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Good morning!

It’s Monday morning again, get started on the week. Today we review the latest on the potential hotel project in Patchogue.

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Here’s to a great week!

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

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Village Board Denies Zoning Change for Proposed Hotel

During the July 8, 2024, Village Board meeting, the petition from West Avenue Partners LLC to change the zoning of their property from the E Industrial District to the Hotel District was denied. The board found substantial deficiencies in the application and a lack of convincing evidence to justify the proposed change.

Reasons for the Denial

Village board members and officials outlined several key reasons for denying the petition:

1. Incomplete Presentation: The developer's presentation was insufficient, with only one witness providing testimony. The lack of detailed information and expert input failed to meet the board's standards for such a significant zoning change. One board member rated the presentation as substandard.

2. Franchise Commitment: There was not as firm commitment from a hotel franchise as the board expected. This is, of course, crucial for the board to consider the viability and reliability of the proposed development.

3. Environmental and Traffic Concerns: The application did not adequately address potential environmental impacts and traffic issues. These are critical factors that the Suffolk County Planning Commission would scrutinize, and the current application was unlikely to withstand such scrutiny.

4. Design and Community Impact: The proposed design and its impact on the community were not thoroughly considered. Public feedback indicated significant concerns that remained unaddressed in the application.

Future Possibilities

Despite the denial, the board emphasized that this decision does not permanently close the door on the possibility of a hotel at the proposed location. The developer or other interested parties can submit a new application in the future. However, any future application must:

- Provide Detailed Evidence: A comprehensive and well-supported presentation with expert testimony and thorough documentation.

- Address Environmental and Traffic Issues: Conduct detailed studies and provide solutions to potential environmental and traffic impacts.

The board's decision underscores its commitment to careful and considered development within the village, ensuring that any new projects align with the community's needs and standards.

Stay tuned to Patchogue Live Local for updates on future developments and other village news.

Local Pulse

🗞️ An assassination attempt occurred at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a shooter opened fire, resulting in the death of one spectator and the shooter. The incident is under investigation, and security measures at future rallies are being reassessed. ABC News

🌡️ Long Island under a heat alert Monday, with feels-like temperatures expected to near 100 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, and residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Thunderstorms are also expected to bring some relief later in the week. News 12

🌬️ An air quality health advisory has been issued for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions on Monday, July 15, 2024, due to high ozone levels. Residents, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak pollution times. NYSDEC

🦟 Four mosquito samples in Suffolk County have tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first positive cases this season. Residents are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially those over 50 or with compromised immune systems. Suffolk County News

🚨 Police are searching for a man who stole $1,800 worth of medicine from a Target store on Horseblock Road in Medford last month. Authorities have released new images of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to contact the police. News 12

🎵 The Great South Bay Music Festival donated over 350 four-day passes to local veteran organizations as part of their Vets Rock-Thank You program. The festival, held from July 18-21 in Patchogue, features a diverse lineup of 55 performers and continues its tradition of supporting the GSB-Stony Brook Cancer Center Fund. Long Island Press

🏖️ Bacteria detected in the water has led to the closure of several Long Island beaches. Authorities are monitoring the situation and will reopen once the water is deemed safe for swimming again. NBC New York

🏈 Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold, a Bay Port High School alumnus, recently discussed his off-field contributions and the team's outlook for the 2024 offseason. Ingold, known for his leadership, is the Dolphins' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, highlighting his significant community impact. NFL.com

Community Highlights

• The Patchogue Chamber is hosting its Summer Mixer presented by The Covert Connector, offering a great networking opportunity for local businesses and community members.

• The Patchogue-Medford Library offers a Teen Book Review program where teens can share their thoughts on books they've read and earn community service hours.

• The Patchogue Community is organizing a Blood Drive to help save lives and support local hospitals.

• The Beach Ball to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport Area will be held on July 27, featuring a night of dining, dancing, and entertainment to support youth programs. Beach Ball

• Meet Pack, a lovable Beagle mix available for adoption in Patchogue, New York, who is looking for a forever home filled with love and care. Pack

• Matt Fraser delivered a superb performance at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, captivating the audience with his psychic abilities and engaging presence.

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