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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeyran, Barbara & William Barbara Meyran �W r William Meyran 795 Saltaire Way JAN 2, 0 2076 Mattituck,NY 11952 SOUTHOLD TOWN PLANNfNG aOARD . . January 15,2026 Zoning Department Town of Southold Dear Members of the Zoning Department of the Town of Southold, We are writing to express our strong concern regarding any proposed zoning changes that would allow two-family homes to be built on half-acre residential lots throughout our neighborhoods. Many of these neighborhoods were intentionally designed as single-family communities,valued for their open space,character,and quality of life.Increasing density by permitting two-family homes on lots of this size would fundamentally alter that character and create long-term consequences that may be difficult or impossible to reverse. We respectfully urge the Board to look at examples such as Port Washington.Those neighborhoods originally consisted of beautiful,single-family homes,many located near the water and thoughtfully planned to preserve space and community appeal.Once zoning changes allowed two-family homes,development accelerated rapidly.Property values and taxes rose sharply,making it unaffordable for long-term residents to remain.Families moved out,not by choice but by financial necessity_ Eventually,the only parties able to afford these properties were builders and investors.Over time,they purchased multiple homes and,in some cases,entire blocks,fundamentally changing the nature of those neighborhoods. What were once stable,owner-occupied communities became overcrowded and dominated by speculative development rather than families with long-term ties to the area. We fear that adopting similar zoning changes in the Town of Southold would lead us down the same path.Increased density places added strain on infrastructure,parking,traffic,schools,and municipal services,while diminishing the very qualities that make our town desirable. Once these changes occur,they cannot easily be undone.Preserving single-family zoning in appropriate areas protects homeowners,maintains neighborhood stability,and ensures that growth is thoughtful rather than driven solely by short-term financial interests. We respectfully ask the Zoning Department to consider these long-term impacts and to protect the integrity of our residential neighborhoods by maintaining current zoning standards. Thank you for your time,attention,and service to our community. Sincerely, Barbara Meyran r t William M