HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-07/09/2020 Hearing TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK: STATE OF NEW YORK
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TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
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Zoom Webinar Video Conferencing
Southold, New York
July 9, 2020
10:04 A.M.
Board Members Present:
LESLIE KANES WEISMAN - Chairperson/Member
PATRICIA ACAMPORA—Member
ERIC DANTES— Member
ROBERT LEHNERT— Member
NICHOLAS PLANAMENTO— Member
KIM FUENTES— Board Assistant MATT HOGAN —VHB Consultant
WILLIAM DUFFY—Town Attorney LOUIS BEKOFSKY—VHB Consultant
ELIZABETH SAKARELLOS—Office Assistant
DONNA WESTERMANN —Office Assistant
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
INDEX OF HEARINGS
Hearing Page
Aleksander Myftarago#7346 3 —4, 29—32, 51- 55
Rhoda M. Urman and Stephen Spiller#7383 4- 9
Paul M. Fried and Elizabeth O'Brien Fried # 7386SE 9 - 13
860 Bayview Drive, LLC#7386 13 - 17
Minton Irrevocable Trust#7388 17 - 20
Maureen Benic#7389 20 - 23
Eric Frend #7370 23 - 26
Anthony Nappa #7406 26- 28
Solutions East, LLC# 7379 32150
Alexandra Baumrind #7393 55 - 63
Alexandra Baumrind #7394 55 - 63
Rimor Development, LLC., Harvest Point Condominium #7398 63 - 67
Erik Smith #7400 68 -70
Hard Corner Properties, LLC#7387 70- 86
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
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HEARING #7346—ALEKSANDER MYFTARAGO
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The first item agenda is for Aleksander Myftarago #7346, because
this was heard on January 2nd and that was so long ago I'm going to read the Legal Notice in to
the record again. This is a request for variances from Article IV Section 280-15, Article XXIII
Section 124 and the Building Inspector's July 30, 2019 Amended January 17, 2020 Notice of
Disapproval based on an application for a permit to legalize an "as built" accessory garage and
demolish an existing single family dwelling and construct a new single family dwelling at 1)
accessory garage located less than the code required minimum rear yard setback of 3 feet, 2)
accessory garage located less than the code required minimum side yard setback of 3 feet, 3)
construction more than the code permitted maximum lot coverage of 20%. The property is
located at 135 Oak Place in Mattituck. I believe we have the agent with us. No we don't have
Jeff Zahn. There seems to be nobody here. He has submitted material but he is not apparently
on line unless this is someone on the telephone. Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to enter
what the variance relief is into the record and then I'm going to ask to let's see the next hearing
is scheduled for 10:10. It is 10:08. Why don't you see if one of our staff is'going to try and get'a
hold of the architect for Mr. MyftaA rago, and meanwhile I'm going to enter into the, record '
because this is again being recorded so we will have'_a record of it. What the variance relief
requested is, this is'to legalize an "as built" accessory garage with a side yard setback at 1 foot 5
inches where the code requires a minimum of 3, a rear yard setback of 0.2 inches where the
code requires a minimum of 3 feet and lot coverage that is currently on the property is 24.9%
whereas the proposed is 27.45%. When we hear from the architect I want to simply confirm
that that-is correct but that is what is 'before the Board,at this time. So if we don't have that
individual I'm going to make a motion to suspend this hearing until the agent is available. Is
there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Should we ask if there's anyone in the audience that wants to comment?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I would rather wait until we have the 'presentation by the applicant
first. It sometimes clarifies things enough so that questions go away. So let's wait to have any
discussion on the application until all present are here.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I'm sorry Leslie you're just going to adjourn it in the sense for-this
morning for later? We're going to try to squeeze it in maybe after lunch?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea we'll try and rearrange it. I mean the applicant has been waiting '
a very long time and who knows what's happened,to Jeff Zahn but he did submit very detailed
additional plans, photographs-and so on'that I don't feel it's appropriate for us to discuss it
without the,presence of either the applicant or their agent. So let's hold off on that, hopefully
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
he will join us later. If not we will have to simply adjourn to a later date. Liz were you able-to get
a hold of Jeff?,
CLERK TYPIST SAKARELLOS I called both the applicant and the architect and there was no
answer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN`: Alright, why don't I just adjourn this to a later'time and if they come
in today then we'll hear it today. If they do not we will adjourn it to the next meeting. So I'm
just going to adjourn this to a later time-today is there a second?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Second.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Member Lehnert seconds the motion, Kim will you call the roll
please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acompora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I vote aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acompora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARTY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY ; Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye, motion carries.
HEARING#7383— ROHDA M. URMAN and STEPHEN SPILLER
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Rhoda M. Urman and
Stephen Spiller#7383. This is a request fora variance from Article XXIII'Section 280-124 and the
Building Inspector's December 11, 2019 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a
permit to construct additions and alterations to an existing single family dwelling at 1) less than
the code required minimum front yard setback of 35 feet located at 85 Lake Court in Southold.
Matt can you please promote the architect Erich Schoenenberger to a panelist.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MATT HOGAN : Lou already did. Mr. Schoenenberger you should be able to unmute and speak
now.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let me just take one second, we did receive your additional
information very helpful drawings color sketches over elevations. I just want to enter into the
record.
BOARD SECRETARY : I'm going to share the screen also if you'd like.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea you can bring that up but I want to review that this is an
application for additions and alterations to a single family dwelling with a front yard setback at
15 foot 113/8 inches where the code requires a minimum of 35 feet. it's a corner lot on Lake
Drive and Lake Court. Now it's up to you Erich.
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : Okay, Kim will you be able to share the screen or should I just
assume that you
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well we've all seen it but the public might want to and it would be
great for us to look at it together, then we'll welcome any comments you'd like to make.
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : Thank you for hearing our application. So this is Rhoda and Stephen
have purchased this house about a year ago and are intending to be out there quite often as
they're getting older and want to outfit the house somewhat better for their needs. So one of
the curious aspect of this house is that it has a lower level that is smaller has a relatively large
overhang than the upper two stories, the top and the first floor as I would call it. No that's not it
Kim is it?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea it is.
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : Okay, right do you have that PDF I sent?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes she does.
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER,: Okay so one of the things we wanted to do is, on the ground floor
filling the overhang area and essentially'being able to bring those windows that are for that
lower level out to the same perimeter as the existing house. This would not increase the
footprint of the house in any way, not change the look of the house much other than that it
doesn't have that dark damp and often kind of that musty area underneath the house plus it
will enable Rhoda and Stephen to use the ground floor better the lower level better. There is no
addition of rooms. We're not creating any additional rooms. It's simply those two bedrooms
that are downstairs currently are super small and we're basically extending them or hoping
proposing to extend them to the perimeter of the existing footprint of the upper floors. Again,
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
no enlargement of the footprint as I see but we're filling in the area underneath that's currently
a large overhang. It is framed currently by columns that hold up the upper floors that are quite
substantial so when you look at the images that I sent it appears almost that the house is
already that perimeter. Then the second aspect that we want to do is we want to have a front
balcony on the north side where they=re able to actually basically sit out and have the view of
the sea. Why it's there is because this is sort of the only area in the ground floor that we can do
it that is adjacent to the or is connected to the living area and that's why,we're hoping to make
you there. It's going to be in style of the house, it's going to be nothing obstructive. Then in the
back currently in the back we have a patio deck and we wanted to enclose that into a screened
in patio deck because as you might all know there's a lot of mosquitos out there and they
would just hope to enclose it.' In the PDF I sent I marked hopefully quite clear with different
colors where enclosing, where the balcony be and where the sunroom would be and I also
added some of the drawings that we have submitted and marked on the drawings where these
three items are. The other aspect I wanted to make is that the property line is actually quite far
away from the road and maybe that's what threw us off in the beginning that the road is
actually the edge of the road is actually 35 feet away from what we're doing. However of
course that doesn't matter in terms of the legalities. I just wanted to make that point that the
house is actually fairly set back from the road as it is. That concludes what I would have to say
right now.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Just so you're aware Erich, every.Board member has inspected the
property and the surrounding neighborhood personally. We do that for every application prior
to a public hearing so we'-re all familiar with what it looks like. Lake Court is clearly a very small
private dead end right into Great Pond.
ERICH SCHOENEN BERGER: It's a cul de sac.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It"s a cull de sac. There's one other house involved and a lot of
wetlands on the other side quite quiet and private. Okay let me see if the Board has any
questions, we'll start with Eric, anything from you?
MEMBER DANTES : Yes, Eric Dantes, it looks like the current property has the benefit of a
Zoning Board of Appeals 4405 in 1996 and another variance from 1977 is that how the existing
structures have legal status?
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : I would think so. I didn't fully research that. I, know that all the
documents we had from the town showed the structures as it is now so we were assuming it
was all part of the file. So we were assuming it was all,properly filed.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMER DANTES : Okay so it legally exists at its present location and you're asking us just to
modify the existing setback?Those are my only two questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay anyone else from the Board have any questions, Nick, Rob,
Pat?
MEMBER LEHNERT : No questions.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No questions.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I have a question. So relative to those prior ZBA variances and I
thought I had them in my file. I remember looking at them when I originally looked at the
application but I'm wondering Kim do you have ,access to them because I believe there was
verbiage about the reason why the lower level I guess the basement level was left open and not
to be filled in and as is the case of many of our decisions today will explain better in our
conditions that something should be left in its state. I just went through my papers and I can't
find that decision but I thought there was in fact commentary about the reasoning why that
area that the applicant describes as a musty outdoor space was in fact left open.
BOARD SECRETARY : Okay 4405 and I'm just looking through the file to see.
MEMBER DANTES : I (inaudible) was a lot line change.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I think the one we're looking for is 2314. All I have is a Certificate of
Occupancy stating that the variance exists.
BOARD SECRETARY : I have 4405 1 don't seem to have the other one in here.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : The only one that was cited in the application was in fact 4405 but
perhaps this is something that I pulled up on my own and I looked at it on line versus being
submitted with the application but there was a prior of July 1977.
BOARD SECRETARY : This was change lot line increase size of non-conforming lot.
MEMBER DANTES : That one is 4405 and that's in 1996 but what we have is a Certificate of
Occupancy that states that there was a variance in 1977. 1 don't have a copy of the variance in
my packet.
OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : I have it up on my computer if you would like me to read it?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Go ahead.
BOARD SECRETARY : What do you have?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : 2314 1 looked it up in Laser Fiche. Dated July 19,- 1977,
permission to construct dwelling with insufficient setback in rear yard location property Lake
Drive, Lake Court Southold bounded on the north by Lake Drive, south of (inaudible) west by
Lake Court.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So apparently that's how they go the non-conforming setback
approved.
OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : Resolved granted permission to construct dwelling with
insufficient setback in rear yard with the following condition, the main house shall be no closer
than 32 feet to Lake Court, no closer than 16 feet to the southerly line adjoining Sunricker and
no closer than 12 feet 3 inches to the easterly side line.That was stamped August 26, 1977.
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : There was a point that there was a reason why so is there anything
about because I was curious myself, was there a reason why that lower level wasn't
(inaudible)?
MEMBER DANTES : In 1977 they just wrote like a brief paragraph. They didn't actually draft all
decisions.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : And maybe it was something from the Trustees that I read and in
either case I was just wanting to verify because I couldn't find the decision that I had previously
seen so unless anyone has any opinion I'm fine with that variance the 2314 as it was written. I
just thought there was mention at some point and perhaps it's in a Trustees document but my
mistake, I don't have anything here so I'm kind of at a bit of a loss but that was my only thought
to inquire about.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well the point is the subject property was you know has received
prior variance relief. We can assume if it has the C.O. that it is existing in its current state legally
and they have to summarize the applicant and the architect for the applicant is not proposing
to change the existing footprint but rather to fill in the overhang. Is that correct Erich?
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : That's correct yes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Okay. So anything else from the Board? We all know what the
character of the neighborhood looks like and the percentage of relief requested. Is there
anyone in the audience who wants to address this application? Let me look at the attendees
and see whose here. It would appear that there's no one here for this particular application.
Hearing no further comments or questions from the Board or from anyone in attendance I'm
going to make a motion to close this hearing reserve decision to a later date. Is there a second?
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMBER LEHNERT : Sec'ond.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Member Lehnert seconds the motion. Kim would you call the roll
please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries. Thank you Erich. We'll have a decision for you at the
Special Meeting next week July 16tH -
ERICH SCHOENENBERGER : I'll be able to see that meeting correct?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes of course.
HEARING#7385SE—PAUL M. FRIED and ELIZABETH O'BRIEN FRIED
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Paul M. Fried and
Elizabeth O'Brien Fried #7385SE. I believe Member Planamento is recused so Nick would you
please
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I'm going to turn everything off. If you can buzz me I'd like to,come
back in obviously.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN --.-Of course. I'm going to read the legal notice into the record.This is a--'
request for a special exception under Town Code Article III Section 280-13B(13). The applicants
are the owners-of subject property requesting authorization to legalize an accessory apartment
in an existing accessory structure located at 1050 Hyatt Rd. in Southold. I believe we have
people here let's see.
MATT HOGAN : They've already been promoted and they're on screen and ready.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN ; There's so many things on my screen, I have board members on one
side, I have a survey on the other side and I have seven prompts. Okay let's go to the applicant
then and hear what they want to say. This is an accessory apartment in a two story two car
garage. There was a certificate of occupancy 35224, 10/20/11 with second story non-habitable
storage, that was for the garage. That was ZBA#6517 on 11/7/11 granted the second story deck
to a non-habitable garage and suddenly we have an accessory apartment which we have all
inspected by the way. So let's hear how that accessory apartment came to be and what the
applicants have to say about their intentions for using the existing apartment so that it can be
legalized.
ELIZABETH FRIED : Good morning, I'm Mrs. Fried. When we purchased the property in 2015 it
was as it is right now. The garage apartment was there it was existing. We did look back at the
records and I see that the prior owner got all the approvals to build the accessory structure you
know put in electric I mean there-was even a permit for air conditioning and a generator but
she didn't finish the job and we wanted to legalize it. It's really just for the use of our family. l
Our children use it when they are here. We didn't really prepare any big presentation. It is what
it is and just one thing that we did want to point out is that we did put in one of those new
septic systems. We got a grant from the state and from the county and that was installed in
June and that hooked up the garage and the house to one system.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I have a couple of questions, I jusit want to indicate that you are in
conformity in terms of the livable floor area 692 sq. ft. We have in our file an affidavit of
principle residency which is a requirement for having an accessory apartment. I understand that
,you also live in the city like a lot of folks. I -think you simply declared that you're in Southold
more than you are actually in the city at this point, is that true?
MRS. FRIED : That is true.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You submitted an affidavit but it was not signed or executed. We
simply have a blank copy with the information in it-unless Kim you have anything.more recent
than what I have.
MRS. FRIED : We submitted signed and notarized affidavits.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well that's why I'm asking the Board Assistant to check our office
files. They may have a different version than what every board member gets a copy as you
probably know of every application so we have our individual ones but the file in the office has
absolutely everything in it so I'm just having her check right now. She's got it with her to see
what's in the record there. It's easy to fix if that's the case but we should have it if you think
you submitted one that was executed we need to get a copy of that that's all. Now you're not
-particularly renting this out to anybody?Your intent is to just let any of your children use it?
MRS. FRIED : We have never rented it out nor do we intent to rent it out.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : And you're not really establishing a rental agreement with anybody.
Are any of your children or is one specific individual I think you said your son possibly is going to
live in it?
MRS. FRIED : Well I didn't have a formal rental agreement with our you know we didn't'have an
agreement with our children but we were requested to submit a lease with the application so
we did prepare a lease and submitted that for our kids for a hundred dollars a year.
BOARD SECRETARY : I do have the affidavit signed and notarized.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't know how it is that I got a copy that wasn't but in any case
we have,it.
MRS. FRIED : I think we did that the same day that we submitted it so maybe the copies that
went with the copies didn't have it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I bet that's what happened. Okay let's see what the Board had,
anything from you Pat?,
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I just want to make sure that the applicants are aware that the Special
Exception permit needs to be renewed every year.
MRS. FRIED : Yes I read that in the ordinance.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Eric anything from you?
MEMBER DANTES : No I do not have any questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick oh I forgot he's recused, Rob?
MEMBER-LEHNERT : I have one question which you guys answered about, the septic system
but I still like to see where it is on the survey and 'get a copy of the approval from Suffolk
County.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MRS. FRIED : Yes well we just did it in June so we haven't received we received. the letter of
approval and they were waiting for the as built survey and they will finalize it. I will probably
have that in the next week or two.
MEMBER LEHNERT : The approval letter from Suffolk County and also you know the survey
submitted to them showing the septic system and showing it tied into the apartment.
MRS. FRIED : Yes we can provide that. I don't have it from the engineer yet but they did come
out and do a physical inspection.
'CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay that's great.
MRS. FRIED.: It was a big job it was a really big job and very expensive.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea but you're going to be preserving not only your property and the
surrounding properties but Long Island Sound by doing that.
MRS. FRIED : Yea that's why we did it. It was definitely worth it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Good for you we should all be trying to do that wherever possible.
Anybody else in I don't know if there's anyone else I have to look and see if anybody is in the
participants, I don't think so. Nope nobody else is here to speak about this application. Alright,
hearing no further questions or comments from the Board or anyone in attendance I'm going to
make a motion to close the hearing subject to receipt of a letter of approval from Suffolk
County Department of Health and a survey showing the location of the IA system. Is there a
second to that motion.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Member Acampora I will second the motion.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Would you please call the roll Kim.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you'vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Board Dantes votes Aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye. Motion carries. So the hearing is closed. We will have a decision
for you actually in a week if we get the information. If not we'll have it at our next monthly
meeting because we won't be taking anymore comments or testimony, we just need what we
asked you to submit to us. So the soonest you get that if you get it to us if you're able to get it
to us in the next week we should be okay: We have a meeting on Thursday in the afternoon
MEMBER LEHNERT : Can we make a decision Thursday and just leave it pending receipt of
documents?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's a little unorthodox but we could.
MRS. FRIED : I'm sure I can get those to you before'that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'll tell you what, if you can't let Kim know and we'll do everything
we can to just move this forward. People have been waiting so long we all have. We may just
close it and condition it based upon entering them into the,record. We can,put that down, as a
condition if we don't have it. Very good so thanks so much we're going to move on to the next
application, would you please bring Nick back in'.
HEARING#7386—860 BAYVIEW DRIVE, LLC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for 860 Bayview Drive, LLC,
#7386. This is a request for a variance from Article III Section 280-15F and the Building
Inspector's January 6, 2020. Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to
legalize an "as built" accessory garage at 1) less than the code required minimum front yard
setback of 40 feet located at 860 Bayview Dr. (adj. to Spring Pond) in East Marion. I believe we
have Mike Kimack as the agent who should be calling in I think. Matt do you know whether one
of these phone calls or is he already on is this ***?
LOU BEKOFSKY : Leslie Joseph this is Lou Joseph is on he's unmuted, we can.ask to turn his
video on. We can ask if Michael is also on, he's not listed but he may be one of the phone
numbers.
BOARD SECRETARY : He said he would be calling in so he has to be one of the numbers.
MATT HOGAN : Michael we're going to unmute the phone number ending in *** first and if
that's you go ahead and identify yourself please.
MIKE KIMACK : Michael Kimack, agent for the applicant. Do you hear me?
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July 9,2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we can:"Let me just say that the accessory garage is let's see it's
supposed to be code required side yard setback of 40 feet and it's at
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Front yard setback.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea so it's 36.6 feet and the code requires 40 feet.
MIKE KIMACK : There were two on that basically. The garage itself if you look at the survey, the
garage setback to the corner was 38.6 which is 1.4 feet over but the eaves overhang which is
supposed to not exceed more than 2 foot into the front yard was at 36.6 and it should have
been 38.6. So between the garage and the eaves overhang there's about 3 sq. ft. that we're
requiring the legalization of. If you look at the survey and what made it difficult I guess it's not
an excuse per say but Knoll Circle is very curvy at that particular point and I guess when they
laid it out they didn't realize exactly where the curve ultimately began and ended because they
have it at 41.4 for the most part and they came around and unfortunately a portion a very, very
small portion 3 sq. ft. and 3 sq. ft. for the overhang went into the front yard setback.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Got it. This is a pretty straightforward small variance.
MIKE KIMACK : I also for your help also I put together a bunch of variances that you had
previously done, prior decisions.There were six of them in the immediate area primarily and for,
the most part it does support from a precedent point of view decisions to basically intrude
within that front yard. One of them is actually an approval of a three foot extension to an
existing garage within the front yard of 19 feet with a minimum front yard setback of 35 so
there is a precedent in the area for all of that and I dug up six of them and I gave you a tax map
indicating where they were located. Many of them were really almost adjacent to the existing
property.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's see if the Board has any questions, Nick do you want to start?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I was just looking through my folder Mike, good morning and I guess
it's good to hear you.
MIKE KIMACK : I hope everyone I should say this basically forget about the rest of this stuff,
everyone is well and okay and everybody got through that's the important thing.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yep so far so good and we have to keep it that way. That's why'
we're digitally zooming here.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Mike just to keep things moving, maybe you can just share a little bit
of what happened. It seems to me from the application that there was actually a building
permit for a garage in a conforming location but as you said the overhang, the curve somebody
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
didn't really think it through where they were placing the foundation. I have a very hard time
when I see as built structures with a problem like this where you have space. You could Have
just pushed the building prior to the building permit instead of being so close to the lot line
back you know 6 feet. I think you have more than enough room on the side that you would
have been in a compliant location. Can you explain what happened?
MIKE KIMACK : I can't in essence I wasn't there during the construction but in terms of pushing
it back there's a connection of that garage back to the house so it couldn't be pushed back that
far. I guess when they laid it out Nick the only thing I can suggest is that when they laid it up I
believe they had it in the right location but if you look at the curve on Knolls Circle it really I
guess threw them off in terms of being as precise as they should have been. Granted it's not a
lot, we're asking for 3 sq. ft. for both the garage and 3 sq. ft. for the overhang. The majority of
the building is certainly within the conforming space away from the front yard and I'm not quite
sure is Joe Ciampa on?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No I don't think so.
MIKE KIMACK : Nick I wasn't there during the construction, I can't give you an answer as to why
it occurred. Primarily I certainly don't think that there wasn't an intention to be here because
yes all we had to do was move it back about 1.4 feet.'If they had moved it back 1.4 feet we
would not be having this discussion.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : When they were originally were proposing it so close to the lot line I
think that had they just pushed it back on the side they got 26 feet so I think that even with the
utility building I mean they could have avoided all of this. It's just a point (inaudible) as builts.
MIKE KIMACK : Yea I think the original approval was they were right on the 40 foot line if I
remember correctly because of the connection of where that was occurring I guess they didn't
have that much space to move it back further. So it was close to begin with and then
unfortunately when the layout was done they exceeded the front yard setback.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's fairly it's not uncommon although it's not desirable that
surveyors errors that construction errors, foundation errors take place. In this instance it's a
fairly small one. The vast majority of that structure is conforming. The intent of it was to be
conforming and it's a small amount of relief. Let's hear is Joseph on here now as a panelist,
does he want to say anything? No, alright.
MIKE KIMACK : Sorry about that he had every intent to do that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's okay. All that we'll do would be to reveal how the error
happened. The error now exists so how it happened is not as of concern so much as the fact
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
that the property has got two front yards basically. It's hardly discernable with the minimum
corner.
MIKE KIMACK : You can see how difficult it was I mean when you look at Knolls Circle the one
corner is 52.4 feet and then pretty much the rest of the building falls at that 40 feet and it just
curved and at that one curve it picked up 3 sq. ft. on that one little spot.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anything else from any board members, Eric?
MEMBER DANTES : Yes. It's more of just to Nick's point, it's not that uncommon what it looks
like the foundation was right on the setback line and the builder (inaudible) within a couple of
inches of the 40 foot line on the foundation and whenever it was laid out they didn't plan on
the eaves. They only planned on meeting the foundation setback.
MIKE KIMACK : Many people don't realize you're only allowed the 2 foot eaves overhang into
any of the setbacks. When I did the variance application request I had the surveyor put the
eaves overhang because I recognized that we're asking for relief both for the garage 3 sq. ft.
and for the 3 sq. ft. for the eaves overhang.
MEMBER DANTES : Wherever they staked it but I think it's only a foot.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's even the entire structure. Alright, anything else from anybody?
I'm going to make a motion to close this hearing reserve decision to a later date, is there a
second?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Member Planamento seconds.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Would you please call the roll Kim.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes Aye. Member Lehnert member how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
BOARD SECRETARTY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries.
HEARING #7388—MINTON IRREVOCABLE TRUST
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is Minton Irrevocable Trust
#7388. This is a request fora variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building
Inspector's January 17, 2020 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to,
legalize "as built" additions and alterations to an existing single family dwelling at 1) less than
the,code required minimum rear yard setback of 35 feet located at 5194 Great Peconic Bay
Blvd. in Laurel. Mike I think he's still on.
MIKE KIMACK : Michael Kimack for the applicant. He might also be on the line too.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's see for item No. 5
MATT HOGAN : Leslie he's been promoted to panelist. This might be a good time to•just remind
people, if you have any questions or comments you'd like to submit please use the Q&A
functions at the bottom of your screen. We'd just like to let us know your name the address
and which hearing you'd like to comment on (inaudible) the applicant name for any of these
hearings let us know and we'll make sure we'll get you renamed and promoted at the
,appropriate time.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Matt. This is to legalize as built additions and alterations
to a single family dwelling with a rear yard setback of 1.6 feet where the code requires a
minimum of 35 feet. This is an unconditioned porch and it was inexistence prior to 2001. Okay
Mike I'm going to turn it over to you.
MIKE KIMACK : Michael Kimack on behalf of the applicant. You are correct on that, it's a very
small lot primarily. It had been in place for some time. It's an unconditioned porch, one story
it's 14.7 feet by 13.4. It meets the legal side yard setback but it doesn't meet by a long shot. I
think the thing the picture that is painted I gave you a little sketch in there showing the front
yard-and the side yard setback in the buildable area. For the most part almost the entire house
falls outside of that and that is very common with these particular lots. They're very small and
they really have been there a long time,and they're non-conforming in terms of their setbacks.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You also (inaudible) a whole series of priors for that area.
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MIKE KIMACK : I did. I tried.to find those which were most representative for the most part and
I found three of them. Probably the most significant one is the one that's next door which was
before you about a year or two ago. In a sense it was the lot was perhaps a little bit larger but
that was a complete demolishment in that particular one and it was built in the side yard
setback we placed at 10.7 feet and then we added an extra garage along the side of it also in
the non-conforming area. So there isn't a lot of space obviously. It had been done many, many
years ago and he is attempting to simply legalize it. If you did look at that little drawing I put
together you realize that pretty much two thirds of the existing structure including this porch
really falls outside of the buildable area.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright let's see if the Board has any questions. You know we've all
been out to the property. We're familiar with that area anyway and we did do site inspections.
Let's see Rob do you have any questions?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Mike can you just walk us through how this became as built?
MIKE KIMACK : It was as built back in the I guess the eighties, the original owner primarily
added it on to the building about thirty years ago Rob and just obviously didn't think he needed
to get a permit at that particular time and it had been in place no one paid attention. It came to
the attention of the owner when he went to get a rental permit from the town and obviously at
the time recognized that they needed to get that back porch legalized. It's been there a long
time.
JAMES MINTO : Hi this is James Minton I don't know if you can hear me.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we can.
JAMES MINTON : Oh hi good morning. My grandparents built this room I guess back some time
in the eighties. They had consulted with the neighbor I think you probably have that in your
application a letter of no objections from Muriel DiGiorgio and you know we didn't realize that
the room was built without a permit at the time. Obviously both my grandparents are deceased
now and with the rental permit that's when it came to our attention that the room was not
permitted properly.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well that clarifies it pretty well thank you. Anybody else have any
questions Pat, Eric?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No, no questions.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : The only thing I'd like to ask this is Member Planamento and Mr.
Minton I understand things happen over time but in 1964 a variance was granted #669 so
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think it should be reminded of the Board; the decision clearly states certain limitations for a
side yard setbacks so I don't understand how a prior variance can be ignored by the-current
owner or anyone. Clearly this is built many, many years ago but I would just while you
submitted as part of your application the prior variance it does have restrictions and I just want
to remind people that you know we put these conditions on decisions so that we avoid future
problems. I was commenting on decision 669 that clearly states setbacks so it's just
disappointing that people actually don't follow these decisions and I just wanted to make sure
that it's entered into the record.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well the one thing that we can say is that the pressure on our
community for development within the last decade has been exponentially increasing and all of
us are paying much more careful attention to what gets built and how it gets built in our
community. Thirty years ago I don't think people were paying that much attention particularly if
something was a cottage, a summer home, a seasonal thing. People did what they did, no one
paid that much attention to the law. They should have but this is not unusual. That's why we're
seeing so many of these things coming before us now because properties have changed hands
and now people are aware that they need to legalize what was done without benefit of permits
and going forward they need permits in order to build.
JAMES MINTO : We fully acknowledge that. Obviously my grandparents are deceased so I can't
speak for you know what they intended or not intended to do. We're just trying to fix you know
the issue that's before us today.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :Thank you very much.
MIKE KIMACK : May I make one comment on 669 and Nick is right it had been issued in 1964
but it was basically for the general (inaudible) to divide lots with insufficient frontage and for
approval of access so that particular certificate wasn't specific to any side yard or front yard or
rear yard setback for a dwelling. So it may not be necessarily (inaudible) but it may have been
necessarily a bridge to the fact that these particular setbacks were required.
THOMAS MINTON : Hi this is Thomas Minton, I'm James' father. When my parents bought that
property there were only three houses on the property and ours was the last one on the lot
that was approved and then split up on the lots and obviously my parents after that point and
time didn't realize when the other house next to them the DiGiorgio's house was built that they,
would have a problem with putting this three season room on the side.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay. I think that's all the participants we have that are here is that
correct for this application? It looks like it. Hearing no further questions or comments I make a
motion to close the hearing reserve decision to a later date, is there a second?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : Second, Eric Dantes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Seconded by Member Dantes, Kim would you please call the roll.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye, Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye, Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye, Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye, Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries. Thank you very much everybody.
HEARING#7389— MAUREEN BENIC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Maureen Benic #7389.
This is a request for a variance from Article III Section 280-15 and the Building Inspector's
November 21, 2019 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to legalize an
"as built" accessory pergola at 1) located in other than the code required rear yard located at
375 North Parish Drive (adj. to Southold Bay) in Southold. This is a pergola in a side yard where
the code requires a rear yard or on waterfront properties in a front yard location, 16 feet by 9
feet 6 inches in size. Is Eileen on, I think Eileen Wingate is representing this application.
EILEEN WINGATE : I am here can you hear me?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we can hear you Eileen.
EILEEN WINGATE : I can hear you, I'm glad you're all there.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't know if you heard but I entered into the legal record what
the relief requested is that you want to legalize an as built accessory pergola in a side yard
where the code requires a rear yard or front yard on waterfront properties. As you know we've
all been out to the site, we've inspected the property. I'm wondering if Ms. Benic can you also
hear us? She's going to unmute to answer that. It would appear that Ms. Benic is also on the
screen as a panelist.
MATT HOGAN : I just sent her a request to unmute.
BORIS BENIC : Her husband is also on Boris Benic.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay very good and Kim has up on the screen the survey showing
the location in the side yard. Alright listen, Eileen why don't we get started, tell us what you
would like us to know about this application.
EILEEN WINGATE : Well we have applied to the Trustees a while back for a minor addition
attached to the house"and when the Building Inspector came out to do our final inspection he
noticed that the Benic's had put up this arbor. It's a kit essentially more or less a temporary
structure although it does have footings but I was told to go to get a permit for it and was
rejected because it's in the side yard. The situation is that due to the nature of how they sided
the house and because it is waterfront it's very confusing as to you know what's your front
yard, what's your rear yard, what's your side yard. Literally the front door is on the side of the
house as opposed to the front of the house. It just seemed like there was an existing patio and
all the Benic's were really looking for was a shade structure so that they can get some shade
when they were doing some dinning alfresco. So we ended up with an as built arbor which is
considered a side yard. It would have been completely legit if it was the rear yard but the house
is on an angle which made it difficult to get it right.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, let's see Pat do you have any questions about this?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I just wanted to make sure for the record that there already was an
existing stone patio.
EILEEN WINGATE : Yes.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Okay.
EILEEN WINGATE : GIS will show you that. It wasn't exactly the same shape but there was an
existing patio.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : And you did get Trustees approval for this addition?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
EILEEN WINGATE : Yes the addition if you look at the survey is opposite the you could see the
little dotted line on the front of the building where the we just did yea exactly where your little
arrow is it says two story cantilever. That's where Trustees gave us permission to basically
borrow some space from the cantilever.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay. Rob any questions?
MEMBER LEHNERT : No questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Eric.
MEMBER DANTES : Not at this time.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anyone on that are panelists who are here for the
application who would like to speak? Any of the Benic's want to say anything?
BORIS BENIC : I think that we are okay. That was just built like Eileen said was to provide shade
to the area.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Could you just say who is speaking cause it's being recorded and we
have to get the names in, say your name please.
BORIS BENIC : My name is Boris Benic.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Mr. Benic. What were you saying?
BORIS BENIC : It was a pergola kit that was built with the foundation to give us some shade in
that area because without it that space is very difficult to use both in the morning and
afternoon.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay. It's open, it's porous, it's permeable.
BORIS BENIC : Yes it is.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, you won't need to get Trustees approval for this will you
Eileen?
EILEEN WINGATE : I was waiting to get through ZBA before. If you were going to require me to I
guess it's up the Building Department to make that call. They haven't asked me to do that yet.
I'm more than happy to do that but one Board at a time.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay very good just checking. Alright, hearing no further questions
or comments I'm going to make a motion to close the hearing reserve decision to a later date, is
there a second.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Member Acampora I second.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Pat, Kim would you call the roll please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye, member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye, member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye, Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries.
HEARING#7370—ERIC FREND
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Eric Frend #7370. This is
a request for a variance from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's October
7, 2019 amended October 30, 2019 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit
to construct an accessory shed at 1) more than the code permitted maximum lot coverage of
20% located at 3690 Great Peconic Bay Blvd. in Laurel'. Martin Finnegan is on, good he is the
attorney for the applicant. This is an accessory shed that's 10 foot by 14 feet in a conforming
rear yard with a lot coverage of 23% where the code permits a maximum lot coverage of 20%. 1
believe the shed is now built rather than proposed and we have a memorandum of law that
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
was submitted by Mr. Finnegan the applicant's attorney. Martin what would you like us to
know about this application?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Good morning everybody. I guess I did the usual and tried to cover the
most of the details in my memo but I discovered that I made a mistake because I was
referencing the earlier 2009 ZBA decision when I sited to the existing lot coverage. So back in
'09 there was some variance relief granted for earlier construction and so we're starting, off
with 22.1% lot coverage and the addition of the shed would take us up to the 23%. It's a little
confusing the earlier decision but be that as it may obviously we're looking to increase the
already approved non-conforming lot coverage slightly to allow this shed to remain. This is
another one of these oddly shaped Peconic Bay Blvd. parcels that is you know just constrained
all around. The photographs provided I'm sure you were all out there. As you can see the
property is substantially screened in the area where the shed has been placed so obviously it's
our position that there's you know minimal if not any impact on the character of the
neighborhood or on the neighborhood in general. It's not a huge additional variance that we're
asking for just .9% relief to allow to remain. So that's really it, I would argue a de minimus
application and we're just you know the owners of the property have very limited storage and
with young children and everything they need they just needed a little space to put stuff and
that's why they want to have it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's start with Pat.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I just want to again for the record, we had put this off because the last
time we were going to have a meeting the applicant was not able to attend and I'm just
wondering why they went ahead a put the structure there without the approval being done
first.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Fair question. Of course that was my first question when I got involved in
this. I think in the very bizarre time that we all lived through in the last few months look we
were home we had it sitting there you know and I thought I was in the process you know
everybody was quarantined and it got him in the back yard out of the house, he built it himself.
I said that I anticipated that the Board might have a comment about that and he said look I
wasn't trying to offend it just was you know a crazy time and he just got out there and did it
cause there was a lot of down time and that's what happened.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : To that point did he physically build the shed. I didn't visit the site
since the original site visit but did he physically build it or was it just delivered?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : No he built it himself.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Backyard project.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Yep if any of you lived in a house with children over the last few months
can appreciate the need to get the hell out and do something, so that's what happened. Be that
as it may it is in a conforming location and despite it being-slightly larger than allowed I think
that it's not offensive to anybody surrounding there. We'weren't contacted by any of the
neighbors with any opposition to it so that's where it stands.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody else have any questions? You know we've all seen the
property, we went and saw that it's totally fenced, screened from view and what it's .9% relief
now I had .2% over what was granted..
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Yea I'm sorry that was the typo I mentioned, yes .9% relief.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay anybody else have any questions, Rob?
MEMBER LEHNERT : No, no questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Eric.
MEMBER DANTES : No.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anyone else in attendance who wants to address the application? If
so let's see who else is here, Kim you can take down that survey now please. I don't think ,
there's anybody else on for this application that I can see. Hearing no further questions or
comments I'm going to make a motion to close the hearing reserve decision to a later date. Is
there a second?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I'll second it, member Acampora.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :Thank you Pat, Kim would you please call the roll.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes-votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you'vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
BOARD-SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do yoo"vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries.Thank you very much Martin stay well.
HEARING#7406—ANTHONY NAPPA
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is #8 on the agenda for
Anthony Nappa #7406. This is a request for a variance from Article III Section 280-15 and the
Building Inspector's January 28, 2020 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit
to construct an accessory in-ground swimming pool at 1) located in other than the code
required rear yard located at 425 Jacobs Land in Southold. This is a swimming pool in the front
yard on a corner lot where the code requires a rear yard. It is technically actually behind in the
architectural rear of the house but because there are two front yards there's a technical
variance. Okay I think Tony is on here Tony Nappa is that correct.
TONY NAPPA : Can you hear me?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Hi Tony. What would you like us to know about this application?
TONY NAPPA : It is a pool but because it's on a corner lot we needed a variance for the front
yard a front yard variance. I mean it's technically in the back yard and it is I don't know how far
away about 283 feet from Main Bayview. It's two acres of pasture between the pool and Main
Bayview.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's think. Can you see this up on the screen? I think everybody can
see the survey. Can you see that Tony?
TONY NAPPA : Yes I can see it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So let me go here, I'm going to try something really cute hold on. So
we're right here look I got this little toy I can play with, check this out. So it's right here. If it was
here I guess it would be you know I can't make a straight line I'm like a child with a crayon.
Anyway, that would be I guess probably technically in your side yard from Bayview.
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TONY NAPPA ': Yes, they're saying that (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Probably the only rear yard you have is here I mean it's one of these
technical variances which is called by the Building Department it's clearly not physically behind
your house. This is very far away from Main Bayview and actually the front yard is primarily
Jacobs. Do you have any intention of screening this with evergreens or anything like that?
TONY NAPPA : No we like to have the view of the pasture and you can see all the fence lines on
this new survey so right next to the pool on the I guess southwest side is a quarter acre
vegetable garden and then the next fence line right there is a half-acre riding ring horse riding
r
ring and then beyond the fence line where (inaudible) easement is all just pasture.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie if I may just a question, you mentioned that based upon the
proposed location which is technically a front yard, if the pool was pushed over more to where I
put the blue rectangle would that still actually be considered a front yard even though it's
clearly behind the house?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Probably not I'm going to say but again it might be considered a side
yard to Bayview. Do you see what I'm saying?This is the side of the house and well I don't know
can you see this or not?
TONY NAPPA : No.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you see my mouse?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I don't see your mouse.There it is.
BOARD SECRETARY : That's my mouse.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The point is if you look at the part of the house that's facing Bayview
that is the side of their house but technically it's facing Bayview frontage. So I think Nick if you
put it where you suggested then that would be the side yard to the Main Bayview Rd. So
they're kind of stuck.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Yea.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : See what I'm saying? It's a technical call, this is precisely the kind of
variance that the Board would like to get rid of by changing the code via a code committee and
the approval of the Town Board because some of these just don't make sense any more.
MEMBER LEHNERT : There's nowhere to put this without coming to us.
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July 9, 2020 Regular,Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I think that's true basically. I have no further questions,"-does
anybody else on the Board have any questions?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No.
MEMBER DANTES : I do not.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody else here for this application? Hearing no further questions
or comments from the Board or anyone-in attendance I'm going to make a motion to close this
hearing reserve decision to a later date. Is there a second?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Member Planamento seconds.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMANA :Thank you Nick. Kim would you call the roll please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento,votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries unanimously. Tony we'll have a decision in a week.
Our next meeting is and you can attend that if you wish. There will be another Zoom meeting
will be 4 or 5 o'clock I'm not sure when we will exactly get started but we will be deliberating
on all the application. You can listen, we aren't taking any testimony just deliberating on the
decisions which I will then be signing the next day to legalize. Thank you have a good one stay
healthy.
Z$
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
AFTERNOON SESSION
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Good -afternoon everyone and welcome to the Southold Town
Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting for Thursday July 9th. As most of you-know my name
is Leslie Weisman,,l'm Chairperson of ZBA for the Town of Southold. I just want to make a few
introductory remarks and that will be followed by some explanation for everyone present as to
how to participate in this Zoom meeting. We're meeting via the Zoom platform pursuant to
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive order 202.1 because in person access to the
public building to Town Hall isn't permitted yet at this time because of the COVID-19 health
pandemic. Today's hearings they are public hearings, the applicants or their agents will be
testifying before the Board and the public will have an opportunity to see and hear the
proceedings live. Interested persons will also be permitted to speak if they wish during a
hearing. As you just heard this meeting is being recorded and it will be available for viewing at a
later date along with a transcript that will be published. I just want to say on behalf of all of the
members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the ZBA staff, I want to thank our consultants
from VHB Alan Belniak, Louis Bekofsky and Matt-Hogan who is with us today and the Southold
Supervisor and Town Board for enabling us to get back to work remotely via Zoom until it's safe'
for all of us to meet face to face once again. Finally thank you to all of the applicants and their
agents and the general public for your patience during this challenging time as we adopt to a
new standard for conducting our meetings on line in light of the current health pandemic.'Now
I'd like to just before we return to the agenda turn this over to Matt Hogan who will explain
how you may participate in this meeting.
MATT HOGAN : Thank you Leslie. To all of our attendees who have joined us today we're asking,
that you please use the Q&A function if you are to comment on any of the hearings. Please let
us know your name, your address and which hearing you're here to comment on. If you're a
member of the applicant team for any of these hearings and we haven't renamed you as such
please let us know so that we can promote you to the panelist at the appropriate time and I just
want to'make sure that everybody did hear-that this is being recorded.
HEARING #7346—ALEKSANDER MYFTARAGO
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Some of you don't know unless you were on earlier that we actually
deferred or recessed on Aleksander Myftarago #7346 because the applicant and the applicant's
architect were unaware of this meeting time. They go a bit confused so we adjourned the
opening of that hearing to one o'clock today so before we get started on Solutions East which is
our 9th 'item on the agenda we will be hearing now from the architect for that application Jeff
Zahn and let's make sure Jeff is there. Thank you for putting the survey up. Just for the benefit
of those who were not on earlier while we're waiting I'm going to review once again what the
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
variance relief that's requested is. This is for setback relief for an accessory garage that is as
built at 1.5 feet from the side yard, the code requiring a 3 foot minimum, rear yard of 0.2 feet
again minimum 3 feet according to the code and there is a third one here someplace I think it's
lot coverage. So we're looking at lot coverage that is already non-conforming at 24.9% and the
applicant is proposing to demolish an existing dwelling and replace it with a slightly larger one
which will bring the lot coverage up to 27.45%. 1 believe that covers everything, is that correct
board members?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Yes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Jeff are you on?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie I was just looking at something while you were speaking. I'm
trying to get my screen back open I don't know how to do it but I'm sorry am I on mute?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No we can hear you.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Oh good I didn't know if you could hear me I was moving pages. Kim
is it possible for you to put up the newer survey?
BOARD SECRETARY : Of Myftarago?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Yea so it can show what we're talking about instead of what was
there. I just want to make sure that I was right. There had been a submission that illustrates the
house that's actually proposed. I meant to say that to you earlier when you put it up and I had
forgotten.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Matt while she's looking we need to have Jeff Zahn unmuted please.
MATT HOGAN : Okay Jeff you should be able to unmute anytime, I'll send you a prompt now. It
looks like Jeff might be having a little difficulty with his audio.
BOARD SECRETARY : Nick are you asking me about the site plan itself not the survey?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : It's easier to see thank you the site plan cause it illustrates what he is
proposing versus
BOARD SECRETARY : Right sorry about that I didn't put that on there. It's basically the under
construction garage which the survey shows the garage that's under construction
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : And then the footprint of the house is really squared off it's not
which aren't on the survey.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
BOARD SECRETARY : I didn't scan that so if you want
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Here's the important part, the garage has two variances for
setbacks, the entire proposal there's nothing to do with the setbacks for the proposed dwelling.
It's only the fact that the enlargement will create (inaudible) house. So we can look at the
survey that we have but the important thing is that Jeff be able to make his comments.
MATT HOGAN : Jeff we're still not getting any audio. If you can look at the lower left hand
corner of your screen see if you have an option to join computer audio otherwise you may need
to disconnect or call in via the phone number. Then we do have two cell phone numbers as
well. We're unsure if that's possibly the applicants so I'm going to unmute each one very
quickly and if you could just identify yourself that would help us here. First I'm going to unmute
number ending in ***. NO response, next number ending in ***. Go ahead and state your
name. I'm not getting any response from Jeff.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay rather than sitting here waiting I think what we'll do is Liz can
you see if you can call Jeff and work out what in the world is going on with his audio and we will
go to Solutions East and then get back to them next. Why don't we take a second to do that.
See if you can get a hold of him although if he's on one of those phones who know we're just
going to try. I'm sorry everyone please be patient, this is a difficult format for some people to
become familiar with and we're all there's a learning curve, we're all having to deal with so
thank you very much for your patience. I know you're waiting for other applications and we'll
do our best to move this quickly.
BOARD SECRETARY : No answer at the office.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright you want to try the cell phone?Then we give up.
BOARD SECRETARY : I don't have the cell phone here with me.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Never mind then. Matt is there any way you can communicate with
Jeff?
OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : Leslie we have him on the phone. He's trying to get back into
the meeting.
MATT HOGAN Let me try promoting him again. He's under the panelist list now and I am
sending him the unmute command but it looks like his audio isn't connected because it's not
responding like it usually does.
OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : He's trying to get back on he's trying to go through the
website. If you see him that means he's on isn't it?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN He is but he's muted. He's in but we can't hear him. I think he's
calling in or is he on line?
MATT HOGAN : Is he calling from one of those,two phone-numbers maybe he's trying on a cell.
We've got phone number ending in '" could you identify yourself? We see this happen once
in a while when somebody's Zoom session crashes it will look like they're still in the meeting
but they're really not.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do we know who these other two phone numbers are?
MATT HOGAN : We just got a message from Jesse Gordon in the Q&A who are individuals who
want to participate Solutions East so we will correct me if I'm wrong Leslie, I'll unmute them
when we get to them correct?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes.
MATT HOGAN : I'm not seeing any change with Jeff's status. It looks like his system might be
either frozen or his session froze.
MEMBER LEHNERT : Want to move on to the,next one then and get this guy when they're back?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I think we're going to have to. I mean we've spent quite a bit of time
while other people are waiting and I think in fairness to everybody I think we might just have to
do that. We're doing our best to cooperate with this applicant and his agent but we need them
to be present in order to proceed. So let's simply move on. I'm not going to'adjourn it or close
it. I'm just going to leave it and if and when he can come back in we'll put him on the next when
we finish with wherever we are. So let's move on to No. 9.
HEARING#7379—SOLUTIONS EAST, LLC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : This is an application for Solutions East, LLC #7379. A request for a
variance from Article III Section 280-15 and the Building I'nspector's November 19, 2019 Notice
of Disapproval based on an application for ,a permit to construct an accessory garage at 1)
located in other than the code permitted rear yard located at 1055 North View Dr. in Orient.
The agent for the applicant is Pat Moore and I believe we have some others in attendance also.
This is an accessory garage in a front yard where the code requires a rear yard location. That's
about it, this was I think we had another hearing on this did we not? I don't see it on my agenda
but I know it was adjourned from another hearing. It must have been the March one yes?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : March 5th Regular.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Regular meeting,okay. Alright well let's hear what Pat has to say. Pat
welcome to the meeting and please state your name for the record we're being recorded.
That's Pat Moore not Pat Acampora.
PAT MOORE : Hi everyone, Pat Moore. I also have my clients in my office with me so that way
they can participate if they'd like to interject. So this is in fact the second meeting. At the first
meeting just to bring you, up to speed so you.know the general layout of this property. The
property is quite hilly. It has a great deal of contours and the area of the proposed garage in the
front is the flat area that is least would cause least disturbance to the property would cause
fewest trees, vegetation to be disturbed and, really no need for retaining walls. If we were to
put the garage in the backyard as you can see from if you recall from your inspection or if
you've gone recently the house is on a hill and the topography goes up towards the back of the
house. Also there are some really significant trees, some evergreens and some beautiful mature
tulip trees all of which the applicant the owner wants to preserve. So this garage location was
really the preferred ideal location so much so that they've waited the many, many months to
continue with this hearing. We did based on I guess the just in general the)neighbors comments
that we did receive prior to either in writing or somehow they got to my client, we were able to
move the garage back from Northview Drive 25 feet. The covenants and restrictions that we
had to be concerned with of Browns Hills allows 10 feet to a property line and we did comply
originally with our proposal and now we moved back'further realizing that there was still a little
room to push it back before we started reaching the topography. So at 25 feet at the back of
1 the garage the back of the garage is really where at this point the topography changes and the
hill starts going up so we strategically moved it back. Northview Drive again as you see from the
survey but also more importantly from the site inspection, the road itself is about 50 feet from
my client's property line. So Browns Hills and Northview Drive the road is somewhat dead ends
there and then you get to what would be I'm not sure if it's a flagged lot but the waterfront lot
at the end of Northview Drive so it becomes a private road at that point. So this house is for the'
most part the dead end the end of Northview Drive. It's quite vegetated. The road is I want to-
say narrow, it's not fully developed it's 50 foot right of way but I believe the road itself is 20
feet in width at most. Oh 16 feet pardon me I'm asking my client. So the improved portion of
the road is about 16 feet so we have actually a great deal of setback before you between the
garage itself and the actual improved road. So while the setback is 25 feet the actual setback
from the street is quite a bit farther much further than even the code minimum requirements
of front yard setbacks. Anything else that oh yes thank you. In addition the one modification
that was made, the original design was a slanted roof kind of shed roof I'm trying to remember
the architectural description of it. It's a shed roof, at the peak being 19. The peak was actually
dropped down a little bit to make the peak 18 even though by code it would have been
compliant as originally proposed we brought that down a little bit as well. So all in all we really
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
tried to make this a very unintrusive structure. The garage itself is .22 x 22 so it's a box it's
square. The doors are on the east side of kind of the garage is parallel to the property line but
the property lines here are all somewhat triangular in certain areas so on the east side are the
doors. So again from Northview Drive we've offered to vegetate vegetation. It's already pretty
well screened but we could add additional vegetation if that's what the Board would like us to
do. We want to maintain the privacy of this property so that's really in keeping with my client's
preferences anyway. I think at the last hearing I pointed out and provided you with the other
variances that have been granted in this area. There is right across the street from us quite a
large accessory building that was granted a variance as an art studio. From the road it appears
like a large house, it's about the size of a ranch house. It's 1500 Northview Drive is the address
and oh I'm sorry my client is giving me details. It's actually a 1,500 sq. ft. structure which is a
very large structure as an art studio. There are other accessory structure, pools that have been
granted in this neighborhood. Many of these garages that are in the front yard are actually
permitted because they are waterfront properties that are permitted to have accessory
buildings in the front yard. So if you need any additional information we're here to provide it
but we hope that with our modifications you will feel that we've been reasonable in our
request and obviously the house has been beautifully renovated and the garage will similarly be
in keeping with the architectural design and improvements on the property. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Pat. Let's see if there are any questions from the board
members, I'll start with Eric.
MEMBER DANTES : I do not have any questions at this time.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anything from you Rob?
MEMBER LEHNERT : I have no questions right now.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anything from you Nick?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, we have some other attendees that I believe are here for
this application is that right Matt?
MATT HOGAN : Yes, we have Jesse Gordon who we have registered and we also have Alixander
Pearlstein posing some questions so I can bring them in as a panelist as well if you'd like.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
Alixander okay your screen is going to blink for a minute and then you'll-rejoin as a panelist.
Jesse you should be able to unmute now if you'd like.
JESSE GORDON : Can you hear me, this is Jesse Gordon?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we can.
JESSE GORDON : Excellent how is everyone doing?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Very well thanks. What would you like us to know about this
application? Would you just state your name again and where you live for the record.
JESSE GORDON : My name is Jesse Gordon. I live in a parcel across the street at 1150 Northview
Drive. I'm also speaking on behalf of (inaudible) McNamara who lives in another parcel across
the street as well as Tom and Mary Morgan who are all notified in connection but were unable
to attend this. So do you need any further information from me about who I am or?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No that's fine just comment on the application.
r
JESSE GORDON : Okay I'd just like to start by making some initial responses to what Ms. Moore
just had to say which and then I'm going to go on to some additional comments just about the
substance about the application itself. There was some discussion a lot of discussion about the
topography and some discussion about not wanting to disturb the existing tree, gardens etc. I'd
like to point out when this house was built there were significant beautiful gardens that were
there from the previous owner that were torn out by the new owner. Furthermore there was a
pool put in the rear yard that resulted in the removal of trees and significant disruption to the
vegetation as well as significant grading so I feel that the assertion that desire to preserve the
vegetation and the trees as a determining factor in connection with this application is
somewhat disingenuous. I'd also like to state that I believe the precedent that Ms. Moore states
is also not necessarily accurate. While there is a significant accessory structure on the
Pearlstein/Adams property I think it's very important to note that a variance was granted in
that case because and I can't say it's (inaudible) because it's a waterfront lot and there was no
possibility with the required setbacks and the fact that that lot is a waterfront lot to place the
structure that they wanted to build on any other space other than where it was placed. As their
neighbor I had no objection to the placement of that and I did not comment because really
there were no other options at the time of the application. So I think it's important to note that.
Ms. Moore also notes an abundance of front yard garages on houses on Northview, that is
actually inaccurate; I know of one and that's again on a waterfront parcel. Additionally another
and you guys did a site visit, but I believe the assertion that there is a 50 foot setback from the
road to the property line I do not believe that is accurate. It may show that way on the survey
but if you go and look at the space there is no way there is 50 feet from the end of that road to
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
the property line and you guys did a site inspection I assume so you've seen what it's like. So I
don't believe that is accurate either. I'd also like to point out some additional before I move on
to the substantive portions of the application I'd like to point out some procedural issues, with
regard to the way the notices were sent and I'm not asserting that they were purposefully
misleading but there was a notice that was sent to this hearing that respondents would not
have the opportunity to comment. That was corrected after I brought after I made the ZBA
aware of that. There are also a multitude of errors on the last survey that was presented in that
on that survey none of the adjoining property owners are accurately identified. The lots are and
the names on the lots are all mixed up. If we can't rely on the veracity of a simple survey,
statements of facts such as 50 feet, my question is can we rely on the veracity of the applicant's
assertions in totality in connection with this application. So those are some of the issues. I'd
now like to move on to the analysis the five or six factor analysis as its proposed in the original
application. Starting with do you guys want to take a second it was on their initial application it
says reason for appeal area variance reasons?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we have that information.
JESSE GORDON : Okay thank you. So the first factor addresses the character of the
neighborhood and in their analysis of that factor what the applicant focuses on is that the
property is on a sloped parcel which is accurate and the house was recently renovated which is
accurate but the fact that they would need to build retaining walls and a longer driveway is not
responsive to the character issue. The neighborhood has you know numerous houses.
Northview Drive is a private road with several houses but none of the houses except for one
that I'm aware of and again the applicant can correct me if I'm wrong which is on the
waterfront side of the community have front yard garages. What is being proposed is a
significant structure that's going to be visible directly from the road and is going to in my
opinion change the view driving down Browns Hills Rd and I know that the McNamara's feel the
same way and I believe the Morgans also confirmed to me that they feel the same way and
those are neighbors who are on either side and were noticed in connection with this. I think it's
also important to note that you know they say that the applicant says that it requires significant
grading; significant grading has already been done. There have been earth movers constantly at
this property. There was a pool that was installed. There are many areas on this property that
have already been graded and require significant amounts of earth moving and that didn't
seem to be an issue in connection with what they were doing but now all of a sudden it is in
order to place something in a place that's most convenient for them. The second factor,
addressing whether or not the benefit sought by the applicant cannot be achieved by another
method feasible to the applicants. The fact remains there is significant room in the back yard
excuse me in the front yard where a garage could be placed and I also believe that there is
space parallel adjacent to the house where it could be placed. So is it going to be more
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
expensive, is it going to be more difficult yes but I do believe that there are other feasible
remedies that could be granted. I also think it's very important to note and I know that this is
another factor but this is a one hundred percent self-created situation and I say that inasmuch
as the fact that there was an existing garage when the house was purchased and that was
acknowledged. There was a significant rear yard where a garage could have been placed and
the applicants elected to place a pool there in lieu of placing a garage. That was their decision
and now they're seeking relief for that it's greater than necessary I believe. I'd also like to point
out that you now this is going to have an impact upon me and this is I'm saying this solely in my
individual capacity not on behalf of the other neighbors in any way whatsoever but it's not
shown on the survey but my house essentially will be directly across from where this garage is
being placed. It is a hilly lot as has been pointed out and every drop of water that drains off that
property drains down my driveway. There's no question in my mind that the and ultimately not
only does it drain down my property but ultimately my property is on the water and that water
ends up draining down to the bluff and potentially eroding the bluff as well. Now I understand
drywells would be required but thus far since this construction started I've had a constant
nearly constant influx of mud and water down my driveway and it has encroached upon the
bluff which if you look at the map in the are you will see actually recedes quite back further
than in any other areas specifically in that point and I believe that's in part due to drainage. Let
me see so I guess the fourth factor is the variance will not have an adverse impact on the
physical or environmental conditions of the neighborhood, I think I just said one negative
environmental impact that it would have on the neighborhood and the fact that it would have a
great visual impact that would change the nature of the neighborhood as it currently exists.
Now we're getting to whether or not the condition has been self-created and here the
applicant says no it has not been self-created but I take issue With that assertion inasmuch as I
said. There was previously an existing garage, there was space to put a garage and they elected
to place a pool there. Interestingly enough that pool is not referenced anywhere on any of the
surveys that were presented to the Board in connection with this application. Other than that
really I think I've said everything that I have to say. I would like to say that we oppose I oppose
the application is submitted. I would like to see it built to where it could be built as a matter of
right if that's a possibility and I believe there is a possibility to do that or I would like to see it
moved back adjacent with the house and as I said I got two neighbors who are on either side as
well who are also in support of that position.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well you do realize if it were moved back unless it was moved back
to the rear yard, if it's adjacent to the house then it's going to be in a non-conforming side yard.
JESSE GORDON : Understood but I don't
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : One moment please, I'm-not finished. If you move it back farther
from the road it would still be a front yard location but certainly less impact which is what the
applicant was trying to accomplish. There's one other person that I would like to hear from who
is here. I think it's Alixandra you're on. I .think -that's also the neighbor. Let's get all the
comments in and then we'll see if the Board has any questions. I'd like to give the applicant's
attorney an opportunity to respond to the neighbor's concerns. Let's hear from Alixandra.
Please state your full name and where you live.
ALIXANDRA PEARLSTEIN : Hi, my name is Alixandra Pearlstein and I live directly across the road
from this property at 1060 Northview Drive. I would like to I concur completely with everything
my neighbor Jesse Gordon has said and I'd like to address a few comments and also address a
few points that Jesse made. First of all as the owner of the accessory building I'd like to say that
it is not the size that was presented. It is 1,200 feet it's not 1,500 feet so those facts are
incorrect. Also it has no bearing on this proposal whatsoever as Jesse pointed out. It's a
waterfront property. It's a completely different situation and I'd like to say also that we had
three letters from our neighbors in our favor when we went to you know get an approval to
build this structure. That is not the situation here. We had conversations with our neighbors
because we were moving here to live here and to be concerned members of the community for
the rest of our lives. We're not building a house in speculation we live here and our neighbors
would happy to support us so that we could live here and do what we needed to do. This is not
the situation for Solutions East. As'I'm looking at the site map again the pool isn't there, there's
also a sunken patio that does not appear on this site map which takes up additional space in the
rear yard of the house where the garage can (inaudible). A tremendous amount of site work has
been done so again to concur with Jesse the arguments about the site and having to change the
site, it's already been so changed it's not a reasonable argument. I don't think that as a
neighborhood we should set a precedent to change this variance and particularly since it is truly
for speculation there's no necessity for it and there have been so many inaccuracies in this
proposal and because,there already was a garage and you know again because this large pool
and sunken patio have been built in its place.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you tell me where that previously existing garage was located?
ALIXANDRA PEARLSTEIN : It was in the lower level of the house and it was used by the previous
tenants so they had argued previously about it being inaccessible but I lived right across the
road I saw them using the garage all the time. Also there was some concern about Solutions
East having to wait for this hearing, they made a lot.of progress during the quarantine. There
were three or two truck there every day during the stop work order and a dumpster that was
overflowing for two months and the environmental impact also both Jesse Gordon and I are
across the.road (inaudible) but we have been having a constant flow of mud and refuse from
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
the' hay barriers that are across the road. We have been cleaning it up at our own expense.
Their inaccuracies on the site mapthat I'm looking at now, the location of the neighbors is
inaccurate. Let's see what else I had written a few comments but yea I don't see any reason to
set a precedent for this particular situation when there was a,garage, when they build this huge
pool and sunken patio removed the existing garage and already done a ton of site work. I
absolutely object to it and I think it should be in the rear of the house as it is in the rest of the
neighborhood.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you for your comments both of you, We appreciate them. I
think Board members do you-want to, ask some questions of either the neighbors or the Pat;
Moore or do you want to have Pat respond first? You want to wait you're nodding. Yes okay.,
Before we ask anything further let's let Pat Moore respond if she Ihas any comment she'd like to
make.
i
PAT MOORE : Just very briefly because I'll let the Board, the Board is certainly familiar with the
standards, I believe we've met them. With respect to drainage, this house because it got a
building permit for renovations has to comply with all the drainage requirements and it has all
the dry wells all the drainage that's required. This garage will also require a-dry well so as far as
water,runoff, this property is controlling all the water runoff. As you know Browns Hill is a hilly
area and water runoff can be coming from pretty much any other property on the road. So we
are addressing our water runoff. We offered landscaping along Northview Drive as a means of
screening. What would be just an 18 foot high structure so it would certainly be screened from,
view to the extent that the cars drive by Northview-the homes that Mr. Gordon I quite frankly'
did not it doesn't make sense the description of where his property is because as I from my
inspection his driveway ends in Northview Drive. It's not across the street from this property
but I guess that's just a matter of his opinion positioning. I will correct Mr. Gordon is correct, I
misspoke 50 feet is the improved driveway to the proposed garage so the setbacks we have 25
feet of road that is vegetated unimproved uncleared before you get to the property line,and
then 25 feet from the property line to the proposed garage so the 50 feet I misspoke: It's not,
within the Northview Drive it's from the driveway to the proposed garage so'I apologize if it.
sounded like I tried to'misrepresent anything, that was just my error. I think that we've all tried
to be very transparent and open on this process. This first notice I apologize when I wrote the-
letter with the notice I took the language literally from the Zoning Board notice and that's the,
way word for word so there may have been just some language correction that ultimately they,
did get the notices all within time and clearly identifying they had an opportunity to participate
as they have participated to this point. Aside from that I think we've already we've given you a
pretty thorough application till now including the previous hearing and this hearing so 1',II just
check with my clients and make sure that there's nothing else that you want me to the
vegetation am I okay? Sorry, as far as vegetation the pool in the back yard if you walked around
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
the back you can see the pool in the back was replacing what-had been previously a.2,000 sq. ft.
deck that was part of this house so there was no,need to do clearing or anything. It was an area
that was already part of the original decking and there was actually a reduction of lot coverage
by way of just patio and a -pool rather than decking material. So clarifying that there's no
intention of misrepresenting anything with regard -to the pool. ,We asked the surveyor to
identify the proposed garage rather than resurvey the entire property with a pool and the
house. An updated survey for our final C.O.- would show all of the structures as built but we do
have a building permit for everything that has been done till now and my client has been
following the laws very carefully and religiously throughout. He is the owner and any activity
going on in'the house during COVID was him. He alone is the property owner and was
ALIXANDRA PEARLSTEIN : Does he have three trucks at once?
PAT MOORE I'm sorry we're not going to go into this but there was no,violations and
irrelevant here anyway so thank you.
'CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's see if the Board has any questions.
MATT HOGAN : LeslieTnn sorry to interrupt, we do have three other phone users and I want'
sure if they were here to comment-or not. Can we just check on them,really quickly?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Of course. That's our consultant speaking-allowing people to enter
into the hearing based on what they're here for. He's just checking. In the meantime while he
does that one of the things we can ask for is number one I've got two different surveys in front
of-me here. One was from John Ehlers you know with the 10 foot setback originally. The other
one and that one only shows the driveway. The newest one is from Harold (inaudible) and that
doesn't show the driveway it just shows basically the house with the additional setback. Kim
are you trying to say something?
BOARD SECRETARY : It doesn't show a pool either so we might want to get something.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN No, none of those things are shown. It would be at least beneficial
since you're going to have to do it anyway for all of us to have a survey showing all existing
structures, the correct-property owners okay and the existing setbacks and having said that
drywells should also be located.
MEMBER LEHNERT :'I'd like to see the contour lines. They were on the first survey and they're
using that"as an argument.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes that too. Thank you Rob. Finally I wanted to ask Pat Moore and
the owners, if you will consider an amended application to at the very least move that structure
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
J
even farther away from the road to the greatest, extent practical. One of the neighbors
proposed adjacent to the house. We realize that will require some excavation but (in'aud'ible)
the farther you go back the greater the excavation and the greater the cost. Can you respond to
that while we're trying to see who these other people are who are waiting?
PAT MOORE : I also have the owner here but just very as far as I can tell, the garage where it's
been proposed now is before you start having to cut into the grade and I'll let him discuss as far
as moving the garage back into a side yard position. The way the house, is designed common
sense tells me I don't think it would work cause that's where so let me put him on because he-
knows design wise what would work and what wouldn't.
CHUCK KITTS ::Hi,-my name is Chuck Kitts the owner of Solutions East. So getting back to the„
garage that we moved another 15 feet is the furthest we can,move it without doing as it is,now
I already have.to do a retaining wall on the bluff side-of the garage the south side of the garage
I'm sorry because the hill starts to go up there. As far as putting the structure without being a
side yard variance, if it went into the back yard where it was with no variance at all we could
not do it because of the side yard setback. It would not fit.in the back yard.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We honestly can't tell that because you don't have the patio, you
don't have the swimming pool shown. We can't look at alternatives without having the full
information. We've seen it because we've inspected the property but we really need to
understand the dimensions to be accurate about what is feasible. Now we do all understand
that the farther from the road that you put.it the more you're going to,have to have a retaining
wall.
CHUCK KITTS : Back in the March meeting we were not asked to put the pool and patio on the
survey. The Board just asked us,to relocate the garage 25 feet. I would,have had it done if they
asked us.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I understand.
CHUCK KITTS : That's all. I'm not trying to hide anything. The,pool and we have the permit for
everything that's on the property right now. We were not asked to locate the pool or patio or
anything else on the property at our February meeting.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I understand,that. Let me see if the Board has any comments or
questions at this point. Rob anything from you?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Have you given any thought of just attaching it to the house? It would
make this variance go away.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHUCK KITTS : On the side?
MEMBER LEHNERT : On either side.
CHUCK KITTS : Well on the east side
PAT MOORE : No on the west side.
CHUCK KITTS : He said either side.
PAT MOORE : Oh okay.
CHUCK KITTS : On the east side we explained to the Board that we have an underground gas
tank in there and underground electrical on the east side an`d the topo is so the grade is so'high
on that side it would be impossible. That was the whole problem with the garage the way it was
already was a steep incline in a circular driveway that in the wintertime it was near impossible
getting up and around that garage area. On the west side if we attached it to the house,
because of the side•setback it's a-gigantic hill right at the front of the house drops considerably
so we would have the same problem going up a steep hill to get into a garage. Where it's set
right now in•the front yard it's totally flat. So that's our argument is we want to make it as easy
as possible and flat as possible for a car to get in this garage and the least amount of
disturbance that we would have to cut multiple trees and dig the hill out to try to attach to the
house.
MEMBER LEHNERT :Then as part of that argument,[ would love to see contours ori the survey.
CHUCK KITTS : They were on the original survey?
MEMBER LEHNERT : John Ehlers gave it to you so do you have that?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's correct, we have it.
CHUCK KITTS : Okay so you can look at the survey.
MEMBER LEHNERT : I'd like to see what you're proposing with the survey you have now and the
cuts and fills that you're proposing.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's with the 25 foot setback into those contours and also, you're
going to need it for a final C.O. anyway right Pat Moore? You need to have the pool the you
know it would be very much better for all concerned if we could see everything corrected on
that survey that needs to be on it and the reason,that we, were not probably asking for it was
because we didn't have comments from neighbors.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
PAT MOORE : As you know Mr. Ehlers is sometimes difficult to get surveys so that's why they
ended up going to Mr. Trenchen so we'll see which one can-give us the information. Hopefully
Mr. Ehlers we can just add the well either way you're going to have to have Mr. Ehlers whoever
is showing the pool.
CHUCK KITTS : We can (inaudible) survey, put the pool and patio that's on there that we have
all the permits for and do it because like you're saying we need it for a final C.O. anyway.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's right and that way we can look at where drywells are right, we
can look at your argument about' you know underground gas tank, electrical lines. We'll
understand exactly what reasonable options exist for you.
CHUCK KITTS : Yes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I see Alixandra has her hand raised. Did you want to make a
comment?
ALIXANDRA PEARLSTEIN : I just want to make a point that all these concerns about not being
able to place the garage because of all the new things that have been installed should have
been considered prior to placing the underground tank, prior to placing (inaudible), prior to
placing the sunken patio then you know I don't know why it wasn't being considered in the
initial stages of the design. That's all.-
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you. Let me see if there's anything else from the Board, Nick
do you have any comments or questions?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No it's more just a comment and it's unfortunate sort of where the
dialogue is going, the terrain the first thing that I wanted to share that it's just my opinion that
while it's not anyone right to have a garage in the front yard given the particular terrain and the
setting I think that there's bit of a'precedent that yes waterfront properties in town do have the
right to put a garage provided it meets a front yard setback in the front. I think the character of
Browns Hills you know it's one of those unique places like when we talk about Fishers Island
and other communities specifically more Orient and New Suffolk where you have these unique
settings. So I'm very sympathetic to the applicant's request. At the same time (inaudible) that
the house had a garage originally underneath the structureiwhich was clearly visible during my
site inspection. It would seem to me that a lot of the issues could go away and I don't know if
this is an acceptable alternative for the applicant but if a garage was attached on the west side _
of the house but recessed like the house built into the hillside. I mean you're still excavating the
soil but provided you met front yard setback I don't think that would be so much of a hardship.
So maybe there'd be some consideration and while I'm still as I said open to the dialogue of the
application where it's presented because of the community and the character it would seem
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
that it's so much easier just to sort of bury it into the hillside the way the house is also recessed.
And I'm sure that you've thought about these things or looked at it but I'm wondering if that
might be an alternative rather than kind of going in circles with an application?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well let's do this, let me see if Pat's got any comments (inaudible).
We've been at this for quite some time, we have a lot of other applications for today. Pat any
comments or questions from you?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Yes I was just wondering, at the last meeting there was a representative
there from the homeowners association who said that they did not receive the association a
notice and that they wanted to have a subsequent meeting and then did we ever hear from
these people?
JESSE GORDON : This is Jesse Gordon. A meeting was held and inasmuch as there was no
complete consensus amongst the board members and amongst the homeowners as to where
the garage should go. The board elected to allow the individual homeowners who were
pertinent to the property to enter their comments. So the board elected although they did
meet and I was at that meeting, they elected not to enter an official position. That being said as
a matter of course the board I believe the Browns Hills Homeowners Association should have
been noticed and ultimately they were. So the adjournment was in part to give the Browns Hills
Homeowners Association an opportunity to discuss the matter and also to remedy the defect in
the notice.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay thank you Jesse.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Just one question relative to that meeting, how many homeowners
were actually in the Browns Hills Association?
JESSE GORDON : I believe I mean I can let me pull the tax map.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Just a guestimate. I can look at the tax map myself. You're a resident
there so I'm just asking you just
JESSE GORDON : I would say there's about twenty homes in total.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : And how many homes oppose the application?
JESSE GORDON : That I know of one, two, three, four, five and there may be others who oppose
it who just aren't aware of it cause they weren't notified of the application. I can't speak for
others.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay let me move on, any questions from you Eric at this point?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : Not at this time.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay, did I miss anybody? I think what we're going to wind up doing
here is I am proposing I want to poll the Board on this is to adjourn this application until we
receive'a more updated survey. I want the owner and Pat Moore to think carefully about
everything they've heard. If you're proposing screening I want to see that on the survey also,
landscaped screening. I'd like this moved back as far from the road as an amended application.
-It's not amended in the sense that it's still a front yard and it always was a front yard but the
setback was what was changed but the relief required is the same so it's just an alternative
proposal. Let's see what can come in. We have our next meeting in a week so we know that's
not feasible. We may want to have 'another hearing on this because of the concerris 'of
neighbors and I don't want to close off their opportunity to be heard and to testify when they
see the updated information. So having said all of that we are completely as you all know
overbooked because of COVID. We're way behind. The Board and I and staff have all agreed
prior to even doing this Zoom stuff to almost double up our workloads in order to move people
forward as quickly as possible so that we can help people get their project underway as quickly
as we humanly can but as you can see each of these applications takes a considerable amount
of time. So I think that probably from everyone's point of view the best thing to do at this point
is to adjourn this to the regular meeting in September to provide time for the survey to come,
in., for the attorney to consult with the owners and for the neighbors to see an alternative
survey that has different information on it, more complete information. Board members does
that make sense to you?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : It does and you know Leslie it seemed to be quite a big deal from the
Association when their representative said they weren't noticed properly and that they did
have this meeting and we're hearing from one of the'homeowners. I think that it would be
good also to hear from the Association where they do stand on this you know a formal letter to
the ZBA would not be a bad thing.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : If they can get it but you know they'appeared at this point to have
mixed reviews. It would be probably beneficial to see what the final proposed survey looks like'
and where they're proposing to put this garage and then take it back to neighbors and see what
people think. I think that's about all we can do at this point. I think it's the fairest way to
proceed to all parties and although I really don't favor having to yet another a third hearing on
this I think probably that is the most ethically responsible way to proceed for all parties
concerned so if the Board's willing to do that I would make that motion to adjourn this to the
regular meeting in September. Kim what's the date do you have the calendar?
BOARD SECRETARY : September 3rd.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : September 311. I'm assuming we'll still be doing this"digitally rather
than back at the meeting hall but who knows. You will all be notified in any case. Is the Board
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie this is Nick. While I appreciate the different commentary that
Rob even suggested contouring, we know the terrain, we know the community is it something
that perhaps the applicant can make a decision or we can have a discussion cause I hate to
extend it to September. This is just my opinion but you now if there's something that they can
offer or to resolve that we can perhaps close this today I think it would be beneficial if it's
something that the rest of the Board wants to leave open you know by all means we need to do
that but I just think that the association of Browns Hills had an opinion they would have you
know written that letter. They obviously don't have an opinion.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick I've already asked the applicant and Pat Moore what they were
prepared to do and what we got was discussion from the owner as to why they couldn't. If they
wish to change their minds now to avoid further delays then they can so state. Pat anything
from you or Mr. Kitts anything from you?
CHUCK KITTS : Yes just to reiterate Nick's question from before that it would be nearly
impossible to dig that garage into the back most back part of the house without a variance to
put a garage attached to the house. You would need a retaining wall on each side of the
driveway going into that property to make that garage level. It's an enormous amount of work
and I think it would look horrible to truthful just to try and do it that way. Again to answer to
Leslie's comment we would propose a garage and a half in the same spot to make it smaller and
if the Board is willing to approve that that would considerably you know get the size of the
garage down. We are willing to like we had said to put a large buffer from the street to
consume as much of the garage sight from the street as possible if the Board is willing for that.
MEMBER DANTES : Can I say something? What I'm understanding what Mr. Kitts is saying,
building the garage itself is not the issue that's easy anyone can do that on the side of that. The
issue is that building the driveway cause you need to have a flat surface to get the car into the
garage. That's correct right?
CHUCK KITTS : Yes. I know the Board was out at the house. The steepness of the contour of the
land to go up to the garage would be exactly what we were trying to get away from. What the
pre-existing house had was two garages underneath and a circular driveway. In the wintertime I
was there, I owned the house for two years now. The oil truck couldn't even get up the
driveway to deliver oil with snow in the driveway it was such a steep incline in a circular
driveway. It would be the same thing if we tried to do something on the west side of the house
without digging the garage into the property. It would be very steep and taking out a lot more
trees.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So what I think I'm hearing that you want to leave it at the 25 foot
setback, reduce it to a one and a half car garage and put in a buffer of evergreen screening. Is
that correct?
CHUCK KITTS :,Yes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So what I'm going to suggest then is that we adjourn this subject to
receipt of a survey with all that stuff on it that we talked about okay. We will close it once that's
received and we will deliberate at the next available meeting. We're not moving any farther
with this. We've heard all the testimony we can, we've heard from the applicant, we
understand the neighbor's issues. We have a lot of other applications before us. This is what we
have before us now so I'm going to propose that we get all of it summarized on an updated
survey. As soon as we receive it we will look at it and we will deliberate.
JESSE GORDON : Will the neighbors not have an opportunity to comment on the revised survey
and will that survey
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Only if we hold this open. If I close it subject to receipt of that survey
then no other commentary will be open. We can leave it open.
JESSE GORDON : I respectfully request that it be left open to allow the neighbors this was
proposed previously to allow the'neighbors the opportunity to comment. I mean again the
previous application has had so many omissions and errors I think it's only fair that the revised-
application that actually shows an accurate representation of what's being proposed that the
neighbors have an opportunity to comment on that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Then the only way that can happen is if we adjourn it to the Regular
Meeting in August. We will not have further testimony, we can have written comments. If what
we do is keep adjourning it we don't need any more testimony, we can keep adjourning this
until two things happen, 1. We have comments from neighbors and 2. They're commenting
about something that,we received which is what we just requested.That's the only way-that we
can do it.
JESSE GORDON : I have, no objection to that. That seems reasonable to me that we have an
opportunity to respond in writing.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat what is your response to that? I know you can't get it done by
the Special Meeting. I would adjourn it to the Special but there's no point it's a week from now.
PAT MOORE : Yea I don't see the surveyor to be able to get there.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : They're not going to have it. So I will adjourn it to September"okay
which means we will close it in September. Now if you can't for some reason get the survey by
the way once we get the survey we will scan it into Laser Fische you can call the office to ask if
it's been received and we will scan it into Laser Fische where you will be able to FOIL it. We
don't have yet the ability to have you come in in person to the office to see it so as a courtesy
we're putting everything onto Laser Fische so that anybody who wants to look at what's in the
application will be able to do so. So you can find it that way alright? I think under the
circumstances that's the best we can do and if we have comments, if we have the survey we
will close it in September. If we don't we'll adjourn it to the next Regular Meeting. So that will
keep it open.
JESSE GORDON : Will Pat be willing to notify us once the survey has been sent to?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No she has no obligation to do that.
JESSE GORDON : I'm asking if she'd be willing to do it as a courtesy but that's all.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat?
PAT MOORE : I'm a little reluctant given the representations of my defrauding everybody up till
now so I don't want to be mean or uncouth. If I get an email contact maybe Kim can get the
email for the people I'd be happy to send them emails of the survey. I'll do that as a courtesy.
JESSE GORDON : Again as I said I never meant to insinuate that it was done purposefully. I don't
if my
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's just stop for a moment you don't have any obligation to do
that. Our office will do that. When we receive it I will ask staff to email any of you that send an
email to her requesting a copy.-You all have Kim's email address.
JESSE GORDON : Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Email her and ask her to send it when we have received it from legal
counsel.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Just a point of clarification which I think is important for everyone,
the applicant stated that they'll reduce the garage to one and half cars, that would shrink the
garage in my opinion by about 7 feet so is that 7 feet added to the 25 feet setting it back to 32
feet or the 7 coming off the back?
CHUCK KITTS : Yes Nicholas your answer is yes I would push it this is Chuck Kitts yes.
PAT MOORE : 32
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Because in my mind I don't mean to disrupt the tone of the
conversation or what people are saying, I see no reason if we're getting a 32 foot setback that
we can't close this pending receipt of the survey. I know that the neighbors are disappointed
with this location want to be heard but I think we've heard everything. It becomes really a
neighborly dispute from what I'm seeing.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright let me poll the Board. Do you want to close it subject to
receipt of a survey with what was the new setback?
PAT MOORE : 32
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : One and half car garage, screened with landscaping showing all
existing and underground utilities and a 32 foot front yard setback. What do you think you want
to do that?
MEMBER DANTES : I'm good with closing it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Close.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I'm good with that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rob?
MEMBER LEHNERT : I'm comfortable with it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, I'm going to make a motion to close the hearing subject to
receipt of an amended survey which by the way I will still ask our secretary to forward to all
concerned parties.
JESSE GORDON : Will the survey will also be required to show drainage, drywells as well.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It will show drywells, it will show contour intervals. Drainage is a
requirement of the Building Department and on-site drainage will have to meet Chapter 236 of
the Town's Storm Water run-off chapter.
CHUCK KITTS : That's part of the building permit for the final C.O.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That is absolutely a legal requirement of the Building Department.
CHUCK KITTS : Yes.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So now I'm going to make a motion to close this hearing subject to
receipt of an amended survey it's the same front yard but it's going to be a one and a half car
garage, a 32 foot front yard setback from the property line and landscape screening showing
contours, showing underground utilities, showing all existing on-site development. Is there a
second to that motion? -
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Member Planamento seconds.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Kim will you call the roll please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Board member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARTY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The motion carries. Thank you all very much and thank you
everybody else who is listening in for you'r patience. You can see that we try very hard to make
sure that all parties can be heard properly. That's what small town democracy is supposed to
look like. Sometimes it takes a long time. My question now is, is Jeff Zahn is here to represent
Myftarago?
MATT HOGAN : We have a Jeff on the list. Can you just very quickly confirm that you are Jeff
Zahn. I allowed you to speak.
JEFF ZAHN : Yes can you hear me?
MATT HOGAN : Yes let me move you to panelist,just a moment.
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July 9; 2020 Regular Meeting
l
HEARING#7346—ALEKSANDER MYFTARAGO m
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we can hear you Jeff. I've already twice read into the record
exactly what the relief is.
JEFF ZAHN : I appreciate that and your patience.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'm just going to say one more time we're looking at an as built
accessory garage with a single side yard setback at 1 foot 5 inches and a rear yard setback of 0.2 '
inches where the code requires a minimum of 3 feet and you're enlarging the footprint
proposedly of the new dwelling which is the old one to be demolished that will bring the lot
coverage up from a currently non-conforming 24.9%to 27.45%. Is that correct?
JEFF ZAHN : That is correct.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you begin by explaining why you have to increase the lot
coverage since you're demolishing th,e house?Why can't you keep it the same size?
JEFF ZAHN : We could keep it you know it's 195 sq. ft. larger than what was there. We did push
back, because the existing house is 6.5 feet or 6.3 feet off the front property line. In
conformance with the average front yard setback we are now at 14 % feet and just to get the
house with the square footage with the four bedrooms that my client wishes for that was the
size of the footprint of the house that was required.`So we were hoping that we would be able
to get a variance for the lot coverage being that the existing house is 24.19% over the 20% you
know in lieu of the 20% that is permitted. I'm sure you guys have seen the house. It's really in
quite disrepair.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Oh we've seen it alright.
JEFF ZAHN : It's bad, really bad.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We understand.
.y
JEFF ZAHN : In fact when my client first contacted me he wanted to actually you know try to
refurbish and you know obviously it's not even a possibility to do that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN, : Let me see what the Board has to Rob questions, comments?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Yea question, every time this comes up you have a blank slate, why are we
asking for lot coverage? Leslie already asked that question.
JEFF ZAHN : That's a good question. It's just that the house was designed as to be honest with
you designing it with the property offsets and we thought we were conforming to everything
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
except for the lot coverage and*then when we went down there to the Building Department to
submit it we found out it did not meet the lot coverage. So being that the house you know is
what my client really wants and desired with the four bedrooms and the layout it's really tough
to take it doesn't sound like a lot 195 sq. ft. but1'when you take 195 sq. ft. off of a 1,200 sq. ft.
footprint it really chops up the house of what he wishes for.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : What's the front yard setback of the new dwelling from Oak Place?
JEFF ZAHN : It's actually 14.5 feet and that's to the covered porch so it's actually the front
fagade of the house is actually 17 feet, 17 %feet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is that conforming?
BOARD SECRETARY : Average Leslie average front yard.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay so that's the average.
MEMBER LEHNERT : Let me ask you the next question, if we didn't approve the lot coverage
you know where would you take it from the house or the garage?
JEFF ZAHN : That's a good question. If they didn't approve this would you take the 195 sq. ft. off
the house or the garage? (asking his client)
MEMBER LEHNERT : I know what you want to do I'm just you know like I said I hate when
someone comes in with a blank slate there's this close and you know were asking for a lot
coverage.
JEFF ZAHN : The unfortunate thing is it's a small lot, it's only 66 feet wide so it's not a large lot
in any way but that is a good question as far as you know with the one that you posed with the
garage. I'm sure you guys know the history of this. My clients they bought the house a little
over a year ago. The garage was dilapidated also and he rebuilt it not realizing he needed
permits to rebuild what was there so he was just matching basically the footprint of the existing
garage.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well we also you know we've seen the property as you know Jeff
and you know the garage is where it is. It was not appropriate for him to rebuild it with that
kind of setback. Is he going to repair or replace the existing fencing? You can't get a toothpick
between the garage and that fence but at least it provides some screening from the adjacent
properties.
JEFF ZAHN : Yes it would all be landscaped and fencing along the property.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you have any example of prior variances that are granted 27 %%
lot coverage?
JEFF ZAHN : I do not no.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you know what the average lot coverage is on those small non-
conforming lots in that neighborhood off of Oak Place?
JEFF ZAHN : In that neighborhood I do not no.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'll tell you, if there are precedents that the Board can rely on for
non-conforming lot coverage that's helpful to your application but if none exists then we are
much more reluctant to go ahead and grant a variance that's actually 7 %% over what the
maximum allows. You only have 25% now. Increasing it is a fairly big deal and I think it's not a
bad idea to consider if you really want that house that badly I think Member Lehnert suggestion
removing some of that-square footage to maintain the existing non-conforming lot coverage by
reducing the size of the garage is probably the better compromise. How do you respond?
JEFF ZAHN : I think that's a good idea. I would go over that with my client but I think he would
rather lose the square footage out of the garage than the dwelling.
MEMBER LEHNERT : Well that would be your choice.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The other thing though that I might point out, if in fact you're going
to remove something from the garage it would most definitely be beneficial if you removed it
from the back of the garage so that that setback which is now 0.2 becomes a more conforming
setback increasing that setback.
JEFF ZAHN : Yes I would agree with that and then even shave it off on the east side as well.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick, question?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I was just going to say it should be on the north side as you suggest
and the east so that it can look like one entire bay it will make the garage more conforming.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay, what we're going to need from,you then is a survey amending
the size of the garage and the setbacks okay and leaving the house the way you want it and
keeping the lot coverage to the existing 24.9%.
JEFF ZAHN : Okay perfect.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We will I don't know if there's anybody here for this application. Can
we check Matt that nobody else wants to speak.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MATT HOGAN : I don't see any commenters. I just want to make sure I'm looking at the right
one. I've got too many documents open here at once. No okay we have somebody who wants
to comment on the Hard Corners. We don't have anybody else who wants to comment on this
one.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Hearing no further comments or questions I'm going to make a
motion to close this hearing subject to receipt of an amended survey which is actually an
amended application because the side yards are going to change and the lot coverage is going
to change. So we're going to see this as an amended application.
JEFF ZAHN : Okay.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : The conversation is to limit the lot coverage to the existing 24.9%?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Correct and to increase the setbacks from the rear and side property
of the garage. So I don't think we need any architectural plans. I think a stamped survey
showing the proposed lot coverage and the smaller garage with greater setbacks is all we need.
Is that right board members yes I think so. So I make a proposal to close this subject to receipt
of an amended application showing this on a new survey. Is there a second?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Second.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Member Lehnert seconds. Kim will you call the roll please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Board member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Board member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Board member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :The motion carries.
HEARING#7393 ᳢—ALEXANDRA BAUNIRIND
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'm glad to say that I'm not happy that we're running so late but I'm
glad to say that I'm going to open up both of these applications at the same time which we
should have done anyway. We have two applications for deer fencing, one on the applicant's
developed property and the other one on the applicant's adjacent vacant property. So what I'm
going to do is read these legal notices. What is that?
MATT HOGAN : This is Kevin Reardon he's the representative and it looks like he's sharing his
screen.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Hi Kevin how are you?
KEVIN REARDON : Hi how are you. I don't know what just happened but I can see you guys on
the right side but nothing on my main screen is that okay?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Not really because our main screen oh that's better. Do we have the i
survey for the two properties Kim? Can you bring that up with screen sharing. While you're
doing that let me enter this into the record. This is an application for deer fencing Alexandra
Baumrind #739,3 & #7394. A Request for variance from Article,XXII Section 280-105 and the
Building Inspector's January 2, 2020 Notice of Disapproval based on an application to construct
an 8 foot deer fence at 1) more than the code permitted maximum 4 foot in height when
located in the front yard located at 1965 Mulberry Street and 2215 Mulberry Street in
Cutchogue. The first one is the developed lot the second one oh I'm sorry that's not right which
is which here? One lot is developed that is #7394 that's the undeveloped lot and the developed
lot is#7393. Got it okay. So deer fencing,just so you know
BOARD SECRETARY : Can you see my screen being shared?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you see this Kevin?
KEVIN REARDON : I sure can thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So we have deer fencing along a road and Kim can you move that up
a little bit?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I think you'll get the whole-thing if you reduce it.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Just make it smaller so we can see those properties at the same time
where it's going.
BOARD SECRETARTY : I don't know if I can get both of them on the same screen.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : In the meantime the first question I want to ask you Kevin is when
we did a site inspection the Notice of Disapproval says proposed deer fencing, it's up it's built.
KEVIN REARDON : We actually only have 6 foot high up in the back and it's not closed in the
front at all. We were holding off to hear this variance outcome before we did the front yard
which as you know can only be 4 foot high in the front. That's what's there right now. We
would be increasing it to 8 foot high which my contractor tells me my landscaper rather is
rather easy to do.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'm going to get out my big survey so I know what's going on.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Wasn't there also a small sized fence on the other property?
KEVIN REARDON : Should I explain the physicality of it?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It would appear that the deer fencing is already in place.
KEVINIREARDON : It is well the 6 foot high deer fence, we're asking for an 8 foot. What it is this
Mulberry St. is a private road that's about two thousand feet from Oregon Rd. We're the first
lot that you come to. We bought the second lot as you can see and the two adjoining lots past
that are owned by our neighbors behind us and across the street from us there's about thirty
acres of farm field which already has an 8 foot deer fence with very ugly 6 x 6 wooden blocks.
TQ the south of us a Christmas tree farm the Zuhoskis and the only neighbor, physical neighbor
we have is behind us and they are on 7 % acres overlooking the Long Island Sound on a bluff
and they have fifty foot high evergreen trees we can't even see them. (inaudible) thoughts are
that nobody drives on the street except us. They're already existing very unattractive deer
fences to be had now and ours would not be seen at all by anyone except us. There's also the
real reason we're putting it up is that my wife has had Lyme disease once before. This is our
retirement home. We're both in our sixties. We're going to have grandnieces and grandkids
coming over and we don't want them to be exposed to any sort of diseases because of too low
of deer fencing. Even though we know eight foot deer can get over but it's more of an incentive
certainly. ,
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : My question is this then, why do you need to put fencing on a vacant
property. Why not just surround your developed lot?
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KEVIN REARDON : Oh I see. One reason, if you see how close the driveway gets we wanted to
extend that in so that we wouldn't see it as much. The reason that it's'off on an angle like that
,there's no other to(say it but my landscaper made a mistake. It was supposed to go straight
along parallel to the existing property line by about 15 feet and he was misinformed and whfen
the survey came back in I was shocked because you can't first of all you at this depth it's very
hard to see it cause it's black but we didn't want it right up against our property or on our
property line because of the turnaround you see there. In reality when trucks come in to turn
around, UPS trucks they back up almost into the fence cause they just don't have enough turn
radius so we couldn't get closer to the property line.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well you know that's why you have two applications cause you got
two different lots here even though you own them both and what you're asking for you're_
probably not aware of. We are not allowed to have any accessory structure and a fence is an
accessory structure, on any property without a principle use. A dwelling is the principal use'.
Your developed lot is you know makes perfectly good sense and it isn't because your wife has
had Lyme disease, I have too. Almost everybody out here does and unfortunately the state
statutes do not allow us to personalize variance relief otherwise every single person in this
town would want deer fencing because of Lyme disease. So having said that you do have other
legitimate reasons for saying that; it's characteristic of the neighborhood and so on and so forth
'but having it on an adjacent property, we've actually had applications where we've had fencing
on adjacent property and we've had to require that they move it onto their own property
because if you wanted to put deer fencing up on that other property at some other time once
in future if you build another dwelling or sell it to someone who does, then they have every
right to put it up on the side and rear yards and possibly in the front yard with a variance. I
guess you've given us your answer as to why you put it there.
KEVIN REARDON : Let me ask you that, if you're not going to allow that fence on that lot and I -
understand your reasoning which you just explained to me would it be okay if'we moved it
inside of our lot line but made it 8 feet? We'd move the fence, would that be allowed so it's on
the 1965 Mulberry St.?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It would be allowed as of right in the rear and side yard but not in
the front yard you'd still need some variance relief because if it goes all the way across your
property-to' the road from the rear then some of it will be in the front yard but that's a
legitimate request for a variance.
KEVIN REARDON : Right so that's what I realized now this is the first time I'm hearing this that
you're not allowed to do that otherwise we wouldn't of wasted your time and ours. So what
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting'
you're saying is I would,have to move the fence inside our,property line which I don't have a
problem doing and then we would have to reapply for a variance?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No, what you can do is withdraw the variance for the undeveloped
lot or we can simply deny it either way and then you can move show on an amended survey the
fence 8 foot high deer fence along your property line on your developed lot and the other
question I'd like to ask you to consider is we have granted 8 foot high deer fencing'in front
yards but ninety nine percent of the'time we have asked them to meet the principal front yard
setback. So right now you've got it proposed just right where your'driveway starts with a little
gate and if you could
KEVIN REARDON : It's actually back about 15feet from where the driveway starts.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you+move it back to 35?
KEVING REARDON : Thirty five feet that would be very hard because then it would be sort of
getting into our lawn already. We're trying to keep it behind the existing shrubs and plants that
we will be putting in. The house is finished but we don't have a C. 0. at this moment but since
nobody drives on this street nobody will ever see it and there's deer fence across the street.
MEMBER LEHNERT : If we did entertain it in that yard couldn't we just condition it for screening,
vegetation?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : On the street side?
MEMBER LEHNERT : On the street side.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : It's almost being ridiculous because the deer are going to eat it
whatever you're going to plant out there.
MEMBER LEHNERT : I'm just trying to get around (inaudible)
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Privet hedge you don't even know it when the privet hedges are
planted with deer fencing so I think there are screening alternatives if that's a discussion.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : They'll eat just about anything. The only thing they tend to not eat
as much is green giant arborvitae and there's no guarantee they won't eat that either.
KEVIN REARDON : That's what we put in along that lot line that you see that the existing fences
we have we planted fifty of those. Right now we have indigenous shrubs and bushes and
evergreens in the front to try to mass that a little bit. We wanted to keep the views open we
didn't want to have to have to block our views of the fields and the vineyards. That's one of the
reasons we wanted to keep it down. The house actually faces primarily east and west.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : How far back do you have that fencing now along Mulberry and your
developed lot? What is the setback to the proposed fencing on the survey that we got it looks
like 20 feet to the property line is that right?
KEVIN REARDON :There's no fencing there now at all.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It looks like that's where it's proposed.
MEMBER LEHNERT : The other thing we need to think about here is Mulberry St. is a private
road. It's not exactly like we're talking about a town road here.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : True.
MEMBER LEHNERT : I'd have a lot of problems on town road. I have a lot less of a problem with
this on a private road like it's sitting.
KEVIN REARDON : May I add please that our neighbors who own the lots the two lots over to,
next to us bought them for the sole purpose not building anything on there. So to not block
their views either. We know that there's not going to be anyone going by our, properties
anytime soon thus we thought it wouldn't be a problem having that.
MEMBER ACAMPORA :That's was Corso's property that he did the road.
KEVIN REARDON : It was, that's exactly right and our neighbors who are Mike Judge and his
wife we spoke to them and they don't have any problem with it. They don't even use our road
they use Digmans Lane.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Right we know the area.
KEVIN REARDON : Okay it's a pretty area and we want to keep it that way as well.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I wanted to ask one question and I'm sorry if I can interrupt but the
property card illustrates that the ownership of both the developed lot and the vacant lot is in
your wife's name under Baumrind.
KEVIN REARDON : Yes she's here.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : So I'm just curious because and I appreciate what our Chairperson
had said about moving the fence into the developed lot, but are the two lots actually one?
KEVIN REARDON : No we never merged them.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Because they're in the same ownership but I didn't know what you're
interest you know in keeping single or separate.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
KEVIN REARDON : We didn't want anyone building there so-that's why we bought it. Are you
saying it might be easier to join them together?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Well if it was one lot you know I think the fencing issue is a different
conversation but you're saying it's (inaudible)two even though it's owned in the same name.
KEVIN REARDON : That's correct.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : What I think Nick is getting at is if it's a merged lot then you can put
it where you're proposing.
KEVIN REARDON : If for some reason we would need to sell that lot we couldn't. That's why we
(inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's a very big decision to merge a lot. I think at the moment what's
before us is a much less complicated which is to you want to withdraw the variance or should
we just deny it because we're going to have to write it up anyway.
MEMBER LEHNERT : It would be easier for us just to deny it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We'll just deny it on the undeveloped lot and you come back with a
survey showing the fencing along the side yard of your property with a greater setback from the
front yard from Mulberry St. as you deem feasible.
KEVIN REARDON : Okay and also just so that we're on the same page there's a picture of a gate,
it's an aluminum gate it's the most minimalistic one that I could find. It lets light and air
through. Would that be okay?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes that's fine, fine with me.
KEVIN REARDON : Okay so that's what we have to do and then how do I, do I have to reapply to
the ZBA?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No, all you have to do is go to your surveyor, have them make the
corrections we just discussed and send it into the office. As soon as we get it we will then
prepare a decision and we will deliberate on that decision at the next scheduled meeting. We
can only deliberate and vote when we're meeting before the public. The next one is scheduled
for one week from today. I don't know that you can get the surveyor to move that fast. What
we'll do is we already have sort of a draft prepared anyway so what we're going to do is just
hold onto that, we'll amend what we've written up and we'll wait to get the survey and as soon
as we get it Kim will let you know what our next meeting date is. I can deliberate at a Regular
Meeting, we only do a few of them there if necessary which is like a public hearing like we're
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
having today. We do it first thing in the morning when we start. If the next one is a Special
Meeting. You can sit in on either one of those to listen. We won't take testimony on the
deliberation because we're closing the hearing but we'll be able to give you, you can listen to
the decision we make and Kim can notify you when that's going to be based on when you get us
that survey.
KEVIN REARDON : Let's say I can get you the survey, does the fence how far does the fence right
on the property line?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea as long as it's set in you know even half, six inches.
KEVIN REARDON : Okay fair enough.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : As long as it's on your property.
KEVIN REARDON : Gotcha.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : There is no setback for a fence. Are we all clear on everything?
KEVIN REARDON I am. Kim can I contact you if I have any questions?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : She's nodding yes.
KEVIN REARDON : May I contact you with questions please?
BOARD SECRETARY : Yes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anybody else here who wants to address the application? I
don't think so.
MATT HOGAN : I don't see anything for this application no.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, I'm going to make a motion to close the hearing subject to
receipt of an amended survey both hearings. Do I have to do them separately I probably should.
Okay motion to close Baumrind #7394, is there a second?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Member Acampora, I'll second.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Kim call the roll please.
BOARD SECRETARTY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARTY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries. The next application is the one for the Alexandra
Baumrind #7393 and this was for the is that the undeveloped lot. I've got this all confused
that's the developed lot, anyway motion to close is there a second.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I'll second.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's subject to receipt of that survey by the way.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : We opened them together so aren't they closed together?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Not really, I just decided to close them separately because they're
two separate applications? I opened them together because they were so in twined with each
other that it was silly not to talk about them both at once. So we have a second from Member
Acampora. Kim would you call the roll please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
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BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson`Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries. So both of these are closed.
HEARING#7398—RIMOR DEVELOPMENT, LLC, HARVEST POINT CONDOMINIUM
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Again thank you all who are here in attendance for your patience. I
think we might typically in the meeting hall I would not limit comments to a particular time
frame but you can see what's happening here, people need to have their say so I'm tend to be
quite lenient about the length of comments but I would really appreciate it if people would try
to be very brief and very precise in what they say. I think maybe Matt there are a lot of-people
on, do you want to review how they can participate or is that not necessary.
MATT HOGAN : That's definitely worth reviewing again. If anybody is here to comment on any
of these meetings we ask that you look in the lower section of your screen for the Q&A button
and if you could just send us a quick message with your name and the hearing you wish to
comment on. What we'll do is we will rename you with the hearing name next to you and then,
when we start that hearing we'll bring you in as a commenter and you can comment on mike.-
With
ike:With that being said we have two representatives for hearing twelve but I don't have any,,
commenters so we should be set to go.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay do you want to bring them in.
MATT HOGAN': They're already here.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay . This is for the twelfth agenda item. This is application 7398
Rimor Development, LLC Harvest Point Condominium. This is a' request fora variance from
Article XXII Section 280-105A and, the Building Inspector's January 23, 2020 Notice of,
Disapproval based on an application for a permit to construct a 10 foot high fence surrounding
a tennis court at 1) more than the code permitted four (4) feet in height when located in tHe'
front yard located at 51 Millstone Lane (Harvest Point Lane) in Cutchogue. This is 10 foot high
tennis fence around'a tennis court which is in a front yard. The code only permits a maximum of
4% feet in a front yard. Let's see what else we have here, the tennis court was approved by the
Planning Board on a site plan'dated 9/26/2017 and we have a survey but it doesn't really show
the specific location,of this tennis court. However we have inspected the property and we do
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
know where it's located, where it's being proposed to be built. Can we have the applicants
testify, tell us anything you'd like us know about the application, Henry?
HENRY ALIA : Good afternoon everybody. I think it's fairly self-explanatory but we have a tennis
court that I believe was a 4 foot high fence was allowed as per the approved site plan and we
are looking to put a install if you will a 10 foot high fence around the perimeter of the tennis
court.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We do have a letter I don't know, did you get a copy of the letter
from Sacred Heart Parish the church that's adjacent to you sir?
HENRY ALIA : I did not.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Basically all they're saying is that they're requesting evergreen
planting on the south side of the proposed fence to screen the tennis court and the high fence
from the view by church parishioners.
HENRY ALIA : I do not see that as being an issue at all.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's really the only question I've got. Let's see Nick do you have
any questions?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Actually I wanted to bring up that letter cause I was a little taken back
by it that I actually visited the site again yesterday to better understand exactly where that
structure is located or the Sacred Heart Parish on Main Rd. So while you're supportive and
thank you for saying that you'll work the landscaping I'm assuming that the original site plan
and approval from the Planning Board has a landscaping plan.
HENRY ALIA : That is correct.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I didn't see that in my packet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We don't have it.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Right but is there something you can tell us about that or are you
working with the approved which I would think would be all that needs to be done or do we
have to enhance it in light of the neighbor's request?
HENRY ALIA : We're working with the approved but we're certainly looking to work if there's
somebody or a neighbor that had a comment or something that we could do. Listen it's a rather
large development. There's a lot of money involved with "the development. We're looking to
please whoever we can please and to plant evergreens. I don't think I think that I can speak for
the owners. I don't believe they're on the Zoom conference but I am sure that plantings can be
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
done to make that neighbor feel comfortable and'happy and not have to look at a 10 foot fence
if they don't want to look at it. I mean there is no buildings that adjacent property is very dense
so you know you can't even see the church from where we area
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : And the structures are quite a distance away. I mean you know this is
really the most northern tip of their property so you know while if it's something that you
would like to do I don't know if that's something we should even get involved with. I mean it's'
well screened and if there's a landscape plan already existing I don't know if anything is
necessary in my opinion.
HENRY ALIA : Just one further comment, there is a buffer there that we hold a 50 foot natural
buffer so Nick if I may that maybe something that even if I wanted to do it or the developers
wanted to do it we may not be able to do it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We only have this very small I guess you can see this survey that's in
front of us that's highlighted in yellow the yellow area maybe thank you Kim make that a little
bit bigger. I'm trying to see if there's any kind of buffer on that. I presume that's your approved
site plan?
HENRY ALIA : That is correct.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :There's something here, I can't read it.
HENRY ALIA : Kim I did submit a large section of that. I don't know if that could be pulled up?
MEMBER DANTES : I have one in front-of me, it looks like the buffer ends somewhere like just
short of the tennis court.
HENRY ALIA : That is correct. It's almost on I think that there's probably you know you're talking
within 5 feet I think it's less I think it's within a foot or two.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well if there's room along there there's certainly no harm in meeting
the request of the/church. The applicant is willing to do it and I think that that's a good solution,
all the way around cause it's very unclear from this very small drawing exactly what kind, of,
buffering and whether it's vegetated buffering that's natural buffer or whether it's a
landscaped buffer it doesn't I can't see it.
HENRY ALIA : You know if I lower my screen a little bit you can look out that window and see it
right behind me. I'm joking but not joking. It is right behind me. There is fairly dense and you
were out here, there is fairly dense (inaudible) so it may not even you know listen, we would I
can speak for the owners. We would not have a problem doing it if there was a complaint. I'm
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
not too sure I probably have to speak to Heather Lanza and or Brian Cummings in" Planning to
make sure that we could do that or we have the ability to do that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well I can't tell from what's in front of me whether you have the
room. It just isn't clear enough. I would suggest
BOARD SECRETARY : I do have the site plan here it's the large site plan. It does show that
natural buffer area which is
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Kim can you just hold that up in front your face and Matt can you
put her on speaker view you know so that (inaudible) larger.
BOARD SECRETARY : I don't think it can get any clearer than that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Then forget it.
BOARD SECRETARY : It does show the 50 foot natural buffer area which is south of the tennis
court there on this site plan. I'm sure there's further details in the Planning Department records
that we can find regarding
MEMBER LEHNERT : Why would he need permission to trees in a natural buffer?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No I wouldn't want it in the natural buffer it's just if there is no
natural buffer of 50 feet there, 50 foot natural buffer is pretty big. You're going to have a lot of
leaves on the tennis court.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : But that was my point in bringing this up when you spoke about the
letter, I don't want to suggest that the neighbor shouldn't have an opinion but it seems that
there is a landscaping plan already in place, there's a natural buffer. If the applicant wants to do
something on their own that's fine but I think that's beyond our conversation.
MEMBER LEHNERT : Yea it's not like the church backs right up to this.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Thank you.
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No the church isn't even being used.
HENRY ALIA : That's true.
MEMBER LEHNERT : It's no big deal.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright you know what, we've discussed it enough. Is there anybody
else here who wants to talk about this application? I don't think there's anybody else. We just
got the letter I think that's it basically. I'm obligated to bring it up and I wasn't sure that we
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
even have time but we just got I didn't think you had time to look it over and as a consequence
because we have so limited surveys and site plans I don't really have the final approved site
plan,in a form that I can read so I'm just simply going,to suggest that we discuss it and we'll just
leave it at that. If you have a 50 foot buffer and the Board feels that that's adequate for site
plan we'll leave it at that. Is there anybody else, Sherrie I guess you're representing the
application also is that correct?
HENRY ALIA : She's looking in she can unmute herself if she'd like.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't know if she wants to say anything or not. She's now
unmuted. Sherrie do you want to add anything to this?
SHERRIE : No I'm good. I've enjoyed listening to all the back and forth.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay, hearing no further questions or comments I make a motion to
close the hearing reserve decision to a later date is there a second?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Member Planamento seconds the motion.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay we have a second would you call the roll call please Kim.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Da'ntes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries. Thank you this hearing is closed. We will have a
decision for you actually a week from now.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
HEARING 3 7400-= ERIK SMITH
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is the thirteenth item on the
agenda Erik Smith #7400. Request for variance from Article III Section 280-15 and the Building
Inspector's January 31, 2020 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to
construct an accessory in-ground swimming pool at 1) located in other than the code required
rear yard located at 280 Homestead Way in Greenport. Is Jennifer DelVaglio here, yes there she
is.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : I'm unmuted.
MATT HOGAN : This would be a good time to remind people that if you have joined and you
wish to comment on one of the two remaining hearings at this point please just drop the note
in the Q&A and let us know your name and which hearing you'd like to comment on. Thanks.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Matt. Hi there. So this is a pool in the front yard on a
property that has two street frontages.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO :That's correct.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, how high is the fence that's in place along CR48?
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : I believe it's 6 feet and it's a stockade fence.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Did that get variance relief by any chance do you know?
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : It was put in by the previous homeowner so I'm not a hundred percent
sure.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We don't have any priors submitted on it but it seems familiar to
me.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : Do you want me to follow up on it and see if there's a C.O. pulled for it
or a permit?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That would be good but the bottom line is I do know for sure that I
think it was also on Homestead and 48 we did grant a variance for a six foot high fence in the
front yard as screening for a swimming pool a very similar application and we do have a
precedent for that. Just so that you know we've all inspected the property every Board member
has done so.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : Okay great.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : What else, is there anything else you'd like us to know?
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : No I think it's pretty straightforward they have a hardship with the two
front yards and the left side if you're at if 48 is to your back the left side of the property is very
sloped if you try to tuck the pool behind the house so it seemed like this was the kind of the
best place for them to put the pool. You can tell that you can't really put it on the right side of
the house so for all of those reasons that's why we placed the pool where we're proposing it on
the survey.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well frankly even if you moved it over to behind the house it's still in
a front yard.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : I know we can't win with this lot.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't even think you have a rear yard. You have two side yards and
two front yards.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : Yea exactly.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay let's see if the Board has any questions, anything from
anybody? I'm not hearing anything. Is here anyone else Rob did you want to make a comment?
MEMBER LEHNERT : No, no questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anybody else here for this application? I don't think so.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I was just going to say to break up the noise I see that you have a
proposed waterfall so crank it up.
JENNIFER DELVAGLIO : I know, I know we're giving it a separate pump.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay very good. Hearing no further questions or comments I make a
motion to close the hearing reserve decision to a later date. Can someone second the motion?
MEMBER LEHNERT : I'll second it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Member Lehnert seconds the motion. Kim will you call the roll
please.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.-'
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Member Planamento how do you vote?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Planamento votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries.
HEARING#7387—HARD CORNERS PROPERTIES, LLC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Hard Corners Properties,
LLC#7387. Nick I believe you are recused on this.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Yes so I'm going to switch everything off. Lou if you can buzz me
when it's time to return I'd appreciate it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I do want to inform everyone who is here for this application, we
have the architect here Rob Brown and Kim are you going to bring up the site plan? Let me read
the Notice of Disapproval. I do want to just simply state before we get going that we will not be
able to close this application today because we do not have a final SEQRA determination. We
are awaiting that from the Planning, Board who is lead agency. This is primarily a site plan
application and we are anticipating receiving that determination as a negative declaration very
soon but I cannot close it and we can't deliberate on this variance that's before the Zoning
Board until that is received. So this is a request for a variance from Article X Section 280-46 and
the Building Ins'pector's January 14, 2020 Notice of Disapproval based on an application to
construct a mixed-use commercial building with accessory apartments and four single family
dwellings upon a 99;208 sq. ft. parcel at 1) one commercial and four residential uses upon a
single parcel measuring less than the minimum allowed 100,000 sq. ft. in total area located at
53530 Main Rd. in Southold. We have five (5) uses each requiring 20,000 sq. ft. per use and I
just stated what they were and the applicant has a 99,208 sq. ft. parcel instead of 100 sq. ft.
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Site plan approval from the Planning Board-is also required. Let's see, where is Rob? Rob are
you there, Rob Brown?
ROB BROWN : Can you hear me?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I can hear you. Are you on camera or no?
ROB BROWN : Yes I am.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We have a,lot of people on so, now I've got,you.
MATT HOGAN : Just really quickly, we do have as you just mentioned a lot of people here who
want to comment on this so please I ask for everybody to remain muted until you're called on it
will help to streamline things a little bit. Thanks.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Go ahead Rob.
ROB BROWN : Well you pretty much described the project. We're asking for 0.8% square
footage relief on the required 100,000 sq. ft. for the structures. It's a mixed,use building on the
Main Rd.; three,retail spaces and three affordable apartments above 'that and then four one
story two bedroom over 55 rental units, individual homes with attached one and a half car
garages. We've tried to be as sensitive to the property as we can and really if you have any
questions I'd be happy to address them.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Before•we get to that, is there any other individual here representing
this application?
MEMBER DANTES : Can I ask a question Leslie?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea go ahead.This is Member Dantes.
MEMBER DANTES : So I'm looking at the Notice of Disapproval versus the public notice, the,
Notice of Disapproval doesn't say that it says the number of buildings is the variance not the
number of uses.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No that's because the number of uses is greater than permitted by
the lot area. Itis a lot area variance. It has nothing to do with the uses. They are all permitted as
of right. This is simply that you need 20,000 sq. ft. for each use. They're determining that each
of the buildings is a' separate use even though they' are all residential Swith you know an
accessory commercial. That's why it's written that-way unless Bill Duffy clarifies it differently
that is my understanding. So what's, before us is a variance for approximately 0.8% relief for
insufficient lot area. All of the other major considerations will be handled by the Planning Board-
as lead agency. We do have. a number of people who are in the neighborhood who have
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
comments. Many of them have written in I imagine because they came in so late Rob you
probably don't have any of these letters from neighbors or do you?
ROB BROWN : I received a copy of one letter.
BOARD SECRETARY : I'll send them to him tomorrow.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright we'll send all those to you but in the meantime I've got at
least five letters here and what I will do and I certainly want to allow ample time for anyone in
the public who wants to be heard on this matter to do so by participating live in the Zoom thing
but let me summarize what some of the concerns were. A number of them made reference to
environmental impacts; concern for loss of green space with drainage or the use of IA sanitary
systems or what kind of sanitary'system will you be using. There's some concern for the type of
plantings, whether they'll be native or not. There's a number of buildings, they want to talk
about the scale of those buildings. One thing that I think is needed to clarified, this is an HB
zoned property. It is not a residentially zoned property. Therefore what can happen on it is
different 'in terms of density than what happens on a residential property. One individual
wanted some greater'confirmation that it is not feasibly profitable if you have four buildings
instead of five buildings which was part of your application. There was indication that there was
no financial evidence to verify that claim that was submitted and actually a number of things
that are referenced here are all matters that are things that the Planning Board would be
dealing with, ingress and egress that's all Planning Board. Driveways can be moved, parking can
be moved, the type of parking that's being proposed.that's all part of the site plan process. I'm
simply saying this to inform individuals in the neighborhood who are here to make heard their
concerns that the bigger bite of the apple here is the Planning Board hearing. They will have to
have a public hearing and address all concerns voiced by the public. So Rob can you clarify any
of those issues before we get to any questions from the Zoning Board members and then
hearing from the attendees?
ROB BROWN : The individual homes the four houses are intended to have IA sanitary systems.
Possibly the front building as well probably the front building as well. In terms of reducing the
number of buildings we can reduce the number of houses by clustering but then we're talking
about structures that are way out of scale for that community. The distance between the
houses is based on just a visual review of developments on the adjacent development in
Mechanic Street and Youngs Ave. those houses are all essentially the same-'sort of spacing that
we're talking about here. Yes there are a number of issues that the Planning Board will be
addressing. We had a work session with the Planning Board earlier this week and we are in the
process of addressing some of their concerns none of which have anything to do with the
variance that we're requesting here.
July'9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rob let me ask you something just for the benefit of those attending,
our Zoom meetings this was also a work session done on Zoom, our Zoom meetings are all
public records. They're all recorded live and they are all available for viewing on the, town's
website at some point or another and a written transcript is also available. So anybody who
wants to hear what.the discussion was at that Planning Board work session can have access to,
that conversation. Rob are there any other kind of green technologies besides the IA systems
that are going to be involved in this project-?
ROB BROWN : At this point no we're just trying to keep the impact minimal. A large percentage
of the property will be left as original growth. We're just providing a lawn area surrounding the
houses and surrounding the new structure but other than.that between the parking lot and the
houses and•surrounding the houses is all natural vegetation.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay because what we have is a site plan but we don't have a
landscape plan so We don't know what existing deciduous trees are remaining and so on but
the Planning Board will have all of that information.
ROB BROWN : We had that discussion with the Planning Board already.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's see if the•Board had anything Rob do you have anything else
you want to say?
ROB BROWN : No I'm just ready to•answer`any questions you might have,.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : okay let's see what the Board members want to hear. What board
member wants to go first? Eric do you want to•start?
MEMBER DANTES : I don't really have a question, the site plan I have does say natural'
vegetation on it but no I don't have any questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rob how about you?
MEMBER LEHNERT : I have no questions right now. /
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I have no questions either at this time.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, well perhaps we'll open this up then to the 'people in
attendance and listen to what they have to say about it. Let's see-who we have here, we have a
lot of people in attendance. Who is number one, Charles Scalise:
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHARLES SCALISE : I am the partner and owner and also Gail Wickham my attorney,is out there
as well.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Did you want to add anything?
CHARLES SCALISE : Not really, I mean we've worked very, hard. I'm also the previous owner of
Feather Hill across the street and I own several properties in the neighborhood. We worked
,
very hard at making this conducive to the neighborhood needs and because it's HB it could
have been much more commercial retail oriented and we chose not to do that. We met with
many town people about the 55 and older which is something that is a need for the community
as rentals and the affordable housing is something that is a request of the HB zoning when
developing so that's why we did that as well. We also brought the`55 and older cause it helps
with the Health'Department and using new hybrid systems. So there wa's a lot of thought that
went into this prior to spending the money to do the drawings. We thought it was the best use
of the property versus some of the previous-site plans I've seen for this property in years past.
I've been part of the community for close to thirty years and we're here to be good neighbors.
We're not here to be disruptive and something will get developed there whether it's I or
someone else but we thought this was the best approach.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay' thank you. I do want to enter into the record that we did
receive requested comments from the Plarining Board on June 24th and they are in support of
this application for this small variance based upon the fact that there is a great deal of need for
the affordable rental housing especially for seniors and that it is supportive both by the location
in the hamlet business center and for compliance with the recommendations in the town's
Comprehensive Plan. So that's what Planning Board comments were.-Let's see what let me let
in Andrea Weiss. Can you unmute yourself or Matt can you do that for her?
ANDREA WEISS : Yes I'm here, I have a few questions. One is, our household there's four houses
on our private road and our house was the only one notified of this meeting. Why was that?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well Kim can answer that. The staff looks at the various go ahead
Kim.
BOARD SECRETARY If the property shares the actual property line they would get a mailing. Do
all the four properties share the property line with particular subject lot?
ANDREA WEISS : Yes because they yes, there are only four houses an.d. we all share what we
share is our private road abuts this property.
BOARD SECRETARY : All of them abut this subject lot you're saying?
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July'9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No they abut-the shared road. Andrea in order to be in receipt looks'
there's a yellow card that's posted, that's'what's supposed to notify'anybody passing by and
allow anybody who is interested to be notified. The mailings are only required for people who
share a property line not a road. That's why you got it.
ANDREA WEISS : I see okay.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anything else?
ANDREA WEISS : Yes, I want to know why if the developer knew from the beginning that what
he was designing was too large for the property why that is what he designed?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rob do you want to answer that or Charles?
ROB BROWN : I can just say that we felt that the variance we would be asking for was of such a
nominal amount that it was worth requesting to do this development properly.
ANDERA WEISS : Okay I have another question, you mentioned earlier about that you were
going to be leaving some of the native-vegetation but we've been watching the native trees
come down on that lot over the past year while the invasive species have been left to take over.
What is your definition of the native vegetation and what are you planning to do in those
areas?
CHARLES SCALISE : Rob let me answer part of that. I mean the landscape plan has not been;
finished yet and a full survey of trees. When you speak about trees that have come down, trees'
have only come down per the town visiting the lot with us what we deemed possibly dangerous
okay. There are old and rotted trees there. I would hate to see ones come down which even of
recent two weeks ago no two,months ago I'm sorry iri'a storm on'e came down onto the street
over on Wells and we immediately picked it up and disposed of it within a day. So it's more,
about hazard and liability than it is about clearing.
ANDREA WEISS : However that lot is vastly cleared from how it was a.year a year and a half ago
when you first bought it. We now can see excuse me?
CHARLES SCALISE : I can assure you that it's not the case.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I want.to interrupt here for a moment With all due respect, we need
to address what is before the Zoning Board. Buffers and those kinds of things are all the
purview and jurisdiction of the Planning Board. What is before us is a variance for insufficient
lot size which is less than one percent relief than what the code requires.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
ANDREA WEISS : If I might just say one more thing, I understand that a lot of our concerns that
have been raised are for the Planning Board but it's a kind of false distinction between over
building the lot and the kinds of concerns that we have about native vegetation, leaving green
zones and so on. So the fact that what he's asking for is slightly larger rather than something
smaller than what the-law allows means inevitably that the available green zone is going to be
shrunk by that.
ROB BROWN : I just want to state that in terms of overbuilding, we're proposing a lot coverage
of just over 13% and we would be allowed by code lot coverage of 40%. So I would not call this
overbuilding this lot.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Rob, Eric you wanted to make a comment?
MEMBER DANTES : Right, my question is I know the applicant said his attorney was on the call
as well, should she be brought in as a panelist to speak or is she just here to observe?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : She can be brought in if she wants to be that's Gail Wickham.
MEMBER DANTES : I just don't know if they had that intention or'she's just waiting for her turn I
don't know, does she want to be a panelist?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you send I'm looking to see if there's anything in here.
MEMBER DANTES : Does Charles want her as a panelist?
CHARLES SCALISE : If we can find her and it doesn't slow you down yes please.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's not a problem for us. Matt can you contact,Gail Wickham and
ask her if she would like to join as a panelist?She's listening in as,an attendee.
MATT HOGAN : I can promote her very easily just a moment. Gail would you like us to promote
you? You should be able to unmute now. Wondering if her audio wasn't join. Oh hi Gail can you
hear us?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Gail are you there?
MATT HOGAN : What I'll do I will promoting her anyways because it forces a reconnect with the
audio so let's see if that helps just a minute Gail. Gail can you try speaking you should be
unmuted.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It is unmuted but nothing's happening.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
MATT HOGAN : Gail very quickly if you go to the lower left hand corner on your screen by the
mute button there's a little up arrow, look for audio settings and you can choose your
microphone make sure you have the right device selected there. It looks like she's having some
technical difficulties if we want to maybe try again later.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let me just carry on. I think Kim I think you can probably get rid of
this site plan so that we can all see each other a lot easier instead of taking up that screen.
Hello everybody, it's just easier for me to navigate from speaker to speaker this way. So let's go
on to another individual, I think Greta Schiller is here and she wants to say a few words. Greta
would you unmute yourself please.
GRETA SCHILLER : Hi. I had a few comments. Number one, whoever from the town supposedly
went and cleared trees from that lot they don't know trees. I know trees and what they did was
they cut out some of the beautiful old red cedars, oak and wild cherry. What is left on that lot is
one black walnut and all the Norway maples. Norway maples are an invasive species which
have been banned from sale so someone is not telling the truth there. The other thing is I had a
question of the whole Main St., Einstein Square and (inaudible) spaces in Feather Hill
(inaudible) especially affordable housing (inaudible). I wonder what the ZBA thinks about that
because it just seems like inappropriate building on the space. The other question in had was
will the parking be gravel. (inaudible) is hot and leads to runoff and poisons the ecosystem so
I'm very concerned about those questions. The last question for now is how would you define
affordable and who (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let me try one, two, three. First of all, retail uses that is a permitted
use in the HB zone. We have no authorization so deny anybody applying for that. If they fail as a
business that's on them. We just have no authority to do anything about it, it's permitted by
law. With regard to the permeability of the driveway that's absolutely an appropriate question
but it's for the Planning Board. It is not before the Zoning Board. We have no authority to
determine anything about driveways and the second one was what the one in the middle Greta
I've lost track.
GRETA SCHILLER : That's alright we're all like in COVID zone thinking. I was just saying that
whoever is so called monitors the trees doesn't know trees and that's a problem.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay I do know what the other question was now, you wanted to
know how do you determine affordability?
GRETA SCHILLER : Yes.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The town has an affordable housing registry and individuals must
apply. Individuals qualify based upon several factors. This is not subsidized housing. This is for
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
people who are basically working and living in the town of Southold who have incomes more or
less what a teacher would make or a nurse would make. So there is a process and in fact people
who are on that list, if they want to apply to say one of those units there's a lottery. There's
such a long waiting list that there's literally a lottery that's conducted to see who's lucky
enough to get one of the units.
GRETA SCHILLER : Which underscores my other point which is making that into all affordable
housing benefits the town a lot more than building more commercial space. I know that
(inaudible) to the owner of the property and architect I'm just throwing it out there this makes
a lot more sense.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well you know what, why don't we ask some of the applicants here,
do you have any idea what the proposed retail spaces would be used for or not?
CHARLES SCALISE : We've had some interest in professional and medical which is something
that is always in demand and to the point of staying in business medical supports the
community and in time throughout the year and I have several other medical sites on the Fork
and they've performed very well and serviced the community.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So you're not necessarily considering a retail store in there?
CHARLES SCALICE : I'm considering whoever is willing to pay the rent and works well with the
space but at this point and time if you're asking the question I've had interest in medical again.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay again this comes all back before the Planning Board. Let me
just explain something, the state statutes that the Zoning Board has to apply in determining
variance relief were put into place by the state as a kind of safety valve for anybody that wants
to do anything that's not specific to the letter of the law. It's to provide relief from that law
when reasonable and reasonable comes down to six different state statutes which are right in
the application. It's character of the neighborhood, it's do they have an alternative, it's what is
the percentage of relief is it a big relief or a very small. In this case it's less than 1%. What is the
impact on the environment, we care about that too that would be more drainage and things
like that and it's a balancing test. So we have to balance all of those factors and in the end we
have to determine whether the variance relief potentially granted benefits to the applicant
outweigh any detriment to the community or vice versa. So that in a nut shell is kind of a zoning
101 for variances which is very different from planning issues. Let's see, we do have other
people on here that I would like to hear from. There's a Lisa, Lisa Schiller do you want to
unmute yourself and make any comment and ask any questions.
LISA SCHILLER : You're doing a great job on holding this together and making everything so
coherent. One initial question I have is you know this I don't know if it's Germaine at this point
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in time but why is it considered five uses when there's three retail stores and there's two
apartments above that so that's five and then there's four houses. That seems like nine uses.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well this is a Building Department determination and they are
basically I don't know Bill are you still on here? Bill Duffy that's our Town Attorney. Can you
come on and explain why the Building Department would determine five buildings or five uses
and not based on the number of units in each of the building?
T. A. DUFFY : It was really just a code interpretation they were going by whether that's how the
code is worded whether something is square footage based on use or based upon building. This
is HB isn't it?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes it is.
T. A. DUFFY : So we did a recent determination that it doesn't go'by use it goes by the building
size I believe. Wasn't that our recent determination?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's what the Planning Board asked us to interpret in the hamlet
business zone, yes.
LISA SCHILLER : So you made the decision that it was five not nine?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We didn't the Building Department is going by what the prior
determination by the Zoning Board interpreting the code was that the Planning Board
requested us to do.
T. A. DUFFY : The determination was based on a prior many years ago the ZBA looking at the
same exact language the then ZBA looking at the same exact language in the different zoning
district made that determination so when the current or almost current board was asked to
look at it they're really kind of their hands were tied because you're looking at the same exact
language that had already been interpreted in other zoning districts so kind of did the same
interpretation there.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I know this is complicated. It was for a different zoned district than
this one but we said that the prior determination which was for a business zone also applies to
a hamlet business zone which is what this property it. It wasn't for this property that they asked
for this determination.
LISA SCHILLER : So that determination has been made and there's nothing you can do about it
even though frankly it doesn't seem logical?
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MEMBER DANTES : Eric Dantes. Basically the thinking was if five little stores or one big store it's
the same use it's the same impact.
LISA SCHILLER : It's the same impact.
MEMBER DANTES : (inaudible) develop smaller retail spaces rather than to kind of keep the
mom and pop stores in the code.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well one of the things you do you have to understand is that we're
looking at something that's called the Bulk Schedule which has to do with the dimensions and
that's side yard setbacks, front yard setbacks, lot coverage sand they're only before us for a lot
area variance which is less than one percent of what (inaudible). Now they are allowed to put
20% lot coverage on there and with all those uses they're only proposing 13 is that right Rbb?
ROB BROWN : I think we're allowed 40 but
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Oh right 40 cause it's hamlet business.
ROB BROWN : But we are showing 13.3% lot coverage.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I know it gets very complicated.
LISA SCHILLER : I understand every single thing you're saying and when you look at that lot and
what the building coverage is and when you consider the actual number of uses because of the
way it's split up you know you can you know it's open to interpretation but that's just my
opinion.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well it has been interpreted and here's the point, if you really want
to get logical about it you've' got four and a half residential buildings which is one use-
residential and you got one floor on one building as retail. You can see that as two uses if you
wanted to.
T. A. DUFFY : Also square footage don't forget square footage per use is just one thing that kind
of controls the intensity of the use. You're also going to have sanitary flow from the
Department of Health reviewing this and that's going to limit the amount of uses. Parking
requirements can also limit the amount of uses going on so it's not just square footage. They
have to meet several other criteria besides just having enough square footage.
LISA SCHILLER : What is the reason they're 32 parking places if it's just three small retail stores?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well that's a site plan issue again but that's determined ,by how
many parking spaces per residential unit are required by code, correct Bill?
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
I
T. A. DUFFY : Yea 1' mean I don't know I haven't looked at examined if they're exactly meeting
what's required or if they added a couple of extra I don't know.
LISA SCHILLER : They added two or four extra spaces.
BOARD SECRETARY : There's calculations on the site plan that you know counted how many
parking spaces. i
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN ': There's a code and they'll be required if they're doing more than
what the code allows they'll be required to get a variance for it and they haven't applied for any
of that. You got to understand that it's a work in progress here and there'll be much done,
through the Planning Board. Rob sorry I interrupted you.
ROB BROWN : I'm sorry I just wanted to say that there is a parking calculation on the site plan
and the number of parking spaces required is based on the square footage of'retail and the
number of residential units.
.CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let me do this, let me move on to some of the other neighbors who
want to make some comments. There's George you're on, can you hear me can you unmute
yourself please.
GEORGE TIETJEN : Thank`you very much'. First time participant although I do speak from time to
time. I'm in Department'of'Management and Development business but on a much bigger scale'
but I think what the perspective owners are proposing is very, very reasonable. It is a lower
density that is permitted. The commercial proposal fits in with the neighborhood. You have a
bank to the west, you have a shopping center to the north and you have a walkable commercial
district to the east. They're providing affordable housing in an area where it's drastically
needed and you're providing single family dwellings that are very, very walkable. I think that a
less than one percent miss in terms of the size of the parcel is de minimus quite frankly and I'm
personally as a resident here I'm in complete support of what they're proposing. Tietjen,
George.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you George. Richard is there a Richard there? Did you want to
say something please?
RICHARD MOORE : Yes thank you Chairperson. First of all I'm coming from Houston where we
can all see the issues that happened if you don't have zoning. It's more than an academic issue!
and so I'm very sensitive to these things. I think the committee has gotten the email I sent last
night and I think the representatives of the applicant has as well. Can I just confirm that and if
so I won't burden I'll just keep this very short.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You sent a letter an email? Let me see if I got that. Yes I did.
RICHARD MOORE : So if you got that and there's no decision being made today I'll try to hit a
couple of high points quickly. First of all I do my wife and I we think that there's a problem using
the economics as a justification you know which is explicitly in what's in by the applicants is a
rational to override you know the zoning requirements without putting those economics before
the committee and before the public. I think it's an unreasonable assertion to say that the
difference between three houses and four you know makes or breaks this project and I think if
that's going to be a bases for the application a basis for the decision that should be a matter of
public record in either just asserting that I won't make enough money isn't sufficient. I would
touch briefly on the it's only one percent argument. I would argue that there's clearly there
would be four usages, four usages would be 80,000 sq. ft. and so when I think about the
incremental usage the incremental fifth usage is 19,000 sq. ft. so it's really a deviation of 5%
you know 19,000 over 20,000 as opposed to 99,000 over 100,000 because the four units you
know four buildings are clearly allowed by the calculation so I think the deviation is really 5% as
opposed to 1%. 1 think it's a little bit of a false narrative to say well we could have just you know
built fewer larger buildings. I think at the end of the day there's a natural complaint in terms of
what could be built on that site plan given the grade and given the narrow footprint and it's not
reasonable to think that you could have just built one big long building along there. The
constraints around parking, the environmental constraints allowable in terms of you know
ultimately saying you know the drainage was okay would of constrained that so I understand
why the applicants have gone to the three small the four the small houses down the road as a
way to not have to level the whole thing which I'm sure wouldn't have been acceptable from an
environmental perspective but I don't think that there's any need for the fourth house. So again
put some of this I writing I don't need to belabor the committee's time if there's not going to
be a formal decision here but I just wanted to highlight those for the broader group.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Richard. I do want to make one comment. We did receive
a letter from Ruth Metcalf who inquired saying that she would not need to comment if in fact
we have the letter. She wanted it read into the public record but honestly all of these letters
are part of the public record and I don't know that we really need to read it in. We all have
copies and I'm going to make sure that staff provides copies of all these letters to the applicants
and their attorney. I did hit upon some of the concerns that she indicated in this letter which
was the number of buildings to scale, traffic impacts. Again we all know I mean I live in
Southold. I'm in Feather Hill and the Drugstore, Post Office everyday practically and so we
understand the nexus of wells and you know exactly what that I remember when that property
was going to wind up a CVS and that's when I went berserk so it's hard to see something that's
green change but it is zoned properly for what they're proposing. Certainly we all understand
how desperately needed affordable housing is. Traffic impacts will all be part of SEQRA. The
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
Planning Board that's why' I can't close this hearing cause we don't have that SEQRA
determination and they will be picking it up. They will be sending us their determination and as'
soon as I get it which we are anticipating a negative declaration. It wouldn't matter what it was,
they're going to continue with it anyway but we do have to have it in our record for me to close
it. So traffic impacts, aspect of safety along that in that corner,.) think Greta asked the question
about the retail uses already you know what are the .economics there. Then there are some
environmental concerns that we've talked a bit about and so I think that probably covers this
letter rather than reading it word for word it's fairly lengthy. I'll make sure everybody has it, is
that going to suffice? Ruth if you want to come in and just send me just put in the Q&A just
indicate that that was sufficient. I see you're still in attendance. You want to just type in your.
answer. I don't want to neglect anybody who wants to be heard.
MATT HOGAN : Hi Ruth you should be able to unmute.
RUTH METCALF : Hi. I actually do have a couple of questions based on some things that were
said today. You said that the Zoning Board was'related to character, it there's an alternative
and environmental reasons. I know that Rob Brown hit ori the character of the neighborhood
but he actually hit on the character of a neighborhood that is east of where this is. The
character of the neighborhood that is directly in line with that proposed development has'half
acre zones, properties that they're larger not the small properties that he's speaking of. So you
can choose which character you want but you should really take into account all of the
character of the neighborhoods surrounding it. The other thing I have to comment on is, you
comment on whether there is any alternative there is a very obvious alternative here which is
removing one of the houses on the property and that would alleviate you being with the Zoning
Board and alleviate this issue. The third issue was the environmental issue. I really thing that
there is a larger storm water issue, they're proposing regrading that property about seven feet
higher than it currently is and that's going to create runoff that will happen onto Wells Ave. and
the surrounding properties and that's really all that I want to comment on.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Ruth and thank,all of you for your comments. The Board,
will consider everything very carefully and Rob did you want to say anything in closing?
ROB BROWN : Well in terms of the character, I was referring specifically to the distance
between the houses. The design of the buildings is as important in terms of character and the
type of development in terms of character. Again as you all know this is a commercial zoned
and we're providing residential uses on it at a residential scale to honor the surrounding
neighborhood. It could have gone`a lot of different ways but we strove to make it a minimal
impact on the surrounding. In terms of runoff, yes we are alleviating a major dip in the middle
of the,property nothing that would create substantial runoff. All of the structures of-course will
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
have adequate drainage for the space that they take up, that's a Planning Board issue. As I said
we have done our best to try to minimize the impact that this would have on the surrounding
neighborhoods with the understanding that this is commercial property.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : There are a few other people who are attending. I don't know if
they're just listening in and I would just ask, anybody that is in attendance who wants to speak
and hasn't had a chance to do that to let us know to raise your hand. Ruth's hand is up but
we've already done that one. I just saw a hand by someone named Rose. Matt can you bring
Rose in as a panelist so she can speak?
MATT HOGAN : Okay Rose we're going to bring you in right now. Rose you should be able to
unable to unmute now.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rose can you tell us your full name and where you live please? Can
you hear us?
MATT HOGAN : I was going to say as a last ditch effort you should have a chat button on the
bottom of your screen now that you're a panelist you can go ahead and click that and type that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nothing there yet. Well while we're waiting to see if we can fix this
whatever this situation is, is there anybody else who would like to address this application
while we're waiting for Rose who is in attendance? If so please hit your raise hand icon. Okay
I'm not seeing anything so waiting to see if we can get Rose here. People have waited a long
time for this I don't want anybody to feel they didn't get to be heard who wants to be.
MATT HOGAN : Nothing from Rose unfortunately.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you for your patience everybody, just trying to make sure
everybody who spent time waiting to be heard gets to be heard. Well this doesn't seem to be
working. Let me say this, I don't know Rose if you can hear us. I don't believe I got a letter from
you, I'm just going to look. I do not have a letter from someone named Rose. This hearing is
going to be remaining open until we get a SEQRA determination so if you can hear what I'm
saying Rose, if you would like to submit anything in writing you're more than welcomed to do
that because the hearing is still open. Is that going to suffice at this time if we can't fix this
problem? Matt any progress on this?
MATT HOGAN : No I don't think we're going to have any success today with Rose unfortunately.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay well she should be able to hear me. Does anybody else who is
in attendance from the neighborhood know who Rose is? I'm not seeing any hands or head
shaking. Alright well we did the best we could. Board members are we ready to conclude or are
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July 9;2020 Regular Meeting
there any other questions or comments anybody wants to make? Okay, that's it then I guess. So
I'm going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing,to the Special Meeting in one week which is
July 16th subject to receipt of SEQRA and during which time any other additional written,
comments can be submitted to the Zoning Board office by anyone who is present today or by
anyone who was not present today. Rob I'm going to make sure that you and Charles and Gail
Wickham have copies of all the letter's. If you wish to respond I think you responded l erbally
but if you wish to make any written responses you'll have the opportunity to do that as well. If
we don't get this determination in two weeks we'll adjourn it to the next Regular Meeting
which is on August 6th and the hearing will stay open for additional input. Is that clear to
everybody or does anybody have a question or something like that?
MEMBER DANTES : Yes it's one week this time Leslie not two.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yea I'm sorry I said the right date but it's one week from today. We
just pushed everything to try and barrel through as many applications and decisions as quickly
as we could cause people have been waiting since April you know because of COVID and we've
only just now'been allowed to start conducting meetings before the public via Zoom. Imperfect
though it is it's working and I thank all of you for your patience and all of you for assisting us to
get through this. We're learning this as we go along as well but we're all eager to be back at
work and serving the public and letting people move on with their projects whatever one way
or the other. So I'm going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing to one week from today,
July 16th. Is there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Member Dantes, second.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Member Dantes seconds the motion. Kim would you call the roll call.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora how do you vote?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Acampora votes aye. Member Dantes how do you vote?
MEMBER DANTES : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Dantes votes aye. Member Lehnert how do you vote?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye.
BOARD SECRETARY : Member Lehnert votes aye. Chairperson Weisman how do you vote?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
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July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
BOARD SECRETARY : Chairperson Weisman votes aye. -'
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion carries. Okay we will be back together again a week from
today. There will be no decision rendered at that time unless we get because we have to close
this. Actually we may have we have the right if we receive that SEQRA we have the right to go
ahead and deliberate that evening if we're ready. So we'll see if we get anymore written
comments, we'll see if the applicant wants to reply. We'll just see what comes in next week. By
the way I want you all to know that that meeting will be on Zoom also and we won't be taking
any testimony but anybody interested can connect to that link and listen in. That is a meeting in
which we deliberate and so this won't be a public hearing but it's open to the public to listen.
So if you care to do that take a look at the agenda, the link is available and you can join us.
Anything from anybody else, we're all set. Please bring member Planamento back in.
July 9, 2020 Regular Meeting
CERTIFICATION
I Elizabeth Sakarellos, certify that the foregoing transcript of tape recorded
Public Hearings was prepared using required electronic transcription equipment
and is a true and accurate record of Hearings.
Signature J4
Elizabeth Sakarellos
DATE :July 21, 2020
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