Developer Looks For Public Support With Online Petition

Westhampton developer is taking his fight to construct a 40,000 square-foot supermarket to the Internet. On Tuesday, he created an online petition, asking for signatures in support of a zone change that would allow his plan to come to fruition on 4.2 acres on Old Riverhead Road.

"It's a wild card," said Mendelson, who said that aside from online signatures, he also has supporters on the ground, knocking on doors for signatures. The petition is also available in some local shops.

Mendelson said he intends to gather as many signatures as possible prior to the village's September board meeting where he said he will submit them for the record.

For the past several months, Mendelson has appealed to the village board to consider a zone change request that asks that the use "grocery store" be added to the village's B-3 district and that the portion of his property that is zoned Industrial be rezoned to that same district.

Part of the petition reads as follows: 

"We know that local residents want another local choice for grocery shopping here in Westhampton Beach. We're local too!! Last summer we did an extensive survey of Westhampton Beach residents and the response was a resounding 'YES', that another choice is wanted - and needed.

"Many of you leave town to do your grocery shopping in Hampton Bays or Riverhead.  Wouldn't it be great to stay right here and shop on Riverhead Road?"

Mendelson has also requested that the village hold a public hearing regarding his proposal.

Since Mendelson first brought the idea of a new supermarket to Westhampton Beach, Village Attorney Richard Haefeli has maintained that the zone change request would trigger a master plan update and that it is up to the village board to entertain such a request.

Mayor Conrad Teller has stated that he does not think the village should go back and spend money to do a full master plan and put a moratorium in place for a new master plan process to accommodate the supermarket.

Mendelson said he hopes that the other village board members, including two newly-elected ones can be swayed.

On Aug 2. he appeared at the village board meeting and stated, "I'd like the new board members to give this serious consideration and give the public a chance to weigh in."

To access Mendelson's petition, click here.

Patch wants to know: Will you sign the petition? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

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