Newsletter Dec. 7, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Though the world may seem out of control, Orient continues to maintain its warm community spirit. We hope you are well and enjoying our lingering fall and the beginning of the holiday season. The current focus is on community character and development in Orient; specifically, a proposed five-home + barn building subdivision called the Orchards, at Holyoke and Orchard Streets. Please read more about why there is strong concern regarding its impact on the village, clarified in the two letters we’ve posted on the website, both written by Orient residents. There is still time to share your comments with the Southold Town Planning Board. Now is the time to write a letter, send an email, and attend the public hearing on December 7th at 6pm (Agenda). Send your comments to the Southold Town Planning Board. The public comments period is kept open for 10 days after the hearing is closed, and possibly longer if the Planning Board chooses to extend more time. Permission is granted by the authors of the letters and documents posted on the OA website to use in your own comments. Or, use the Community Support Form, below.

Building in Orient directly ties to addressing Southold Town house size. If you were here in 2015, you probably remember the Town Board’s Comprehensive Plan and the Orient Plan taking shape; at long last, the Town’s Comprehensive Plan has been adopted. OA will respond with an implementation timeline zeroing in on the issues you told us were most important to you, which includes house size, water quality, traffic control among the 9 propositions (https://orientassociation.org/the-orient-plan-propositions/) voted on by the OA members. By renewing your membership, you are helping efforts to protect the unique character of Orient for future generations.

With appreciation and kind regards,

Drianne and the OA Board