Permitted uses at Britannia Yachting Center expected to change with new local law amendment

The Northport Village Board of Trustees proposed a local law amendment regarding the permitted uses in the Marine Business District at this week’s board meeting. The area, where Britannia Yachting Center and the Whales Tale restaurant is located, is only allowed to host certain types of businesses under the current code, which has left several vacancies.

Under the current law, the area is designated for marine-related businesses, including the sale of marine parts and accessories, insurance sales (provided boat insurance is available), the sale of new and used boats, and nonprofit beach and yacht clubs.

The idea is to reduce the limitations in place by offering the vacant storefronts to businesses that do not generate a lot of traffic, but would be useful in that area. Permitting a larger range of businesses would also be more enticing to boaters who dock at the marina and want to walk around.

The law amendment would allow for the addition of retail stores, food shops, personal service shops, offices and gyms. Current marina shops include Cow Harbor Bait & Tackle, KB Kickboxing, and Long Island Marine Group (boat sales). The Whales Tale, The Purple Elephant, and Harbor Head Brewing Company have also been permitted in the yachting center.

During the public hearing on the additions to the code, there were two opposing views mentioned by Northport Village residents. Sandra Farb noted that when Britannia sought approval from the board many years ago, there were stringent restrictions in place to ensure that the residents in the area would not be impacted by the existence of a marina. “What has changed to negate all of those regulations?” she asked.

Sandra also asked if building second stories or enlarging storefronts would be permitted. Mayor Damon McMullen explained that there would be no structural additions to the space and he said, “For what is there, they [Britannia] will be able to rent to get businesses in there.”

Trustee Tom Kehoe said that the board has restricted the amount of live music that can be played in the area and the number of events that the Whales Tale can have per year. It was reiterated that only low-traffic businesses will be permitted to open.

Joe Schramm, a resident of Northport and candidate for Town of Huntington councilmember, said that while he understands Sandra’s concerns, he supports the law amendment and thinks it’s important for the Village board to support businesses and encourage employment among local residents. “You don’t want to have a disco, blaring music,” he said, “but I think it’s great to let local small businesses thrive, especially in this post-pandemic era.”

The law is expected to pass at the next Village board meeting on Tuesday, August 3. The code amendment is proposed as follows, with additions to the law in bold:

a. Permitted uses. In the Marine Business District, lands shall be used and buildings shall be erected, altered or used only for the following purposes:

(1) Municipal park, playground or recreational area when operated by the Incorporated Village of Northport or approved pursuant to Chapter 228. Recreational Facilities Article 1, Planning and Construction, of the Code of the Village of Northport.

(2) Nonprofit beach club, the facilities of which may not be utilized for purposes other than club activities.

(3) Nonprofit yacht club and marina, the facilities of which may not be utilized for purposes other than club activities.

(4) Boatyard, including new and used boat sales and brokerage and marine sales, rental, repair and storage.

(5) Marina for private profit.

(6) Insurance sales, provided boat insurance is available; sale of marine parts and accessories, such as inflatable rafts, rowboats, outboard motors, boat and fishing equipment, water sports equipment, marine electronics and communication equipment, boat covers, marine hardware and boating accessories; boaters clothing, footwear and swimwear; boat and marine engine repair and maintenance; seafood sales ,wholesale and retail; food provisions store.

(7) Food shops, retail stores offering merchandise for sale for individual, home or business use or enjoyment such as, wearing apparel, household supplies, antiques, furnishings or appliances, and as otherwise set forth in section 306- 11 (A)7 Central Business ‘A” district.

(8) Personal service shops such as barbers, beauty parlors, photographers and as otherwise set forth in 306-(A)9 Central Business ‘A’ district.

(9) Offices for business and Professional offices for doctors, dentists, attorneys, physical therapists, engineers and other New York State duly licensed professionals.

(10) Gyms, spas and fitness studios.