially turn into a driveway for the Heritage project.”

The years spent building the project would “be a nightmare,” she added. The project, she said, would “grossly and negatively impact the lives of the families that live on Schoolhouse Road, as well as surrounding neighborhoods. It’s “unsafe and irresponsible” to green light the project, she said. “It does not belong on Schoolhouse Road.”

New Suffolk resident Lauren Grant agreed. The town’s fire department and police department can’t handle the burden they have now, she said; even the library has reached capacity. “Someone has to be accountable. Someone has to say ‘no’. Someone has to downsize this project.”

Nancy Sawastynowicz said she took offense at the notion of a gated community. She also said new residents could use the Village Green, but the public would not be able to access the Heritage at Cutchogue property.

“Please maintain and protect our quality of life,” she said.

Tom Wacker also spoke in opposition of the project, citing concerns over traffic that’s “a nightmare” and congested beaches.

“Someone will get killed walking to the beach,” he said. And while the applicant is now discussing alternative wastewater treatment systems, Wacker said that “it clearly wasn’t their intention” initially. “Hold their feet to the fire.”

Others pleaded with the board to preserve the rural nature of the North Fork.

Tom Foster said he lives on an adjacent property and didn’t mind having new neighbors.

Benja Schwartz also spoke out against the notion of a gated entrance, said the project would mean excessive water use, asked about sidewalks, and said there was no mention in the DEIS about solar power. He also said he would ike to see a community garden.

Barbara McAdam said that what makes citizens come out, time after time, to meetings, and what prompts them to write letters, is anger. “This community is not an uneducated group of yahoos,” she said. “We are an educated community who cares deeply about our natural environment and way of life and who are dedicated to preserving its integrity. We know our very way of life is threatened,” she said.

She asked that the board protect the community and impose stringent standards upon the project to safeguard the Peconic Estuary from further contamination; she also asked that safety be considered and the board allow current neighbors to remain free from encroachment. “We the people expect no less from our town government,” she said.

Kevin McAllister, founder of Defend H20, said it was critical to explore alternative wastewater treatment systems. “We have to start turning the wheel here.”

Cutchogue resident Richard Jordan asked if the applicant would definitely go with a state of the art septic system. He added that he, too, was concerned about traffic . “Some kid is going to get hit,” he said, adding that he did not wish to see a repeat of last year’s devastating limo tragedy.

East Marion’s Linda Goldsmith said she did not feel the project serves a need and said she might feel differently if the 124 units were affordable. Bringing 240 new people to Southold would just serve to drive out even more young families, she said.

The hearing was left open for two weeks for written comments.