Village Candidate Q&A: Do You Support a Rezoning For a New Supermarket?

On June 21, residents in Westhampton Beach will be asked to elect two candidates to the Westhampton Beach Village Board. Vying for those seats are Deputy Mayor Hank Tucker, Trustee Patricia DiBenedetto and former Deptuy Mayor Toni-Jo Birk. 

Patch recently asked all three candidates five questions and over the next week and a half, Patch will provide their responses in a series we are calling, Village Candidate Q&A. 

Question 2: Are you in support or against a rezoning in the Village of Westhampton Beach to bring a new supermarket to Old Riverhead Road?

Hank Tucker: "I’ve been outspoken about Waldbaums shortcomings for 6 years as a trustee. I pushed hard for them to renovate, but was only able to get them to fix the drains and re-pave the parking lot thus far. I would love a new supermarket. We would have to do an update to our Master Plan which would address that and other issues. I’m in support of looking at our business zones to see how we can help them look and flourish without taking away from the character of the Village."

Patricia DiBenedetto: "I believe the dynamics of the village have changed since the adoption of the current master plan.  In particular, we have seen multiple areas changed from Industrial to Multi-family.  There are currently 38 condos being built on Old Riverhead Road, an additional 48 proposed on Montauk Hwy, and more than 20 single family homes being built off of Bridle Path, all adding to the density of our quaint village.  According to VILLAGE LAW ARTICLE 7, Section 722(2-a), 'A village comprehensive plan is to take into consideration the growth and development of the village.'  As our village continues to grow, we need to look, once again, at how the plan fits into the dynamics of our village.  The 'gateway' to our village happens to be the location for the 'proposed' supermarket.  The current master plan identifies that any plan and building to this site to be constructed are of 'utmost importance.'  At this time, I believe the village should revisit the plan, which will specifically address zoning and potential changes for the betterment of the village and our residents.  And, as of June 6 Trustee meeting, we unanimously passed a resolution requesting that our village planner present to the board the method and costs associated with such a process."

Toni-Jo Birk: "As an elected official, I am elected by the residents of the Village of Westhampton Beach to make decisions that are in their best interests, not the interests of developers or  non residents. That being said, as I was part of the 2007 Master Plan update, I understand the time, commitment and cost to undertake any type of update in an open and professional manor that both educates and listens to our Village residents . I would certainly support that process but I would not predict that it would lead to a conclusion that a new supermarket should be zoned for the B-3 or B-2 district."

Patch wants to know? Which response did you like best? Comment below and to read responses to Question 1: Where do you see the village in ten years, click here and for Question 2: If the village had the money, what one improvement would you like to make? click here.