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Board adopts new buffer and parking requirements

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The Riverhead Town Board adopted resolutions at its board meeting Wednesday to increase the required buffer between large commercial developments and homes to 50 feet for projects over 5,000 square feet and 25 feet for projects under 5,000 square feet. The vote was 4-0 with Councilman John Dunleavy absent. The new buffer requirements come in response to the clear cutting of trees at the Shops at Riverhead on Route 58.

The board also adopted new parking requirements that lessen the amount of parking that shopping centers must build. The move was done to reduce the number of trees that need to be cleared. Larry Simms of South Jamesport, a member of the Save Main Road group, urged the town not to adopt the change until certain loopholes are closed. The board, though, voted 4-0 to adopt the new requirements.

The board also voted 4-0 to require rentals of residences to be for at least 30 days, a move intended to prevent people from renting homes out for a weekend to different groups each week. Officials said they have received complaints about these so-called “party houses.”

Mr. Simms had asked the board to hold off on adopting this proposal as well, saying it had some problems that needed to be addressed first. One example he cited was the fact that the town code limits stays at bed and breakfasts to under 14 days, while this proposal requires stays in residential houses to be at least 29 days.

To read what else happened at the Town Board meeting, click below to read reporter Tim Gannon’s live blog from the meeting.

October 16, 2013 – Agenda by Riverhead News-Review

 

October 16, 2013 – Packet by Riverhead News-Review