A developer (Southern Land Co. of Nashville, Tennessee) plans to build multiple 3 story apartment buildings on the Hewlett Peninsula. Using the space occupied by SALT Restaurant and the related Whaleneck Marina, Southern Land intends to add 140 rental units as well as commercial space. 

Their interest will impact our traffic, school district, and neighborhood design. Southern Land will promise road improvements and tax contributions. All Merrick residences south of Merrick Road knows that we cannot support the potential of more cars traveling on our roadways.   

KEEP OUR ROADS SAFE. Let's not lose the ability to have children and families travel on Hewlett Ave and related roads due to congestion.

KEEP OUR WATERWAYS OPEN. The view of waterways and access to marina space has been part of the aesthetic of Merrick.

KEEP OUR SCHOOLS BALANCED. Our district already has a high concentration of students. Apartments like this could push Merrick schools beyond their current classroom space.

We Can Change The Interest of Southern Land Co... “Currently we are the contract vendee, since we have not closed on the property yet, so during this due diligence period, we will be holding a series of public meetings . . . to hear as many people as we can.”, Joseph Rossi of Southern Land Co.

In a recent effort to develop a former Smithtown School District building, residence mounted their opposition based on how it would impact their Residential neighborhood. Several months into the process Southern Land Co abandoned their development plans.  

Events:

Wednesday Sept 16 6:00 pm at SALT RESTAURANT 3000 Whaleneck Dr Merrick. Southern Land Co will have an open hearing for all Merrick residence. Masks required and social distancing has to be followed.

Who’s saying what:

Dustin Downey, SVP of Southern Land Co. states the apartments are geared toward empty-nesters, divorcées, widowers and older adults. Downey says, “This is the type of housing that is so needed for a place like this.” HOW DOES A TENNESSEE BASED DEVELOPER KNOW WHAT WE NEED IN OUR MICRO NEIGHBORHOOD?

Downey continues, “We want to substantially improve the street immediately in front of us so it’s wider, providing so many more spaces than what’s provided now.” WIDER STREETS ARE NOT THE ANSWER. LESS CARS IS THE ANSWER. BEAUTIFICATION OF SIDEWALKS IS THE ANSWER.

Southern Land Co states that residences who live across the street would also have free, unfettered access to onsite amenities. Merrick residents would have the first right of refusal for any of the site’s 120 boat slips. LESS BOAT SLIPS THAN CURRENT CONFIGURATION. RESIDENCES WHO DO NOT LIVE ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY LOSE ACCESS.

Joe Baker, South Merrick Community Civic Association President states, “makes me excited since the community really needs [this] shot in the arm, and [Southern Land] can help with any projects that we can’t fulfill,” he said. “I’m encouraged that they’re willing to change [aspects of the project] around . . . if the residents are not happy with [them]. Let’s hope the promises are kept if this does come through.” AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR COMMUNITY'S WELL BEING, JOE BAKER IS EXCITED BUT JUST HOPES THAT SOUTHERN LAND CO KEEPS THEIR PROMISE. [Edit - Joe Baker and SMCCA has defined their stance as against the development based on community feedback] 

Related links (please read):

Residents decry rentals for Whaleneck Drive in south Merrick

Whaleneck marina in Merrick sells for $14 million

Tennessee Developer Plans Smithtown Multifamily Project

Developer pulls out of deal on Smithtown school district building