HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-03/01/1979Southold Town Board of Appeals
S{:]UTHOLD, L. !., N.Y. 11971
TELEPHONE (516} 765-1809
APPEALS BOARD
MEMBERS
ROBERT W. Gl LLISP[E, JR., CHAIRMAN
CHAR LES GRIGONIS, JR.
SERGE DOYEN. JR.
TERRY TUTHILL
ROBERT J. DOUGLASS
MINUTES
Southold Town Board of Appeal
March 1, 1979
A regular meeting of the Southold Town Board of Appeals was held
at 7:30 P.M. (E.S.T.) Thursday, March 1, 1979, at the Town Hall,
Main Road, Southold, New York.
There was present: Messrs: Robert W. Gillispie, Jr., Chairman;
Serge Doyen, Jr.; Terry Tuthill and Robert J. Douglass.
Also present were: Richard Curtis of the Suffolk Times.
Lois Woodhull came to talk to the Board about the location of their
right of way with her attorney, Abigail A. Wickham. She discussed
with t~he~Board the location of the right-of-way they are requesting.
The right of way described in their deed is the requested right-of-way.
Ms. Wickham asked if the hearing could be s~heduled earlier than
April 12, 1979, and was advised that April 12, 1979, was the earliest
it could be held.
PUBLIC HE~RING: Appeal No. 2524 - Upon application of Richard
Schlumpf, 32 Curtis Path, East Northport, New York (Abigail A. Wickham,
as attorney), for a variance to the Zoning Ordinance, Article III,
Section 100-31 and Bulk Parking Schedule for permission to divide pro-
perty with insufficient area and width and a variance in accordance
with Town Law, Section 280A for approval of access. Location of prop-
erty: Right-of-way off Spring Lane, Peconic, New York, bounded on the
north by ~ames, Mealy, Capobianco, Wood and Luccko~f; east by Richm~n~
Creek; south by Bedell; west by Indian Neck Lane.
The Chairman opened the hearing by reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting to its publication mn the official newspapers, and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chairman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Theodore James, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mealy; Mr. Edward Capobianco;
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -2- March 1, 1979~
Mrs. Mabel Wood; Mr. and Mrs. Lucckoff; Peconic Bay Gardens, Inc.
Fee paid $15.00
THE CHAIRMAN: The sketch accompanying the application datd April
3, 1964 indicates that the property is on the east side of Indian
Neck Lane and consists of a total of about 80,000 square feet. The
adjoining lots to the proposed "Parcel A" which is on Indian Neck
Lane Consist of lots No. 1, 2, and 4, which appear to be smaller in
size than this ~Parcel A" which is requested. Lot No. 1 is 125 feet
by 165 feet; Lot No. 2 is 123 feet by 165; and Lot NO. 4 is 100 feet
by 248 feet all of which are smaller than the applicant is requesting.
Is there anyone present who wishes to speak for this application?
ABIGAIL A. WICKHAM: We are requesting to divide this into two
parcels mainly because of the shape of the parcel as a whole and the
original layout of the parcels. We feel based on the surrounding
lots that it is a division that is comparable with the other lots in
the neighborhood.
THE CHAIRMAN: The parcels are unimproved?
MS. WICKHAM: Yes.
THE CHAIRMAN: We looked at the property, and we went over to the
right-of-way for "Parcel B." As it enters Spring Lane, there is a big
hole and at the top of a little knoll, this right-of-way expires. It
is unimproved. Apparently the people on Lot No. 6. It would have to
be improved to reach ~Parcel B." Who owns the right-of-way.
MS. WICKHAM: It was at one time owned by Mr. Nelson. I believe
it was conveyed to Lot No. 5. It was one of the people who was noti-
fied of this hearing.
THE CHAIRMAN: Lot 5 would not need it. They are right on Spring
Lane. It might have been owned by the people on Lot 5, and then they
might have sold it to the people who own Lot 6.
MS. WICKHAM: It is either Lucckoff or Capobianco. I do not have
them listed by lot numbers here.
THE CHAIRMAN: Are they the owners now?
MS. WICKHAM: The Schlumpf's are under contract now to purchase the
property. He does not own it at the present time.
THE CHAIRMAN: From whom?
MS. WICKHAM: It was Mrs. Tuthill. She has remarried and is now
Mrs. Francisco.
THE CHAIRMAN: But not the people who own the right-of-way?
MS. WICKHAM: The property to be purchased does have a right of
way from the property on Spring Lane.
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -3- March 1, 1979
TERRY TUTHILL: It is legal and described?
MS. WICKHAM: Yes. It is described as 30 feet in width running
to Spring Lane. It has been shown on the survey on the westerly
side of Lot No. 6.
THE CHAIRMAN: Does anyone else have any questions? It was sug-
gested that the lots should be equalized?with 40,000 square foot in
each lot. But I think that we agree that would not accomplish any
particular purpose. In order to equalize them, you would have to
move the line about 40 feet.
MS. WICKH~M: This is the way the lots were originally laid out.
If you did increase parcel A by moving the lot line 40 feet to the
east, you would have a dog leg there, and would not really help anyone.
It would just cut into Parcel B.
THE CHAIRMAN: Are the~e any other questions? (there was no response).
Does anyone wish to speak against this application? (there was no re-
sponse.)
After investigation and inspection the Board finds that the appli-
cant wishes to divide a parcel containing 80,900 square feet into two
plots. The Parcel labelled Parcel A will contaih 33,300 square feet.
Parcel B will contain 47,600 square feet and requires recognition of
access from Spring Lane, Peconic, New York. The Board agrees with the
reasoning of the applicant. There will be no increase in the projected
density permitted in the Town of Southold.
The Board fin~s that strict application of the Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created is unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood
and will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Tuthill seconded by Mr. Douglass, it was
RESOLVED that Richard Schlumpf, 32 Curtis Path, East Northport, New
York, be GRANTED permission to divide his property into two lots with
insufficient area and width and be GRANTED recognition of access to
Spring Lane, Peconic. Location of property: .Right,or-way off Spring
Lane, Peconic, New York, bounded on the north by James, Mealy, Capo-
bianco, Wood and Lucckoff; east by Richmond Creek; south by Bedell;
west by Indian Neck Lane, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The right-of-way from Spring Lane to Parcel "B" will be improved
for a length of 266 feet in length and 10 feet in width by:
Ia) Stripping the top soil and replacing it with 6 or 8
inches of Bank run sand and gravel.
(b) Stone blend for a width of 10 feet more or less in
the center of the right-of-way; 3/4 inch stone.
SOUTHOLD TOM BOARD OF APPEALS -4- March 1, 1979
(2) Subject to the approval of the Southold Town Building
Inspector.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthill and Douglass.
PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal No. 2522 - Upon application of Marjorie
M. Butterworth and Stephen Moore both residing at 12120 New Suffolk
Avenue, Cutchogue, New York, for a variance to the Zoning Ordinance,
Article III, Section 100-31 and Bulk Parking Schedule for permission
to divide property with insufficient area and width. Location of
property: New Suffolk Avenue, Cutchogue, New York, bounded on the
north by New Suffolk Avenue; east by Plimpton; south by Peconic Bay;
west by Moore.
The Chairman opened the hearing by reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting to its publication in the official newspapers, and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chaiiman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Elizabeth Plimpton, Douglas Moore. Fee paid $15.00.
THE CHAIRMAN: The survey accompanying the application indicates
that the property has 220 feet on New Suffolk Avenue. The proposal
is to divide the 220 feet into 110 feet in the westerly portion and
t10 feet in the easterly portion which w~ld include the barn and
the main house. Retreating fr~m New Suffolk Road toward the bay,
the proposed division line is perpendicular to New Suffolk Road for
100 feet, then running diagonally~ for 50 feet an~then perpendicular
again to Gkeat Peconic Bay. The last perpendicular line is 79 feet
from the Moore property, which is to the west. The smaller lot will
have 80 feet of frontage on the bay, and the original house lot would
have 140 feet on the bias. If this is done the newly created parcel
would have a square foot area of 34,000 square feet. The original
house lot will have 50,000 squareffeet. The depth of the property is
on the order of 400 feet; 390 on the easterly boundary and 370 on the
westerly boundary. The westerly portion with the large frame house
would be 15 feet from the proposed new lot line. We also have in the
file two letters objecting to this application. One letter is from
Mary Moore Kelleher and reads as follows: "As Mrs. Butterworth's
petition states, our grandfather's estate was divided by his two sons,
Arthur and Douglas by common consent. Since then our two families hav~
lived beside each other with affection and goodwill, and we regret that
we must make a strong objection to he~ appeal. We do so for two rea-
sons: (1) We do not believe that the claim of hardship is justified.
The petition states that the house is too large for present day living,
but does not mention the fact that it was divided in the 1950's just
because of its size, into two practib~e households. Each is complete
and self-contained with separate entrances, kitchens, etc. Two families
lived there for many years, and recently Mrs. Butterworth has been
living ~n one house and renting the other. (2) We think that the char-
acter of the area would be drastically altered because: (a) Since the
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -5- March 1, 1979
main house is already a two-family house, with the addition of another
house, three families would be living on the present single lot. This,
we feel, would constitute a disast~ous~ overuse of the land. (b) The
privacy which was insured by the distance between the main house and the
Douglas Moore house would be lost by the insertion of another house
between them. Because of the inadequate frontage and the dimension of
the two new plots (long and narrow), the three houses would be very
close together. (c) This closeness will result in an alteration of
the whole area which is presently made up of large houses set in ade-
quate qrounds. The density would be out of keeping with the neighboring
plots. (d) We are concerned with the additional demands on the water
table as the Douglas Moore house is set on the edge of a salt marsh,
as well as the long range sewage problems that might be raised. (e)
The value of the Douglas Moore house would be unquestionably much dimin-
ished by the loss of privacy. (f) Finally, we would like to retire
in the fairly near future to live permanently in our house, and we think
that the Southold Town zoning laws represent an effort to protect a
unique environment from growing overcrowding and urbanization.
Theoother letter reads as follows: I Sarah Moore, owning with my
sister the property and the house adjoining Marjorie Butterworth state:
My chief objection is overuse and overcrowding of the land. ~he house
that exists already on the property of Stephen Moore and Marjorie Butter-
worth is a two-family house. It was so altered to be in the 1950's and
has been consistently used as such since then. During the past 6 or 7
years one side of the house has been rented to tenants - Marjorie Butter-
worth and her family living in the other side. The building of another
house on the property would permit three separate families to share the
less than two acres. The size of the original house ~s exceptionally
large and when filled to capacity, as it has been on numerous occasions~
during the last few years, it houses a great many people. Excessive
demands would certainly be made on the land with the coming of a new
house. Its resources would be over-used and the private and rural na-
ture of the property would be diminshed, it not destroyed. Further,
in addition to the original house, there is a large barn. It has
been used in past years as living quarters and has the potential to be
so used in the future. Again--three structures, two of them enormous,
seem excessive for the land in question and out of character with the
surrounding houses. Since hardship is a question argue~ here, surely
the creation of a new house, and the buying from her brother of the
land on which to build it, would cost considerably more than the main-
tenance of the family house which has bee self-supporting ever since it
was first ranted. Signed, Sarah Moore, February 22, 1979.
Is there anyone here who wishes to add anything what has been said
here. The two letters are against the application. We would be glad
to hear from anybody who wants to speak for the application.
MARJORIE BUTTERWORTH: Is it possible to rebut any othe statements
that have been ma~e here?
THE CHAIRMAN: Before you start your rebuttle is there anything you
could add to the application? I was just wondering whentthe house was
made into a two-family set up. Was that in the late 1950's?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: The house was made into a two-family set up in
1950 because at that my father was alive and my father and stepmother
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -6- March-1, 1979
lived on one side and my family lived on the other side. About 8
years ago my stepmother, Mrs. Moore decided she no longer wanted to
live on the west side, and it became necessary for us to rent the
west side-to keep up the pla~e. It was not originally intended for
the house to be rented, but the circumstances left me with one small
part and my brother had other involvements and was not interested and
in order to maintain the property it was necessary to rent that part.
It was a case of necessity.
THE CHAIRMAN: The ownership is a little confusing. Did you say
your grandfather, Stuart Moore left this property to your ~ather and
his brother?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: The property was left in an estate from the
death of our grandmother in 1933. At that point it was decided by
the family, there were 4 children of Stuart Moore, how they would
divide the property.
THE CHAIRMAN: In other words, it was left jointly to all of them?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: It was in an estate. Yes. This also included
another son and a daughter. Amongst the four of them in 1933, I do
not have the exact records, they made the decision who was to get what.
At this point Arthur and Douglas decided to keep the property on the
Bay. Etliott had the farm on the Lane, and I believe my Aunt took
money. Also the property that was left to Douglas was in addition to
a 13 acre par~H~f prcperty in th~ woods.
THE CHAIRMAN: That is still in his estate?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: The acres in the woods are still in his estate.
THE CHAIRMAN: Didn't you have an Aunt who lived next to the Club?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: That was Elliott Moore. My Aunt did not want
property at that time, so she took her share mn money.
THE CHAIRMAN: So the division we see now was arranged by the heirs
in 19337
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: I have found no records as to what was done or
why, but they d~cided among themselves how to do this. ThAt is why
Arthur, my father, retained the big house and the 2 acres on the Bay.
THE~IRMAN: }{ow does Stephen Moore become involved?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: In 1950 he left the 2 acres, the house and the
barn equally to my brother, S~ephen and me. Since that time Stephen
has not basically lived in the house although he has occassionally
stayed the~e.
THE CHAIRMAN: He is one of the Co-owners?
MRS~BUTTERWORTH: He is a co-owner with me of the present property.
$OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -7- March 1, 1979
We have agreed that he in the interest of these plans,
to take his share in cash.
is willing
THE CHAIRMAN: Is it you plan to divide off 34,000 square from a
total of 80,000 square feet? Or 84,000~ This is just over the re-
quirement for two dwellings, which accounts for the usage of the big
house. We require 80,000 for a two-family unit. It is the thinking
here that the two-family use in the large house would be eliminated
and sell off the large house.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: I did not put this down because I did not know
it was pertinent. I h~ve a buyer for the large house tomorrow, if
I get this variance. He has been my tenant for four years. He is
very attached to the place, and it is not his intention to maintain
the house and rent the other side. He has quite a large family.
THE CHAIRMAN: Just out of curiosity, how many square feet are in
that house? Do you know?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: I'm not sure, 30,000 or 40,000.
THE CHAIRMAN: Couldn't be that much. Is it 3 floors high or 2-1/27
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: 3 fl~ors. The attic has never had running water
in it. It has not been used as living quarters for many years. There
are rooms up there, but they are not used. It is used for storage.
They mentioned the fact that the barn had been used as living quarters.
The apartment had bmen built in the barn in 1898 for the coachman.
Subsequent to that time my grandmother had a chauffeur. She died in
1933. I believe he lived in the barn, but he took all his meals at
the main house. So the barn has not been used since 1905.
THE CHAIRMAN: Didn't Elsie Carruthers live around here.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: Next to us,but two houses down.
THE CHAIRMAN: Did she ever ren~ your property?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: No, she never lived in the barn.
been any water there for a long time.
There has not
THE CHAIRMAN: Your respective buyer would use the house as a single
family residence?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: Yes, he would. That is his plan.
THE CHAIRMAN: If this application were granted. There could be
only two familSes on the whole property. So the density would not
be increased. The amenties may be decreased. It does not seem to me
that your proposed location would seriously interfere, and in view of
the value of waterfront property I think the Board should give consid-
eration toward density. We are also very concerned with the water
problem.
$OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -8- March 1, 1979
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: 'As far as our water goes, we have never had
a water problem on our property. I have not checked with the environ-
mentalists.
THE CHAIRMAN: If you were to put a third family there, you would
create a different situation. Two families have extracted water from
two acres, that is what we would propose be done in the future. In
other words there would be conditions of granting this. The large
house would not be used for anything other than a ~ne family dwelling
even though I understand there is a solid wall through there.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: It isn't a solid wall. It would be very easy
to convert it.
THE CHAIRMAN: It does have two kitchens though.
MRS. BUTTERWORHH: You could just take down the two partitions.
There were not any structual changes made when the house was made
usable for two families. The staircase was made in addition to 2 extra
bathrooms. The bathrooms and the staircase were the only str~ctual
changes.
THE CHAIRMAN: I meant to ask you if your brother is a willing
applicant here? I notice that he has not signed the application.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: Yes, he is. I am sorry I do not have the
papers on it. We have an agreement.
THE CHAIRMAN: In other words, he is a willing seller?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: Yes, we have discussed this in detail.
THE CHAIRMAN: Where does he live now?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: He lives in New York City.
THE CHAIRMAN: Does anyone else have any questions?
MR. DOUGLASS: I think we should have something in writing from
her brother.
THE CHAIRMAN: Is the~e anyone who wishes to speak against this
application? ~
MARY MOORE KELLEHER: I was just going to say that even though the
tenant may or not rent part of the house which is a two-family house,
he has a brother-in-law. He has a very large family and for all inten-
sive purposes, it would be perfectly possible to have two whole ~ilies
whether it was a question of rent or not.
THE CHAIRMAN: I can follow your reasoning, but that is something
that we cannot really control.
DOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -9- March 1, 1979
MRS. KELLEHER: There are two, well-equipped kitchens there now.
THE CHAIRMAN: One would have to be eliminated.
MRS. KELLEHER: I think we have otherwise made our points in our
letters.
HHE CHAIRMAN: Your points relate to the spacing a~d area of the
side yards, and the number of people, correct? Of course, no government
official can limit the size of a family. Is there anyone else who wishes
to speak against this? (there was no response). Does anyone have any
questions? (there was no response). What about the placement of the
new house?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: The way it is measured out, there will be no
break in the lawn between the two houses. In other Words, the house
I want to b~ild could only basically be seen by the rear of the two
existing houses. The front lawn, the side lawn, the meadows and the
bay will not be cobstructed.
THE CHAIRMAN: In other words your new house would not be south
of the existing setback Established by the Kellehe~Mo~e_house~and
the Butterworth-Moore house, it looks as though there is plenty of
room there.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: I think there is plenty of room. I think the
distance b~tween Moore house and our house is 85 feet to begin with.
I have more than 20 feet on either side after I build the house.
THE CHAIRMAN: The requirement is a total of 35; 15 feet on one
side and 20 on the other.
MRS. BUTTERWO~H: Well, I ha~e more than 20 feet on both side.
I hKve more than 50 to build back. The only thing I would like the
right to do is put a terrace on the house.
THE CHAIRMAN: This would not cover an open terrace.
MRS. KELLEHER: T~he Douglas Moore house is set back farther from
the Bay than the other house.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: I?~ sorry, but I think if you measured it, you
will find that the back of both houses are almost the same.
THE CHAIRMAN: When we were out there it looked as though the Butter-
worth house was closer to the bay then the Moore-Kelleher house.
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: I am not talking about the bay, I'm talking about
the road.
THE CHAIRMAN: The Moore-Kelleher house is closer to the road than
the bay.
MRS. KELLEHER: Yes, that's right.
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -10- March 1, 1979
THE CHAIRMAN: You don't know~-how close, do you?
MRS. KELLEHER: You have a map there, don't you. I could show
you there. Our house is here and comes out this way.
THE CHAIRMAN: It is oblQng and runs along the bay?
MRS. KELLEHER: Yes. But it would be considerably closer.
THE CHAIRMAN: I think you would prefer that the house be located
here rather than here.
MRS. KELLEHER: Yes, we certainly would.
THE CHAIRMAN: The way your house is laid out, it looks as though
you will have enough ro~m? How big of a house do you plan on building?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: It has 1500 square feet.
THE CHAIRMAN: Do you remember the length?
MRS. BUTTERWORTH: The width facing the bay was 6~ feet and the
depth was about 28 and with the garage it goes to 36. There is still
85 feet from the Douglas Moore house and then my house and an additional
20 feet to the large original house. I think the way it ~s situated on
the property, it sits back far enough. The house next door mainly faces
the meadow and southwest. I am b~ilding to the north and east of that.
This is really not visible from 3/4's of their house.
After investigation and public hearing the Board finds that the
applicants, Mrs. Marjorie Moore Butterworth and her brother, Stephen
Moore, are co-owners of a large, old family residence acquired by in-
heritance in the 1930's and divided into a two family residence at%a
later time situated in Cutchogue, New York, with 220 feet on New Suffolk
Avenue, facing Peconic Bay to ~he south with a depth of approximately
380 feet and an area of 84,000 square feet. The house is divided into
two parts by an interior wall and has two, fully equipped kitchens for
two family use. The applieants wish to divide the fronta~ equally
creating a new westerly lot of 34,000 square feet~.for residential use
by Mrs. Butterworth. The proposed new easterly lob line would extend
southward 110 feet from New Suffolk Avenue parallel to the present
westerly line of the property, angling southwesterly to a point approxi-
mately 79 feet from the easterly property line and continuing parallel
to said line to the water comprising an area of 34,000 square feet.
Mrs. Butterworth's hardship is that she will be unable to convey a
usable residential lot to her children from land which has been in the
~amity?[or 150 years unless a division of the land is granted. The
present two-family use of the original residency precedes zoning, is
presently non-conforming, however, the present use more than meets all
of the bulk and area requirements of the current zoning ordinance as
defined for two-family use.
If the large family residence is restricted to single, one-family
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -11- March 1, 1979
residential use and a smaller lot created for Mrs. Butterworth, a
present co-owner, there will be no increase in density in relation
to the original acreage of 84,000 square feet. The original family
residence would retain 50,000 square feet or 125% of present minimum
(40,000 square feet) lot size, while.Mrs. Butterworth's new, s~ngle
family residential westerly lot will have 34,000 squre feet, or 85%
of present minimum with a restriction locating the new residence to be
constructed as far north on the new lot as possible. A location which
will tend to preserve as far as possible the open space between the
Kellehers to the west and the original family home, both of which are
located considerably in excess of the 50 foot front yard minimum set
back from New Suffolk Avenue. It is not possible to adapt the lot
division to comPlY with all of the bulk requirements. Accordingly,
in order to relieve the hardship of co-ownership~and at the same time
protect the interests of neighbors and the Town of Southold.
The Board finds that strict application of the Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created is unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood and
will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Gillispie, seconded by Mr. Douglass, it was
RESOLVED, that Marjorie Moore Butterworth and Stephen Moore, both
residing at 12120 New Suffolk Avenue, Cutchogue, New York, be GRANTED
permission to divide property with insufficient area and width, as
requested. Location of property: New Suffolk Avenue, Cutchogue, New
York, bounded on the north by New Suffolk Avenue; east by Plimpton;
south by Peconic Bay; west by Moore, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Written approval of this application must be obtained from
Stephen Moore, co-owner.
(2) The original family, summer residence (presently cenverted to
two-family use), located on the easterly lot created by this action, shall
henceforth be used solely for one-family residential use, and no portion
of the premises or the improvements thereon may be sublet in the future.
Theold~'barn may not be used for residential purposes. A stove from one
of the two kitchens must be removed from the house and not replaced.
Any question concerning this condition shall be referred to the Board
of Appeals for determination. The proposed new house on the westerly
lot of approximately 1500 square feet shall be no closer than 20 feet to
the westerly side line, nor closer than 15 feet to the easterly side
line, and shall be located on the 50 foot front yard setback line from
New Suffolk Avenue in order to maintain as far as possible the open
space b~tween Kelleher on the west and the old Moore residence remaining
on the east. A proposed terrace on the south shall be opennd uncovered.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gil!ispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
$OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -12- March 1, 1979
PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal. No. 2523 - Upon application of William
Doroski and Joseph Doroski, Waterview Drive, Southold, New York,
(George C. Stankevich, Esq.) for a variance to the Zoning Ordinance,
Article XIV, Section 100-141(B) and for a variance in accordance
with Town Law, Section 280A for approval of access. Location of
property: Easterly side of Waterview Drive, Southold, New York,
bounded on the north by Berge~ and Boltman; east by Zebroski; south
by Zebroski; west by Zebroski.
The Chairman opened the hearing by reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting to its publication in the official newspapers, and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chairman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Julius Zebroski; Irving Wexler; Joseph & Jennie Doroski; John and
Maria Belancic; Mr. and Mrs. Albert G. Bergen. Fee paid $15.00.
THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anyone present who wishes to speak for this
application?
GEORGE C. STANKEVICH, ESQ.: I would like to speak in favor of it.
The application was attached to a map of the neighborhood. If you
examine the lot in question,yyou see it is 40,000 square feet and meets
the zoning ordinance requirements except for the access. The neighbor-
hood in question is bounded by Bayview Road, Waterview Road and Cedar
Laen and has appr®ximately~25 lots; 18 of these lots are much smaller
than the lot in question. This lot is larger and meets zoning require-
ments while 72% of the other lots do not. There will not be any increase
in density. The topography is gently sloping, sand and gravel base,
so there should not be any drainage problem due to any driveway. The
applicant is willing to surface it with any materials that you choose.
It certainly would be a hardship for him if this variance is not granted.
Evidently originally when he purchased the property the applicant pur-
chased it with his son. The applicant owns the adjoining property and I
assumed at a later date they wish to put a house there. They are now
going to sell it to Mr. and Mrs. Vukasovic for the exact same price they
bought it for several years ago.
THE CHAIRMAN: Were the two lots bought at separate times? Yes,
there was a period of time between the two purchases?
MA. STANKEVICH: When the question of the sale came up last summer,
Mr. Vukasovic was not represented by an attorney, and I wrote him a
letter saying that Mr. Doroski thinks there is no problem with this lot.
In fact he had talked to the building inspector many times. There had
been some confusion. I insisted that Vukasovic go down and talk to the
building inspector. The building inspector said there was no problem.
So I finally went down to see the building inspector to bring this to
their attention so we could bring this before you.
THE CHAIRMAN: He is selling the back lot?
MR. STANKEVICH: Yes.
THE CHAIRMAN: There looks as though there is plenty of land there.
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -13- March t, 1979
MR. STANKEVICH: I guess Mr. Zebroski has had some problems over
the years understanding what should be done. Some people say that he
is misguided. It has created a small problem.
THE CHAIRMAN: The access does not look as though it is going to
be a problem. It looks as though there is only 15 or 20 feet more to
be taken care of.
MR. STANKEVICH: Actually, you could put the driveway in from either
side.
THE CHAIRMAN: Peculiar situation.
MR. STANKEVICH: I don't think there has been any opposition from
any one _c0ncsrning which side the driveway comes in.
THE CHAIRMAN: When we were down there, we drove in from Waterview
Drive onto the black topped driveway. We could see that it starts~
around the rear of the house. I assume that the lot is around that.
MR. STANKEVICH: Yes sir. I think there is about 100 feet more
that would have to ~urfaced. I think that if you came in from the
other end of the lot, it would be about the same.
MR. WILLIAM DOROSKI: I would like to say one thing. Where the
black top is now, the driveway goes straight up to meet the property.
If you go up 20 feet or so, you go right up into the other piece of
property.
THE CHAIRMAN: It is very difficult to relocate yourself sitting
here.
MR. DOROSKI: That right-of-way is deceiving. Do you know where
the black top is?
MR. DOUGLASS: Yes, werwere there.
MR. DOROSKI: If you continue straight, you will meet it. It is
the next piece of property.
MR. DOUGLASS: My question is that you are now using the access as
a way into the house.
MR. DOROSKI: Yes, my father's house.
MR.DOUGLASS: That is part of the access?
MR.DDOROSKI: Yes, that is part of the 50 foot right-of-way. My
father has no objection. It is a matter of continuing another 20
feet. From what I understand this right-of-way goes right around here.
There are other lots in there. I don't know if they have been sold or
not. There is supposed to be a 50 foot right-of-way which supposedly
goes right back to the road.
THE CHAIRMAN: Where is the garage on this map? Because it seems
to go right around the garage.
~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -14- March 1, 1979
MR. DOROSKI: The black top goes up to here and starts around.
It is just a matter of 15 or 20 feet.
MR. DOUGLASS: This is the lot weaare trying to get to?
MR. STANKEVICH: We will provide a survey showing exactly where
the driveway will be.
MR. DOROSKI: If there is a pDoblem, then we can get an access from
this way.
MR. TUTHILL: Part of it will be a common driveway.
MR. DOROSKI: Yes.
MR. TUTHILL: But there is more room if you need more black topped?
MR. DOROSKI: Yes.
MR. STANKEVICH: Yes.
THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anyone who wishes to speak against this
application? (there was no reDponse).
After investigation and inspection the Board finds that the appli-
cant requests recognition of access behind a parcel of property on
Waterview Drive. There is presently a 50 foot right-of-way there now.
This property is in a minor subdivision, and the right-of-way continues
throughtthe the subdivison back to Waterview Drive. Presently the
portion of the right-of-way by Joseph Doroski's property is black
~topped and in excellent condtion. The right of way only has to be
improved for another 15 to 20 feet to reach the interior lot. The
Board agrees with the reasoning of the applicant.
The Board finds that strict application of the Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created is unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood
and will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Gillispie, seconded by Mr. Tuthill, it was
RESOLVED, that William Doroski and Joseph Doroski, Waterview Drive,
Southold, New York, Se GRANTED recognition of access. Location of pro-
perty: Easterly side of Waterview Drive, Southold, New York, bounded
on the north by Bergen and Boltman; east by Zebroski; south by Zebroski;
west by Zebroski, upon the following conditions:
(1) The applicant will furnish a survey indicating the exact location
of the access.
(2) The access will be improved by~one of the following:
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -15- March 1, 1979
(a) Stripping the top soil and replacing it with 6 or 8
lnche~ of bank run, sand and gravel.
(b) Stone blend for a width of 10 feet in the center of the
~ight-of-way with 3/4 inch stone.
(3) ~mbj-e~t to the approval of the Building Inspector of the
Town of Southold.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthitl and
Douglass.
PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal No. 2521 Upon application of Baldwin L.
Humm, 51 Dumbarton Drive, Huntington, New York, for a variance in
accordance with Town Law, Section 280A for approval of access. Loca-
tion of property: Wiggins Lane, Greenport, New York, bounded on the
north by Green~~ east by Armstrong; south by Gull Pond; west by
Fordham Canal.
The Chairman opened the hearing BY reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting HO its publication in the official newspapers, and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chairman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Ge~ge Green, and Harry Armstrong. Fee paid $15.00.
THE CHAIRMAN: The lot that is the subject of the application is
beyond Wiggins Lane in East Marion, going south from Route 25. It is
a right-of-way 600 or 709 feet south of Wiggins Lane. Is there anyone
present who wishes to speak for this application?
BALDWIN L. HUMM: i am the applicant. I do not know what you want
me to say? I am here to answer any questions.
THE CHAIR~N: I think the chief thing that has to be said about it
is that you will have to improve this access for a width of 15 feet on
this 50 ffot right-of-way. This is related to the fact that there will
be 3 houses out there. It looks as though it is about 700 feet to your
lot. Do you know how far out it is?
MR. HUMM: It is about 750 feet out there.
THE CHAIRMAN: The improvement will have to be done for that distance°
MR. HUMM: The right-of-way had been macadam, but that was back in
1965, and it is pretty well shot now. There are a couple of soft
spots.
MR. DOUGLASS: It would not withstand any weight. Fire equipment
would never make it out there.
THE CHAIRMAN: You have probably only encountered it during the
summer.
MR. HUM~: Another question I have is that Dawn Drive comes in ....
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -16- March 1, 1979
THE CHAIRMAN: ~ know what you are going to ask and we cannot
answer that. You want to know why you can't break through and
come through from Dawn Drive?
MR. HUMM: Yes.
THE CHAIRMAN: In order to Bet a building permit, it will be re-
quired that this right-of-way be improved the entire way. You will
have to either strip it and replace the t6p soil with 6 to 8 inches
of bank run, but in 3/4 inch bituminous rock or black top it. When
did you plan to starting building your house?
MR. HUMM: Right away.
MR. DOUGLASS: Do you know your other two neighbors?
MR. HUMM: Yes, but I am not sure if they are on a speculative
basis or are interested in building a home.
MR. DOUGLASS: They would also need recognition of access. If you
could get together with them, the cost would then be nominal.
MR. TUTHILL: I am interested to know if this is a legal right-6f-
way in a subdivision?
THE CHAIRMAN: Was this part of a subdivision?
MR. HUMM: Yes, but I think the problem is that we are the first
ones seriously interested in building in the subdivis~an.
THE CHAIRMAN: How many lots are there?
MR. HUMM: 4, I think.
MR. TUTHILL: I think it is mentioned in the applicatian that it
is ~n the subdivision.
THE CHAIR~N: It is only lately that we have become so involved with
the leq~l rights-of-way.
After investigation and ~nspection the Board finds that the appli-
cant requests recognition of access for a private-right-of-way 750
feet south of Wiggins Lane, Greenport, New York. The right-Of-way
has many softs spots in it, and it must be improved.
The Board finds that strict application of the Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created zs unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood
and will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Gillispie, it was
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -17- March 1, 1979
RESOLVED, that Baldwin L. Humm, Dumbarton Drive, Huntington,
NeW York, be GRANTED reeDg~i~i~ of access.~ Location of property:
Wiggins Lane, Greenport, New York, bounded on the north by Green;
east by Armstrong; south by Gull Pond; west by Fordham Canal, subject
to the following conditions:
(1) The access will be improve by one of the following ways:
(a) Stripping the top soil and replacing it with 6 or 8
inches of bank run, s~nd and gravel.
(b) Stone blend 3/~-inch for a width of 10 feet in the center
of the right-of-way.
(c) Black top the right-of-way.
(2) Approval of the Southold Town Building Inspector.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal No. 2519 - Upon application of John and
Gertrude Hartung, New Suffolk Avenue, New Suffolk, New York, for a
variance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section
100-31 and Bulk Parking Schedule for permission to divide property
into three lots with insufficient area and width. Location of pro-
perry: New Suffolk Avenue, New York, bounded on the north by DeMartini;
east by Clarke; south by New Suffolk Avenue; west by Bunny Lane.
The Chairman opened the hearing by reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting to its publication in the official newspapers, and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chairman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Suzanne Clarke and Louis DeMartini. Fee paid $15.00.
THE CHAIRMAN: The survey of Van Tuyl accompanying the application
indicating that the proposal is to create 3 lots: Lot~A will contain
15,980 square feet; Lot B will have 11,990 square feet; Lot C will have
12,204 square feet. The frontage on New Suffolk Avenue appears to be
182.30 feet. Lot A will have 74 feet on New Suffolk Avenue; and Lot
C would acquire 108 feet of frontage with an additional 8 feet as a
result of squaring of the lot line. The lot lot which contains 11,
990 square feet, Lot B, in the rear of Lot C will have an access to
Bunny Lane of 30 feet. Is there anyone present who wishes to speak
for this ayplication? It is surrounded by lots to the rear on Bunny
Lane are each approximately 20,000 square feet. Across the street
the lot appears to be 19,000 square feet. County Tax Map Lots No.
22, 23 and 24 across Bunny Lane are approximately 17,000 squre feet.
Adjoining to the east is a multiple use distrist which was recently
upgraded and had some zonmng action on it. Is there anyone who would
like to speak for this application?
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -18- March 1, 1979
JOHN HARTUNG: We have somewhat of a unique problem with two houses
on one parcel. Now since there has been a subdivison upgrading to the
east of us, we are alone with this situation. We have had a lot to the
west of us which has been on separate tax ro~ls before we purchased our
property. (Lot A which included the extra 30 feet we have marked off
for Parcel B.)
THE CHAIRMAN: You have just done that now?
JOHN HARTUNG: Lot A is under a separate tax bill now. We feel..
THE CHAIRMAN: Excuse me. Does the 11,990 square feet include the
30 feet on Bunny Lane?
MR. HARTUNG: Yes. The problem is subdivison. The problem is
trying to maintain to maintain the proper prospective for the area,
and protect our own interests. We have a hardshipuof not being able
to put money into our cottage which is in somewhat disrepair. It needs
new siding. There does not seem to be any other logical way of re-
gaining that type of expenditure unless we have this type of division.
THE CHAIRMAN: You live in the house on Lot C. The problem is main-
taining the property onfLot B. You would not be able to rent the
cottage for enough money to recoup your expenditures? You bought these
separately?
MR. H~RTUNG: The A and B parcels marked in red were purchased as
one parcel. This division linewas the original division line.
THE CHAIRMAN: The fact that this is on a separate tax bills does
nou have any bearing on the variance. As far as we are concerned, this
is one p~ece of property. When you buy property at different times, it
becomes one parcel under the New York State laws.
MR. HARTUNG: What we have done over the past 12 years that we have
owned this is used this 30 foot piece as an access into the cottage.
If we were allowed to divide this property the other way, I would
assume that we could have a buildable lot-in its entirety.
THE CHAIRMAN: You were here before in connection with your objec-
tions to your neighbor's application. It was my understanding at that
time that you were going to divide this into 2 lots.
MR. HARTUNG: I don't remember making any statement like that.
THE CHAIRMAN: You didn't, I was talking to your wife about it.
MRS. HARTUNG: I questioned the legality of setting this off as a
lot. I realize for zoning purposes as you say you assume this is all
one parcel.
THE CHAIRMAN: You understand that the theory is that each one-family
use is supposed to have 40,000 square feet. The only reason we can
consider your request at all is because of the surrounding area. The
Judges have determined that our Board is the only Board that can legally
do that grant lots under the 40,000 square feet. You are not going
SOU~HOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -19- March 1, 1979
to find a zoning ordinance that will fit every situation, especially
in a shore front community. You have accumulated about 40,000 square
feet. Li~e a2~ot of people you thought that was a good idea. Maybe
you thought you wanted to keep it that way, but when you are surrounded
by neighbors who do something differently, allot of times you reconsider
your thinking. Our situation has to be guided by whether the Board
feels this should be 3 lots or 2 lots. Off-hand, when we first looked
at this, we were thinking in terms of 2 lots. There are two houses
on the property. The one piece of property you bought (parcels B &
C had two houses on it when you bought it, right?
MR. HARTUNG: Yes, it did.
THE CHAIRMAN: H~w long ago did you purchase it?
MRS. HARTUNG: 1966.
THE CHAIRMAN: Then you bought this other piece?
MRS. HARTUNG: No.
THE CHAIRMAN: You purchased it before?
MR. HARTUNG: NO, we purchased it at the same time. It was just a
different lot that we purchased although it was owned by the same man
Who sold us the property delineated as Lots B and C. It is on a
separate deed.
THE CHAIRMAN: So when you purchased the different parcets, you
bought them all together? I think I understand it now. The question
is most of the properties in the area are about 16,000 square feet.
These two parcels will be only about 12,000 square feet.
MR. HARTUNG: If we did divide the property from the north to the
south, we would hem in the cottage in the back. The way the property
is set up now, I have about a 150 foot side yard. It would be better
if the house were more centrally located.
MRS. HARTUNG: We have a 1/4 acre side yard that no one wants to
maintain.
MR. HARTUNG: We have only a 40 foot side yard on this one side, where
the drive comes mn.
MR. DOUGLASS: This is 74 feet here.
MR. HARTUNG: Nov I have 100 feet here. What you are sa~ing is
that I would accept a gigantic side yard. It certainly would not
bland an with the area that way.
THE CHAIRMAN: You probably want to get rid of the cottage?
MR. HARTUNG: No, I am not really trying to get rid of anything.
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -20- March 1, 1979
MRS. HARTUNG: We want to upgrade the cottage.
MR. HARTUNG: There is no sense in putting money into it now.
MRS. HARTUNG: We do rent it, but it just pays our taxes.
THE CHAIRMAN: If you cannot make any money renting, how will
you make any money keeping it?
MR. HARTUNG: We have two sons, and I would like to think that I
have that property in reserve in case they want to live in New Suffolk.
MRS. HARTUNG: It is very hard for them to acquire an acre of land
to build a house.
THE CHAIRMAN: What you would really like to do is just divide it.
Then you might sell it. You might not sell it at all?
MR. HARTUNG: We have two sons and we would have ~wo parcel~. When
we originally purchased that property, that was our general thought.
We did not purchass the property to be in the rental business.
MRS. HARTUNG: We have a similar situation as Mrs. Clarke. The man
who owned the Fanning farm built this house, he rented again. He
kept his boarding house trade. He just moved it over.
MR. HARTUNG: Fanning Farms owned the entire property down to the
Main Road.
MR. TUTHILL: Do you rent the cottage now?
MR. HARTUNG: Yes.
MR. TUTHILL: My feeling is that the property is probably worth more
with your home and the cottage behind it. This is from a sales point
of view, then you would think selling off the one lot.
MRS. HARTUNG: You would think so, Terry, as income producing.
MR. TUTHILL: There is a big demand for that type of arrangement.
MRS. HARTUNG: It isn't because the average man that would be
attracted to our house would be a man that had a family or a retired
couple, because the s~hool does not offer that much for a family. If
they are retired they do not want to maintain the cottage.
MR. HARTUNG: Let me explain it to you this way, maybec this will
satisfy you.
THE CHAIRMAN: It is not a question of me being satisfied, it is a
very ....
MR. HARTUNG: If we did sell this as a separate unit, which we have
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -21- March 1, 1979
a separate deed for, we would still have a buildable lot (indicating
Lot A). Is that correct?
MRS. HARTUNG: We are keeping the density the same, that is what
we are talking about.
THE CHAIRMAN: If you sold those two together. It is all one par-
cel now° In order to break anything out of the parcel, you must come
before thi~ Board. It is undersized, so just to deed it, ~ould be
illegal.
MR. TUTHILL: You would not have that lot adjoining you.
THE CHAIRMAN: It is under 40,000 square feet here.
MR. HARTUNG: We have looked at it and tried to come up with the
most logical division. If I drew the line the way you suggested, I
have a gigantic side yard.
THE CHAIRMAN: My original thought was that you had acquired this
lot under single and separate ownership and that you had one house.
It seemed perfectly possible to divide this and sell the vacant lot.
MR. HARTUNG: If we did that, we would give up this egress over
her (indicating lot B), we would have a narrow drive along the house.
The way the property is laid out now, we utilize this area. It is not
something that has not existed. It has existed for more than 12 years.
If we did it the other way, we would have two houses on one parcel with
a common driveway.
THE CHAIRMAN: So you have more privacy is they use the egress from
Bunny Lane?
MRS. HARTUNG: That is the way it has been done for many years.
mR. DOUGLASS: If you cut this egress down to 15 feet then you
would have an independent piece here.
MR. HARTUNG: The only reason we made this one was that we tried to
assure our neighbor that we were just not trying to put a little drive-
way through there. I don't mind cutting it down to 15 feet.
MR. DOUGLASS: The 30 feet will never be used for a small cottage.
MRS. HARTUNG: We would like to have the 3 lots.
MR. DOUGLASS: 3 lots is really going to tighten it down. They
will be pretty small.
MRS. HARTUNG: Were you thinking of density with the water?
THE CHAIRMAN: Yes.
MRS. HARTUNG: If we had a buildable lot here, the situation would
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -22- March 1, 1979
remain the same. The houses are still here. That is what is unique
about the problem.
THE CHAIRMAN: You have 2 houses where it is just enough for one
already. What you are talking about is sellina a third lot. Then
there would be three houses where there should only be one. Either of
these lots whould be smaller than most anything in the neighborhood.
MR. HARTUNG: Across the street there are smaller lots.
MRS. HARTUNG: There is a 12,800 square foot lot with 2 houses on
it.
MR. HARTUNG: Whenyyou cut it the other way, you must remember that
our lots become larger than the other lots.
THE CHAIRMAN: Our job is to make it work.
MR. HARTUNG: You were talking about your criteria in density°
We are not increasing the density. We do have sort of a unique situ-
ation that has existed there for many years. Is there anyone who
objects to this application?
THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anyone present who wishes to object to
this application? (there was no response).
MR. HARTUNG: Do you have any letters in the file?
MRS. HART~NG: We talked to Mrs. Clarke tonight and she does not
object.
THE CHAIRMAN: Does she understand the situation?
MR. HARTUNG: Yes, we went over the whole plan with her.
THE CHAIRMAN: Whether or not anyone is opposed to it or not does
not really enter into this. ~
MR. TUTHILL: Well, I go along readily with the division of the land
into two parcels. I feel that the three parcels diminish the values
of their property. It is not pertinent, but it is my opinion. I
would certainly go along with lot A.
THE CHAIRMAN: What is Lot A worth?
MR. TUTHILL: It ~i~ worth between $10,000 o!~Ji$!~i,000. People might
ask more, but that is what it is worth.
MRS. HARTUNG: If we build on that parcel it makes no change. There
is still two houses here and another here. If they are separated, there
will still be the same situation.
~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -23- March 1, 1979
THE CHAIRMAN: What we are talking about is not increasing the
number of houses on the property. W~iare talking about dividing it
into two parcels.~~ :~
MRS. HARTUNG: How can you do that?
THE CHAIRMAN: The only way I can see is go across here.
MR. TUTHILL: That would not be practical.
MRS. HARTUNG: Then you would 200 feet here and a half acre side
Yard.
MR. TUTHILL: I just do not like the idea of creating 3 small lots
out of an acre.
MRS. HARTUNG: They almost exist as it is. They have been function-
like this for a long time.
MR. TUTHILL: I did not know the cottage was back there. It really
does not affect my thinking one way or the other.
THE CHAIRMAN: A lot of cottages become houses, eve~tuali~
MR. TUTHILL: Then if you went on a north south boundary, you still
would not have a large lot over here. 19,000 square feet is not that
large. Over here your property would be a combination of the two~ which
is still not great.
MRS. HARTUNG: I think it would ruin the beaut~ of it to do it that
way.
MR. TUTHILL: I am not saying I will not go along with it, but right
now ~.like the north-south division.
THE CHAIRMAN: It is a little different than the way I viewed it
while we were out there.
MR. HARTU~G: Well, it you had walked around it as many times as I
have to see how things could be worked out.
MRS. HARTUNG: We are willing to change lines, but we gave the
attention to this lot because we knew ~ou would want it to conform with
Southold Town.
THE CHAIRMAN: This lot would conform with the next three~ lots.
MRS. HARTUNG: Yes, you would want to give your attention to this lot,
because you cannot change these.
THE CHAIRMAN: In effect you would not change the character of that
street, New Suffolk Avenue. You have what amounts to a vacant lot there.
If that had a house on it, the charcter of the neighborhood would not
be changed.
~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -24- March 1, 1979
MR. HARTUNG: I am sure that if we had not purchased that 12 years
ago, I am sure it would now have a house on it.
THE CHAIRMAN: When you look at it that way, I guess I would go
along with it. Across the street you are living with much smaller
lots.
MRS. HARTUNG: When you go down the street a little bit, the lots
only contain 12,800 square feet.
THE CHAIRMAN: The thing to do would be place one main house on the
16,000 square foot parcel, which in many parts of the Town is a large
lot. So I think I would vote for ito
MR. TUTHILL: You would go for the three way division?
THE CHAIRMAN: Yes, they may not do it any way.
MRS. HARTUNG: How do you go about a Certificate of Occupancy?
THE CHAIRMAN: You see the building inspector.
MR. TUTHILL: It doesn't change the area, because I did not even
see the cottage when we drove past it the other day. It is really
hidden.
After investigation and inspection the Board finds that the appli-
cant requests permission to divide a parcel of land containing 40,174
square f~et into three parcels. Lot A which_is vhcant land will contain
15,980 square feet; Lot B which has a year rouhd cottage on it presently
will contain 11,990 square feet; and Lot C which presently contains a
two story brick house and garage will have 12,204 square feet. New
Suffolk is a shore line hamlet with many small, irregular shaped lots.
The division of this property will non change the character of the
neighborhood. The Board agrees with the reasoning of the applicant.
The Board finds that strict application of the~Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created is unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood
and will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Gillispie, seconded by Mr. Tuthill, it was
RESOLVED, that John and Gertrude Hartung, New Suffolk Avenue, New
Suffolk, New York, be GRANTED permission to divide property into three
lots with insufficient area and width. Location of property: New Suffolk
Avenue, New York,[bounded on the north by DeMartini; east by Clarke;
south by New Suffolk Avenue; west by Bunny Lane, upon the following
conditions:
(a) Lot A will be improved ~th ONLY a one-family residence.
~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -25- March 1, 1979
(b) Applicants will supply the Board with a current survey showing
the new division lines.
vote of the Board: Ayes: Gillispie, Doyen and Tuthill.
Mr. Douglass abstained from voting.
PUBAIC HEAHING: Appeal No. 2518 - Upon application of Amelia
Narobe, Alpine Avenue, Fishers Island, New York, for a variance in
accordance with the Zoning Ordinance, Article II, Section 100-23 C;
Article III, Section~100-31 and Bulk Parking Schedule and Article XIV
Section 100-144 B for permission to divide property into three lots
with insufficient area, width, side yard and rear yard. Location of
property: Alpine Avenue, Fishers Island, New York, bounded on the
north by Howell; east by private right~of-way~ south by Alpine Avenue
and west by Calanquin.
The Chairman opened the hearing by reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting to its publication in the official newspapers, and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chairman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Leon V. Calanquin and James S. Howell. Fee paid $15.00.
THE CHAIRMAN: The application is accompanied by ~he County Tax
Map indicating the location of this property.on Alpine Avenue and
the lots that have been described. We also have a sketch showing the
proper~y which Mr. Kiross devised in his will. Lot No. 8 surrounded
by a right-of-way. He did not have to come before this Board for that.
It was in single and separate ownership. The Calanquin lot was one
of three lots that was divided without approval according to the Building
Inspector. They were owned by Kiross, and he bequeathed them to these
people in his Will. Is there anyone presen~ who wishes to speak for
this application?
SERGE DOYEN, JR.: I will. There is no other practical solution.
They exist and the division is as reasonable as it can be, which is
really our Qbli~ation in the matter.
THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anyone present who wishes to speak against
this application? (there was no ~esponse.)
PHILIP B. MATTHEWS, ESQ: Mr. Chairman, I am a little familiar with
this, and I have talked with Gordon Ahman on Fishers Island. Gordon
advises me that all of these houses, three houses, pre-existed zoning
in the Town of Southold. Thg~were not built subsequent to the sub-
division. They are quite old houses.
MR. DOYEN~ They have been there o~er 50 years. Our only paramount
interest is to see that the land is divided equitably. After 50 years
there is no other way this can be turned over or used, except to divide
it out in this manner. It's already landscaped and fenced.
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEAL -26e March 1, 1979
THE CHAIRMAN: I understand one man owned these four cottages.
He left them to four different people. In granting this action
the Board will merely recognizing~something that is already in
existence.
MR. DOYEN: You are just legitimizing these other pDople's lots.
They had just gone ahead and done it~without getting the division
beforehand. I guess we~were 3ust not that particular before.as far
as Certificates of Occupancy are concerned.
THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anyone else who wishes to speak, either for
or against this application? (there was no response). Apparently in
this one block of houses there is an interloper by the name of Howell.
MR. DOYEN~ I saw that. I don't know how that happened. I don't
know how that enters into this deliberation? I just always thought
it was all part of the same parcel.
THE CHAIRMAN: It says Erpenbeck, Lot 7 and Lot 6.
MR. DOYEN: In ~fect that is one lot.
THE CHAIRMAN: The lot is 129 feet by 54 feet.
MR. DOYEN: I though that the Howell portion was part of the original
property, but I could be wrong. They have been there for more than 50
years.
After inspection and investigation the Board finds that the applicant
wishes to divide property into four parcels. The entire Kiross parcel
was bequeathed through Mr. Kiross' estates, and the four houses have
been there for more than 50 years. This is the only reasonable way
to divide this, and the Board agrees with the reasoning of the applicant.
The Board finds that strict application of the Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created is unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood
and will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Doyen and seconded by Mr. Douglass, it was
RESOLVED that Amelia Narobe, Alpine Avenue, Fishers Island, New York,
be GRANTED permission to divide propert~into three lots with insufficient
area, width, side yard and rear yard. Location of property: Alpine
Avenue, ~ishers Island, New York, bounded on the north by Howell; east
by private right-of-way; south by Alpine Avenue and west by Calanquin.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -27- March 1, 1979
PUBLIC HEARING: Appeal No. 2526 - Upon application of Roger
Barmache, 117 East 77th Street, New York, New York, (Philip B.
Matthews, Esq.) for a variance to the Zoning Ordinance, Article
XI, Section 100-118 D for permission to reinstate non-conforming
two-family use. Location of property: Northeast corner of Green-
wood Road and Tyler Lane, Fishers Island, New York, bounded on the
north by Fishers Island Ferry District; south by Fishers Island
Development Co. and Greenwood Road; west by Tyler Lane.
Th~ Chairman opened the hearing by reading the application for a
variance to the Zoning Ordinance, legal notice of hearing, affidavits
attesting to its publication in the official newspapers and disapproval
from the Building Inspector. The Chairman also read a statement from
the Town Clerk that notification by Certified Mail had been made to:
Fishers Island Ferry District and Fishers Island Development Corp.
Fee paid $15.00.
PHILIP B. MATTHEWS, ESQ.: Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Board.
I am glad that Mr. Doyen is here, because he is very familiar with
this area. When it was recommended to me to request the restoration
of the two-family use, which I shouldn't think would be a very great
problem anyway, in view of the fact that the nature of the building has
always been continued as a two-family residence. This was Coast Guard
house as I understand. While the Coast Guard does not have any people
sta~!Hne~ here that actually lived in the premises, the nature of the
premises has been p~eserved. It was not abandoned to the extent that
the nature that it was changed into a storehouse. It has always kept
the two-family residence. The failure of use is only by reason that
the Coast Guard has not had forces stationed there. I have also re-
quested in the application the relief that we would be allowed to divide
the parcel into two separate p~rcels A and B. I know in a similar
structure o%~ed by Ruth Ferguson Ruth on Whistler Avenue, which is
again in the same area, a division was approved by this Board. It would
be appreciated in this case°
THE CHAIRMAN: Is this the same Government building that had some
difficulties.
MR. DOYEN: I guess they did.
MR. MATTHEWS: This lot was created when the Government itself sold
most of the race point area to the Race Point Corporation~ They withheld
certain areas and this was one of the areas. They have now declared it
excess and have offered it for sale. They have here and I would like
to le~e with the Board, but I would like to have a copy back, the
representations of the Government. They list it specifically as a
two-fami~ residence. They described it as being constructed of masonry.
Two separate units and entrances. Everything is separate. They appar-
ently paid no attention to zoning. On their brochures and advertising,
they show the area as a fraction of an acre. They showe~ it as a two-
family use. Now, when we confront their attorney to tell them we cannot
get a certificate of occupancy and we cannot go through with out finan-
cing, they take the position "that is too bad." I think we would have
a valid law suit against them, but we don't want to sue them to try to
~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -28- March 1, 1979
recover the down payment, and Mr. Barmache is desirous of buying the
premises, provided he can get a Certificate of Occupancy and use it.
As the board is aware there is no increase in density~
THE CHAIRMAN:
MR. MATTHEWS:
MR. TUTHILL:
You are saying it was misrepresented?
Yes. Right here~it says.
Is it a masonry building?
MR. DOYEN: If you think that is misrepresented, that is onl~minor.
The real misrepresentation is yet to come.
MR. MATTHEWS: Listing of sale consists of a parcel of land consisting
®f approximately .28 acres improved by a two-family dwelling and base-
mention the southwest corner of Greenwood Road and Tyler Lane. When
they listed this, they had no conception of zoning. Now the government
says if you want your money back, you have to sue°
MR. DOYEN: Did they say anything in the advertisament about how
you are going to dispose of your sewage? Did you inquire?
MR. BARMACHE: Ail they said was that they were apartment houses.
MR. DOYEN: Right now there is nothing. I had a great many inquiries
when people heard they were being sold. The first obvious to anyone
who knew the property knew that it was tied into the~sewage system which
is inadequate and is in litigation and everything else. The only ques-
tion anyone had was what can I do if the environmental people finally
disallow the sewage system. All the surrounding homes have been dumping
their raw sewage into the ocean° I went to a local contractor, if they
are shut off, can you build two cesspools to take care of them. I was
assured by the Contractor that you could do that. ~ ~
Mk. BARMACHE: As far as I know, it is white brick.
MR. MATTHEWS: I am asking that this be sold as two separate parcels
of land. I want the same relief given to Mrs. Wolf.
MR. DOYEN: Oh, I did not understand that.
MR. BARMACHE:
THE CHAIRMAN:
MR. BAROUCHE:
THE CHAIRMAN:
I want to sell the other half to my son.
This is right across the street fr~om the high school.
Right behind me is the water and the ferry boat.
We saw it last summer. We knew this situation was
coming up, so we looked at it.
MR. MATTHEWS: There was one question raised that I want to get
straightened out so we do not get into trouble. Regarding the sewer.
Mr. Hindermann indicated that if approval was granted by the Board, it
' ~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -29- March 1, 1979
would be conditional upon Mr. Barmache installing his own sewage
system. I have explained this sewage problem to Mr. Barmache so
he is familiar with it, we are also under pressure to close this
which require~ financing and in order to do that we need a Certificate
of Occupancy. Mr. Barmache would be perfectly happy to say that in the
event this sewage system is condemned and terminated that he agrees to
build a sewage system. I think it would be unfair to force him to
build his own sewage system while it is still being operated and used
by everyQne else. So I need some decision on that so I could get a
Certificate of Occupancy.
MR. DOUGLASS: The building department will not issue you a Certi-
ficate of Occupancy until you have approval of the sewage system by
the Board of Health. Before you go any farther, you better check with
your Board of Health and if they will allow you to put in private sew-
age in the area.
MR. MATTHEWS: I thought it was indicated ....
MR. DOYEN: I said that the contractor said that the area would
sustain it.
MR. DOUGLASS: That is a contractor over there, he has nothing to
say about it.
MR. MATTHEWS: I understand there is discussion whereby all the
people in the Race Point area are considering forming a unit to have
a sewage disposal district.
MR. DOYEN: That is very "ify" and very costly. It is somewhat a
bone of contention amongst some of the land owners and some would pre-
fer just to build their own cesspools, and not be part of a packaged
sewer system. I don't know what the status of that is.
THE CHAIRMAN: Would you restate what you want, please?
MR. MATTHEWS:You mean in.regard to the sewage?
THE CHAIRMAN: I think that is the only question~we have.
MR. MATTHEWS: That the Certificate of Occupancy be issued upon the
condition that Mr. Barmache will install the necessary sewage require-
ments at such time as the present sewer system is discontinued.
THE CHAIP~N: It is in use now?
MR. DOYEN: Presumably, yes. To my knowledge it is.
MR. BARMACHE: There is a row of six houses right next to me that
I know of that use the system.
THE CHAIRMAN: They are vacant though, aren't they?
MR. DOYEN: Some sun~er, but more or less vacant.
~ ~OUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS
-30-
March 1, 1979
THE CHAIRMAN: The sewage system we are talking about is being
used by these other people?
MR. DOYEN: The Government even in those days were a law unto
~hemsel~es. If they wanted to dump their raw sewage into the ocean,
they did not, ask ~-anyone. I guess there is some question now with
the health department.
MR. MATTHEWS: My only position was that it was unfai~ to place
on Mr. Barmache the obligation to put in a new sewer system now
and then find out in a year, this will be condemned in 1980. Then
everyone resorts to their own systems, or they crea~e this sewer
district. He puts in cesspools now, next year he is contributing
to a central sewage system. I think it is just a little unreasonable
to condition the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
THE CHAIRMAN: I don't know how we can protect him.
MR. BARMACHE: This house is in very good condition.
MR. DOYEN: They stopped building houses like that 40 years ago.
MR. BARMACHE: It even has a copper roof.
THE CHAIRMAN: Serge, is it true they will make no new connections
on the present sewer set-up there. What do they mean by new sewer
connections.
MR. BARMACHE: This would be considered an old connection.
MR. MATTHEWS: I would say that if someone who owns one the vacant
lots there wanted to hook up to the system, they would not be able to.
I do not see how they can prevent the present houses from hooking up.
MR. DOYEN: This would be logical.
THE CHAIRMAN: I do not think we have to get into the question of
sewage at all. It is up to the Health Department.
MR. DOYEN: I really think the land would sustain a system that would
be approved by the Board of Health.
MR. MATTHEWS: The Ferry District must have sanitary facilities over
there somewhere.
MR. DOYEN: It is right next door.
THE CHAIP~N: Just one question Mr. Matthews. You do not get into
the condominium law, do you?
MR. MATTHEWS: No sir.
THE CHAIRMAN: If you sell someone half of your house and want to put
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS -31- March 1, 1979
a new roof on your half and not on his half, how are you going to
handle this?
MR. BARMACHE: I don't know. We~.ll take care Of it.
After investigation and inspection the Board finds that the appli-
cant wishes to reinstate a non-conforming, two-family use. The Board
agrees with the reasoning of the applicant and feels the request is
reasonable.
The Board finds that strict application of the Ordinance would pro-
duce practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship; the hardship
created is unique and would not be shared by all properties alike in
the immediate vicinity of the property and in the same use district;
and the variance will not change the character of the neighborhood
and will observe the spirit of the Ordinance.
On motion by Mr. Gillispie, seconded by Mr. Doyen, it was
RESOLVED, 'that Roger Barmache, 117 East 77th Street, New York, New
York, be GRANTED permission to reinstate a non-conforming, two-family
use. Location of property: Northeast corner of Greenwood Road and
Tyler Lane, Fishers Island, New York, bounded on the North by Fishers
Island Ferry District; east by Fishers Island Ferry District; south by
Fishers Island Developement Company and Greenwood Road; west by Tyler
Lane.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
On motion by Mr. Gillispie, seconded by Mr. Douglass, it was
RESOLVED, that John Baxter withdraw his application No. 2457
without prejudice.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gi!lispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
On motion by Mr. Douglass, seconded by Mr. Gillispie, it was
RESOLVED that the Southold Town Board of Appeals approve minutes
for the February 8, 1979 meeting.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
~ SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD ®F APPEALS -32- March 1, 1979
The Board held an informal discussion with Richard F. Lark, Esq.
relative to the Mothersele Estate relative to the division of a
parcel of land containing 2.6 acres in Fleet's Neck, Cutchogue, New
York. The four proposed parcels have insufficient area, but only one
lot has insufficient width. Due to the fact that the estate has property
across the road, the Board feels they could get the extra acreage f~om
across the road. The Board also recommended they speak to the Planning
Board about this matter.
On motion by Mr. Gillispie, seconded by Mr. Tuthill, it was
RESOLVED, that the next meeting of the Southold Town Board of Appeals
will be held on Thursday, March 22, 1979, at 7:30 P.M. (E.S.T.) and set
the following times on that date as the time and place of hearing upon
the following applications?
7:30 P.M. (E.S.T.) Upon application of John Gaston, Equestrian Avenue,
Fishers Island, New YOrk, for a variance in accordance with th~ Zoning
Ordinance, Article III, Section 100-31 and Bulk Parking Schedule for
permission to divide property with insufficient width and insufficient
area. Location of property: Equestrian Avenue, Fishers Island, New
York, bounded on the north by Hay Harbor; east by Staunton; south by
Equestrian Avenue; west by Coffey.
7:45 P.M. (E.S.T.) Upon application of Robert V. and Annette S. Rider,
c/o John Nickles, Southold, New York, for a variance in accordance with
the Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section 100-30 and Bulk Parking
Schedule for permission to divide property into two lots with insufficient
width and a varianee in accordance with Town Lawr Section 280A for ap-
proval of access. Location of property: Wigwam Way, Southold, New York,
bounded on the north by Wigwam Way; east by Minnehaha Boulevard, Laughing
Waters Association, and the Town of Sou%hold; south by Little Peconic
Bay; west by H. Smith, Frank Bear, M. Morris and E. Yankee.
8:15 P.M. (E.S.T.) Upon application of Kodros Spyropoulos, 40-28
82nd Street, Jackson Heights, New York, for a variance inaaccordance
with the Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section 100-32 for permission
to construct a deck in the side yard area. Location of property: Pri-
vate Road (hyatt Road), Southold, New York, bounded on the north by Long
Island Sound; east by Reise; south by Private Road (Hyatt Road); west
by Wurtz.
Vote of the Board: Ayes: Messrs: Gillispie, Doyen, Tuthill and
Douglass.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
/ Ba~e~e C~C~onr o~
Secretary