Home News Southold Town Government Paul Pawlowski shares plans for never-finished Hudson City bank in Mattituck

Paul Pawlowski shares plans for never-finished Hudson City bank in Mattituck

Although he withdrew a controversial plan for Main Road in Mattituck, developer Paul Pawlowski has set his sights on another project, that could add some retail, two apartments, and a bank to the hamlet.

At today’s planning board meeting, Chair Donald Wilcenski said Pawlowski and others are purchasing the never-finished Hudson City Savings Bank building, located at 11570 Main Road in Mattituck.

The building has stood abandoned for years, prompting concerns from residents.

Pawlowski was not present at Monday’s planning board work session.

The site plan for the plaza was approved in 2009, Wilcenski said, and the bank was “partially” constructed.

Pawlowski, planner Brian Cummings said, is seeking to extend approval of the existing site plan, including landscaping, gravel, parking, as well as add a second, already approved building that was okayed for medical offices.

He’d also like to “explore possible retail space within the building,” as well as consider the idea of two apartments on the second floor.

The board said Pawlowski would have to show renewal of Department of Transportation and Suffolk County Health Department permits, as well as a photometric plan and signage; first the board would extend the approval and then, an amended site plan would address issues such as landscaping.

Wilcenski said he’s a “little concerned about” a residence near the corner of the parcel, which might need some buffer, since the trees being planted don’t seem tall enough to provide screening. “Mr. Pawlowski’s always been very good about working with us,” he said.

Reached on Monday, Pawlowski said the plan is to have a bank move in, “as it is almost done. However, if we cannot find a bank as a tenant, it is a very nice building that can be used for many things under the code.”

Pawlowski added, “The goal is to finish the already approved site plan. Once we have renewed the site plan and building permits we look to get started on finishing the project out. The approved design and site plan is very nice and we simply look to finish it.”

He added that he will finish the site plan and new building as per approved plans. “As for the use of the new building, our goal is what’s allowable by code and potentially two apartments as a mixed use.”

In September, days after a hearing that saw dozens of residents turn out to blast his plan for affordable housing, preservation and stores on Main Road, Pawlowski pulled the plug on the project.

It was the second plan for affordable housing Pawlowski withdrew for the site, after receiving public pushback, he said.

“I withdrew now Plan B because it will not get the needed support. So now, workforce house was not supported, preserving 17 out of 20 acres was not supported, adding jobs, adding affordable rental opportunity and offering business people a new and exciting place to open their business — all these positive things were not supported because of the word ‘change,’” he said.

Pawlowski said he thought the proposal spoke for itself. “I was asking for a zone change to business in the business corridor while at the same time protecting the residential backyard of the properties.”

He added, “as a developer I am disapointed and a resident I am extremely concerned for our town as a lot of public benefit and preservation was just lost.”

Plans for the parcel will now encompass “either a major subdivision or something as of right,” he said.

The supporters who did turn out for the hearing said Pawlowki’s plan, which included 12 apartments that he vowed to keep affordable in perpetuity, would have meant a chance for workforce housing in Mattituck, where it’s desperately needed, they said.

Pawlowski said today he’s currently drafting plans for a subdivision on the parcel across from the Capital One site.