Oyster Bay Town Councilman Chris J. Coschignano, citing what he referred to as "a proliferation of development focused in the hamlet of Oyster Bay," is asking his fellow town board members to look into the feasibility of a building moratorium while the town conducts a study of potential preventative measures to guard against over-development in the hamlet.

"The hamlet of Oyster Bay is the genesis of the Town of Oyster Bay and is adorned in natural beauty and historic significance," Coschignano said. "My family immigrated to the hamlet in the early 1900s, and it has always had a special place in our hearts. We must do whatever we can to put in place proper measures to protect residential neighborhoods.

"Today, I am asking for a moratorium on all new home construction and variance applications to create lots of sub-standard size," Coschignano said. "Town Supervisor John Venditto has given me his support on this issue, and I believe the rest of the Town Board will support it, as well. We must work together to insure that the hamlet is not destroyed beyond all recognition."

The councilman went on to say that, recently, a group of hamlet residents formed a civic association known as "Save the Jewel by the Bay." He said it was in speaking to these citizens and other people from the community that he realized the severity of the issue.

"Residents have serious concerns about the many properties that have been subdivided, as well as a number of older homes that have been demolished in recent months," Coschignano explained. "There has been major attention focused on this issue. I am making this cause a priority because only in working together can we achieve the necessary results to protect our community.

"I was proud to be instrumental in the legislation that abolished "flag" or "panhandle" lots in the Town of Oyster Bay. That initiative significantly limited development of irregular lots. Now we must focus on this important issue," Coschignano stated.

"It is important to note that I am asking for a moratorium only on residential properties in the hamlet, not commercial or industrial parcels," he said. "I am also proposing that the moratorium last for a period of six months. This will allow the Town of Oyster Bay time to conduct the necessary studies and evaluations. I am hopeful that a town board hearing on the moratorium can be scheduled in September."

The councilman said that it will not be a goal of the moratorium to take away people's property rights. "We must take into account that people have inherent rights to improve and/or sell their land," said Coschignano, who is an attorney in the area of zoning and land use. "However, there must be a proper balance to protect the community. There are also laws in place to consider exemptions to any moratorium based on hardship and applications presently pending before the town."