Planning board deems large North Sea Road subdivision incomplete; CPF interest and affordable housing rule discussed

At its July 9 meeting the Southampton Planning Board reviewed a pre‑application for a major subdivision on North Sea Road and determined the filing is incomplete, asking staff and the applicant for more detailed slope analysis and mapping.

Planner Anthony told the board the site is roughly 25–30 acres and not in the aquifer or agricultural overlay districts. The applicant submitted two concepts: a full‑yield plan showing a theoretical 22‑lot yield and a preferred reduced‑density plan with 10 lots; community preservation fund (CPF) staff have signaled interest in purchasing about 38% of the site as open space. The planner reminded the board that the town’s affordable‑housing requirement is triggered by the original yield calculation, and that reducing lot count alone may not remove that obligation.

“Reducing your density doesn’t get you out of the affordable housing requirements,” the planner said, noting that affordability obligations are typically tied to yield. Board members asked whether CPF purchase of open space alters the calculation and whether reduced density would affect the number of required affordable units. The planner said he will examine the legal and procedural mechanisms — including whether preservation can be accomplished by dedication, purchase or cluster plan — and will request slope and topo information to assess buildable yield.

The board also flagged wetlands and archaeological sensitivity on the parcel as elements that could affect yield. Members agreed to deem the pre‑application incomplete to allow staff to gather requested technical information and to schedule future work sessions with the applicant when materials are complete.