We are facing significant potential changes to the Village of Sag Harbor that, in totality, could dramatically reshape our Village.

The Village has received an initial application for a 36’ high, 108,000 square foot mixed-use building with 34,000sf of ground floor retail and 2 floors of affordable housing on its two upper floors at Rose and Meadow Streets. Many essential items will undoubtedly need to be added to that application, and we feel that this application, and additions, should be easily accessible to the public. While affordable housing is certainly needed, and unquestionably meritorious, the scale of this project matters, the size and kind of stores (as well as a consideration of discouraging chain stores for the sake of Main Street), income levels of apartments, the quality of affordable housing, amenities for residents, the character of new architecture in our historic village, and limited on-site parking—all matter, as does its site on a flood plain and the remediation of known pollution in that area.

In addition, an application for the Bay Street Theater complex on nearby Water Street is likely to be filed soon, and a tiered parking garage on the former National Grid lot is under discussion. There may also be more developments being planned of which the public should be made aware.

Since we do not have a Comprehensive Plan for our unique environmental challenges, and particularly since these developments are close together in areas most vulnerable to flooding and climate change, it is especially important that the SEQR (the State Environmental Quality Review) process require an assessment of all proposed projects simultaneously.

We understand that each of these projects in this vulnerable area requires review from the village boards and other regulatory agencies, but it is important that these building projects and their attendant challenges be taken into consideration as a whole.

We respectfully ask our hardworking Mayor and Board of Trustees to invite the participation of citizens, local organizations and unaffiliated experts to establish a transparent, public process in addition to the required regulatory reviews. Noticed public meetings of this kind will provide an opportunity for input that results in the best possible outcome.

In accord with Village officials, we seek solutions that will have a lasting positive impact on our village. Transparency and participation are key to an outcome that will reflect our history, shared values, and a secure legacy for our future.

— Concerned Members of Our Community