Dan Rattiner speaks with Sag Harbor Village Mayor James Larocca – Episode 78
May 5, 2022
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James Larocca, Sag Harbor Village Mayor, discusses the village's history, potential use of a church steeple as a cell tower, childhood memories of Sag Harbor, transforming a gas station into Superica, lack of progress on a waterfront development project, and the need for affordable housing.
Efforts to improve the waterfront in Sag Harbor include opening Steinbeck Park, rehabilitating the long wharf, and creating a beach walkway.
Addressing the lack of affordable housing is a top priority for Sag Harbor, with initiatives such as creating affordable housing projects and exploring mixed-use buildings to ensure a more balanced community.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Enhancing the Waterfront and Increasing Recreational Spaces
The mayor discusses ongoing efforts to improve the waterfront in Sigh Harbor. The village has been working on projects such as opening Steinbeck Park, rehabilitating the long wharf, and creating a walkway along the beach. They have also applied for additional funding to expand the park and add more green spaces. These initiatives aim to enhance the village's tourist and recreational orientation and provide residents and visitors with more enjoyable waterfront experiences.
Key Point 2: Affordable Housing Challenges
Affordable housing is a significant concern in Sigh Harbor. The mayor highlights that young people and older individuals who want to downsize but stay in the community face difficulties finding affordable housing options. The village is actively working on creating affordable housing projects and exploring the idea of mixed-use buildings, combining commerce on the ground floor with smaller apartments above. They are also seeking proposals for affordable housing units on specific properties. Addressing the lack of affordable housing is a top priority for the village to ensure a more balanced community.
Key Point 3: Market Dynamics and Character Preservation
Sigh Harbor is grappling with the impact of market dynamics and the changing character of the village. The mayor acknowledges the influence of wealthier buyers and the surge in the construction of larger homes. The village has taken steps to manage new construction, such as implementing an overlay district for the waterfront and giving the Board of Trustees authority over larger construction projects. However, the mayor acknowledges the challenges faced by a small municipal government in restraining the growth of larger homes. The village is exploring tools and regulations to strike a balance between new development and preserving the character of the community.
Episode 78: This week on the “Dan’s Talks” podcast, Dan speaks with Sag Harbor Village Mayor James Larocca.
Before being sworn in as mayor in 2021, narrowly beating former first-term Mayor Kathleen Mulcahy by 22 votes, Larocca served as a village trustee for six years and in six different New York cabinet positions before that.
Find the “Dan’s Talks” podcast at DansPapers.com/podcast.
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