Dan's Papers - July 18, 2008

The colorful Dennis Suskind, a former Town of Southampton Councilman, is in the headlines again - this time over his proposal to create over 23,258 square feet of commercial space on the parcel of land he owns that centers on the historic Water Mill railroad station. Suskind's previous plans to develop this property have not been met with open arms in the community. Complaints about an already congested Water Mill traffic situation only to be made worse for the "strip mall" to be created behind the Citarella have been pronounced. In the last year Suskind made news when he purchased the Sag Harbor Methodist Church for over $2 million, to be his private home - or so he said at the time. Other grass-roots groups were hoping to save the landmark church for more community oriented work after the church itself voted to sell the valuable asset and relocate to the Sag Turnpike. However, recent reports and rumors reveal Suskind having a change of heart. The 1837 church is now on the market for $3.45 million, an exclusive of the Strough Associates through Scott Strough. According to the description on the website, "With its current residential zoning, the property is being offered with possible conversion opportunities. The building is approximately 9000 sq. ft. sited on .46 acre."

As for the Water Mill project many in the hamlet had always hoped that someday, the LIRR train station would be reopened for service. However, Suskind has reportedly stated that the MTA has assured him they have no immediate or long range plans to do that. While Suskind intends to utilize the existing structure in his plans, many feel there is no need for further commercial space in Water Mill. This is a clear difference of opinion on where and how that area and space should be used.

According to one knowledgable source in the real estate community, Suskind is the "anti-CPF." That is, taking historical sites and stripping them down to a commercial use. Others argue that he has the right to develop his property that is legally zoned for commercial use. Despite pros and cons, Suskind is marching forward without concerns of ruffling feathers in the community. He reportedly feels that this project, on 50 Station Road in Water Mill, is in good taste and is well designed by Bridgehampton LLC, a development company owned by Suskind and builder William Koral. The plans call for construction of a six-building development on the two-acre site that would feature tasteful two-story buildings made with brick facades and shingle roofs. The plan recommends dividing the space between offices and rental space.

At issue is the amount of the parking to be allowed, with numbers as low as 60 and as high as 130. With the Water Mill recreational facilities off of Nowendonah, nearby local residents see dangers, inconveniences and duplicity in what they deem as an unneeded development. Suskind disagrees, reportedly saying the traffic added by the venture will be minimal. But any drive through Water Mill on weekends in season does not take minimal time. This new destination cannot possibly improve that situation.

The creation of a proposed central street has also become a bone of contention for safety reasons, yet Suskind reportedly vows not to let the road become a drag strip. With their application before the Town of Southampton Planning Board, the next scheduled meeting is for a Citizens Advisory Committee on July 14. Suskind is planning to attend to present his case to those who strongly feel otherwise about what he deems is best for the community. It most likely will be a spirited meeting with many local residents voicing their opposition to the continual commercialization of Water Mill. One opponent said, "He has the right to propose it and I have the right to oppose it."

An Environmental Impact Statement is in the process of being addressed on this project and will offer more fodder for the cannons of opposition, but in the end it may be found that in fact the savvy Suskind knew what he was buying when he purchased this parcel of land and knew what he planned to do with it. It is interesting that Suskind is picking this moment in this real estate environment to propose this move. Only time will tell what the end result will be. Until then, both Suskind and his opponents are determined.