Two controversial subdivision applications by a Shelter Island developer were rejected by the Greenport Village Planning Board last night.
The applications were rejected because they sought to create four lots that would not conform to the village zoning code, so they require variances from the the village Zoning Board of Appeals before they can be entertained by planners.
Last night’s denials were the formal expression of the conclusion drawn by planning board members at their last work session Dec. 17.
James Olinkiewicz wants to divide two lots on Fifth Avenue that are already improved with two-family homes. The subdivisions would create in each instance two nonconforming lots that are smaller than the minimum area required by village code and would also require several setback variances. Olinkiewicz seeks to build a single-family home on each of the proposed new lots.
Neighboring residents vehemently object to the plans, complaining that Olinkiewicz’s existing homes are overcrowded and have caused parking and traffic problems on Fifth Avenue.
The village should not allow new nonconforming lots to be created by subdivision, neighbors argue.
They will next need to make that argument to the ZBA, since the developer intends to seek the variances necessary to allow the subdivision and construction he proposes.
Neighbors have asked the village board to adopt a moratorium on all subdivisions and amend the code to ban any subdivisions that would create substandard lots.
But there is no support for a moratorium on the village board.
“If you do a moratorium, unless you have some kind of plan, you’re just kicking the can down the road,” Mayor George Hubbard said in an interview Dec. 27.
“Hopefully the planning board and the zoning board will use the tools they have to deny it. The applicant is looking to create substandard lots and they can deny it as is,” Hubbard said.
The village ZBA next meets on Jan. 20.
