Supermarket Developer: 'Give the Public a Chance to Weigh In'

As promised, Westhampton developer Andrew Mendelson appeared before the Trustees on August 2, to request a public hearing for a 40,000 square-foot supermarket that he is proposing to construct on 4.2 acres that he owns on Old Riverhead Road.

Standing at the podium, Mendelson said, "I'd like the new board members to give this serious consideration and give the public a chance to weigh in. That is all I am asking for tonight."

The statement comes after Mendelson, on July 30, submitted a request to the village, requesting 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 the B-3 district. 

"I don't think this request requires a whole lot of study," said Mendelson. "I want everyone to understand how small these properties are."

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 decide to entertain such a request. 

In the past, 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.

However, Mendelson says he hopes to garner the support of newly-elected trustees   and .

In July, Urban told Patch, "I am open to listening to the various aspects and parts of the proposal."

Trustee Patricia DiBenedetto also indicated support for a public hearing. She said, "Everyone has a right to be heard."

What do you think village trustees should do? Comment below.

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