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Town hearing on Sylvester Manor site plan draws supporters and opponents; board asks for more materials
Summary
At a continued public hearing on Sylvester Manor Educational Farm’s site plan, technical reviewers requested additional landscaping, grading and ADA-parking details; supporters praised community benefits while a neighbor alleged prior unpermitted events and called for restarting review at the ZBA.
The public hearing on a site plan application by Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, Inc. for 80 Ferry Road drew both supporters and opponents on March 16. Councilwoman Elizabeth Hanley recused herself from the discussion. Town technical reviewers requested further detail: C. Theresa Masin (Hamptons Environmental Land Planning) asked for additional landscaping plans, native screening, and engineering sign-off on grading and drainage near wetlands; Katelyn Kaim (PW Grosser) noted prior comments had been addressed but asked for clarification on ADA parking and recommended a condition prohibiting parking near the wetlands.
Applicant representatives (Stephen Searle and Julia Brennan of SMEF) presented project history and said SMEF will provide additional materials. Opponents including neighbor Michael Gaynor alleged the Manor has operated as an unpermitted event venue and urged recusal and re-starting review at the Zoning Board of Appeals; supporters including Michael Shatken and Bob Jeffe spoke in favor of SMEF's community and economic contributions. The Town Board adjourned the hearing to April 6, 2026 to allow submission of supplemental information and further review.
