HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-09/01/2022 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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Southold Town Hall &Zoom Webinar Video Conferencing
Southold, New York
September 1, 2022
10:08 A.M.
Board Members Present:
LESLIE KANES WEISMAN - Chairperson
PATRICIA ACAMPORA—Member
ERIC DANTES— Member
ROBERT LEHNERT— Member
NICHOLAS PLANAMENTO— Member(Vice Chair)
KIM FUENTES— Board Assistant
JOHN BURKE—Acting Town Attorney
DAMON HAGAN —Assistant Town Attorney
ELIZABETH SAKARELLOS—Office Assistant
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
INDEX OF HEARINGS
Hearing Page
Roland Grant#7669 4- 17
465 Brown Street Greenport, LLC and 711 Linnet St. Greenport, LLC#7674 17 - 26
Antonios and Stella Biniaris# 7671 26- 30
Serge Appel and Eve Bates Appel #7673 30- 33
John and Patricia Stack#7675 33 -36
Elyse James and John Sinning, Et Al #7677 36-38
John Smyth and Margaret Smyth #7678 38-40
Allison Uklanska and Piotr Uklanski #7679 41 -45
Lorelei and Leif Gobel #7690 45 -47
16125 Soundview Realty, LLC#7670 48 - 54
Daniel and Linda Lynch #7659SE 54-57
Melissa Hobley#7645 S8 -61
Melissa Hobley and Paul Yau #7646SE 58- 61
160 Route 25, LLC#7598SE 62 -88
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Good morning everyone and welcome to the Board of Appeals
Public Hearings for September 15Y, I guess it's fall. Would you all please rise and join me for the
Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you very much. We begin the meeting with Resolution on SEAR
declaring applications that are setback/dimensional/lot waiver/accessory apartment/bed and
breakfast requests as Type II Actions and not subject to environmental review pursuant to
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) 6 NYCCRR Part 617.5 c including the following:
Roland Grant, 465 Brown Street Greenport LLC and 711 Linnet Street Greenport LLC, Antonios
and Stella Biniaris, Serge Appel and Eve Bates Appel, John and Patricia Stack, Elyse James and
John Sinning, John Smyth and Margaret Smyth, Allison Uklanska and Piotr Uklanski, Lorelei
and Leif Gobel so moved. Is there a second?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye. This is not really a Resolution this is to inform the public that
and there is an application that will be before us today from 160 Route 25 LLC, there is no
SEQR determination at this time but the Planning Board will be conducting that as Lead
Agency and so we will be hearing that application and adjourning without a date because we
can't make any decision without a SEQR determination. Theodore and Carissa Stratigos, we
have a draft before us but we are waiting for Nigel Williamson to submit his drawing that we
closed subject to receipt of and we don't have them yet so I'm going to make a motion to
table that decision to the Special Meeting. Is there a second?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7669—ROLAND GRANT
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :The first public hearing before the Board is for Roland Grant#7669.
This is a request for variances under Article XV Section 280-62C, 280-63, 280-64B and 280-64C
and the Building Inspector's February 24, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application
to demolish existing buildings and construct a public self-storage building with an accessory
apartment on the second floor and to maintain the existing 26.8 feet by 37 feet
garage/storage building at 1) proposed storage building measuring more than the minimum
permitted 60 linear feet of frontage on one street, 2) the proposed accessory apartment use is
not permitted, 3) existing storage building located less than the code required minimum front
yard setback of 100 feet, 4) existing storage building located less than the code required
minimum side yard setback of 20 feet located at 800 Horton Lane in Southold.
PAT MOORE : Good morning on behalf of Roland Grant, I have Mr. Grant here with me so that
if there are any issues that I can't address or you have question I can refer them to Mr. Grant.
This application has numerous variances because of the dimensions of the property. The
zoning is Limited Business the uses are permitted but when it's trying to place-the buildings on
the property unfortunately we're dealing with the very long road frontage and more narrow
parcel. So the placement of the building has been pushed back towards the back of the
property increasing the front yard as much as possible but since we are getting variances on
those dimensions both the rear and the front there's flexibility if the Board feels that it needs
to be.further from the back than the front, this is what was proposed. I would also.I want to
make sure I point out that through the site plan process we'll ultimately deal with these issues
but Roland Grant has very large evergreens that he planted right away to give time this has
been a long goal of his but he planted the evergreens in such a way that by now they're quite
tall over eighteen feet in height and he has additional evergreens that ultimately would go in
the front. So in addition to the trees that he would like to preserve as much as possible also
adding evergreens. So ultimately the volumes of this building will be hidden since the property
will be surrounded by evergreens. As you know when you're dealing with the variances on the
width of buildings some of you may remember others if you are younger, the sixty foot rule
was added many years ago in the, eighties primarily to address strip malls. It was a very
simplistic attempt before zoning was updated when the zoning code was modified I think also
later early nineties. That provision of the code always remained just to give some control to
the Board and to review applications obviously but we have to take a look at the use that is
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
being proposed. Obviously to split buildings up the sixty foot rule creates an enormous
amount of infrastructure expense. In this case adding elevators we have an elevator proposed
cause ultimately the second floor down the line my client would like to consider making
affordable senior housing for the second floor but obviously you can't make that application
until the building is built. So that's down the line, in any case to get'use of the second floor of
this building you need elevators so to the extent the buildings are split up in width or size
everything including elevators that's added on so you have cost of electric, plumbing,
infrastructure, walls everything just gets significantly increased on the building. The design of
the building will go to Architectural Review, it's pretty straightforward pretty simplistic at this
point and it would ARC might have comments on it. Again we're focusing on the LI zoning
here, the property to the back of this surrounding this property on the west excuse me south
side is the Long Island Railroad so we have no neighbors there. We have behind us the storage
facility which is just one very long storage facility so again the similar issue well I guess it
didn't need a variance for length because it's behind the property and it had the two buildings
the Grattan building on the north side and then the (inaudible)the other building on the south
side and so it had two front buildings and then it had a very long building behind it. So you
have an area here that is. on the same side of the road commercialized quiet but in"
commercialized use. Again we propose the placement of the building further back on the
property to maintain the quite residential across the street. My client will come before you
know speak to the Board he did approach his neighbors and let them (inaudible). I'd like to
address any questions the Board has rather than going through my outline if you prefer only
because you can have this in writing and it's already part of the record. So any specific
questions the Board has?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well I just to make one comment, the existing storage facility that
you made reference to was built prior to that code being in place.
PAT MOORE : Oh okay.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That's why it is longer, it was not a code requirement at the time.
There are it has of course been brought to our attention and of.course we all live here so we
know Horton is a very historic street and that the house that has been I think has not been
lived in for some time is on the SPLIA list, it is not on the national registry but there are
historic.homes all around it and that house is proposed to be demolished. That's something
the Board is very aware of are concerned about. It has the ability to be historic and renovated
but the applicant is choosing to do otherwise.
PAT MOORE : I will let my client speak on that because he had investigated (inaudible) if you'd
like to hear that.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Does the Board want to.hear that now?Yeah sure.
ROLAND GRANT : Good morning I'm Roland Grant and I live at (inaudible). When I first came
to and bought the property my first ideal was to renovate that house so I had an engineer
come and look at the house and determine what had to be done to renovate the house. The
foundation because they had never maintained the gutter system had leaked down and
cracked all of the foundation so the foundation had to be replaced and (inaudible). They
because of the water there that was accumulating (inaudible) beetles are in all the beams
there so they're all gone the main structure of the house is gone. The first floor is completely
overrun with termites. So the dilemma was and he said sure you can renovate this building
but what you basically have to do is cut the first floor off demolish that, raise the second floor
of the building up, re-dig the foundation, rebuild the first floor and then put the top of the
building back on. So we were looking at a little bit over a million dollars for that process
before you had anything built. It was extremely expensive. So unfortunately and believe me it
(inaudible) I've been a longtime resident out here seeing the building that was built in the
sixties to be demolished but there isn't really anyway to save the building unfortunately.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay thank you for your testimony. Does the Board have any
questions at this point, comments?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I'm curious for one thing, Pat can you delineate or tell us I wasn't
able to find it on line the Southold National Historic District is this property included in it?
PAT MOORE : I know the Main Rd. is but I don't know that Horton is to be honest. My office
was added in when the town not national there is no national, did you ask national or the
town?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Isn't it national?
PAT MOORE : No not to my knowledge.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : In either case, there's a map that outlines and I do know it runs up
Hortons Lane the house that Meryll Kramer the architect was part of that so I don't know how
far up Hortons Lane it goes but there are multiple historic properties on Hortons Lane as
evidenced by the SPLIA file for this particular property. So it sounds like you and the applicant
are not familiar with the boundaries.
PAT MOORE : No I haven't but as far as national I can tell you I'm not familiar with national
being anywhere in the Southold area because I was actually looking to make a national
registry of a-particular property and the Building Department didn't have it according to the
Building Department.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : There is a sign on Main Rd. to the west of your property your office I
thought it said national. Does it say national? So whether it's national whether it's state
PAT MOORE : Well national would be typically it's an application process of the individual to
become a national landmark, it's not (inaudible) unless_ theTown Board were to incorporate
but not to my knowledge.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO There is a specific map because I've seen 'it in the past that follows
west of Main Rd. from where your office is all theway through Southold and climbs up various
or down various (inaudible).
PAT MOORE : If you have it and you want to send it to me that would be great. I'm not familiar
with that but I do know that you'd have to make specific application for a particular structure
to become part of the national registry. This property has not been nor to my knowledge any.
of them in Southold.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I just realized, I need to enter into the record especially for public
benefit exactly what variances are before us there are several. First, the rear yard setback is
proposed at 20 foot 4 and 1/8th inch where the code requires a minimum of 70 feet in the LI
zone. Secondly, there's 199 feet 4 inches of lineal footage of the fagade fronting on Horton in
the HALO zone where, the code permits a maximum of. 60 feet. Three, the accessory
apartment is not a permitted use however I will say we have granted those as long as the
tenant is managing the storage facility and is in residence full time. Fourth, the existing
storage building has a front yard setback at,29 feet 13/8 inch,.the code requires a minimum of
100.feet, the side yard setback is 3 feet, the code requires a.minimum of 20 feet. Finally.this
application should the Board approve it requires site plan approval from the Planning Board.
That covers everything. Kim do you have a cursor available? Can you outline on that screen
where the boundaries of the I�uilding are? It's very difficult to see.
PAT MOORE : I know it's very busy.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Yes there's a lot going on here. So Kim will start there, her cursor
will move across that's the part that will be facing Hortons okay.
PAT MOORE : Sorry-I can't see it oh there it is.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Can you highlight it?
BOARD SECRETARY : So this is what's facing Horton right now.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : What's proposed then it goes back, then it goes- along the back
edge (inaudible). That's very helpful you did a good job. Okay at least you can see a little bit of
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
the footprint that's being proposed there. Then the garage is over there on the right facing
very close to Horton very,,very close;to the property line.
PAT MOORE : That's the existing garage.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The cinderblock garage that's on the property.
PAT MOORE : When I first got the,Notice of Disapproval it didn't make sense to me that.a pre-
existing cause we have a C.O. for the,garage it's a pre-existing structure and we want to retain
it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Funny cause we looked for it and couldn't find one. If you've got a
copy of the C.0?
PAT MOORE : Unless I'm misrernembering
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : There's was a Pre C of 0 on the house but nothing on the garage.
PAT MOORE.: Yeah there's a Pre C.O. ,
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN '.There's no C.O.
ROLAND GRANT : There's a C.O. on that not on the house but on that (inaudible).
PAT MOORE : We'll double check our records.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN However the Planning Board tells us that when the uses are
proposed to be changed that the relief that was pre-existing non-conforming goes 'away.
Everything needs to be conforming or obtain you know variance I guess.
PAT MOORE : But that makes no sense because we,want to keep it as a garage so the use isn't
changing.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'm just saying what the law requires that's all.
PAT MOORE : Well it seems to me that I'll leave'it to the Board's determination but the garage
is going to remain a garage and we actually want to use it as a garage for the person who is on
site cause they'll need they can use it as their own individual vehicle storage. So right now it
has electric for Mr. Grant's electric vehicle, it's got a charging station there everything so we'd
like to keep it just as it is.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Pat since you brought up the C of 0 issue, we didn't see a C of 0 for
the garage. .
a
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PAT MOORE : I'll double check.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Would you share the C of 0's or walk us through all the existing
improvements as the property is right now.
MEMBER DANTES : Here I found it, it says.accessory garage repairs, window replacement
(inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :That's a.permit.
MEMBER DANTES : Yeah I mean there's some sort of legal status.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I mean we all know it's been there a long time I mean no one'is
questioning that. You know what,'why don't we do this unless the Board has any immediate
questions or comments, do you have a copy of the Planning Board',s comments?
PAT MOORE : No I asked for it but when I asked it had not yet been received so I did not
receive it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Kim is going to'make sure to make you a copy cause there's a-lot of
very substantive comments in there.
PAT MOORE : Can you give me a copy?
BOARD SECRETARY : Yeah I can give you a copy.
PAT MOORE : I imagine that we're going to be here again so
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well I think what's going to be helpful is let's open this to the
public and before we do that I do want Liz to review with anybody that might be on Zoom
how they can participate if they wish to.
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : Thank you Leslie, if anyone on Zoom would like to
participate and make a comment on an application
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We can't hear you Liz.
BOARD SECRETARY : I can hear you through the computer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The speakers are turned up so,we don't know exactly What's going
on here. Indulge us and be patient, we're trying to do the best we can we're short one person
here today so I want to thank Liz and Kim for their herculean effort in trying to make this
happen. Let me do this, for everyone that is on Zoom and you want to.participate what you
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
need to do is raise your hand, Liz will then admit you into as a panelist instead of an attendee
so you will then be able to speak and you will be able to say whatever it is you want to say.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie I have the telephone number here. So if somebody wants to
join by telephone you're able to dial 16465588656 you enter the webinar i.d. 87830242616
and the passcode 254731 lots of numbers.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright thank you. So let's keep going here. I think it's time to open
this up to the public for comments now.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie before we open it up to the public if I can just answer the
question about the C of 0 on the structures, I know that the house had a Pre C of 0 and
there's a debate about the garage structure whether it has a C of 0 or not but there is a
building permit
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's an open permit.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I believe there's a C of 0 on the mobile home, so my question is
does the temporary office have a C of 0?There's some sort of an office
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :There's an office building of some sort what's it called?
PAT MOORE : That's the owner's trailer that he operates his business from there it's just a
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : But doesn't it need a C of 0 to be there?
ROLAND GRANT : It's a mobile office like you would pull up to any site (inaudible).
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : You're using it as your office?
ROLAND GRANT : Yeah it's a mobile office yes.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : So the other question is, wouldn't it need site plan approval to go
from a residential use property to
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes it would.
PAT MOORE : It's not residential.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : It's a C of 0 for a house not an office.
PAT MOORE : But it's an LI the zoning is the (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It still would need to have also there's a wood business of some
sort operating on that property. Is that his also?
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
ROLAND GRANT : Yes
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So there's two different business uses operating on the property in
addition to a dwelling which Js historic but abandoned and in disrepair and your home sir in
the back.
PAT MOORE : I mean ultimately the 'site plan is going to eliminate and clean up that entire
property so there's a benefit to having this at least the project get.through the process so
everything here on the-site will be cleaned up and eliminated so it doesn't make sense to go
through site plan when we're actively trying to build a new building.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay well the.purpose here is to,get all the issues out, make sure
we understand everything that's going on that property, what's proposed and so on. Alright is
there anyone of the public who wants to address the application? Please just come to that
podium use that mic over there.you have to stand up and state your name.
WILLIAM WURTZ : My name is William Wurtz a nearby neighbor of the property. I sympathize
with the issue.of the historic house with all the problems, I definitely sympathize with that but
in reading about this many variances to me it seems to be going against the whole point of
having zoning codes. I mean when I see the and that building is enormous in the back. The
other thing is I don't know if it's directly relevant but it seems worth considering that this
historic district stops right across Travelers St. to my knowledge. So this is directly adjacent to
the historic district so it seems like important to be really careful what it looks like what gets
built there. As I said my main red flag is to read about all these variances it just seems to be
against the whole principle of a zoning code so that would be my comment but like I said I
sympathize with the problem of that historic house, that's really tragic but anyway so that's
my comment.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay thank you very much appreciate it. Anyone else would like to
address the'Board? Please come up and state your name.
ANN BOBCO : Hi I'm Ann Bobco and I'm also an adjacent neighbor. Sol just have a questions
about the proposed.accessory apartments, is that something. that once a permit would be
given then that would be applied for? I'm not really clear about that?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes the, code allows apartments, affordable apartments up to a
maximum of six to be added to an existing building that was recently changed. So let's say you
have abouse and..you want you have a big lot and you want to turn it into rental apartments
you can do so with or without variances depending on the size of the lot, you can'expand up
to six. To start from scratch you can also convert existing space this was the older code,,if a
building was built and you wish to convert the use to apartments for affordable or workforce
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
housing you can do that but you need to have a legal established existing building1n order to
convert. That's what counsel was referring to once the building is built and has a C 0 their
intent is to add apartments to the second floor but that would be a Special Exception Permit
application for the conversion of an existing building on the second floor to apartments. Now
the caretakers apartment that is included in this application is designed because we have
.been told many times from people who do storage facilities all throughout the Town of
Southold that security is very, very important for their business and that they need an on-site
live in manager to make sure that nothing goes wrong and that they have security on the
property 24/7. So the Board even though it's not a permitted use by, code the Board hasa
precedent of permitting as long as there's a year round rental with verification, affidavits and
so on that this is an employee of that business it can't be just anybody. So they are applying
now for what is really three floors,, below grade is a applied as (inaudible) storage not a
parking lot it's to store cars in. The ground 'level is regular storage, conditioned storage and
the second floor is proposed to be a caretakers additional storage until such time but there's
•'-no guarantee they'll do that. I mean they have the right to do that but right now what we're
looking at is storage.
ANN BOBCO : Okay so then my question becomes cause I'm all for affordable. housing in this
area, so is that will that be another process
f
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes
ANN BOBCO : if at a later date that was a decision?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes
MEMBER DANTES : Would they need,a hearing for the affordable or
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : They would need a hearing it's a Special Exception. Special
Exception is a very strange term, because it really isn't it would be better for it to say special
review. There are standards in the code in town code that describe what I guess they check
boxes you have to conform to and if,you do by review with a public hearing before the Board
of Appeals then that permit is granted.These-are uses that are already permitted in the zone
district but only upon review by the Board of Appeals because we have to make sure that any
adverse impacts are mitigated or don't exist. So that's what our review is about but that use is
permitted in that zone but only upon,review by the Board of Appeals and approval.
ANN BOBCO : Okay then another.question about this height of the proposed building because
as adjacent neighbors we've been watching a couple of things underway but you know the
landscaping is (inaudible) so how tall'is this supposed to be?
September. 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN ; Well let's look at the you have that up?
PAT MOORE : It can't be above 35 feet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's not sited in the Disapproval so the height maximum is going to
be like a two story house, 35 foot maximum.
PAT MOORE : It's on the last page 103 and it's showing 34 feet 9 inches to the (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : And also just again to reiterate; should this be approved by the
Board of Appeals. It will go to the Planning Board for site plan approval and there may be
changes made there as a result of site plan, the ingress, the egress the buffering, the design.
They have something they call the ARC, Architectural Review Committee. Their commercial
projects go to that committee. There are some architects sitting on it, they review it and they
make comments and sometimes they say it's fine sometimes they say you need to change this
and that and they send them back to Planning and they discuss it with the applicant. So that's
a whole other second layer. So let's look at it three ways, first they're here if they go forward
from here and we can condition approval if that's.granted with many different things, then
they would also come back for the apartments. They would have to first obtain site plan
approval before they can even apply for the apartments but they can do it concurrently. So
there's like three steps in this process.
ANN BOBCO : We were sent a notification so that's probably how that helped us so would we
be made aware of this next step in that matter?
-CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Does the Planning Board send out
BOARD SECRETARY : Yes
PAT MOORE : There is a public hearing so site plan
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN. : Here's what happens, when anything comes before the Planning
Board of the Board of Appeals, we have to do a couple of legal notices. Number one it has to
be in the newspaper so that anybody reading the Suffolk Times which isn't the universe which
some people do you know if you're into reading legal notices it's in there. Secondly there has
to be a yellow card which our office prepares explaining when and where there will be a
hearing and what exactly this he is for and thirdly we are required the applicant is
required by our Board to notify adjacent neighbors because there are going to be impacts of
concern to them or support for that matter and neighbors do both, they come in with
concerns they come in with support. So those are the three legal responsibilities, the applicant
has to post the notice which we give them and they have to do�the mailings and they have to
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
give us the green cards back to say we did this and it was received or their in Florida and they
never got it or whatever it is but that's why you were noticed.
ANN BOBCO : Two more questions, with regard to the open C of 0 permit for the existing
garage, is that something that will be addressed and come back with a review process next
time around or it's just open?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :Well it'will be part the first go around will be what this Board does
and depending on what this Board-does whether the next step would or would not be taken.
MEMER DANTES : (inaudible) replacing windows and some other items so they (inaudible)
ANN BOBCO : So would it be grandfathered in?
MEMBE DANTES : No they just have to go and show that they did the work and (inaudible) it's
not going to require a hearing cause of
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No, thus'far nothing is changed the garage is there they had a
permit which was not closed out to do work'on'the garage improvements and the (inaudible)
is still open because there was no inspection. It needed to be inspected by the Building
Department to make sure it conformed and it was code compliant.
ANN BOBCO : I guess my last question is about the access to the property cause I'm just
looking at it (inaudible) down the road for people going in to the property so has it been set
up that it will always be at the northern end?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's proposed that way now but it doesn't mean if it gets through
this Board (inaudible) Planning Board there'll be another hearing. All those kinds of things are
what the Planning they do site planning.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Kim would you put that back up (inaudible) two sort of curb cuts or
access points, one on the south end and one on the north end that's proposed.
PAT MOORE : Right look at page A101 for reference that site plan shows there are two garage
doors that are on either side of that stairway. It's easier to look at the interior layout so that's
A101.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I understood the neighbor is inquiring about the road access.
PAT MOORE : Oh the driveway access I didn't understand.
BOARD ASSISTANT : Pat look at where I have my cursor at the access.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PAT MOORE : I don't have my glasses.
MEMBER DANTES : Basically, at the north end and south end.
PAT MOORE : Oh there's a driveway on
CHAIRPERSON.WEISMAN : They're both on the south corners, they're right on the corners.
ANN BOBCO : I mean I guess the thing is this is an ongoing process and my concern is that if
they're accessory apartments and there's only six units eventually it's not like there's going to
be traffic build and so far the business that's been going on with the logs or whatever there
hasn't been an issue but I just you know you might.be (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Of course we understand. Is there anybody else in the audience
who wants to address the Board?
MEMBER DANTES : We should point out (inaudible) Notice if Disapproval talking about the
house being on the SPLIA list that it'.s actually sited on the Disapproval so how much is it really
(inaudible)? .
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The Board has the right to review absolutely everything and
anything on a property when it's coming before this Board. It doesn't have to be sited, there's
nothing to disapprove what would they disapprove? It's not a variance you know.
MEMBER DANTES : I'm just saying he can as of right.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : He can yeah absolutely but anybody else? Does the Board have any
questions at this point?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I have on and maybe Pat may be able to answer just given the
number of variances requested, is there .any possibility for you to amend the application
reduce the scale make the property more conforming or make the project more conforming?
PAT MOORE : I did actually ask Mr. Grant if it would be possible to consider changing the
building to two building rather than one long building. You still need the variance because to
make a sixty foot conforming lbuildings you have three separate buildings and that's just
financially impossible and unworkable as a storage facility. However two buildings it's more
expensive but it's doable. So he would certainly if the Board granted the variances and said
split it into two we can work with Planning on how those two are created. We haven't done
any of the architecturals, nothing and maybe site plan wise it makes sense however it's
broken up. I mean common sense to break the linear into two but maybe one is a little bigger
than the other I don't know, that will require some architecture.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : One other comment, sometimes people ask how is it in the middle
of a residential area you have a light industrial zone and that goes back to the history of our
town. Back in the day those zones were put there along the railroad tracks when zoning was
implemented in 1957 because farmers would bring their produce right to the trains and load
them up on the cars and so we still have these pieces along the railroad tracks even if they're
surrounded by dwellings or farms most of them are that are zoned light industrial. They are
not necessarily used that way anymore, I don't see any farmers trapesing around to cars with
their potatoes but that's the reason that that parcel is zoned the way it is.
PAT MOORE : I would 'point out though that he has been approached by vineyards that need
storage. So there is a really just like there's a need for affordable housing-this (inaudible)
would be on senior not families but there is a definite need for storage. Anybody who is in any
business and is looking for storage buildings there just aren't any and most of them are tucked
away illegally in barns and structures and they're under the radar but this is actually properly
zoned and has stayed zoned for industrial use like this one. We're not asking for any use that's
going to produce odors or any kind of processing, it's very quiet storage.,There is activity
when you're coming in but no different that the storage facility behind that has a variety of
uses by residences as well as businesses .that need storage space. So it's kind of equivalent in
this case contractors also need, plumbers need supplies to be stored and so on. So there's
flexibility in the light industrial for that and that's (inaudible).
ANN BOBCO : I do have one more question, this brings up another point as a storage unit it's
one thing but because we're close by as a neighbor we have heard a lot of sawing and is that
another business that is part of this? .
PAT MOORE : Not with this none at all. As I said this will eliminate pretty much everything
that's there.now.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN 'Liz is there anybody on Zoom that wants to address the
application?
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : I do not have any hands up.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright, is the Board ready to close this? I'm going to make a
motion to close the hearing reserve decision to a later date, is there a second?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER'LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye.
CHAIRPERSONWEISMAN Aye. Just because you probably want to know what the timeframe
is, the Board has sixty two days from the close to render a decision a written decision. We
very rarely take anything like that, we try very hard to have a decision at our next meeting and
our next meeting is in two weeks from today and that will be in the Annex Conference Room
the Board Room upstairs and on Zoom. This is not a Public Hearing this is an open meeting so
that anyone can listen in while the Board deliberates on Board decisions and then votes. So
that will be the very earliest if we manage to get it done if not it would be a month from now.
HEARING ,# 7674 — 465 BROWN STREET GREENPORT, LLC and 711 LINNET STREET
GREENPORT, LLC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for 465 Brown St.
Greenport, LLC and 711 Linnet St. Greenport, LLC #7674. This is a request for variances under
Article III Section 280-14, Article XXIJI Section 280-124 an&the Building Inspector's April 26,
2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a two lot residential subdivision at 1)
both lots having less than the code required minimum lot size of 40,000 sq. ft., 2) both lots
having less than the code required lot width of 150 feet, 3) both lots having less than the code
required lot depth of 175 feet, 4) proposed lot #2 less than the code required minimum front
yard setback of 40 feet at 465 Brown St. in Greenport. So now we also got comments from the
Planning Board on this one:
PAT MOORE : I don't have that either.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay Kim will get that to you.
PAT MOORE :.(inaudible) since its they never support variances.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well in this case your prediction would be wrong.
PAT MOORE : I am shocked.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well don't be too overjoyed
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PAT MOORE : I knew there was a but
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : There's a couple of things, let me enter into the record what the
variances are. Lot 1 is 11,293 sq. ft. in lot area where the code requires 40,000 sq. ft. Secondly,
lot width is 100 feet where the code requires a minimum of 150, lot depth is 112.5 feet where
the code requires a minimum of 175 feet. The house on lot 1 has a front yard setback at 14.5
feet facing Linnet where the code requires a 40 foot setback. Lot 2, 11,231 sq. ft. where the
code requires 30,000 sq. ft. Secondly, the lot .width is 100 the code requires 150 minimum.
Three, lot depth is 112.5 feet the code requires 175 feet minimum. This is a through lot
fronting on both Brown and Linnet, both lots are developed with dwellings. One is a single
family dwelling, the other is labeled as multiple family but in fact that is an error it's a two
family. These were permitted by ZBA decision 3303 in 1985 and they granted up to three
dwellings on this parcel. Then ZBA 3303 granted approval for 114.5 foot front yard setback for
the dwelling on Linnet. Subdividing these lots while they're non-conforming they are pretty
much similar to other lots in the area so I think at this point I'm going to let you take over Pat.
PAT MOORE : Thank you. So you already clarified for the record how these two structures
came about and I would go back that in 1985 it was clear from the transcript of the hearing
that there was a lot going on these properties and some of the additional structures that
existed at the time in 1985 were somewhat dilapidated maybe trailer homes, an accessory or
cottages there was a lot going on and it was not a very well maintained property. With that in
mind the owner at the time who came in and bought it that way I believe he's not the one
who created them (inaudible) he came into the Zoning Board and asked for relief to clean up
as part of the conditions of the decision were to eliminate some structures and the Board
allowed up to three as you pointed out, the Board also authorized a two family so one of the
structures could be a two family house and as long there were no more than three dwellings
which a two family would be considered a dwelling. So that occurred in 1985 and ever since
the properties have remained that way. The Zoning Board decision in 1985 1 guess there had
been some discussion of possible subdivision but that would have required an additional
request that had not been made as part of the application so the Board wasn't really prepared
to address it at that hearing and they left it a little bit vague a little carrot stick approach as I
read the transcript which was let's see how you clean things up, you can come back if you so
desire at a later date and go through the process of a subdivision. That's how I read the
decision I think if you read between the lines it was let's see what you do and then we'll
consider it. So my client purchased the property knowing of these decisions or of the decision
and initially approached me and said well can I subdivide it to three lots and I said no. We're
not going to try that because that's not what the Zoning Board had even considered in 1985
and that would certainly require the lot 2 to be split in two that would have been the request
which I overrode any consideration of that and we came in with an application to place a
September,l,-2022 Regular Meeting
dwelling on each parcel making the parcel- more conforming. The two family is still non-
conforming but it's actually with .the variance ,it makes it conforming. So that is a.conforming
structure with the Zoning Board decision in 1985 and in order to request the third dwelling my
client would have had to evict people that have lived in the two family for-a' long time and
that's not his policy at all so we kept everything as is. Oftentimes when, you're splitting up a
property like this that is developed gives flexibility, flexibility'of financing, it gives flexibility of
ultimately two families being able to buy one.of the parcels..In all the time that I've reviewed I
was approached by several people I get phone calls all the time about properties people are
considering and every time somebody was looking at this property it was really for someone
to do it as an investment because realistically'it was a pricey property and it was rental value.
The subdivision gives opportunity to a family to come in and buy one of these parcels and
treat it as for their home. So it made sense with respect to one, the,1985 decision provided
that avenue we would have that relief anyway as a matter of law but-that was certainly in the
pipe line in when the 1985 decision was rendered by the prior Board and we would create a
conforming condition which is having a dwelling on each parcel rather than having multiple
dwellings on one parcel. As you pointed out each has their own road frontage, one house
faces Linnet the other houses faces Brown. I would also point out I gave it to you in writing as
well which is the Linnet property is connected to the sewer distridthe Linnet property one of
the two properties is connected to the sewer district. I take it back I think the Brown property
is see WM which I think is the sewer connection on Brown that's showing,on the street I think
that's sewer connection. But in any case
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We need to make sure about that cause if you're going to separate
these we need to know what's going on with the septic. Are they on one system or are they
on two separate?
PAT MOORE : .No, no right now they have two separate systems, one is a sewer, one has a
sanitary an individual sanitary. What we'lre actually proposing 'to do is give an easement for
the sewer line to run to give sewer connection to the other. It will all be dealt with the Health
Department and through the Greenport Village sewer system.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Can you be certain, we want to know which properties are
connected.
.PAT MOORE : Okay. I think I wrote it in the application.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I didn't see it maybe I
PAT MOORE : I mean I think that that information would be
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN There's nothing on the survey and the survey needs to be
corrected by the way Pat. The label that says multi-family needs to be changed to two family.
PAT MOORE :,Getting survey from surveyors I can try to get that correction right away.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't want to stamp a drawing a survey that's incorrect because
that's going to create problems down the line. It would appear that we have approved a three
or more unit which is what multi-family is defined by so I can't stamp it.
PAT MOORE : No problem I will do that it shouldn't be that hard for him.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN. : Actually while you're doing it, it would be very good to show which
property was connected to the sewer and where you're proposing an easement for the other
dwelling to connect to the sewer.
PAT MOORE : I can show it but it will be subject up.to.the Health Department to allow that so I
can show it here on our plan but it's always subject to Health Department review so I don't
you know that would be our preference but until the Health Department blesses it I can't
MEMBER DANTES : By code if you're in a sewer district the Building Department might not
send you to the Health Department.
PAT MOORE : Yeah but the subdivision'still need the�yes and no I've actually the village has
required us to go to the Health Department. Health. Department does have jurisdiction even
with sewers they just do it it's a much more simplified because you only have to do is show
you're connected to the sewer. I think we're in the sewer district but the line doesn't run
that's the problem. They require a sewer extension the village might not be ready to do and
that's why-we would be able to do it as an easement and run the sewer line for access and' .
again if the Building Department will allow us to do that. Alternatively there's an existing
sanitary system here if the Health Department says we can't connect.to sewer you might
condition on upgrading the sanitary which is not
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We would do that we would condition on an IA system.
PAT MOORE : Yea exactly so one way or another we're going to have an upgraded system I
just don't know which way it will be the final. So you want me to include the easement now?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : If that's what you're proposing.
PAT MOORE : I just can't make it a condition of the approval only because as I said it's out of
our hands.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We can always condition one or the other.
September 1; 2022 Regular Meeting
PAT MOORE : Oh then that's fine.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I have to look into whether or not we really need to amend the
original decision, I think not. I think what we're doing is to make sure it's very clear that no
separate third dwelling is permitted on this property because the intent was again a two
family in olne building and a single family. So that does not mean a third dwelling.
PAT MOORE : Correct
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So we-gotta make sure that that's clear put it as a condition we'll
do it that way otherwise I have to go back and look at the original approval.
PAT MOORE : The way I read the decision it was, if you.wanted a third dwelling let's say we
weren't subdividing we just wanted to put in a third dwelling you'd have to make what is now
a two family,a one family and then you can build a third one. That's how the 1985 decision
reads but
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Sort of, it's very it's very (inaudible)
PAT MOORE : It's a little rough
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes it is I've read it. The intent here was to allow two buildings, one
for two families and the other one for one. If in future anything that needed to be demolished
it's gonna have to be going back to a single family dwelling. If the
PAT MOORE : If the two family was to be demolished?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :]f in future there was a demolition then you would have to make it
conforming put it back to a single family. The whole thing is extinguished.
PAT MOORE : I think that variances run with the land so I would respectfully disagree with
that but we're not dealing with that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's not a variance, it wasn't really a variance.
PAT MOORE : 1985?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : For the number of units yes. I'm just laying out to you if you'see it.
in the Planning Board comments okay cause you're going to get their approval anyway so
we're trying to work with them on making sure that it's seamless that there.are no you know
that we're not counteracting each other's work. Anything else from the Board? Pat any
questions from you, anybody else over here?-Let's see if the public has anything to say. Please
come up to the podium and state your name.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PAUL'DINIZIO : Hi, my name is Paul Dinizio I live at 637 Brown St. diagonally across from the
property. This is the third time I've been here for this piece of property, once in 1985 and
once I don't know the date you can look back at your records Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Fields
wanted to break off that separate lot and donate to Habitat for Humanity, what the problem
was there's no sewer no municipal sewer on Brown St. The municipal sewer is on Linnet St.
and the municipal I might stand corrected on this but the sewer line for the house on Brown
St. runs through the property that goes to Linnet St. so you're going to end up with two lots if
somebody buys the one on Linnet St, they're going to have to be dealing with the sewer that
people on Brown St. own. Now these properties were merged you know the date more than I
do, years ago Mr. Fields got lucky that he was able to build a two family house there. He did
clean up, there was I lived across the street from it so it was a mess but I think he sacrificed
the three families the three residence I think I should say on one piece of property he
sacrificed that other lot I think with the sewer line. I stand corrected on that but I think the
sewer line runs through that second lot and given that there's three residences on a piece of
,property that you couldn't even you're lucky that you could even get variances to build one
house on now. I think leaving it the way it is the 'residence them three residences have use of
that separate piece of property whatever, children playing whatever. I can understand from a
financial point of view I've invested in real estate and the value was splitting the lots okay but
ruining our neighborhood is not in our financial interest. That's all I have to say, I'm against
the application.Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody; else, please come forward to the podium state your
name.
DOUGLAS MORRIS : Hi I'm Douglas Morris I'm the neighbor directly next to this property. My
understanding in '85 (inaudible) tore down three dwellings, there were two houses and a
trailer and the town gave him permission to put the two family in the back and he had a
covenant that he couldn't do anything else with it. Now is there a covenant on that property?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : If there is we don't have a copy of it.
DOUGLAS MORRIS : As far as I know [was under the understanding the town granted him that
two family (inaudible) demolish the three and he would not do anything else because they
granted him the two family.
MEMBER DANTES : That's true but one Board can't (inaudible) so he still has the right to ask
for the removal (inaudible).
DOUGLAS MORRIS :,Really? Well like I said I thought there was a covenant on there.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The covenant would then have to say that it has to remain as one
piece of property probably and we don't have anything of a record nor is it described in the
1985 prior Board's decision. It just simply says, two family one two family and it says three
dwellings three dwelling units, one single family and one two'family. What we want to make
sure of is that there is not third separate building built there as a third dwelling cause one is
supposed to be two units in the one building. Now if in fact prior testimony was that the
sewer system is on Linnet and that the Brown St. dwelling is connected to that sewer.through
Linnet.
PAUL DINIZIO : I might stand corrected on that I'm not sure of
DOUGLAS MORRIS : Paul I'm in the.cesspool business (inaudible) do come through but it's not
in the sewer district. I think they might of just let him do it (inaudible). Most of the houses
over there in Linnet St. have cesspools. I have a cesspool' and most of the houses have
cesspools because we're not in the village.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : But the sewer is
DOUGLAS,MORRIS : The sewer runs down there because of Driftwood Cove. Way, way back in _
the forties whenever they built Driftwood Cove the sewer came down Ninth and went down
Linnet and connected the sewer on Sixth St. but it's out of the village and they even had
moratoriums over the years where outside of the village couldn't even hook up to the sewer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Right
DOUGLAS MORRIS : There are a few houses I think it's about four houses that are hooked up
to the sewer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So even though Linnet is not.in the sewer district there is a sewer
line on
DOUGLAS MORRIS :There is a sewer line
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : on Linnet'St. and the property facing on Linnet is hooked up to it
and somehow they just ran it through that property to the back of the property so that the
house facing Brown St. is also on that,line. Have I got, that right? I'm seeing nods so I would
say yes. If you want to come to the we're recording this so you have to speak into a mic.
PAUL DINIZIO : I just want to say-one thing, it would be very easy to find out just contact the
Village of Greenport Sewer Department and I'm sure they have a map,of it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'm sure they do.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PAUL DINIZIO : To give you an exact line where it crosses the property and measurements and
DOUGLAS MORRIS : Cause even the single family has a cesspool and when they put that house
on Brown St. they connected to the sewer so that leaves the house in the back is hooked to
the sewer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : If a property is to be separated into two lots that could present a
problem for one of them probably the Brown St. one I would imagine. They have to be able to
operate independently. Counsel was suggesting an easement but you know the sewer district
would kind of have to approve that. That's really a Health Department issue. Is the Brown St.
property within the sewer district?
DOUGLAS MORRIS : Technically I would say no but it is now one lot and the Linnet St. side is
well it's not even in the sewer district we're not in the village. We're not in the village but they
have what outside the village hook up. The house across the street from us they did a small
subdivision and he bought fifteen feet off the property on the corner and when he bought this
property they called it a subdivision. I said fifteen feet but he was allowed to hook to the
sewer but also as a condition he had to put in cesspools for the house he bought the property
from the fifteen feet and I didn't understand why he can get sewer and his neighbor has to
put cesspool. The house on the corner of Ninth and Linnet they put cesspools, the house next
door they hooked to the sewer and that was part of the condition they have to buy in this
fifteen feet cause the lot was so small.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well we can get the information from the Greenport Village but it
seems to me that if we're going to bless this it's actually more conforming if in fact it's two
lots there and one dwelling on each. However they really have to have operating sanitary
systems and the Health Department has to weigh in and it may just be wiser to simply leave
Linnet the way it is which is a legal hookup and simply put an IA system on the other dwelling.
The Board will have to come to grips with how to best do this. All of us need to upgrade our
sanitary we all know that. When changes are made the Health Department requires it, I mean
you know now they do.
DOUGLAS MORRIS : (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you, anything from the Board? Is there anybody on Zoom?
Please come forward if you have something to say.
BARRY LATNEY : Hi my name is Barry Latney and I live on Linnet St. in Greenport and I just
think this is blatant attempt to usurp the code that (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :Thank you.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
LORENZO HEIT : I'm Lorenzo Heit and I also live on Linnet St. I'm one of the sewer right next to
the (inaudible). I just think the (inaudible) I've only moved there three years but within the
three years they have now just opened up three lots at the end of Linnet and they rebuilt and
increased actually the occupancy just down the street on Linnet which is only two and half
blocks long and I think the changes to the neighborhood are really going to be overwhelming
in terms of it going from a sparsely populated street to being a heavily populated street and
many of the people park on the street and that's,going to become an issue the more places
we bring on. So I too am opposed to the subdivision.
SUSAN REEVES My name is Susan Reeves and I live at-704 Brown St. and my house is right
next to that (inaudible). I open my back door and that piece of property is right behind me. I'm
totally against it, I'm totally against it because I don't believe this is'going to be the end of it,
it's going to be a separate property and that we're going to have our duplex and we're going
to have our house in the back. I've already heard I don't know if I'm supposed to speak about
it now but they want to add another bedroom to be duplexes that's what was told to the
tenants in the house. Whether he's going to do it or not I don't know. My property is fifty by a
hundred and (inaudible) very nice maintained piece of property. Those pieces of property now
look a little bit better than what they did but I don't believe that this is going to be let's
separate the property and that's going to be the end of-it. I believe, it's going to be let's
separate the property, let's try to put another little house again behind me there could be
maybe a third structure, the duplex, the house and then another structure. I think that's what
he's heading for. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like for me in the next six months
or four months or whatever it is what's going to be going on over there. So it's small it's tiny
over there it's not huge our road aren't huge. On Brown St. you can get two cars down there,
there's really no parking on the side so I'm very opposed to it because I don't think it's going
to be the end of it there's going to be a lot more coming down the road so that's why I'm
opposed.
ROBERT CHAUSOW : My name is Robert Chausow and I live directly across the street. I also
have concerns about automobiles, traffic and parking. There are already a lot of cars .on .the
street and a lot of cars are parked on the lot and all those cars have to move on the street
9
more house more cars it's a situation that (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody else, anything from the Board? I will say that the level of
occupancy on those properties would by this Board's action will not be increased. If any
additions are proposed in the future they would have to come back before this Board for
variances because the property is so small 1 can't imagine-they would be conforming'in-any
way but that would be down the line.:No one is proposing at least to my understanding
increasing the occupancy of either building but it is a great benefit financially to the owner to
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
be separating these two lots, we are aware of that. So should this Board look favorably upon
it with the Planning Board's comments it would be subject to a range of conditions to keep
control of what happens on that property.
SUSAN REEVES : I understand financially and I understand (inaudible) many, many pieces of
property, I understand you own a lot.of properties between like sixteen pieces of property in
Greenport. I understand that it's not,affordable housing that's he's bringing out there I know
because I know the neighbors that live next to me. It's not like hey let's do this and this is
great-because I'm all the people that Ineed a home to live in are going to be live in here, that's
not that's what it is it's all financial for him along with his other sixteen or eighteen pieces of
properties he has (inaudible) Southold town and the village. So when we think oh yes it's
financially great for him the impact on us and maybe my family it's not. Like I said I live on a 50
by 112 very well maintained piece of property. So I you know it's not as if the man doesn't
have many, many properties and it's not (inaudible) affordable housing and that's another
thing I'm opposed to.Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anyone else? There's nobody on Zoom either. If there's
nothing more from the Board I'm going to make a motion to close the hearing reserve
decision to a later date. Is there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7671—ANTONIOS and STELLA BINIARIS
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next;application before the Board is for Antonios and Stella
Biniaris. This is a request for variances from Article III Section 280-15 and the Building
Inspector's March 22, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to
September 1; 2022 Regular Meeting
construct an accessory in-ground swimming pool and an accessory,garage at 1) swimming
pool is located in other than the code permitted rear yard, 2) accessory garage is located in
other than the code permitted rear yard located at 673 Summit Drive in Mattituck. So this
pool is technically in the side yard the code requiring the rear yard. It has proposed with both
conforming 10 foot side yard and rear yard setbacks. The pool is 12 feet by 20, the accessory
garage is in the front yard the code requires rear yard and it's a rather unique piece of
property and some of those are. It's a bluff really it's�a land bluff there's no water down there
but you know we've seen many Eileen what do you want to tell us?
EILEEN WINGATE : Eileen Wingate 2805 West Mill Rd. Mattituck, New York. We tried very
hard to work with what we've got. There is no rear yard that's usable so it made sense to put
the swimming pool in the side yard, it happens a lot in that neighborhood there's lots and lots
of swimming pools around. As far as the garage goes (inaudible) a very tiny one car garage it
meets all the requirements, if it had a rear yard and I'm very,sorry that I didn't get to mark the
garage out. There was a little sports car sitting exactly where the garage belongs and I didn't
dare'take out my spray paint. I hope you all got to see where the garage was located.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes we did.
EILEEN WINGATE : The hardships speak for themselves. I don't believe that we're asking for a
lot. Does the Board have any questions?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah I mean the only thing that I, the drop off from those walls is
really dangerous. I mean you know it's scary. Many, many, many foot drop all the way around,
I think they should probably have fencing up or something.
TONY BINIARIS ' Hi my name is Tony Biniaris. So we did put.the fence up to a certain point so
we're waiting to see what happens here because the type of fence we'll use we're planning to
use glass four foot glass around there because of the pool: if the pool doesn't go in then the
plan. is to use something less expensive. So we stopped at-a certain point with the fence on
purpose because we just want to know what the next step might be so that's the'reason for it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well you'll have to put around the pool you have.to put a fence.
I'm just talking about (inaudible) if you have dog that chases a squirrel that dog is dead.
TONY BINIARIS,: Well we have an electric fence right now on purpose because he,goes after
the turkeys. So that was really the reason, we just bought you know like the.because it was
the deck that recently was completed as well and you know we were going to connect the
fencing to that deck we just need to know what that fencing would be based on the decision.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well you know you're setback from the street by what is it a 252
foot long right of way it's still your front yard, for all intents and purposes you're behind
another house. So it's just an odd technical definition.
TONY BINIARIS :.It's a weird property.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Nobody-will be seeing this at all it's going to be screened with
evergreens and trees and .
TONY BINIARIS : No if anything it's done environmentally you know friendly and the pool size
if small.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's very modest. Anything from the Board?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Just where will the pool'equipment will go?
TONY BINIARIS Right now the plan would be the access is going to be the house here,the
plumbing somewhere here.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : So close to the proposed garage area.
TONY BINIARIS : It will probably be ten or twelve feet away from there.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah you; need to probably just add where your proposed pool
equipment is. It needs to be setback;you'll see the condition on your it either has to setback
certain feet from other property lines for noise in a sound deadening container plus you're
going to need a drywell for pool de-watering also located on
TONY BINIARIS : Yeah and as we go through the permit for that we will obviously design and
(inaudible) pool company that we're probably going to go with hopefully here in Southold and
you know obviously do that. We don't expect any variances related to the fencing We have
plenty of room to play around in (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well we don't want to hold off your application so I'm not going to
say we're going to .close it subject to receipt with a revised survey because surveyors are
taking three hundred days to even .get it on their desks but because it's a pretty benign
application so what with conditioned approval based upon submission prior to obtaining a
C.O. on the survey that shows the; location of pump equipment or it can be a licensed
engineer.
EILLEEN WINGATE : I was going to say will you accept a site plan as opposed to a survey?
Z
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah as long as it's stamped by a licensed professional we're fine
with that.
EILEEN WINGATE : We need that for the Building Department.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Does anybody in the audience want to address the application?
Please come forward and state your name.
JAMES NOTIAS : Hi my name is James Notias and our family owns the lot to the right it's a
vacant lot so I'm just curious, where is the proposal? What's unclear to us is where the pool
and the garage are proposed. So are we looking at the pool and the garage?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes you are. The house is the big thing in the middle with all the
hatch marks on it and the decking goes around it. There's the pool and the garage is right in
the parking area.
JAMES NOTIAS : So is that our lot right next to you?
TONY BINIARIS : So it's going to be pulled back I think within code.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes it needs to be setback 10 feet from the property line.
TONY BINIARIS : So it's going to be pulled back 10 feet from the property as (inaudible) and
it'll be one (inaudible) driveway and one I can show you.
EILEEN WINGATE : You see th'e.circle on the right?Just forward of that. You're down and off to
the right. That's your adjacent property line.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Why don't you do that out there. I don't think anybody is,objecting
he just wants to know where.
JAMES NOTIAS : So the reason that it would have been originally denied was because
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's supposed to be in a rear yard but they do.n't have a rear yard.
TONY BINIARIS : So to be honest with you if I could I would put it behind because I have a
better view.The drop off is just so
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Oh'you don't have any room there unless you really-like diving.-
MEMBER ACAMPORA : I have a question, their house faces.your backyard, is that where your
house is?
TONY BINIARIS : I believe their house is on the side.
September 1,2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON .WEISMAN :- What's-important .is that there is no objection they just want to
know where it is. We're running behind, you guys can work this out yourself. I'm sure you'll
figure out he'll show where everything. I'm going to make a motion to close the hearing
reserve decision to a later date. Is there a second?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT: Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7673—SERGE APPEL and EVE BATES APPEL
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Serge Appel and Eve
Bates Appel #7673. This is'a request for variances from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the
Building Inspector's March 11, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a
permit to construct additions to an 'existing single family dwelling at 1) less than the code
required minimum front yard setback of 40 feet, 2) less than the code required minimum side
yard setback of 15 feet, 3) less than the code required minimum combined side yard setback
of 35 feet located at 8520 Main Road in East Marion. While you're getting yourself ready
there, this proposed additions will have a front yard setback of 29.4 feet the code requiring a
minimum of 40, side yard setback at'9.5 feet where the code requires a minimum of 15 feet
and a combined side yard setback of 27 foot 4 inches where the code requires a minimum of
35 feet.This is for a new screened porch?
JOAN CHAMBERS : Yes.joan.Chambers, I live on Main Rd. in Southold. The required front yard
setback on the property is 40 feet and the proposed entry porch has been set at 29 but it
should be noted that the proposed porch will align with the front line of the residence which
being built prior to 1957 is at its greatest dimension only set back 32 feet. The proposed
addition on the southeast corner of the house also follows the line of the existing residence
although the angle of the property line reduces the setback from the current 12 feet. It should
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
be noted that in the area between. Old Orchard Lane to:the"west and Bay Ave. to the east
along only the south side of the Main Rd. there are eleven houses and according to the
information on the town website of those eleven three have been granted area variances. The
files numbers are 1654, 5551 and 4679. This neighborhood_ has been developed .in a
residential area for more than a century possibly two. I hope that the Board Members will
recognize the restraint and careful design that these additions will allow the family to
reconfigure the house and make a twenty (inaudible) without altering the essential character
of the neighborhood. I'm here and I believe the homeowner is here too if you have any
questions.
MEMBER DANTES : Do you have copies of the variances in our file?
JOAN CHAMBERS : I don't believe so no.J
MEMBER DANTES : What were those numbers again?
JOAN CHAMBERS : 1654
MEMBER DANTES : What year was that?
JOAN CHAMBERS : I don't have that in front of me I don't have it in my notes. I can give these
to you if you'd like.
MEMBER DANTES : Perfect
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN.: Well look it's a real modest it's five-foot in depth I mean you can't
get any smaller (inaudible). There is a lot of non=conformity there, it's an old historic
(inaudible) most pre dating zoning.
JOAN CHAMBERS : Looking at that and just looking at the 'map you have many houses this
house is about as far away from the road as every other house along there. As I said we're not
going any closer we're just following the line of the house and then the addition in the rear
they're both following the line of the house'although because the house is tilted on the survey
on the east side it increases the variance we're asking for and the,west side improves the
setback.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's a new second floor bedroom and bathroom and a first floor is
that on the southeast corner?
JOAN CHAMBERS : That's like a den or a TV room on the first floor.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't have any questions, anything from you Eric?
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : No it's pretty straightforward.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Nope
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick, Rob? No, anyone in the audience who wants to address the
application? Is there anybody on Zoom Liz, no. I'm going to make a motion to close the
hearing reserve decision to a later date.
JOAN CHAMBERS : Excuse me Leslie I had one question. We had an application in to relocate
and put in a septic system for this house and when I approached the Building Department and
asked them whether we needed to put in an IA system or a standard system they said that
that decision was up to you which sort of surprised me but I'm just asking now cause we made
the application. At this point we can change to one or the other with revisions.
MEMBER DANTES : You're not putting in a bedroom so for us (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : They are putting in a bedroom.
JOAN CHAMBERS : We're putting in a bedroom on the second floor.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The Department of Health now requires IA systems. We've been
conditioning them now for a couple of years cause it's the right thing to do whether it's a new
house or a very, very major renovation or when bedrooms were added. Now I think the
Department of Health simply requires it but this is a pre-existing non-conforming dwelling.
What's the current septic? Are you saying you propose to update it?
JOAN CHAMBERS : The current septic is according to the engineer is adequate but when the
Building Department said that they will require a septic upgrade on this property because
we're adding a second floor with a den and a bedroom and when I said we're nowhere near
water or wetlands do we need to put in the IA system they basically Amanda said that's up to
the Zoning Board. So we kind of hesitated, we put the application in for a standard system.
MEMBER DANTES : How many bedrooms are there?
JOAN CHAMBERS : How many bedrooms are there?There are three.
MEMBER DANTES : I would defer to the Department of Health. Once you go over five yes you
need an IA system.
JOAN CHAMBERS : Over five you need an IA okay.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Well what we can do is simply condition it based upon Health
Department approval for the sanitary system. You can duke it out with them.
MEMBER DANTES : Well no they have their codes and it's all written in there and which
standards apply to you. I believe it's on line.
JOAN CHAMBERS : Thank you.
MEMBER DANTES : More environmentally sensitive areas sometimes we will require an IA for
lower bedroom counts.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : So Leslie you have a motion to close, I'll second that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye,the motion carries.
HEARING#7675—JOHN and PATRICIA STACK
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for John and Patricia Stack
#7675. Request for variances from Article IV Section 280-18 and the Building Inspector's May
3, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to construct additions to
,an existing single family dwelling at 1) less than the code) required minimum front yard
setback of 50 feet located at 7650 Nassau Point Rd. in.Cutchogue. So this is a side yard setback
for an addition, front yard setback at 13 feet 1 inch the code requiring 50 feet. It looks like the
existing current -setback is 8 foot 5 .inches. You're adding a second story addition and
basement to the existing two story house. Is there someone here to oh there you are. How
much demolition is actually going on here? Please state your name.
WILLIAM BARBA Bill Barba P. 0. Box (inaudible) New York the architect on behalf of the
owners Stack. There is going to be some additions obviously alterations on the inside are to be
minimized as much as possible. (inaudible) slightly (inaudible) we have actually gone through
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
this process with (inaudible) the zoning application process depending on how much
demolition (inaudible).
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : Excuse me Leslie, Bill can you speak up we're losing
you on Zoom. Come closer thank you.
WILLIAM BARBA : So we did go through this process a little bit we wrote a letter I believe and
was deemed (inaudible)that it was not going to be a substantial improvement.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : They're not calling it a demolition they're calling it additions and
alterations.
WILLIAM BARBA : Correct we did end up falling under that. So the proposed addition that
we're talking about obviously Nassau Point Rd. is an eclectic road with lots of different
architectures with the vast majority of the homes non-conforming in the front yard setback.
We are required to have a 50 foot front yard and the existing house based on some of the
structure was probably built sometime around the twenties. In addition to the (inaudible)
front yard that's there the street is actually another 25 feet or so away from the property line
so it's a little bit false perspective and we're doing our best to respect the non-conforming
nature of the home and therefore we kept all the additions back an additional almost 5 feet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That was one of my questions, we all go out and inspect properties
1 heard a lot of swimming pool activities I went on the weekend but there's quite a big
distance between the property line on the survey and the site plan and the edge of the road.
WILLIAM BARBA : Yes
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you know exactly how many feet that is?
WILLIAM BARBA : I think to the curb it's somewhere between 22 and 27 feet depending on
where you take it from. We're aware that the house (inaudible) to its rear wall is non-
conforming to the front yard. Ideally the house would be pushed back but there is a sanitary
system between the existing pool and then (inaudible) so then that would require a large
financial burden on the entire property to become fully compliant.
MEMBER DANTES :The existing system is an IA system already is that what I'm reading?
WILLIAM BARBA : No, no, the one that you're looking at is the proposed system. It actually in
fact that system is being redesigned at the moment the Health Department gave us
comments. There is a well on the south property and they had to sometimes they let you put
it in the same location, they're actually forcing us to put it further back to be on the other side
of the pool.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : So you can put the system in the front yard because of the
WILLIAM BARBA : Well there is no front yard it's only five feet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah the property line is like an,8 foot front yard. It looks big but
technically it's not
WILLIAM BARBA : I believe the Health Department setbacks are 10 feet from the property
lines and 10 feet from the house so we automatically,do not have space in the front yard to
accomplish this.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You're taking down some stuff aren't you?
WILLIAM BARBA, Right so we're taking down the.detached garage and a shed., that shed was
actually subject to a variance in the past so we are aware that we are,giving up that past
decision but now it will be more conforming in that nature.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So you're removing the shed and
MEMBER DANTES :That's variance#5054?
WILLIAM BARBA : Right
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anything from the Board, Rob anything from you?
MEMBER LEHNERT : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Pat? -
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody on Zoom Liz?Anybody in the audience wanting to address
the application? Okay motion to-close the hearing reserve decision to a later date. Is there a
second?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
i
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT: Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye. The motion carries, we'll have a decision in two weeks.
i
HEARING#7677—ELYSE JAMES and JOHN SINNING, ET AL
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Elyse James and John,
Sinning et al #7677. Request for variances from Article III Section 280-14 and the Building
Inspector's April 6, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application to permit a lot line
change to create a non-conforming lot, 1) proposed lot 1.4 at less than the code required lot
size of 80,000 sq. ft., 2) proposed lot 1.4 less than the code required minimum lot depth of
250 feet located at 5000 Paradise Point Rd. and 5300 Paradise Point Rd. (adj. to Peconic Bay)
in Southold. So this is a lot line change. Hi Rob.
ROB HERRMANN : Rob Herrmann of En-Consultants on behalf of the applicant. The application
proposes to transfer 5,183 sq. ft. of land area-from the undeveloped property that comprises
the point of Paradise Point often referred to as the point property. The adjacent property
owned by Elyse James known as 5000 Paradise Point Rd. As a result of the transfer of the area
of the point property would decrease:from 3.03 acres to 2.91 acres or two acre zoning district
and area of the James property would increase from 23,094 sq. ft. to 28,277 sq. ft. The
purpose of the transfer is to provide` the James property an additional land buffer between
the house and the severely eroding shoreline of the point property before the point property
is forever sterilized which would happen upon completion of the lot line modification process.
This,lot the point property was reserved from development. The reason we're before the
Board today is because even though we're making a legally pre-existing non-conforming area
of the James property less non-conforming by making it larger we cannot quote unquote
create a non-conforming lot without variance relief. Also because of the sort of arrow like
shape of the point property the legally pre-existing non-conforming 115 foot lot depth of the
James property will be decreased 91 feet at its easterly property line where it meets the point
property. The west side of the property which faces the rest of the community does not
change. However the transfer will also result in the James properties legally pre-existing non-
conforming 145 foot lot width increasing to a code conforming 203 feet. So in short the James
property has three pre-existing non-conforming bulk schedule traits, one gets a little bit better
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
one gets a little bit worse and one is eliminated completely. Overall (inaudible) actually
becomes more conforming as a result of the modification. I described in the application it
brings the James property is and will remain consistent in character of the numerous
undersized lots in the neighborhood that were created by the 1963-subdivision of Paradise
Point nearly all of which have lot areas less than 80,000 sq. ft. width less than 175 feet and
depths less than 250 feet. There will be no impact to the neighbors as,a result of the lot line
change or environmental impacts. The wetlands permit for the lot line change was issued by
the New York State DEC in July of 2021, we are, currently nearing the end of the Health
Department review process and we have not yet filed an application with the Planning Board
but have had preliminary conversations with the Planning staff with Mark and Heather and'we
will file a formal application with the Board after hopefully securing this Board's approval to
move ahead with the proposal.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Kim do you have a copy of the did you get copies from Planning?
BOARD ASSISTANT : I just gave it to him.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let me just enter into the record that the Planning Board you know
when we have concurrent jurisdiction we do try to request comments from them a.nd they do
support this application and the reasons are as indicated in the letter and mostly it's because
it's creating greater conforming the other lot is the association on that?
ROB HERRMANN' : It's not it's owned by a number of individuals all who are in.that association
but it's not an association owned property.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's a very unique yeah
ROB HERRMANN : That's why it says Sinning et al cause it's James is actually one of the
owners of the (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's.an undevelopable beach access right at the tip.
ROB HERRMANN :.It certainly is:
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright I don't have any other questions, Pat do you?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anything from you guys? I did see the damage I mean it's really
there is none left. Okay anybody on Zoom Liz, no okay. Anyone in the audience that wants to
address the application. Okay motion to close the hearing reserve decision to a later date.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Second
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7678—JOHN SMYTH and MARGARET SMYTH
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for John Smyth and
Margaret Smyth #7678. Request for a waiver of merger petition under Article II Section 280-
10A to unmerge land identified as SCTM No. 1000-109-2-13.3 which has merged with SCTM
No. 1000-109-2-13.4 or 13.6 based on the Building Inspector's Notice that merger had
occurred based on non-conforming lots merging until they become conforming. I understand
that you had requested an adjournment on this?
MEMBER DANTES : At this time I would like to recuse myself from this application, they're my
neighbors so.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie I'm recusing also.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We still have a quorum.
BILL GOGGINS : William C. Goggins for the applicant, 13235 Main Rd. Mattituck, New York.
Good morning yes we wanted to appear and make sure we have jurisdiction and then we
request an adjournment. My client was seeking to get further evidence that we need for the
hearing so I thought it appropriate to adjourn it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay we don't have no problem with an adjournment, it's
appropriate to be well prepared and have everything. I would hope that when you come back
you want to adjourn without a date or do you want to adjourn to next month, how much time
do you need?
BILL GOGGINS : Next month is fine.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well we're going to be crowded either way.
BOARD ASSISTANT : We have to look at the agenda to see:
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You know what we'll adjourn it to next-month we can possibly
squeeze it in if not then it will be the following one but what I'd like to ask is that cause it was
very hard for me to figure out what's going,on we did do the site inspection so (inaudible)
undeveloped.lot but I want to know how it is that they all got merged'. There was a subdivision
that Planning Board created and it's not real clear why the merger took place and exactly it
appears you were asking for an,unmerger from one lot (inaudible) or the other but then it
would still be merged to another one. There's two developed Pots so we need to know how
come it got merged by force of law and what you know was it held single and separate or in
common ownership and it's a little difficult with the information to figure out who owns what
and,what you want unmerged.
BILL GOGGINS : Yes I will separate and do a presentation for each,.it's a very strange situation.
The subdivision was from 1971 October 5th and not to get too far into it,but it's always been
thought of to be a separate lot pursuant to that subdivision. When my client bought it in 2011
now for the purpose at some point in the future of building a single family home there was no
indication that it was merged and it just came up recently when they decided that they
wanted to build a single family home there was an indication that it might be merged with
two or three properties. I appreciate you granting the adjournment.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You have a lot of digging to do to figure out what exactly happened
here.
BILL GOGGINS : (inaudible) case if it merged with two properties how is it merged. I mean we
have a subdivision of properties
CHAIRPERSON.WEISMAN : Yeah I.agree it's confusing as all get out.
BILL GOGGINS : 1 don't think it's the intent of the code.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Alright thank you Bill. You want to vote on that you know what
when an applicant requests an adjournment we don't even have to vote'on it we just say fine.
BILL GOGGINS : Is there anyone here that wants to speak for or against it?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN I mean you're sitting here patiently so let's give you an
opportunity.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
THOMAS SANDERS : My name is Thomas Sanders my property is to the rear of their property.
That's not it. I do have a deeded right of way to my property from the main road twenty five
feet up and twenty five feet across the whole my front yard is the flagged lot so the twenty
five feet is on their property which they're not allowed to touch.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's on there.
BILL GOGGINS : It is.
THOMAS SANDERS : It shows the right of way on there?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah that has to remain in perpetuity.
BILL GOGGINS : It does I can point it out. Those were all created (inaudible)
THOMAS SANDERS : My property was a (inaudible), mine is four and five and I do have an
active well on my property as well.
BOARD ASSISTANT : Which is no 13.6
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The (inaudible) is more complicated, every time we turn around
they change the lot number.
THOMAS SANDERS : That's why I wanted to say to make sure the right of way was on there.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's on there.
THOMAS SANDERS : The owner had approached me asking me to dissolve that and I said no.
Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You're very welcome sorry you had to wait so long. Alright I think
we're done here this is an adjournment.
BOARD ASSISTANT : You have to vote.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We didn't but I'll do it if you want it on the record. Now we had
testimony so let me do that. I make a motion to adjourn to the next available date which we
will determine in the office. Is there a second?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye. Motion to recess for lunch.
MEMBER LEHNERT : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion to reconvene, is there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7679—ALLISON UKLANSKA and PIOTR UKLANSKI
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Allison Uklanska and
Piotr Uklanski #7679. This is a request for variances under Article XXIII Section 280-124 and
the Building Inspector's April 28, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a
permit to construct a deck addition to an existing single family dwelling at 1) deck located less
than the code required minimum side yard setback of 10 feet, 2) deck addition places the
existing swimming pool in other than the rear yard at 55 Knollwood Lane (adj. to the
Mattituck Creek) in Mattituck. Is there someone here to represent the application? Let me
just enter into the record what we're looking at. So you're doing a swimming pool, retaining
wall and it's a side yard setback at 10 feet that's from your property line and the code requires
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
a minimum of 15 feet, the deck places the existing pool in a side yard where the code requires
it to be placed in a rear yard and let's see what else we have. You're on a corner so you have
two front yards, there were three C.O.'s submitted Certificates of Occupancy. Nothing for the
pool, the pool is under construction it's not completed yet.
ALLISON UKLANSKA : It is complete but we haven't closed the permit yet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Would you just state your name for the record please we're
recording this.
ALLISON UKLANSKA : My name is Allison Uklanska
PIOTR UKLANSKI : And I am Piotr Uklanski
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I was not able to completely access the site because there's fencing
and so on around it. I went down a pebble path to see what I could see there. So there's an
open permit for the deck and the pool. What happened here is the deck is connecting
everything, everything on your house is pretty much connected. Without all the decking that
pool would be in a rear yard but by attaching everything it became part of the house and
that's what the dilemma is here. It says on your survey proposed privacy wall, it's already built
we did
PIOTR UKLANSKI : Yes and the permit is closed on that wall.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Closed
PIOTR UKLANSKI : We passed inspection.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : How high is that wall?
PIOTR UKLANSKI : I think it supposed to be five feet from the level of the deck.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : From the grade.
ALLSION UKLANSKA : From the grade, it's six feet from the grade which is what the Buildings
Department stipulated was required so we raised the grade on the interior part of the wall
and the exterior they said could be what it currently is which I don't know the exact height of
the wall.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : It's very tall that's for sure. If you're standing on the pavers you
know down closer to where the grade of the road is but you said you now have the permit for
this
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
ALLISON UKLANSKA : Closed
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN-: Closed. So what would you like the Board to know in granting you
your variances?
ALLISON UKLANSKA : Well we purchased this home'where,.we live year round in September
2020. When we acquired the home we were aware of the architect who built it in 1962 and
then expanded it and we studied his original drawings and the decking that he had proposed
to build and we have been extremely conscientious because the house is significant home of
Andrew Gellers it's the only,one of the North Fork. So we worked with a landscape architect
who was recommended to.us by a local contractor in Cutchogue who apparently works with
this person often and we.believe at the time in terms of the progress that we had done in
terms of all these-renovations,and landscaping we've been doing since buying the home that
we were following code. So we understood that the pool which we built first.was at a correct
setback and we have always planned to do this deck that we wrap on two sides and
unfortunately (inaudible) because this person is not from Southold town she did not realize
that there was that additional setback because of the attachment as you explained. So in
retrospect of course we regret that error of siting but I think are the same 3 feet from the
code required so we're hoping that the Board will take that into consideration as a very
minimal violation of the code and again I think that what we're proposing really adds to the
beauty of the property and respects the original architecture and is not at all invasive to our
neighbors or to the quality of life of those who live in the community. So we hope that you'll
take that into consideration in terms of granting what (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let's see'if the Board has any questions.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Leslie I would like to ask a question. It's unclear to me, and I don't
know if this is a clerical error, the Notice of Disapproval sites a minimum side yard setback of
15 feet where the applicant proposes-10 feet but the Legal Notice says 10 ,and I'm just .
wondering that might be a clerical issue.
MEMBER DANTES :The requested relief is 10 feet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : They have a proposed side yard setback of 10 feet. The code
requires a minimum single side yard of 15 feet.
MEMBER DANTES : It is a clerical issue.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : So it should have been 15 feet.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well the pool is legal they got a permit for it in that location.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PIOTR UKLANSKI : (inaudible) because pool is not part of the fence it's only really one corner
because the other corner is 16 feet away.
MEMBER DANTES : (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No they wouldn't-but they weren't aware of that and- went with
the aesthetic that sensitive to the original architect.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : So just to be clear then because the deck is attached to the house
it's the house's side yard setback which is supposed to be 15 feet (inaudible) for 10 but the
pool really is that then still in other than the rear yard?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We had this before when the deck wraps around it it's now putting
it in a side yard. It's a weird code. If you think it's the back of your house because the front of
your house is here, why is it'in my back yard but you have this
MEMBER DANTES : The pool is attached to the deck then the deck is attached to the house
(inaudible)
r
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I mean either way it still needs variance relief.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well they're not asking for a rear yard setback, it's a side yard
setback and a pool in the side yard.
MEMBER DANTES : Will you accept the condition that you can't enclose the deck and keep it
open to the sky?
ALLISON UKLANSKA . Oh yes we don't have plans to enclose the deck.
MEMBER DANTES : That's my only question.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat anything from you?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Nick
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rob
MEMBER LEHNERT : No I'm good.
j
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anyone ini the audience wanting to address the application? Liz is
there anybody on Zoom? There are people on Zoom but not for this application. Hearing no
4
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
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 PLANAMENTO : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye. We should have a decision for you in two weeks at our next
meeting which is usually around 5 o'clock over at the Annex Building upstairs in the Board
Room. It's available on Zoom, it's not a hearing there's no testimony but you can hear us talk
about the decision if you want. It will be mailed to you I'll go in the next day and sign it.
HEARING#7690— LORELEI and LEIF GOBEL
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Lorelei and Leif Gobel
#7690. This is a request for variances from Article III Section 280-15 and the Building
Inspector's May 27, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a permit to
legalize an "as built" accessory shed and construct a sunroom addition to an existing single
family dwelling at 1) located in other than the code permitted rear yard, 2) reverse a prior
variance condition on Appeal No. 5696 that requires the deck to remain open to the sky
located at 1100 North Sea Drive in Orient. Would you state your name please.
LORELEI GOBEL : Yes my name is Lorelei Gobel I live in Orient.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So this "as built" shed is partially in a side yard where the code
requires a rear yard location and then the proposed sunroom addition is over your existing
rear yard deck which you received a variance for from the Board of Appeals, that was ZBA
5696 in 2005 it looks like.
LORELEI GOBEL : That was not from me but from the previous owner.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay, so now they conditioned that deck by saying you could not
build a mass on top of it. It looks like you're proposing not to heat the sunroom.
LORELEI GOBEL : Right
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You're not enclosing all of the deck section something was added
in 2005 so
LORELEI GOBEL : If I can explain I would be glad to. When you walk out of the house the back
deck was built with the house and it,was I didn't realize it already was too close to the rear
yard it makes it 26 feet instead of I think the required now is 30 and I guess one of the other
owners added the deck that's.a step down and when they got the variance for that part of the
deck that's when the condition went in for remain open to the sky. On our initial title
paperwork you know how you have all of that it says that there was a variance for the deck
but it doesn't continue to say that contingency so originally I didn't realize that that was an
issue but we are not enclosing that part of the deck we only want to enclose the original part
that was approved with the house so we're not extending anywhere closer to the property
line at all. Because of the deck being too close that made our shed I was told not in the back
yard, they put it in the side yard where it originally would have been and the reason we placed
the shed that way instead of facing the other way was we would have lost another tree, two
have. already died on us and we would have lost that huge maple tree if I had turned it
sideways and put it from five feet or whatever from the property line then we would have had
to take down the tree and we didn't want to kill the tree. I. do have for you I think when I
turned in the paperwork only five of the seven return receipts came back so if you'd like this
for the record.The mail person did not they just through the mail in with the other mail,this is
one and this is the elderly lady that went to the trust that shows she received it. There is a
reason for the sunroom when you're ready if you want to hear that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Sure
LORELEI GOBEL : Besides the silly fact'that I would like the space to do my jigsaw puzzles while
my husband is listening to the news 24/7 my husband and I did make an application and
passed the class to take in foster children and the back bedroom currently also doubles as my
office that we kind of want to use so I kind of want to move my desk and put a play area out
on you know this area even though it's not going-to be heated okay for the most part we'd
make it useful for me to be able to not have everything on my dining room table and we have
to clear out that stuff from that room in order to be able to accommodate a foster child or
two. So it's kind of pushed it to more of a little bit more of a need if we're going to do this
(inaudible) than just the want. We figured that was the least intrusive way to you know not
make a lot of changes to the house.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Okay, let's see if anybody has any questions, Pat anything from
you?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Eric
MEMBER DANTES : How close is your rear yard neighbor to the property line?
LORELEI GOBEL : 26 feet
MEMBER DANTES :To your neighbors is he close to the property line or is he far?
LORELEI GOBEL : He's pretty close to the property line and he just put in a pool which is pretty
close to the property line. We have no problems with them what's done on.their house and
you know they have no problems with us. We're actually very friendly with all of our
neighbors even though they're not always here but we watch out for them we are year round
people.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick anything?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Rob
MEMBER LEHNERT : No questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Liz is there anybody on Zoom?
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : No one with a hand up.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you, is there anybody in the audience who wants to testify?
Okay hearing no further questions or comments I'm going to make a motion to close the
hearing reserve decision to a later date. We-should have a decision in two weeks.
MEMBER DANTES : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES :Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
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September 1,2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7670—16125 SOUNDVIEW REALTY, LLC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for 16125 Soundview
Realty, LLC #7670. This is a request for a variance from Article XXII Section 280-116A(1) and
the Building Inspector's April 13, 2022 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for a
permit to construct an accessory in-ground swimming pool at 1) less than the code required
100 feet from the top of the bluff located at 16125 Soundview Ave. (adj. to the Long Island
Sound) in Southold. Is someone here to represent the application? I just read the legal notice
Martin, this is a swimming pool the bulkhead setback proposed as 59.3 feet from the top of
the bluff where the code requires a minimum of a 100 foot setback. We got one letter of
support from the neighbor.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : I actually have a second if I can hand up a copy?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :The (inaudible) was really small very, very hard to read it.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Good afternoon, Martin Finnegan 155 Main Rd. Mattituck for the
applicant which is once again which is 16125 Soundview Realty, LLC. It's pretty
straightforward as Leslie mentioned we're here seeking bluff setback relief to construct a 20
by 40 swimming pool about 60 feet from the top of bluff. The location of the pool was
selected to be as conforming as possible in consideration of the location of the existing
sanitary system which is about 22 feet to the west of where the pool is. Right now at the rear
of the house there is a patio area a raised concrete wall around it and that will be removed to
make way for the pool and it's kind of tucked in as close as possible to the house to minimize
the relief being requested here. Just to get right into the criteria, the property as a whole is
about one and a quarter acre in the (inaudible) zoning district. The house is located only 110.6
feet on the survey from the bluff so there's obviously that is the factor of where the pool can
be placed as well. As you undoubtedly aware this neighborhood is characterized by houses of
this size with bluff pools. I did reference a series of decisions similar to this application for
properties along Soundview that have been granted bluff setback relief or some kind of relief
to have a pool so in terms of character having a pool bluff (inaudible) is you know well within
the neighborhood. We don't believe that granting of the relief would have any impact on the
character of the neighborhood or detriment. The property is substantially screened on either
48
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September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
side so that looking at (inaudible) the pool would be buffered. I did by the way submit the two
letters of support which of-course would further bolster the fact that this is in character of the
neighborhood and no detriment. Really in terms of do we need variance relief, we do because
as I mentioned the location of the house and the septic system. So there's really no way to do
the horizontal configuration based on.that. We are seeking forty percent relief but we would
argue that that is not (inaudible) substantial because the applicant is willing to_place the pool
in the most conforming,location possible on Ahe property due to the existing constraints.
There really is no perceivable physical impacts (inaudible) placing the pool here. I want to note
that obviously we have an application pending with the Trustees for this, we did a pre
submission conference with the Trustees walked the property. They had no concern about the
location of the pool or any impacts on the integrity of the bluff for erosion or anything of that
nature. I did just yesterday got to see the LWRP, I just wanted to briefly address that. It
appears that your being asked to consider requiring the applicant to remove and upgrade the
sanitary system so the pool can be pivoted horizontally. Reference is made to further
(inaudible) policies four; five and six which speak to erosion, water quality, protecting the eco
systems but there's absolutely no substance or explanation or justification (inaudible) to
impose such action. (inaudible) installing the pool 60 feet from the back of the bluff in a
.neighborhood that has pools all over the place on top of the bluff some at distances much
closer to the bluff. There's nothing in the sanitary code that would require an upgrade of the
sanitary system for the installation of a pool. There's no explanation for how the proposed
location is going to cause any erosion, (inaudible) quality or any eco system. This is nothing
more than (inaudible) it does not support the suggested mitigation. As I mentioned the
Trustees went out there, they looked at this they would be the guys that would be the first
ones to say this doesn't work and there was no indication of any concerns. I understand that
you are required by the code to consider it what was suggested for consistency you are
certainly not required to impose and I would ask that you consider it or dismiss those
concerns as inapplicable to this property and, this application. So with that I agree that the
applicant has got the criteria for issuance for the requested variance relief and I'm happy to
answer any questions you might have.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you have copies of those priors, the prior decisions that you
said all along there?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : I do not have copies but I can send them to you. I just referenced them
in my memo of law.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah I think we want to see them if you wouldn't mind, submit
them. Can we discuss the applicant's possibility of oh by the way I should also say we do have
a letter from a neighbor objecting to the pool based upon concern for bluff erosion, damaging
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
the neighboring properties. That's in our file, I don't know if you got a copy of that.The pool is
proposed at 20 X 40 feet, have you thought about cutting it back to maybe 30 feet or 32 feet
to increase the setback if you can't rotate it?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Obviously they were applying for the size they applied for I will certainly
take that back to my client if that's something that the Board would like them to consider.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well you know any way we can increase that setback.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : (inaudible) of a pool I think eventually we would have (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Rob, questions?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Just one, have you guys thought of putting it in the front yard which is
allowed by code?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : I don't believe that was considered. I think it's pretty open there I think
for privacy reasons and honestly there are some side yard pools along there but they are in
the rear yard and just based on the configuration of the house and access and safety for
children or what not I think they want to have it in that location. I mean this application has
been going on for quite some time and so everything was thought out and considered in this
location.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Nick
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : I was just going to ask about the front yard location also.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Eric
MEMBER DANTES : I don't have any questions.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Pat
MEMBER ACAMPORA : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anyone in the audience who wants to address the application?
Come to the podium please and state your name.
SUSAN PETRIE : Hi my name is Susan Petrie, I'm just going to read what I wrote. My name is
Susan Petrie and my family has a home immediately to the east of 16125 Soundview Ave. at
16215 Soundview Ave. for forty five years. Our house and land is deeply personal and special
to us all. The serenity, nature, beauty and local community are all factors that keep us coming
back generation after generation. We all want to maintain the integrity of the Long Island
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
shoreline and as such want to'discuss the submitted variance and some of our concerns. We
noticed the survey for 16125 Soundview Ave seems to be missing some pertinent information.
It does not include a plan that reflects .the actual conditions along the east property line. It
incorrectly.lists wrong owners to the east and west, is missing a scale and north arrow.or
orientation. The pool edge seems to be shown only 12 feet it's very hard to read like you said
from the property line meaning it's much closer to the east property line. The variance
documents and site plan do not reflect security fencing and surrounding pavement around the
pool perimeter which would encroach towards the setback and that is crucial. As noted, the
pool as shown in the,current plan is less than 60 feet from the top of the bluff and 12 feet we
think from our property line. The town code states the pool should be 100 feet from the bluff
and 20 feet from our property line. Regarding environmental conditions and local ecosystem,
the bluff is eroding at a rapid pace and I have photos to show you of the existing bluff. The
disruption of the land can increase the potential for erosion and damage to the wetlands can
physically alter the appearance and stability of the cliff that is already in jeopardy. For
example, how will the additional runoff from this project be handled? No grades or elevations
are shown and we are concerned that additional runoff would drain not only towards our
property but more importantly towards and over the vulnerable bluff. This project changes a
turf back yard condition into an impervious condition and runoff will increase. 617.20
Appendix B Short Environmental Assessment Form, includes boxes to that seem to be
incorrectly checked. For example Item 15 does the project area contain species listed as state
or federally threatened is checked no. This property and many surrounding it around the
Horton Point lighthouse contain critical habitat for protected species including ospreys,
hawks, migratory birds and owls that live and feed off the bluff species that are known to be
vulnerable to construction impacts. Strong consideration regarding the potential impact to the
integrity of not just the wildlife but the bluff is detrimental as an undesirable change will
affect the overall character of the land and surrounding wildlife. Our property` line contains
many indigenous large trees that could have root zones seriously impacted by construction
trucks, concrete trucks, and excavation equipment required to excavate the in=ground pool.
We recommend that should the variance be granted that construction be on the west side of
the residence only. Another recommendation fora conforming pool location is to reposition
and resize it with the long side parallel to the residence and moving it slightly west. If the
dimensions are changed to 16 feet by 32 or 30 feet you gain footage from the bluff and on the
sides of the structure. By moving the septic system to the west 5 feet from the western
property line allowing for the required 20 foot from the pool and the utility area to the west
the distance would increase the bluff footage setback and lessen the setback issue to our
property. While the supplied survey shows a rough drawing of the pool it does not include the
following that need to be factored into the overall construction and space variables. Speaker
system, will this be part of the plan? Lighting, what additional lighting in addition to what is
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
shown? Fencing, should require a fence that is at least 8 feet in height for safety, noise
reduction and protection from small children and pet and animals. Pavers, what concrete
material will be surrounding the pool? Utility, pumps, heaters, etc. where is this positioned?
How many feet is the current pool form our east property line? Water source, what is the
water source to and from the pool? How does the wastewater drain and where? How is the
pool being filled and emptied? The current drought situation should be considered as our
respective water wells are in close proximity. The variance application overstates the existing
vegetation screening and privacy landscaping. This can be seen by reviewing updated photos
which were taken yesterday that show the deterioration and lack of planting. Our Southold
property means everything to us and we would like to work together with our neighbors and
the community to find a common ground. We feel our concerns can be and should be
mitigated by more careful site planning, screening and construction access. Thank you for our
time and consideration.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you want to submit your letter?
SUSAN PETRIE : Did you want to see the photos or no?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You can submit them that would be fine. Just give them to Kim,
she'll make copies and send them over..Do we have Soil and Water on this?
BOARD ASSISTANT : No
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I didn't think so.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Is there a bulkhead? I couldn't see any when I looked down the
stair.
SUSAN PETRIE : Yeah at the base (inaudible).
MARTIN FINNEGAN : The applicants are not intending to be bad neighbors here, obviously this
whole application is subject to Trustees and most of them if not all of those concerns will be
addressed in that review. We're here for (inaudible) setback relief and setbacks as noted on
the survey are correct the Building Department reviewed it and we're here (inaudible). The
relief is for the bluff setback. I assure you that whatever construction methodology is required
to you know protect different properties will be incorporated in this project. So I feel like this
is a very straightforward application 60 feet from the top of the bluff based on the reason we
had the pre-submission with the Trustees was to address that issue and they felt like it'll all be
taken care of. So we still have to go back to them once we finish here and I assure that they
will condition any approval on addressing those concerns. Fencing obviously is a code issue
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
that will be complied with or we wouldn't get a C.O. for a pool so I'm happy to I haven't had a
chance to review this in detail but I will certainly discuss it and I'm happy to (inaudible).
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well having said that do you want to adjourn this to the Special
Meeting so you can have that opportunity to talk to the neighbors and to discuss this with
your client further about perhaps reducing the size so you know we don't have to make a
determination without giving you a chance to take this information back to your client to see
what you can work out?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Sure I'd be happy to do that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Does that make sense Board?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Martin a separate question if I may, (inaudible) interaction with the
applicant on my site inspection I believe a couple of the members met some of the (inaudible)
tenants, does the house have a rental permit?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : I don't know Nick.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Would you find out?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : When I went there I announced that we were there not to invade
people's property we usually say Zoning Board or something (inaudible) trespassing and they
knew nothing. They said oh we're renting we don't know anything about this pool but we'd be
interested as to where they thing they want to put it so yeah there's currently renters in there
and of course that brings to mind if they're renting do they have a permit which is sort of a
separate thing from the pool but nevertheless
PAT ACAMPORA : They clearly admitted we're renters We don't know what they're doing.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Okay
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : And you're going to submit prior decisions for pools in the
neighborhood?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : (inaudible)
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay so then I'm going to make is there anybody else in the
audience wishing to address the application? Anybody on Zoom Liz? Okay so I'm going to make
a motion to adjourn this hearing to the Special Meeting on September 15tH
SUSAN PETRIE : May I ask a question, does this take place here?
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No that meeting will be in the Board Annex Room on the second
floor of the Annex Building Bank building and it's not a hearing so there won't be any
testimony. It's going to be available on Zoom it's an open meeting with the public, you can
listen and attend and if we have what we need from counsel and at that point we just close it.
We won't have a decision that night because you know we need the information beforehand
and if the Board is satisfied we'll close it and that'll be that. If not we will adjourn this to
another hearing. That's how the process works. Okay hearing no further questions or
comments I'll make a motion to adjourn I think I made the motion but is there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#76595E—DANIEL and LINDA LYNCH
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application before the Board is for Daniel and Linda Lynch
#7659SE. Applicant requests a Special Exception under Article III Section 280-13B(13). The
applicant is owner of subject property requesting authorization to establish an accessory
apartment in an existing accessory structure at 2070 Grathwhohl Rd. in New Suffolk. This was
a previously adjourned so is now back before the Board. We heard it in August and it was
adjourned to today. Is someone here to represent the application?
BOARD ASSISTANT : The representative is Jennifer Wicks and she is on Zoom and we're asking
her to unmute.
JENNIFER WICKS : I'm here.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So Jennifer what's changed since last month if anything?A
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
JENNIFER WICKS : Nothing has changed since last month, it's still there no. renters just time to
get it approved.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN This is a little confusing because even though there was we have
information actually from a previous owner that there was a space-above the garage there
was according to this information we had from the previous owner'an open stair and there
was no bathroom and that appears to be something the Lynch's added.
JENNIFER WICKS : No, no this was sold with a second floor studio, it was sold this way. This is
how they purchased it they didn't do anything to the home.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay so they must have been an in between there or something
who did that. The people we talked to had the house quite a long time though and said that
they had put in a second floor but there was no bathroom it.was just an open stair. So clearly
we'll have to check the property records, somebody must have purchased it in between, done
that work and
JENNIFER WICKS : No it was it went from Elizabeth Cantrell to the Lynchs' so unless there was
somebody in between there or we're talking about the purchaser before Elizabeth Cantrell
the previous owner was Elizabeth Cantrell.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : That is the person we spoke to and she took the plans and marked
up what was not put in by her family and that was the enclosed stair and bathroom. There's
another issue though, this is really not an apartment, an apartment requires a kitchen it is a
full complete living space. This is a bedroom and full bathroom in an accessory garage. So it
doesn't meet the standards for a Special Exception for an apartment cause you have to you
know be a maximum of 750 sq. ft., you have to have a kitchen, it all has to be omone floor,
you can have one full bathroom in it but it is meant to be inhabited by a full time renter
whether it's a family member or
JENNIFER WICKS : I'm sorry when this was noticed or came up this is what she was told to do
apply for this permit.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay I understand. I mean because it's kind of an anomalous
situation I don't know what you would call it, I guess what you would have to do in order to
qualify would be to draw up floor plans to propose converting and:possibly expanding this
thing with a bedroom and a kitchen and a full bathroom and a sitting area. We can show.you
countless plans of accessory apartments in accessory structures.They would also have to have
that principle residence as their full time year round principle residence and need
documentation of that. Then they would have to, provide information on who they were going
to rent it to year round with a lease whether it was a' family member, we need birth
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
certificates and so on and it's a much more involved procedure than what our application is at
the moment that you submitted.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay can I ask you, what is it that she can do to end this? Her husband is
terminally ill, she just wants to rectify the situation? What can we do to just stop this? I mean
she is saying this is how she purchased the home. I understand what Elizabeth is claiming, no
that that isn't the way but she's insisting it is which is you know it's not even the point. What
can she do to legalize it, get rid of it she just needs to know. Like I said her husband is
terminally ill, she's struggling so if she just wants this over with.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I suppose the easiest answer is remove the sleeping space the
habitable space and call it garage storage.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay and the bed just remove it?
MEMBER DANTES : Well you're allowed to have a half bath you're just not allowed to have a
shower.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay so I'll have her remove the shower and remove the bed?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yep and it's gotta be unconditioned.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : The sheetrock has to come down also.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You can sheetrock it, it cannot it should not be conditioned space.
It shouldn't be heated or air conditioned if it's storage space.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay so remove the shower,the bed and the heat?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yep to garage storage.
JENNIFER WICKS : Alright I will speak to her and have her do that and then do I come in with a
new floor plan?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No we will have to deny the application for an apartment which it
isn't an apartment and then when you do those changes you go into the Building Department
and they will give you an updated Certificate of Occupancy for a garage with storage on the
second floor.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You know what Jennifer, what I think what you probably should do
is go in and you know sketch out what you're going to do and go talk to the Building
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
Department before you invest any more effort into this just to make sure that they're on
board with this. We don't want you or your client have to go through any unnecessary
confusion. So they are the people that make those decisions, they will be doing the building
inspection and particularly if you have to speak to John Jarski and say I really would like to
make an appointment for you to come out here and tell us exactly what we would have to do
to convert this to a legal use. He'll tell you exactly what you have to do. He'll say you have to
take the shower out, I don't think I don't know about the heat I think that you will have to
remove that but they would I would rather have you get that information from them so
there's no miscommunication. I don't want to speak on their behalf.
JENNIFER WICKS : Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to address the
application? Is there anybody on Zoom Liz? Okay what do we want to do?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO,: Question, do we want her to withdraw or do we close it?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Jennifer do you want to just go and take this a resolve with the
Building Department and withdraw this application?
JENNIFER WICKS : Yes please.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Based on the application the Board is going to have to write a
denial.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay so yeah.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : (inaudible) voluntarily withdrew this.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay I will withdraw the application.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We will need that in writing.
JENNIFER WICKS : Okay
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : So I'm going to close the hearing.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Do you want to adjourn it to allow her client to speak to her client?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Motion to close, is there a second?
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
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September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7645 &7646SE—MELISSA HOBLEY and PAUL YAU
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : The next application if for Melissa Hobley #7645 and #7646SE.
These were opened and closed together and adjourned from a prior time so there's no need
to read the Notice of Disapproval again. Hi Anthony so the Board did receive a plans again
from you but it would appear that there were no changes from the previous plans I didn't see
any changes and we did get as of August 311t a memorandum from the Building Department
indicating that the livable floor area is determined by them to be 797 sq. ft. and is not allowed
pursuant to Section 28-13B(13)A of the code which states, accessory structure shall contain
no less 450 sq. ft. and shall not exceed 750 sq. ft. of livable floor area. It would appear that
you are 797 instead of 750.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : Alright I'll respond to both those comments, yes we made some
revisions to the plans. One was that we made the building we made the accessory apartment
smaller so I don't know where those calculations are coming from, I actually laid it out on the
table and I thought it reflected what we discussed with the Building Department. That
includes the staircase, it includes the landing at the bottom of the staircase and all the space
in the interior. We removed the floor system on that storage space so it's basically open not
just opened to below. What we discussed at the last meeting we reduced the height per some
of the requests from neighbors that'came in. We also met with the neighbors and discussed
the project and there was an agreement. One of the major concerns which I don't think was
really brought up to the Board probably not necessarily a Board thing but it was the access to
the beach and having you know possible renters accessing their private beach area. So there
were some deed restrictions that the Hobleys agreed to with the neighbors and the neighbors
have reviewed our drawings.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I think there was a great concern about the second floor apartment
that you were proposing and a three,car garage and 4 feet from the property line.They didn't
September 1,2022 Regular Meeting
have a problem with the existing one story building at 4 feet but adding a second story 4 feet
from the neighbor's property line and also visually something that people would pass by and
see it rather prominently was a great concern. So did you make any progress on that, cause it
looks like you presented the same second floor (inaudible).
ANTHONY PORTILLO : So we actually lowered the roof by a foot which I mean there's really
not much which we discussed with them and like I said they understood that you know the
internal meeting that we had was they were basically on board like not changing the
architecture and they understood what (inaudible) and they just asked to get it lower-so I got
it as low as possible cause I'm at 7'6" plate height and we're angling up to an 8 foot ceiling
height where before it was an 8 foot plate height and up to a 9 foot ceiling height. We played
a little bit with the pitch. Again we don't have much room because we're at a 2 % pitch which
allows us to still use asphalt shingles and honestly I really don't want to go lower than that.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Did you at any point discuss the possibility of using the existing
garage as the accessory apartment. I mean you actually have to put in an elevator to
accommodate the applicant's mother so (inaudible).
ANTHONY PORTILLO : It was discussed by again the Hobleys explaining how they need the
apartment space to the neighbors, the neighbors understood that, they asked them to get the
building as low as we can get it we presented these revised drawings to them. We currently
don't have any resistance from the neighbors they were in agreeance.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you have any neighbors here to ,
ANTHONY PORTILLO : I don't know if they actually came the Hobleys are here if you'd like to
speak to them they can explain.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : We want to get this confirmed either by the neighbors or
something in writing that they're no longer in objection to the second story because that was
a very large rejection.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : I figured their not coming was indicating that there's no further
objections but
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :That's not adequate.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : We can probably get a letter from them. Would you guys like to talk to
Melissa Hobley.
MELISSA HOBLEY : Hi how are you? We were away and were not here the last time and we
were really surprised by the objections, we want to be great neighbors. We're also the only
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
family within many houses that's year round so we've really become members of the
community. We were surprised at the objections, we took the time as you probably noticed
we even withdrew so that we could take the time to address all their concerns. The main issue
that the neighbors and we do have in writing lots of emails some meetings over beer and wine
and their main objection their concern is more the shared beach was that some future owner
of the home we never rent we never rented we have two little kids we're year round I
couldn't rent (inaudible) or our house there's too much stuff that other people would be
there. So we met with them and we really got an idea of what their concerns were. We
wouldn't have come before you having known that. They said it's really about those shared
pieces of the shared beach so we've amended or (inaudible) in the covenant (inaudible) so
they wrote to us yesterday saying we have no objection and we feel good you all proceeding.
We can get I guess more.
PAUL YAU : We'd be happy to submit that email as confirmation from them, we have from all
three neighbors.
MELISSA HOBLEY : And they were happy we lowered the apartment by a full foot, we took out
what was going to be kind of storage and made it open so there's no chance that's another
bedroom. We also went ahead and removed trees that were blocking one of the views so we
tried to take extra steps to say you know we want to be great neighbors and you know make
you all feel
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Let me remind you if you're not aware of this fact and remind your
neighbors of the same thing, you are not permitted to rent that apartment to anyone other
than your mother.
MELISSA HOBLEY : Yes we're aware.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Or someone who is on the affordable housing registry.
MELISSA HOBLEY : Yes we're totally aware.
PAUL YAU : That's subject to a special permit which we're not asking for.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : No by virtue of our approval we are approving this for your mother
to rent. No future this will not transfer automatically to new owners because they would have
to verify a year round principle dwelling is the primary house, they're going to have someone
in there that is either eligible for workforce apartment housing or a family relative. So they
would have to go through the same process you are, not the construction process but you
know so there are some assurances in place because this code was intended to create
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
intergenerational housing and workforce housing. I do want to ask Anthony to address the
differences between your calculation of livable floor area and the Building Departments.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : So again I wanted to make it very clear and (inaudible) that the stairs
last time so I actually had a meeting with Mike on this project and another one so there is
confirmation that Mike would be calculating the stair and the landing at the bottom of the
stair. So what we did was make the landing smaller at the bottom of the stair before it
encroached into the garage and we provided a pretty clear break down so I'm not sure. We
even labeled the rooms the footage.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I don't know if it's the vaulted space.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : I don't know if he's calculating that open space.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I'll tell you what, should the Board decide to approve it we want to
approve a maximum of 750 sq. ft. of livable floor area and you could work it out with Mike
cause this back and forth is getting nowhere.
MEMBER LEHNERT : It looks like you took the rooms themselves and (inaudible) so take the
width of the walls out, there's probably a little difference.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : Okay but it's interior dimensions that were provided. I don't know
where he's getting it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Well I'm going to let you figure that out.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : If I have to draw a little bit to get it (inaudible) I'll work that out with
Mike.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You're not going to get a building permit until that's all resolved
you know that.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : I understand.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anyone in the audience who wants to address the
application? Is there anybody on Zoom Liz? I'm going to make a motion to close subject to
receipt of confirmation in written form from neighbors with no objections.
ANTHONY PORTILLO : You got it.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Second
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
BOARD ASSISTANT : This is on both applications?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes. I'm going to make a motion to recess for five minutes to get
some water and be prepared for the next application. Is there a second?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
HEARING#7598SE—160 ROUTE 25, LLC
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Before we get started I'm just going to read the Legal Notice into
the public record and then-I'm going;to ask Liz to explain to anybody that's on Zoom how they
can participate when it's their turn to be heard from. This is an application for 160 Route 25,
LLC #7598SE. The applicant requests a Special Exception pursuant to Article VIII Section 280-
386(3) stating that special exception approval from the Board of Appeals is required to
construct apartments over businesses and professional offices consisting of four (4) buildings
to contain medical offices on the first floor with forty (40) apartments on the second floor
located at 160 Route 25 in Greenport. The applicant is represented by Martin Finnegan the
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
Attorney and before we get started on listening to him I'm just going to give you a quick
overview of what exactly is going to happen this afternoon. First of all the lead agency on this
coordinated review is the Planning Board. Planning Board will be determining a state
environmental review finding. No decision can be made by any Board without a SEQR
determination. So today we're here really fundamentally to.listen to the public, we will not be
making a decision and we will not be closing this hearing. We will adjourn without a date
subject to SEAR, Planning Board will hold public hearings relative to that and once that
decision has been made then it will come back before this Board. So this is an opening
because both the Planning Department and the Zoning Board and the Planning Board are very
interested .to make sure that every single concern that-the public has both in support and
perhaps with questions and objections is properly ,addressed and that our decisions any
decision is based upon complete information from the public and from all required agencies.
So today is mostly a.listening session. We have received several letters. I'm'going to just let a
couple enter a little bit from a couple of them. We have received a request from the Planning
Board this is a letter from the Planning Board basically saying that we have asked them for
comments and they need more-time. They need to actually have more information so they
requested that we continue with this hearing what we-gather today and what will be available
to them it will help them with their SEAR determination. So we're just going to hold this open.
We have received two letters from neighbors I'll summarize, by the way all of these letters
are on Laser Fiche on our website the town's website available in detail for any of you to look
at or anyone else who wants to, it's a completely transparent process. We have one letter
from a neighbor nearby neighbors voicing some concerns about accidents and traffic, scenic
view sheds, lack of (inaudible) buffers, impact on drainage and nearby wetlands and the scale
of the project. The other one basically says similar things, concern for additional traffic,
concern over traffic exiting and entering on Knapp Place on a small residential street, night
lighting, destruction of the wooded lot, construction and noise. Again the details are available
for you to look at. We have a letter from Group for the East End, I'll read you a very brief
excerpt. There are strong thinking that the application does require an in depth review in the
form of a draft environmental impact statement, DEIS pursuant to SEAR. We will support the
town Planning Board's issuance of a positive declaration to ensure that the project is given an
appropriate review that provides for an opportunity to address potential impacts and discuss
possible mitigation measures and alternatives in a transparent and comprehensive manner. In
our view the following have the potential to create moderate to large environmental impacts
traffic conform to the zoning code, wastewater management density, affordability and the
transformation to our highly visible undeveloped parcel located at the corner of two scenic
byways. Again the details of what they're talking about are available in the letter. The final
letter that I want to enter is from the Southold Town-Housing Advisory Commission. I'm
writing in support of the above reference proposed workforce housing project not simply
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September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
because it will meet the dire need in this town but because I believe that this project stands
on its own merit as meeting stringent requirements. The project will result in creation of
according with workforce housing apartments along with medical offices on a five acre parcel .
(inaudible). This proposal encompasses an allowable use of the parcel zoned for office
residential. The developed space less 'than the allowable density will be connected to
Greenport sewer, will utilize Suffolk County water, is located close to the village and
pedestrian sidewalks will mitigate traffic concerns by conforming to the D.O.T's design of a
planned round about in that area slated for 2023 and then she just concludes. Having entered
those into the record first we will hear from the applicant's attorney and any particular people
you wish to have testify on your behalf. Then we will have some questions from Board
Members and then we'll open this up to the public for your comments. If you want to make
comments we respectfully as that you try and keep it to three minutes or so, there's a lot of
people I'm sure that want to say things and if you hear something that somebody already said
that you agree with, rather than repeating the same thing just stand up state your name and
say I agree with the last person. All if this by the way is being recorded and will be transcribed
in a written document a transcription of this hearing will also be available cause sometimes
you.forget things so we have it all written out. Liz I want you to explain now how people can
participate on Zoom if they wish to provide testimony.
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELL;OS : Thank you Leslie, for those on Zoom who would like
to make a comment please raise your hand and we'll give you further instructions on how you
will be able to speak. If you're using a phone please press *9 and we will let you know what to
do next. For those speaking in person at the Meeting Hall at the podium we have papers if you
can please put down your names, please print them for me so that I will be able to type them
up when the transcript is done. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Liz. Okay I think let's get started.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Martin Finnegan 13250 Main Rd. Mattituck for the applicant 160 Route
25, LLC and on behalf of that and the owner is Paul Pawlowski the owner who is here with me
today. I'm pleased to present this application for Special Exception approval required under
the residential office zoning (inaudible) to create forty units of desperately needed workforce
housing for essential workers in our town and the Village of Greenport. This project will move
the town one step closer to achieving the number one goal of the housing chapter of the
town's Comprehensive Plan which is to create affordable housing. The site plan which is up on
the screen and I have another one here for the Board's review shows the location of the
premises which is at the intersection of Main St. and CR 48 in Greenport across from the old
Shady Lady and property is a limited business zoned property it also lies just north of that
place. The majority of the surrounding properties to the west and to the east and to the south
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
are residentially zoned. This parcel is R zoned which is indicative of the Town Board's
recognition of the parcel (inaudible), the parcel is suitable as a transition area between the
residential uses and the business property across the street. The proposed development
consists of four campus style mixed use buildings. The three units of medical office space on
the first level and ten work force apartments on the second level of each building including
five studios and five one bedroom apartments. The studios are proposed to be 350 sq. ft.
which is minimum requirement under the Town Code, the one bedrooms will be
approximately 525 sq. ft. The apartments will not comprise more than fifty percent of each
building. There will be ample parking on site for the units as you can see. So the project
satisfies all of the use regulations for apartments in the RO zone as per the reference
regulations in the hamlet business code. In fact this project is designed to be entirely
compliant with the bulk schedule requirements for the RO zoning district as can be found by
the site data chart on the site plan and the Notice of Disapproval that did not require any
ancillary dimensional variance relief. It's also noteworthy that this property has access to
town water and to the village sewer with an approved (inaudible). As the Board may be aware
the New York State Department of Transportation has (inaudible) to construct a new
roundabout at the intersection of Rt. 25 and CR48 which is slated to be completed prior to or
simultaneously with this project in late 2023. The roundabout is designed to provide
significant traffic calming at the intersection. So having established that the proposed
construction is compliant with the applicable zoning regulations and I wanted to address the
Special Exception criteria and matters to be considered in the town code by this Board. As
you're aware Special Exception approval is available for apartments above professional offices
on a determination by this Board that the project as proposed satisfies the criteria in Section
280-142 of the Town Code for prior consideration of a sixteen matters to be considered in
Section 280-143. The proposed project is also subject or will be the subject of a full site plan
review by the Planning Board staff who are special (inaudible) here today. I previously
submitted a memorandum of law you did receive that?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yes
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Okay, that addresses the reasons why the applicant is confident in that
the project satisfies all of the criteria for the issuance of a Special Exception, I would just like
to underscore a few points. The first two criteria are similar and ask you to find the proposed
apartments above medical offices will not prevent the orderly and reasonable use of any
adjacent property or other uses in the RO zoning district or surrounding zoning districts. This
RO zoned parcel is a corner lot on the edge of the village and in close proximity to the
hospital, San Simeon, Peconic Landing, Greenport High School and the Greenport and East
Marion Fire Department. All of those institutions are vital to our town. They all need
employees to operate and all employees need a home. We submit that this is the ideal
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
location for medical office space which is a permitted use as of right and for the establishment
of second level apartments there as well. The property is amply sized to accommodate the
proposed use as depicted on the site. Access as you can see is limited to the western and
northern sides of the property. The tail section of this property that juts down to Knapp Place
will remain undisturbed and that-is intended to avoid any impacts to the neighboring homes
along that. So there was a concern you mentioned out the outset Leslie in the letter you have
and there will be no access to the site from Knapp Place and that entire strip will just remain
as it is. The facades of both buildings of a residential design is intended to blend in to the
surrounding community. The site plan proposes significant (inaudible) screening to buffer the
use neighboring residences as well. As previously stated the proposed apartments are
consistent with the Town's Comprehensive Plan and stated purpose of the RO zoning district.
The third criteria ask you to find the health, safety, welfare, order and convenience of the
town will not be adversely affected by the addition of apartments to this site..The applicant
submits that all of these things will be in fact enhanced by this project. The project is entirely
conforming to the zoning regulations and the bulk schedule for the RO zone district. The
property will have minimal if any adverse environmental impacts as it has access to town,
water, village sewer and all storm water runoff will be managed on site in accordance to
Chapter 236. Yes there will be cars coming and going from the site but the proposed round
about and the limited access points will minimize potential traffic, impacts and ensure safe
ingress and egress. The extent that there is any impacts from the proposed development the
applicant stands ready to address and to mitigate them through the site plan process. With
respect to the fourth criteria the applicant submits that the proposed-use is in complete
harmony with the purpose of the RO zoning district, all applicable zoning regulations and will
undoubtedly further one of paramount goals of the town's Comprehensive Plan. As for the
fifth criteria you can plainly see from your review of the renderings they are on the title sheet
of the plan but I just brought those so you can see a little closer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I think we should have the public take a look at them.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : The renderings depict the proposed workforce apartments above
medical office space and thoughtfully designed to be compatible to surrounding residents. It
uses the substantial green space and, natural screening.The scale of the development it totally
compliant with the bulk schedule and will look a lot better than what is there now. This is not
a pristine woodland, there are mounds of dirt and debris and old foundation there and I don't
think this is a property in the slightest bit (inaudible) converted to a park. This project will
vastly improve the (inaudible) Greenport village. As for the remaining criteria, the review of
the site plan confirms that the property will be readily accessible for first responders and
compliance of Chapter 236 as I've already mentioned. To the extent that they are applicable
the matters to be considered under Section 280-143 have been addressed in our
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
memorandum of law so I'm not,reiterating it here but I submit you will find upon review of
them that they both serve and support the project's compliance with the Special Exception
criteria. Therefore I respectfully request that the applicant be granted the Special Exception
for the construction of the proposed apartments over the permitted medical office space. We
welcome any questions from the Board.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I do want to say because people get very confused about what is a
Special Exception exactly. It's a weird title, it's rather misleading. What it really should say it's
a special review because the uses have already been determined to be acceptable to the
zoning district. They are permitted in that zoning district. The difference is, the Board of
Appels reviews it to make sure it complies to the standards Martin just outlined and that
adverse impacts are mitigated or non-existent or minimized to the greatest extent possible.
So it's sort of like checking the boxes, you comply or you don't comply. It's not'like a variance
those are very different set of standards. So I just want to make sure that the public
understands the uses are already deemed to be acceptable for that zoning district so we're
here just to make sure that the standards he reviewed about the impacts and that's what
SEAR does also.That is exactly what that particular review intends to accomplish to make sure
that there are no adverse impacts or that they are really only minimal, that they don't rise to
moderate to severe or large impacts. During the site plan process there will no doubt be
changes made that is what most commonly happens. That's another reason why the Board of
Appeals is listening today and not making decisions because when we stamp something as
approved that's what's approved and nothing else. So we have to kind of coordinate this
carefully between the Boards for the sake of the applicant and for the sake of the public and
both Boards make sure that we're in a collaborative mode with each.other. I actually did have
a question Martin, maybe Paul can answer I don't know, people are very , very concerned
with two things in this town in my opinion. Preservation of water quality and wildlife habitat is
of great concernto many as it should be. We need to preserve our water quality. The real fact
is employers need places for their employees to live, families need places for their kids to live,
we all know the prices of housing out here are going out just skyrocketed out of control. We
have to do both, we have to have to do both. We can't politicize this and pick one against the
other it makes no sense. How do you make a priority of one or the other? One thing that
people do want to know is,,is this going to benefit people who live here because we talk about
affordables and then suddenly we don't have, people who live here qualifying for them and
that depends on the way in which the model was developed with fundingand so on. We also
know that the BMI that's applied in this town meaning the standard by which rents are set are
really out of wack with the incomes that people make out here._Our housing is much more
expensive than up island. I would like the applicant to think about how that might work to let
September 1;2022 Regular Meeting
the public and this Board understand more about exactly who is going to be allowed to live in
these places. Can you do that Martin or Paul?
PAUL PAWLOWSKI : Paul Pawlowski owner of 160 Main Rd. Greenport. I believe there was
two questions, one was about water quality and the second one was about affordability and
who is going to live there. As far as environmental impact and water quality that's a strong
argument and we feel this application where it sits and the ability to connect to the sewer and
town water is as ideal as' it gets. There's no perfect application when it comes to
environmental impacts but what makes this application better as ideal as it gets are those two
resources that we have exposure and that's very rare anywhere in Southold town. This is a
Southold town property that's in proximity to the Village of Greenport sewer district and it's
almost five acres. There's no other piece of property like this in all of Southold Town that has
that ability here. One of the reasons that the Affordable Housing Committee and the Town
Liaison at the time came to me and we looked at several properties where could we help with
this affordable housing crisis. That one major ingredient sewer connection made it very pal
able for us to apply knowing what we're proposing. As far as the other environmental impacts,
this is not a pristine property by any means. Whoever owned it years ago went in and put in a
foundation roughly 100 by 300 feet whatever it is and it's still there, pushed all the dirt up to
the west side of the property and all the mature trees that have been there prior to that
developer at the time are still going to exist around the whole perimeter to the south and the
east but if you walk into those properties this is not a pristine wooded property and
technically right now has no water retention. We will meet the code on water retention and
we will improve that water quality we feel in terms of storm water runoff than what's
currently there. As far as this project which is again very different than other ones that have
been proposed, this is all privately funded. We will not be asking for any federal grant money
whatsoever, this is privately funded. We are guided by the fair housing clause, fair housing
rules but we feel that working with the Affordable Housing Committee and knowing other
projects were done with private funding in East Hampton or South Hampton we feel our
percentage of locals residing at,-this project is much greater than those that that use federal
funding. We are going to we hope that first responders get first crack at this in Southold
Town, the Village of Greenport and we feel a large majority of those first responders will be
lining up here. That's the best way I can put it is, private funding gives us a little bit more level
movement with fair housing and with local advertising and our campaign with the Affordable
Housing Committee we feel that we'll achieve a very high percentage much greater than
others that have been done in the past.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Paul. Do you want to say something Martin?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : No I just didn't know if there were any more questions.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
' a
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN Let me see ,if at the moment if anybody else on the Board has
anything to say or questions they'd like to ask.
MEMBER DANTES : The only thing I'll say is at some point we would like to see what income
levels you guys plan on servicing, workforce housing and what the rentals the definition of
affordable rents you're proposing:
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Okay
MEMBER DANTES :There's a broad definition of what's affordable and what's not. It would be
helpful to have a more specifics.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Out here the number is zero, that's what's affordable at this point.
PAUL PAWLOWSKI : Paul Pawlowski, our goal with this again these technically going into this
project, these technically could be market rate apartments defined by our (inaudible) that's
not our goal. Our goal is to offer affordability in perpetuity. These rents will average around
$1,400 a month and have a one percent increase a year. Roughly that number the area mean
income levels we're looking at are roughly eighty, ninety percent area mean income. That
number is much more ideal for potential local residents than other workforce housing
projects that have already been done.
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : While-you're there Paul, you said in perpetuity so again there won't
be a sliding scale, it's not five or seven years the goal will be that these will be below market
rate rentals for the lifetime of the structure.
PAUL PAWLOWSKI : Yeah the one percent increase is just to go compared to inflation.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you, that's good information to have. Anything else from the
Board? Okay well we'll probably have some other questions later so why don't we
MARTIN FINNEGAN : Okay so we're just going to standby.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Yeah I think we'll just open this up for public comment at this time.
MARTIN FINNEGAN : I would just ask I think when the,publie is,complete we will if the record
is going to remain open we will be prepared to respond in writing or at a later date if any
issues we would like to answer.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Fair enough. I'm going to ask if you are to say anything to testify we
have at the podium both of them signup sheets. In our transcription we have to put down the
names of who spoke and rather than asking to spell your name every single person that comes
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
up here we're just going to ask you to please jot your name down as someone who,has
spoken and then we will be able to put it in the transcript. Who would like to go first?
CAROL LINDLEY : My name is Carol Lindley, I live at 512 Sterling Place with my husband Rory
Klinge. I'm a member of the Greenport North Neighborhood Association which consists of
thirty seven families that live in the immediate neighborhood that that property is located. I'm
speaking today on behalf of all the members of our association and our goal is to share with
you our views on several of the significant impacts that this proposed development will have
on our neighborhood as well as on the Town of Southold and the Village of Greenport. I
mention the Village of Greenport because in addition to the properties location as a gateway
to Greenport the village is also potentially the provider of the sewage system that will serve
the development as Paul and Martin mentioned. It's our understanding that the Village Board
confirmed last year prior to the submission of a site plan application that it had a capacity to
provide the hook up and that Mr. Pawlowski was asked to resubmit the request when he was
ready to move forward. At this time according to our sources in the village there is no contract
in place with the village to provide that hookup. In a recent Suffolk Times article Mr.
Pawlowski is quoted as saying that he does have in fact a letter of approval from the Village
Trustees for the hookup and if that's the case it would be great if the letter can be presented
and put into the public record for us all to be aware of. Without the commitment to provide
the adequate sewer access which is essential and critical infrastructure component of this
development it seems to us that it's not possible to afford with consideration a site plan
application. So if that letter is available to the public it would really be important for us to see
it. I want to just put a scenario out there in terms of if the letter does not exist or if that
commitment is not yet in place. If I as a resident were to submit a building permit to the town
to build a new home that did not include an achievable septic system plan the application
would be deemed incomplete and the building on my home would not be approved. The
purposes of this example let's assume I have a family of five, contrast this to the subject
proposal which calls for twelve medical buildings each with multiple staff members, each
serving probably dozens of people a day and forty individual apartments it is inconceivable
that this application can be considered complete without a clear plan for how the septic needs
of structural will be dealt with. A positive declaration will ensure that an appropriate sewage
plan is in place prior to granting approval to move forward. Positive declaration is what our
association is seeking from the Planning Department. Shifting to the affordable housing piece
of development we're concerned that there currently is no A-Z ,plan for how this significant
residential component will be managed. In a June 29th email to the Planning Department Mr.
Pawlowski stated and these are quotes, we will mirror HUD guidelines, we will work with the
Affordable Housing Committee on the process of eligibility, we will also have an on-site
manager living there. He identified Fairfield Properties as the company that he would hire to
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manage the complex a company he says has extensive knowledge in affordable housing.
These are all positive statements and they are a great starting point for developing a plan but
there are a lot of additional details to be identified and surrounded. All the framework need
to ensure that the apartments remain affordable in perpetuity. How will perspective renters
be selected, how will eligible income brackets be determined? Ideally we'd like to see people
who live and work in the town selected but how will that be managed given the federal and
state fair housing laws? At Vineyard View we saw how challenging this kind of process could
be. At 123 Sterling we saw how promises are very different in a transparent well documented
plan. A positive declaration will ensure that a viable property management plan is in place
prior to moving forward with this project. I want to close by thanking you all, thanking
x
members of the Planning Board as well as the Planning Department for scheduling this out of
sequence public hearing. As you said it gives us an opportunity to speak and we really, really
appreciate that and I also want to extend an invitation to everybody who is here and the
Planning Board Members and the Planning Department to come visit the site and to come and
visit our neighborhood. You'd be delighted to meet with you to host you to walk you around
and just give you a feel of this really great place to live. If you have,any additional
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Would you like to submit that letter?
CAROL LINDLEY : That'll be great. I do have an additional comment from one of our neighbors
that I'd like to deliver later if that's okay?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :That's fine just be sure to sign the piece of paper.
KIRSTEN DROSKOSKI : My name is Kirsten Droskoski and I just wanted to say that I agree with
everything that she says. I live on the corner of Stirling and Knapp Place across from the lot
they're planning. to keep wooded. I'm also a member of the association and I agree one
hundred percent with what Carol said.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you just sign your name. Anybody else? I just want to make
sure that everyone who likes to speak gets a chance to. .
SUE KREILING : My name'is Sue Kreiling and my house is right next door to that site plan and I
agree with everything that has been said but I also am doubly impacted because my driveway
is literally feet from the other driveway and when they say there's going to be a buffer I'd like
to know how much of a buffer you can actually put in such a small space. I agree with
everything else,thank you.
MARGOT PERMAN : My name is Margo Perman and I reside on Main St. the corner of Knapp
Place (inaudible) vicinity actually next to Sue's place and I'd like to personally thank you for
hearing our concerns today and hearing our input and ensuring an open and transparent
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process, this is very important to all of us. I want to say that the proposal of this scale in one
of the most highly trafficked intersections of Southold Town and the only corner between
Greenport Village and the Cross Sound Ferry would certainly (inaudible) a careful planning
consideration. Ensure the safety as well as respect was (inaudible) the corridor and residential
neighborhood, this would best be done with a comprehensive environmental impact study.
We need a DEIS report to ensure thorough safe and sustainable plan where all the
information would be available in one document for public review. This is for the benefit for
the town, the village, the residents, the developer and it would be a precedent for future
development. The project of this density impact which simply no reason I can see not to do
this study. Why wouldn't you take the right measures to get this right in a comprehensive
way? While there are many aspects to be considered I will focus on traffic and visual impact.
The DOT was required to do a comprehensive environment traffic study for their roundabout
project. This study was based on existing conditions, it was done prior to Mr. Pawlowski's
proposal and it does not take into consideration this proposal just to be clear. I quote from
the DOT report, "there are no approved developments planned within the project area that
will impact traffic operations, there are no known future projects planned at this location." So
that was when they the DOT did their study. It is critical that Planning takes into consideration
the increased traffic both residential and commercial as well as delivery trucks, service trucks
for the proposed office residential project. While we do believe the roundabout will improve
safety at this dangerous intersection the proposed development project will add to the traffic.
As stated in the developers own estimates the proposed development will add a minimum of
1,075 daily trips. One must also imagine again the overall impact of the delivery trucks, waste
management and maintenance vehicles associated with this development of this density.
Again the development should require a thorough environmental and traffic study and that
should be part of a separate (inaudible). The developer states that the NYSDOT has conducted
a visual impact assessment and concluded that visual impacts at the intersection for the two
roadways are low negative visual impacts. This is a misrepresentation, the DOT report refers
to the visual impacts of the proposed roundabout. It does not refer to the visual impacts of
this proposed project. In fact the DOT conducted a visual impact study because of the sites
scenic quality. Again, the developer's statement seems to infer to my reading that his project
will have low visual impacts which is not what the DOT report says. The addition of a highly
traffic access road abutting the residential neighborhood on Main and Knapp Place that would
serve a thousand plus trips daily would have significant impacts on the traffic between
Greenport Village and North Rd. for the approved roundabout. A study of how this would be
managed is critical to any projects and studies. The proposed development would have critical
lasting impacts on the main access going from the Village of Greenport and extending beyond
to the scenic corridor of Orient. It is a vital importance to address critical traffic and
environmental issues to ensure the health and safety of the scenic gateway. We urge you to
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
do the right thing for the future of our town and conduct a DEIS Comprehensive
Environmental Impact Study.Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Do you want to submit that?
RANDY WADE : Randy Wade, Greenport. Just stepping back a minute, the big picture is that
Southold has inadvertently (inaudible) for whatever reasons zoned certain parcels on the
gateways to Greenport in ways that if you really thought about it you would really say no, no,
no, no that's not appropriate. When the battery storage hearing when (inaudible) was going
to go as of right and do an industrial zoned (inaudible) surrounded by wetlands and
(inaudible) zoning and (inaudible) property already owned :by the public. On the north road
the rural gateway to Greenport when everybody in Orient and East Marion and Greenport
West which is really north and the east comes into Greenport they now experience Greenport
as a rural village. The opposite that would be Riverhead as their gateway office 'buildings so
the problem with this zoning RO is office buildings and if you look at the zoning which I've now
spent a couple of days looking at the code, residential office is actually designed to fit into the
residential character of a neighborhood and to not detract from the residential character and
you know be kind of low key. 'I'll get into that a little bit later. What I first wanted to say is, I
respect the developer and the intentions and it sounds really great and I think we can get the
details and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and openness of the ZBA and you-underestimate
yourselves because the code says, no Special Exception approval shall be granted unless the
Zoning Board of Appeals specifically finds and (inaudible) the following. I went through and
made a list of very many of the things that would have to happen for the Special Exception
and it's basically the office is wrong there: Will the use prevent the orderly and reasonably use
of adjacent properties or properties in adjacent use districts? Yes is this a residential district.
except for the pre-existing non-conforming business across the street. The adjacent
neighborhood is made up of single family homes with an occasional two family. The project
could diminish the orderly and reasonably use of the surrounding homes with current density
and uses being proposed. Number two, will the use prevent the orderly and reasonably use of
permitted or legally established (inaudible)? It could be if not designed carefully with a
reduced scale, natural buffers and much less paving. It would like the entrance to Greenport
as Riverhead's extensive office buildings have done, the unique rural approach to Greenport
deserves preservation as it impacts the residents and businesses throughout the village by
giving us our unique character as well as residences of East Marion and Orient. I'm happy to
go through all this because I'm going to give it to you so you can go through it and have
justification to deny this Special Exception and it is not what I want. I want you to bargain hard
and explain what would be acceptable so the developer can get on with it and do his
wonderful project and know very clearly what you would accept and what the community
maybe would accept I don't know I can't speak for them I live in a different neighborhood. So
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the logic, the logic of what I'm about to propose, eliminating the office use with less than the
impact of the surrounding community conforming to the intent of RO zoning that buildings fit
into the surrounding residential neighborhoods and appear to be residential in character. The
best outcome would be for the buildings to be truly residential. If the ZBA wishes they can
request the support of the Town Board or the Town Attorney but this should not require a re-
zoning. If the applicant presents a plan that does not indeed serve a town or if does indeed
serve a town wide need and does not just add residential density at market rate then the
intent of the lot should be met. These are the proposed conditions that I would make if I was
God and the ZBA. In deciding for the application for Special Exception the ZBA may impose
such conditions and safeguards as it;deems necessary. The following suggestions, Forfeit the
office use to allow for forty regulated various income level restricted affordable unites in
perpetuity ensuring that an on-site manager lives -in one of the units. An informal survey
actually I've asked around there's a very weak market for office space and especially medical
offices. Without the office space the housing can be consolidated into fewer buildings and
have some larger apartments. Parking stalls, you really only need one for each apartment,
twenty for guests that leaves sixty spots that can be repurchased because frankly 4.7 acres
and forty units of housing there needs to be some outdoor.space for resident use. It's
completely unfair to think that in the Village of Greenport where everybody else has a back
yard that the people in this complex would not have any landscape outdoor seating areas.
Buffers, the Special Exception for AC and includes some of those also and I found the buffering
very well for in Section 280-13 (7) & (5) for membership clubs and healthcare facilities and
those buffers and I would ask that they be natural vegetated on the scenic byways on 25 and
48 which it looks like that's the intention so they should be 100 feet. Then next to any lot the
part of the code would say SO feet adjacent to residential lots and so it's 10 feet to the road
going in and even though the plan shows two roads of trees but that's you know to a single
family home to put in a road that really needs to move 50 feet away. So one way I think it's so
mean to ask the developer at this point to just rethink the whole thing but the good thing
about our (inaudible) is it's very movable very, very movable. So anyway I would love you to
save time Paul, I'd love for this to go smoothly, I'd like you to get exactly what you're saying
you want and get it actually on paper as part of a Special Exception that disallows the office.
Thank you so much for your time.
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : Leslie excuse me, just to let you know we do have a
hand up on Zoom if you want to take turns after.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay I'll let this woman speak first and then we'll go to Zoom.
JOANNE GREENBAUM : I'm going to read a more personal statement, I think everyone else
talked more technically I'm just going to read a personal statement as part of the community
September 1,.2022 Regular Meeting
around this project. My name is Joanne Greenbaum, l live at 519 Sterling Place. I am here to
register my strongest disagreement about the development project proposal for this route
corner of Greenport. After reading the notes and perspectives I want to say that this is
devastating for the neighborhood.around ther project and to all of Greenport and especially
parts east. The idea that this development will not impact the neighborhood is false. I read
with amazement the developers statement that the project will not impact the residents of
the neighborhood. A development with over 120 parking spaces, 40 apartments and medical
offices will have significant and adverse impact on a very quiet and peaceful neighborhood.
Furthermore the lovely (inaudible) at the end of my block at Knapp Place will be destroyed. At
night we will see parking lights which will.impact anyone close, there will be car noise, there
will be trucks, there is no community need for medical offices. I see a lot of empty storefronts
all over the North Fork such as in Feather Hill go there. I go to doctors in the area, sometimes
I'm the only person at the doctor's office and I see many, many empty storefronts and new
medical offices all over the place. Once these storefronts sit empty and are unrented you can
bet other non-essential business will rent there such as UPS offices, delis etc. As to the traffic
this will be a delivery thoroughfare as well as a parking spot for this development no matter
what the developer says. The disregard for the community is so high as to traffic on Rt. 48, 25
this corner is crowded is a terrible spot to dump a development in. The traffic on weekend
days is not only dangerous but crowded with cars going into Greenport and the ferry traffic
from Orient Point. Another thing about this juncture is that this is the scenic gateway into
Greenport and the gateway to Orient, East Marion and the ferries. There is proximity to fifty
seven steps beach and other nice peaceful places. I bought my home in the spring of 2020. 1
bought this home because it was on a quiet and out of the way, location but still close to town.
I like the way I can walk to.the beach in the morning, walk my dog, pass foliage and trees. I
work at home as an artist, quiet is my most priced art supply. If this project goes through I will
not be able to work there during the day. I saved and worked my whole life in order to buy a
house which I now live in practically full time. I will retire here. I have no interest in resale
value or property values as I'm going nowhere. The Department of Transportation has already
determined that views along the street have value and does require a DEIS survey. Please
reconsider this development, insist on an environmental and traffic impact study to see the
actual harm this will do visually and humanely. The most, important thing is listen to the
residents'and community and not shrug this off.Thank you.
PATRICIA HAMMES : My name is Patricia Hammes and I live on Main St. in Greenport. I just
wanted to say that I'm in complete agreement that the Town of Southold and the Village are
in dire need of workforce housing. Having said that I'm not convinced the current proposed
project is the right project to address that need at least as currently structured and rather
than reiterate a lot of things that have already been said I'd say I'm in agreement with all the
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points raised earlier by Carol, Randy and other as well as in the May 17th letter from the
Northfork Environmental Counsel. The final point that I kind of wanted to raise was that I also
have similar concerns-about how the,project will be managed on the workforce housing units.
As you may be aware, the developer recently completed a development in the village which
was supposed to provide five more or less affordable units for the local community. Once he
completed the project he sold.it and those units still remain vacant and are being held open
pending the current owners ability to successfully sell the market rate units. Now I understand
Mr. Pawlowski doesn't own that anymore so he doesn't control it but it was really
disappointing to see that happen. I think the community and I think there is a lot of angst over
it and I think that the whole approach on that particular project does not establish a
particularly-good track record in respect of the possibility that this will be affectively provide
and offer affordable housing on a short term basis to the community. So I'want to thank you
for all your hard work on this and consideration of all the comments made so far and I guess
we'll see where you go from here. Thank you for listening.
PAULA MUTH : My name is Paula Muth I live in (inaudible) and I also work at my (inaudible) on
Knapp Place 213 Knapp Place. This would be the worst thing for my business. I don't think
anyone is going to want to get a massage with heavy equipment and nail guns going and then
,once it's established all the noise, the traffic, the light pollution, I walk through that place
thoroughly covered every inch of it the other day and it's a real loos to lose all of those trees.
MARY DOWD : My name is Mary Dowd and I have signed the list. I live in Greenport and I will
keep this short. I agree with all of the comments made earlier by Carol and Margot and
others and I hope that you will request or require an in depth review pursuant to SEAR and
also in independent and very current traffic study to also be required. Regarding affordable
housing, I found it really strange that the Sterling Condominium project would allow those five
units to be sold within two years. I mean"you win the lottery if you that's what I understood
was the case, that's not'how it usually done it should be done in perpetuity and to actually be
the winning person that won one of those affordable housing and to be able to sell it for a
song two years later doesn't seem like a very fair way to do that. Another thing, is the
elephant in the room is Air B&B's, that's what scuffled up a lot of these affordable housing
and we're not enforcing (inaudible) you can get three, four, five hundred dollars a night for
their (inaudible). So if there's programs that will actually track on Air B&B were that housing is
being used but if it's not being enforced people are going to take advantage and they're going
to get the maximum rent for their home so that's if that were tended to I think you would see
a lot larger affordable housing pool then there is currently. Thank you for the opportunity to
speak and thank you to everyone that attended.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anybody on Zoom with their hand up?
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
DAVE MENDELSON : Hi my name is Dave Mendelson I Five at 455 Knapp Place so this proposed
development wraps around two sides of my property. I'm a member of the Greenport North
Neighborhood Association and I. agree with the comments that have been said so far. I think
we need the DEIS. For the comments about this being the entry into Greenport and the scenic
byways I'd like to point out that the current proposal has parking right on the main corner. It's
the backs of the buildings that face the roads, their putting a dumpster out there. It does not
seem to be treating that carefully. There are.walkways through the project but they don't
even connect to the sidewalk on Main St. They've said they are not disturbing the part of the
parcel that goes down to Knapp Place but if I'm reading these drawings correctly they're
cutting about a third of the trees on that property I think to run utility lines through there
covering them with grass which seems like it would become a walkway cutting right through
the quiet'part of the neighborhood and right by my bedroom windows. If it's true that there's
not much demand for the office spaces there I also wonder if there's a future idea about using
this as an underused existing building which can be converted to additional housing kind of
running around the maximum numbers through Section 280-38B(6)?Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN :Thank you.
MARYANN DELUCA : Good afternoon Chairwoman Weisman and Members of the Zoning
Board, my name is Maryann Deluca and I'm an environmental associate for the Group for the
East End and we appreciate the opportunity to comment today. For the record the Group for
the East End is a professional conservation advocacy and educational organization and we're
patented in 1972. 1 would like to begin by stating that the group is aware that there's a need
for workforce housing in Southold. I'm a starting professional, 1 know firsthand the challenge
of trying to find suitable affordable housing. I've been privileged enough that my parents will
still have me but I would like to move out. However if you try to develop yourself out of a
problem it is only a matter of time before Southold looks like Riverhead, Riverhead looks more
like western Suffolk and the cycle continues and oftentimes many of the crises remain the
same. There is a lack of affordable housing across most of Long Island. More,development and
more building cannot be the only way in which we address our local housing challenges.
Beyond that, any project that offers some affordable units should not be exempt from a
thorough and substantive review process. Short term narrowly Jocused decision making
continually leaves the general public bearing the costs for unintended consequences of such
developments. The'State Environmental Quality Review Act or SEAR states that any action
that may include the potential for at least one significant adverse environmental impact that
an environmental impact statement must be prepared just one. Based on our review, this
proposal we believe that this project is significantly unaligned with the parcels current RO
zoning will negatively impact traffic, could have a negative effect on the view shed along two
state designated scenic byways due to insufficient buffering and could negatively impact
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
surrounding wetlands and groundwater specifically through excess nitrogen loading given the
project's significant density. Due to these potential implications this project is a prime
candidate for all SEAR review, there is no reason that a project of this size, scale, visibility and
complexity should be exempt from conducting a complete environmental impact statement.
Right now this project does not even have a consistent name between the Board's reviewing it
(inaudible) get us a name. SEQR allows the developer to put their best foot forward and
provides the public with clarity about what the project actually is. It offers -the chance to
determine the potential impacts of a project;and looks for ways to mitigate or adjust based on
these impacts and concerns. It just makes sense. We'believe for these reasons that this
project warrants a complete environmental review under SEAR and that the Planning Board
should issue a positive declaration and we would appreciate if the Zoning Board would
recommend such measures to the Planning Board. In addition for the need for this project to
receive a positive declaration we believe that this project should not be given a Special
Exception Permit in its current form. The current zoning of RO on parcel where the project is
proposed currently states ,that the purpose of this zone is -to create well planned
environmentally sensitive balanced development. We feel that this project does not embody
this standard. While apartments over buildings are permitted in the RO zone the code clearly
states that no more than six apartment units are permitted and while this aspect of the code
pertains to the conversion of pre-existing buildings it is still clear that forty units is drastically
out of line with the intention to the,density of this zone. In addition, it is clearly stated that
the apartment use may not be changed to another permitted use for a minimum period of
eight years from the time the user receives a Certificate of Occupancy. There's nothing to stop
the developer from changing the use from affordable units to something else in eight years.
On a previous project that was mentioned today it was sold to a different owner. What is
there to stop somebody from changing this use eight years from now? They should not be
given any approvals until the question of will these apartments be affordable in perpetuity is
determined and finalized. We appreciate the applicant's testimony today but this critical issue
needs to be confirmed. We need to know if these units will remain affordable beyond just
eight years. This project strays significantly from the intention and requirements of RO zoning.
Based on the information available we do not believe that the proposal can meet the criteria
for the Special Exception Permit permitted within this zone. Conducting a full environmental
review of this project provides a detailed and (inaudible) review of this proposal. This level of
assessment can help the public and the town's land and use Boards determine the proposals
compliance with the current code as well as understand the projects overall impact to the
surrounding environment and ecosystems. In closing we ask that the Zoning Board in its
referral in comments to the Planning Board request for a positive declaration (inaudible) and a
draft environmental impact statement is required. Thank you very much for your time and
consideration of these comments. Based on listening today there are two additional
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
comments I would like to offer. The developer talks.about how this area of woodland is not
pristine. From a scientific perspective most green space is not a pristine ecosystem. That does
not mean that wooded landscapes don't inherently.have an ecological value to many of the
different insects, animals and other organisms that inhabit them. So whether it's pristine or
not there will be an environmental impact to all of the organisms living there. Secondly, I
know people don't like to talk about money. This is a personal anecdote and I'd like to remove
that from the groups testimony. I'm a young professional,'I have two bachelor's degrees in
two different subjects from a university. My starting income is $40,000 a year. Most of my
peers starting income after being college graduates is 440,000 a year. Rent of $1,400 is sixty
five percent of my monthly income. I know many of you have gone on with your lives, have
established careers, own property, many of my peers don't have that yet. It used to be old
advice that twenty five percent of your income should go to rent. Fifty percent if you live in a
city.-We're not a city it would be sixty five percent of my income. When we talk about what is
affordable to our workforce to young professionals the number value plays into what that is
because that housing would be unattainable for me. Thank you very much.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody else in the audience?
JOHN EUSTICE : Hello my name is John Eustice my wife Lucy and I bought our 305 Bridge St. in
2018. We spent twenty summers in Orient Point, fell in love with Greenport, the walkability
the village atmosphere,'friendly neighbors, small homes and some of you have gone so
brilliantly granular on this I'm not going to try and mimic you. I agree with much of what's
been said. For me the main issue is the Northfork is a tiny little sliver of land, it's tiny it's not
very wide what's it a mile wide something like that a bit more it depends on where you are.
There are a hundred plus parking spaces there, a thousand trips a day where are all these cars
going to go? How are we going to fit all this in there?The two ferries, people going all over the
place, it's really going to radically change the character of this town and the atmosphere of
this town on this project. I'm not against affordable housing although without this it's not so
affordable the $1,400 rents but I guess that's what it is today okay I'm not a developer but I
do think that at the very least the studies that were spoken of the positive declarations the
DEIS if something that's this impactful for this historic beautifully established old community
this putting of an industrial of a suburban office park in the middle of this old village which is
what this is basically I do think it's incumbent on everybody to really, really examine it, to
study it to look at every aspect of it. One last_thing, it might be old woods old sort of woods on
that property but on First St. we have flooding and I'm just wondering what the root systems
in that cause I know nothing of what we're speaking of but I just wonder what those roots
systems might do to help stop that flooding as more and"more (inaudible). Again these are the
questions I think an in depth study environmental study especially a traffic study cause the
traffic is already crazy and you don't want this to become the Hamptons just one massive
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September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
traffic jam and it's in danger of_doing that and I think a thousand car trips a day and hundred
and twenty parking spaces this and that, giant parking lot where there used to be a lot of trees
I don't know if that's quite in the character of the town of the village and I hope that it can be
a good clear look can be taken at it. Thank you so much.
ANN MURRAY : I'm Ann Murray and I'm here speaking for the Northfork Environmental
Counsel we submitted a letter and I just wanted to reiterate that we insist that you issue a
positive declaration or that the Planning Board does it have a full SEAR review of this project. I
especially want to highlight if I can ,for a minute the traffic study that is necessary for this
project. The DOT is already done I understand for the roundabout, it's previous to this
development so I think probably the DOT needs to do another one and especially, especially
this town needs to do its own independent traffic study of this location while considering this
project and make sure it's a confident traffic study and make sure that consultant has no
conflicts of interest in doing that.Thank you very much.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Is there anybody on Zoom? Okay is there anybody else?
LUCY EUSTICE : Hi my name is Lucy, Eustice, I have a couple of questions. There is a lot of
vacant office space and if you can't rent out the offices I'd like to know what the plan is,
what's allowed because this is being sold as a medical office space but if there's no takers
what's going to happen to those spaces? Also presumably since its privately funded you're in
this to make money so if this property is sold and it was touched on previously I think it needs
to be considering that the public is being sold on this affordable housing, how is that ensure
that it carries forward if the property is sold by the investors? As it was mentioned it has
already happened but it got sold and the apartments are not what they're supposed to be. So
I think since those are the main selling points of this property we need more information
about what is going to happen moving forward and looking ahead.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I can answer one of those questions and Paul can answer the
others. I don't know what his plans are but I can tell you this, approvals by both Planning and
Zoning can be conditioned upon certain terms and it is possible should this go forward and
this is just the very first step, we want to get your comments early and upfront so that they're
considered from the very beginning not down the line. We can place Covenants and
Restrictions on an approval that would require you know below market rate rental units in
perpetuity. So it would have to be a Covenant and Restriction and that's the way we would
ensure that no matter who owned it;that's what they're buying into.
LUCY EUSTICE : Please tell me what the rent is for one bedroom.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
PAUL PAWLOWSKI : So to touch on those immediate questions, as far as the eight year cycle
whatever we have to do Covenant and Restrictions for (inaudible) and in perpetuity we will do
what the various Boards there's no (inaudible) never the attempt. As far as the RO zoning the
RO code defines what can be in there. We would be happy to take it a step forward to make
sure that it stays medical office in perpetuity as well. One of the goals here is not to take
(inaudible) from the downtown with retail restaurants and such. At the same time whenever
myself there's no investors it's myself and my partner, when we go into a project we
understand property rights and we understand what neighbors should expect when they
bought their property. What we get approved for across the board we're willing to get
Covenants and Restrictions. What we're asking for is in the code and so whatever we have to
do to help mitigate.those long term concerns. As far as the average rent of roughly around
$1,400 that's very close to.what a one bedroom ,and studio right around there is what the
numbers will come out to be. I respect that people not earning.enough to meet the mean
income that we're showing but it's for a household so there's we're proposing forty units and
we're trying to make a dent in a problem that is at a crisis level. So we can't help everyone but
we're doing our best to start here at certain income levels. That's the best I can say about it
and if the Board's (inaudible) a lower income level we're all ears. We're not just coming up
with that. There's reasons for income levels and we can get into that. So permitted uses is a
big thing and we're willing to covenant so what's potentially approved is in perpetuity,
affordability is in perpetuity not an eight year cycle.So the number one question is on medical
use and so my background is I am a developer but really I'm a landlord and some of my
tenants consist of Stony Brook Medical, Winthrop, NYU these will be full within the first
month of being done if approved. They are my tenants, we have over five hundred thousand
square foot of medical space and we know the demand and the proximity to the current
hospital is very close. They don't really have medical space within that proximity anymore so I
think we'll fill you know the market of medical just to throw it out there we're not just hoping
we understand that market, we have those tenants already and we look forward to servicing
that professional need. Density what we're proposing is we didn't come to the table trying to
max out this property. It would (inaudible) square foot medical and if you did the math on fifty
percent for the with the sewer connection you get close to sixty units but we're not coming
here saying please give us everything we need and want. Noise, no noise from this project will
exceed the decibel levels of that North Rd. currently. Yes during construction all's I can say
about that,is we'll be as efficient as possible with the nail guns get in get out, nothing we do
takes we don't abuse the calendar on that. The noise level, this project because of the nature
of it and the (inaudible) it's private medical space on the first floor and residential office on
the second. We're not proposing outdoor seating or any of that sort of stuff. That's not the
nature of it similar to other apartment buildings and that's the luxury of people living there,
they don't need to sit in the parking lot. They get to walk downtown and utilize what's there.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
So I�wanted to touch on traffic, noise the process I agree, there should be a very defined
process and between my background, my partners background, Fairfield's property
background the help of the Affordable Housing Committee I'm sure we can nail that down not
just here say. We know the process and there's guidelines to that. This wouldn't be the first
development so we look forward to defining that process. Scenic by views, there's roughly a
thousand linear feet or nine hundred to a thousand linear feet on this corner. By the time
we're done with this the only visual aspect into this would be the two entry ways, other than
that we will heavily screen this. My partner on this owns 1,11 Sterling St. so we look forward to
revegetating and also preserving any mature trees that we can on that buffer. On the site plan
and we'll update it accordingly when we get down there, this potential utility area in the one
area to the south of the property it won't be grass it will not be a pathway we will update that
to show vegetation so it's as it is today. One thing I'd like to touch on because somebody
brought it up, the other project. The other project and the merits of that affordable housing
were dictated in 2007 by the previous owners of the neighborhood association in that
neighborhood, the Village Board.and the owners. We abided by that, we improved on that
with the sign off of the neighborhood association and not only did we view that, we finished
the project to CO based on the guidelines that had nothing to do with what we proposed. We
tried for two years to change it to affordable building in perpetuity and that was not
approved. So that's an important subject for me cause I spent a lot of time and energy trying
to improve on that. That's a project that we sold as approved.The current owners if they ever
try and change things have to go through a process but that subject is not what we're
proposing today and we abide by everything that was proposed and granted approval and
threw in a few little improvements to that affordable housing criteria. I didn't believe in that
affordable housing criteria, it was a complete disaster but that was approved by the Supreme
Court, the neighborhood association, the Town Board in 2007 and yes five people hit the
lottery.
MEMBER DANTES :The Village Board.
PAUL PAWLOWSKI : Yes the Village Board, sorry. So we not only took it to the finish line we
got the CO and we sold it based on what every one of those signatures wanted at the time of
the approval. We're at a new project where all the various boards have their input on what's
going to happen potentially or what's not going to happen and we would have to again abide
by that. Those are just a few of the things I wanted to touch on based on some of the
comments. Last one, water and flooding, we'll capture more water runoff once done
compared to today. So our storm water program will be better than the root systems
(inaudible) scientifically.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anyone else want to,address the Board?
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
DONALD WILCENSKI : Hi my name is Donald Wilcenski of Southold Town Planning Chairman
and I just wanted to make and thank the Board (inaudible) this can help us through our
process and I just wanted to go on the record that I'm here in attendance and our Planning
Director Heather Lanza is here as well. Thank you.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I will say one thing, I think any of us in government are aware of
the challenges that are before us. I've been doing this a long time, twenty five years or so and
we've all seen an incredible change in our town and change is inevitable. Our obligation as
residents of this town and participants in government to manage change responsibly so that
whatever is proposed does not weigh negatively on those of us who live here. So Planning and
Zoning are working very carefully together, we're constantly trying to up our game as it were
in order to meet the challenges that are before us that are increasing the complex. I just want
to reassure all of you that we're very, very glad that you all showed up this is what
participatory democracy is supposed to be. That's what's great about living in a small town,
you have an accessible government and you're opinion counts. So they will not you know
we're trying to work with the developer, his attorney, it's just the beginning and there will be
changes I'm sure along the way and all your comments will be carefully considered.
CHARLES SANDERS : I'm Charles Sanders. I'm glad you actually said that because I'm really
struggling with this. I was talking to Paul, I was talking to my neighbors I'm still kind of on the
fence with a couple of things but what I want to say I'm a Town Assessor so I'm speaking as a
homeowner right now not as a Town Assessor. I really have struggled with this, I believe you
own property you have a right to actually do (inaudible). I knew when I bought my house that
something would actually go there, we all knew that when we bought our properties. I want
to make sure that's clear, you own property you should be able to build on that property. The
question is what's appropriate? When I look at this proposal I have no issue in terms of what
Paul is trying to propose in terms of providing affordable housing. I just think it's too dense,
that's my only concern. I'm being selfish here. I would love for it to stay as a woodland for the
rest of my life, it doesn't hurt or impact me in a negative way if it just'stays woodland. We're
living in a town that does need affordable housing and that is a struggle and for me to say no
you shouldn't have affordable housing just cause it's next to my back yard I don't think that's
fair and I don't think that's really appropriate. I wrote out a whole thing but it sounded too
legal as I was thinking about it. It's a struggle it really is a struggle to what is appropriate.
Every single one of us that lives on Knapp St. we don't want it to be built there for the wildlife
to be obstructed.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Charles with all due respect you need to address the Board.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
CHARLES SANDERS : Oh I'm sorry. So when I think of this project that's really what I think of, I
think there's a balance between my own selfish wants and the need for the community. So
doing the affordable housing, one hundred,percent we need affordable housing, do we need
more office space, probably not. I would like to see this redesigned and maybe just look at it
from the perspective of providing affordable housing or providing other residential, reducing
the density, making sure that the lot next to my house is again I'm speaking selfishly I don't
want that to bea road obviously] don't want that to be a road because it's going to impact
my home. When I look at the project more deeply you have forty apartments that's just
imagine how many cars that is, how many people it is going to have a pretty big impact on our
community. So (inaudible) revisit, reevaluate it, bring down the density I think it would make
all of my neighbors happy and I think it would make me happy. I also want Paul to he invested
in the property and has every right to make money off of it there's nothing wrong with an
individual who is investing to make money. We wouldn't live in our homes if somebody didn't
build and money off of it right? Every single one of them when we have every opportunity
(inaudible) to go in together and spend our own money, divide up that land and or have it
zoned for us or just leave it as wooded. We chose not to do that, we should have thought
about that (inaudible). So he has every opportunity to build I would just like to see him,reduce
the impact and reduce the amount of density.That's my personal opinion.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anybody else want to address the Board?
JERRY O'NEIL : First of.all I agree with I'm sorry Jerry O'Neil I live on Bailey Ave. my home is up
against the east side of the (inaudible) directly on a property behind building four and the
parking lot. I do agree with ninety percent of what everybody said. I also agree I don't think
there's anyone in this room that has said that they don't acknowledge the problem of
affordable housing, it's a big problem. This is not about wanting affordable housing. I was
happy to hear that something could be done. What this is about is where this is located and
the density. I get a little concerned when I hear and I certainly expected something to be built
(inaudible) on the property behind me of course no one should (inaudible). Did I expect this,
no but the issue is it's on a corner that we do have the traffic concerns.So I invite you as this
young lady did to come there and stand on the point where you're going to have entrances
and egress on the North Rd. and look directly across to the entrance to the Linn Restaurant
parking lot and also the proximity where the traffic circle is going to be hundreds of feet away.
Any traffic there is going to hold up there, the traffic circle is a single mini round about so
when you stop traffic there or coming out on Main St. if people are trying to get in and out of
this somebody is trying to get in, somebody is trying to get out based on the (inaudible) these
are working people they're getting up every day they're going to work. They're getting up six,
seven, eight o'clock, you're going to have traffic in and out of the Town of Greenport in and
out of that development and you're going to have people going to work in the medical offices.
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
You're going to have people coming to see them. The people are waiting to do that, to get in
and out of Main St. the traffic is going to be backed up on the Northfork because the traffic
circle is one way and it's only a few hundred feet away so that's going to have (inaudible).
Regarding the environmental impact there's noise from the traffic, it will be heard where my
house is right now. Again I bought that and I know the proximity of the North Rd. and in the
nice months I have the windows right open I hear the traffic, I'm going to hear more but that's
part of the deal where I bought my home. We will also have soot that comes with that and
dirt and the other thing is I'll wrap up I do have many things to say, one thing is it's great to
hear and see the responses from the petitioner of how wonderful these things are but
because he says it's wonderful and it looks good and it blends with the neighborhood that
doesn't mean it's (inaudible). This is a residential neighborhood. On Bailey Ave. we do have
traffic from the hospital coming up and down. I'd be more than happy to support it the
hospital is one of the best things we have in the neighborhood but we also have people
parking commercial vehicles along the street there. Now the floor plan that's been on the
board and up there it shows now we have a buffer of trees and Paul I appreciate that they're
there, they weren't there when this plan was developed and submitted just about a year ago
in August of last year. Instead there were fifty more parking spots that lined all the area where
those trees are. That's what's on file on the town when it was submitted. So I appreciate now
(inaudible) there's going to be trees and maybe you can enhance that but explain to me how
when this is proposed same forty units, same medical offices how we have fifty more thirty
percent more parking that's now not necessary where did that go? Well I'll tell you where it
will go, it'll.go on Knapp St., it'll go on Bailey Ave. okay and when the traffic starts to back up
on the North Rd. and Main St. what I can't say that I do but] don't put it you have Waze and
Google Maps that you can save a minute by going down Bailey Ave. or by going down
Manhassett and across Champlain and just from a Planning Board perspective maybe moving
further along to that gentleman thank you sir, the sewer system is going to support this.-As
somebody said, my house has an old sewer if I have to replace that that's going to cost me
tens of thousands of dollars. If the sewer'system can support Brecknock and plans on
supporting the marina projects there's going to be a lot of construction up and down those
streets in our neighborhood. If it can support that you want to know that give me a piece of
that, let me come down and add me to (inaudible). So there is some (inaudible) what about
fencing? If somebody is parking their car on Knapp St. and on Bailey Ave. they're not going to
walk around the block to go get their car, they're going down through the (inaudible).
Somebody pointed out in the beginning of this we were told nothing is being developed there
that's pristine, everybody picked up that the area where the utilities are going to be coming in
there's going to be a grass path (inaudible), people are going to walk down that grass pathway
of course they are and that's where they're going to go to get their cars and when they park at
night they're going to park Knapp St. and they're going to park on Sterling Place and they're
SsT
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
going to park on Bailey and I don't have a fence in my back.yard and there's some surveying
that's going on they cut through the yard they bend my stupid little fence so be it I understand
that happens. There should be a fence in my opinion if this goes through all around that
property that prohibits egress and entrance a pedestrian entrance on that property to the
adjacent properties. So I'll finish with'that, thank you and I'm sorry for being loud.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Anyone else wanting to address the Board? Anybody on Zoom Liz?
It doesn't look like it.
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : Not anyone with a hand up.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay anybody, else in the audience? Martin do you want to make
some closing comments?
MARTIN FINNEGAN : I just want to say back to the very first comment about soil (inaudible)
part of the Planning file it was submitted as part of that submission and I'd be happy to send a
copy for your record as well.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Thank you Martin.-We will put that copy on our Laser Fiche file but
Planning Board has all of their things scanned also,isn't that right? You can certainly access
anything from their file relative to this project. Planning Board is the one that actually does
lighting, they're the ones that does ingress and egress, they're the ones that calculate the
required parking yield, they are the ones that require landscape buffers it's all in the code. A
lot of the things you're talking about will certainly be appreciated by the Planning Board and
considered carefully. The.ZBA's job as I said when we get to it and it's not going to happen
that quick will be to look at the Special Exception standards and those standards counsel
Finnegan addressed they're also on the website under the application General Special
Exception Permit applications (inaudible) and applicant has to make their case or not make
their case. The Board has to decide whether they have made the case. SEAR helps us
determine whether or not adverse impacts being in harmony with-the neighborhood is
accomplished or not.The Planning Board also has an Architectural Review Committee and any
design proposal or commercial project goes to the ARC as I think I.said earlier for their review
so they will chiming in on what it looks like. Does it comport with residential character of the
area or not. So there's a lot of hoop's to jump through here, this is quite an involved process
for good reason because we want to make sure that a project of this scale is well done and
that it's a benefit and not a detriment. Anybody else want to say anything? Even from the
Board. I'm going to adjourn it without a date because we don't really know how long it's going
to take. Liz did you want to say something?
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September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SAKARELLOS : I did move someone in, they have their hand up.
Their initials are CH. Can you state your name please.
CHERYL HORSFALL : Yes hi, my name is Cheryl Horsfall and reside at 614 Bailey Ave. which is
obviously right next to the proposed project and as a member of the Greenport North
Neighborhood Association I just wanted to say it-on the record that I support the comments
that have been made by the association, by my neighbors and others who have asked for a
positive declaration.
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : I do want to conclude by saying that every,application that comes
before the Zoning ,Board no matter what it's for whether it's fora variances or Special
Exception or waiver of merger we individually go out and inspect each one of us every single
property before our public hearings. We not only look at subject' lot, we look at the
surrounding area, we walk it, we drive around it, it is our professional obligation and our
fiduciary responsibility to look at impacts to the neighborhood. We don't evaluate .
neighborhoods based on a'piece of paper we walk it, we go and'look..We're all neighbors and
we care very much about where we live and we care about our properties. So we give very
careful consideration accessing what a neighborhood character is and this project is no
different. We have been to the site more than once and certainly driven on Bailey Ave. and on
Knapp and on Sterling and Manhassett we live here too we go to the same restaurant: So
we've seen it and we do understand your concerns, we also understand what the
neighborhood looks like. We also know what you're trying to preserve. So bear in mind that
this is step one, we're very grateful for taking this time we know you all have,b'usy lives, your
comments are very important and they will all be written up. This hearing will e transcribed,
because it's recorded I can offer this much. We do have this on an MP or something file can
we convert that to a DVD right?
BOARD ASSISTANT : Yes
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Okay, it won't be visual but we can transcribe this recording onto a
DVD so if anybody wants a copy we can loan you a copy to say if you weren't able to be here
and you really wanted to hear word for word what was said we can give that to you. Again it's
not the whole video it's just the audio and the written transcript as soon as it's written up and
it will take a while we had a lot of hours here that will be available in our file also for you to
view.
UNNAMED SPEAKER : Can you still send in documents or. letters?
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : You can because we will adjourn without a date. What that means
is that this hearing is open so if somebody wasn't here and wants to send something in, if you
September 1, 2022 Regular Meeting
want to think about it further you're welcomed to submit anything you wish in writing. Just
send it in to our office you can email it, bring it in however it's convenient for you. Anything
else from the Board? Okay I'm going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing without a date.
Is there a second?
MEMBER DANTES : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye. Thank you all for attending. Motion to close the meeting, is
there a second?
MEMBER LEHNERT : Second
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : All in favor?
MEMBER ACAMPORA : Aye
MEMBER DANTES : Aye
MEMBER LEHNERT : Aye
MEMBER PLANAMENTO : Aye
CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN : Aye.
September 1, 2022 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
Elizabeth Sakarellos
DATE : September 14,2022