A group of neighbors who care deeply about their community met together for the first time last night at the inaugural gathering of the new Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association.
Mary Eisenstein, the new, interim president of the organization, said she came up with the idea when she was running for office in Southold and attended a meeting of the East Marion Civic Association. After seeing how well run that group was, Eisenstein thought a similar group would be a good fit for Mattituck and Laurel.
“This is definitely a voice for Mattituck and Laurel,” she said. The goal, she said, is to create a “consensus building organization.”
The positive response she’s received since announcing plans for the group, Eisenstein said, reflect an “energy and pulse” in the community. “This is really exciting, to be launching. People are really hungry for this.” Eisenstein said she’d also received numerous calls from those who want to be a part of the group but couldn’t attend Wednesday.
After an initial meeting at her home, where about 25 attended, Eisenstein decided to move forward with forming the civic group.
A number of key issues are currently on the table, Eisenstein said, including plans for a parcel located on Route 25 across from the Capital One building. Just this week, the developer of the parcel pitched new plans for the parcel, including businesses and apartments on Route 25, with the land in back dedicated to the town. Earlier plans, which included 75 affordable rental cottages, are no longer on the table, he said.
Other key issues for consideration include plans for Pike Street, as well as the Capital One building itself, the future of the never-finished Hudson bank, bus shelters in the hamlet, and a potential village green and roundabout near Love Lane, Eisenstein said.
Members present said they were concerned about Mattituck’s image, and that it no longer be considered, as some have been quotes as saying, as a “dumping ground” for Southold Town. In past years, residents have cried out about density in the area, as well as the siting of chain stores such as CVS and McDonald’s in the hamlet.
The goal, said member Marie Domenici, is to protect local business people and not “let corporate America trample” longtime businesses.
At the kick-off meeting, which was held at the Mattituck Laurel Library, committees were organized and interim officers nominated. Those officers will hold their posts until June, when they can decide whether they’d like to continue. Down the road, membership dues will be charged.
Committees include a government/action group, as well as program, membership and communications groups.
Plans are also in place for a Facebook page, as well as to bring speakers in to meetings on vital issues facing the community.
Meetings will be held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Mattituck-Laurel Library.
