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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-09/26/1990 HEARING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TOWN OF $OUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COUNTY OF SUFFOLK : STATE OF NEW YORK TOWN OF SOUTHOLD : ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING : Town Hall · 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York Sep%ember 26, 1990 7:30 P.M. // OCT I 2. 1990 11971 11 12 13 14 BEFORE : GERARD P. GOEHRINGER, Chairman. 15 16 17 18 19 2O BOARD MEMBERS: CHARLES GRIGONIS, JR. SERGE DOYEN, JR. JOSEPH H. SAWICKI~ /~6nFT' JAMES DINIZIO, JR. 21 22 23 ALSO PRESENT: LINDA KOWALSKI, Board Secretary ~ I 24 25 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 THE CHAIRMAN: welcome everybody here. This is our regularly scheduled meeting of Town Zoning Board of Appeals. 2 We would like to the Southold We would like to welcome Mrs. Kowalski. She has not been with us for the year. She is on my right, and your left. MS. KOWALSKI: Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: We would like to welcome everybody here tonight. The first hearing on the agenda is Appeal Number 3961, in behalf of Venetia McKeighan. (Legal Notice read off record.) (Time noted: 7:33 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of the survey, dated September 20, 1965, indicating a one-family dwelling, located somewhat in the center of the property, closer to Pond than to Bayview Avenue. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. The nature of the application is for a gazebo on the road side of the house. We ask if there are any applicants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 3 here. MS. McKEIGHAN: Venetia McKeighan. THE CHAIRMAN: How far from -- I should have mentioned this to you -- MS. McKEIGHAN: I have it here. I did get a letter. It will be 30 feet from the south line, 60 feet from the north line, 30 feet from the house, 70 feet from the street. THE CHAIRMAN: How large is the gazebo? MS. McKEIGHAN: It was going to be 10 by 10. After I heard a new price today, may be down to 8 by 8. THE CHAIRMAN: The purpose of it is mainly an aesthetic reason? MS. McKEIGHAN: No. The reason, my mother is 84 and living with me. She is housebound, but she can walk in the yard. She doesn't like it in the back because the back is a lot more windy and it is a lot cooler than in the front, where the sun comes and the house shields her from the wind. I thought she could go out and sit I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 4 there and it would be a place for her to go. Now she walks down the driveway and there is nothing to do but turn around and go hack. I thought if I could have a gazebo, she could sit there and in the front also neighbors could see her and come over and talk with her. THE CHAIRMAN: will it be lighted in any way? MS. McKEIGHAN: No. THE CHAIRMAN: The foundation is very simply the base of the gazebo. It is probably out of pressure-treated wood and sits right on the lawn. MS. McKEIGHAN: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: And the approximate height, do you have any idea? MS. McKEIGHAN: I did ask them and I did submit that. I think they are like 12 feet high. THE CHAIRMAN: I'll look in here. It has been some time since I've looked at the file. MS. McKEIGHAN: I think it is 12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 THE CHAIRMAN: We thank you. to have a decision for you probably 5 We hope tonight. So if you give us a call in the morning -- MS. McKEIGHAN: Thank you very much. THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of the application? Anybody against the application? Any questions from Board members? Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you. (Time noted: 7:36 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is in behalf of Harold Gordon, Appeal Number 3962. It is a variance for a deck addition to existing residence with insufficient side yard setback. The legal notice reads as follows: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 6 (Legal Notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of a survey, dated January 6, 1972, by Alden Young, indicating a parcel just under an acre with a frame bungalow probably a little closer to the west side than it is to the center of the property. Attached to this existing frame bungalow is a deck which surrounds it on two sides partially. The nature of this application is to reduce the side yard from 10 feet to 8 feet, on the deck side which is the closest portion to that side of the property. I have .a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties. Doctor, would you like to say anything for the record? DR. GORDON: Yes. Dr. Harold Gordon, 124 Hickory Avenue. We wish to enlarge the size of this deck you just mentioned. Since it is used right now it is an existing deck. We wish to enlarge it, since it is uncomfortable and its use is restricted for that reason. It 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 is inappropriate to build a deck or it in any other manner. I am informed my neighbors don't any objection. So I hope you will see favorable action on it. THE CHAIRMAN: say the height above deck presently? DR. GORDON: THE CHAIRMAN: 7 enlarge have Doctor, what would you the ground is on that I would say three feet. In closing it will still be a pole structure ho]ding it up, will it be cement block foundation? DR. GORDON: Well, the house is or Anybody that application? members? presently on cement blocks. So we may very well skirt the whole thing around in the same manner. THE CHAIRMAN: Very good. Thank you so much. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of this application? would like to speak against the Any questions from any Board (No response.) 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 THE CHAIRMAN: Taking this out of order, I did have a discussion with Dr. Gordon and he is in need of getting started on this project. In that light, I make a motion granting this application as applied don't have any other specific Do you? No. I'll second. Granted as applied. for. I restrictions on it. All MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: in favor? MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much. (Time noted: 7:40 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is Number 3966, in behalf of (Legal Notice read off THE CHAIRMAN: I have survey dated September a survey of Lot Number Peter Bloom. record.) a copy of a 27, 1988, indicating 17 of this file map, 8 and showing a one and a half story frame home approximately 36 feet from Old Shipyard Lane or Road, and a flag patio in the rear 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9 of this dwelling which is at ground level. The nature of this application is to encompass that flag patio and put a raised deck along the entire rear of the house, and a partial deck around the west side of the house adjacent to the garage. The deck in size as proposed is 11 feet by 33 feet, 6 inches. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map and surrounding would like to indicating this properties in the ~rea. Is there somebody that speak? MR. GRATHWOHL: My name is Kenneth Grathwohl. I am here by proxy to Mr. Bloom. THE CHAIRMAN: We have been down there and we have seen what Mr. Bloom wants to do. I don't remember exactly how close to the rear property line -- which of course is really the side property line -- (Interruption) MR. GRATHWOHL: The rear property line is approximately a foot and a half. The existing garage, which has a CO, is one foot off the line. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 grade THE CHAIRMAN: MR. GRATHWOHL: 10 What about the height? Fourteen inches above THE CHAIRMAN: You are not going to disturb the original hedge along -- (Interruption) MR. GRATHWOHL: Nc, the hedge will not be touched. THE CHAIRMAN: I think the property line is the steel fence inside that hedge. MR. GRATHWOHL: According to the survey, it says, "hedge on line." There is no indication, no corner markers or anything. THE CHAIRMAN: You will not be extending to the garage? MR. GRATHWOHL: the garage. THE CHAIRMAN: No. We will be shy So basically, your plan here is about right on the dollar. MR. GRATHWOHL: Probably. THE CHAIRMAN: We thank you very much. Is there anybody else that would like L 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 11 to speak in favor of the application? Is there anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any question from any Board members? Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing the hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you for coming in. I hope to have a decision for you shortly. (Time noted: 7:45 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is Appeal Number 3964, in behalf of Kenneth Minnick. (Legal Notice read off the record,) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy and a set of plans, Presently on the property is a one-story frame home of ranch style, the parcel of approximately 139 by 273 plus. I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 have a copy indicating this in the area. Is there be heard? MR. would 12 of the Suffolk County Tax Map and surrounding properties somebody that would like to MINNICK: Kenneth Minnick. THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anything you like to say for the record before I interrogate you? MR. MINNICK: Well, the reason why we have requested this was we recently met a couple, that is a Section 8 couple. We have known them for about a year and they were having trouble with housing. We thought that, gee, maybe if go into it. In the long term, parents that are living it was feasible we would we both have out here that are retiring or are retired and in the future, at the rate that the taxes are going and expenses out here, we figured they are going to have to part with their home eventually to survive. So we figured we have a place where they could live too, and we thought we 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 '~1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 13 would do a seasonal rental for them, too. THE CHAIRMAN: The only problem I have with the application is that there was no provision in the original special permit to allow for an addition to the dwelling itself. You have to utilize the existing footprint of the existing dwelllng. MR. MINNICK: Yes. That was explained to us, but it was suggested we apply and convert the garage into an accessory apartment. THE CHAIRMAN: Can you do that? MR. MINNICK: We could, but that wasn't -- we wanted a separate entity. We wanted an apartment that had vision from the existing dwelling so there would be some kind of personal setting for anybody that lived in it. That's why we connected it with the breezeway. So it would be a separate unit. THE CHAIRMAN: The only one we ever granted is a utilization of a two-car garage. MR. MINNICK: We had thought possibly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 we would put in for an expansion, an addition to the house which would be connected by the roof line and later apply. Then it would be an existing footprint. THE CHAIRMAN: The problem is the law reads it has to have a valid CO, before January 1, 1984. The purpose of that was to utilize all the existing structure first before we go into actually creating these apartments in newer structures -- dwellings, I should say. Where do we go from here? I know there is a need for affordable housing. Tell me. MR. that, too. housing and even get the money to do this We had checked and found out that MINNICK: We had looked into We looked into low-income loans and things like that, to try project. there was always something missing. We couldn't apply for it. After all avenues were exhausted and we couldn't get grants, our last resort was to try and go this way. But, like I said, the whole purpose -- right -- is for I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 15 family, ultimate immediate family, when you can't afford to live anymore to have a place. I didn't want to do it in the existing dwelling, if at all possible. That is why I am asking for the consideration on the separation. The ~roperty we are located on is residential and agriculture. If we did modify the existing garage and applied for a dwelling within it, then we would have to do a separate garage and we would still be encompassing the same amount of land at a later date. To do another two-car garage would take up the same amount of space as the addition would. THE CHAIRMAN: It would be unkind of me to have you leave here thinking you are half-way there or something in the nature, which you are not. We really can only let you utilize the garage. We have no problem with you constructing attached to the house house, as long as or the front yard. another garage, either or detached from the it is not in the side yard 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 At this point, offer to you is that inclined to grant the addition 16 the only thing I can if the Board is not so that you want -- do you want us to MR. MINNICK: THE CHAIRMAN: something? consider the garage? No, Why don't you say MRS. MERRY MINNICK: We could have put an addition on the house, but then it would not have been legal to rent it to anyone. THE CHAIRMAN: MRS. MINNICK: went this way. THE CHAIRMAN: I don't know how to That is correct. That is the purpose we I understand that, but explain this to you. It is not the way you should have gone. They should have told you you had to utilize the existing footprint meaning the existing house structure, because I assume it was built prior to 1984. MRS. MINNICK: Yes, it was before that. MR. MINNICK: Yes. The house was 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 built before 1984. THE CHAIRMAN: You have a valid CO on the house attached to it before January 1, 19847 MR. MINNICK: It was completed in '79 -- the CO. THE CHAIRMAN: So the house then qualifies. MRS. MINNICK: We met all the requirements except the fact that you could not legally rent and if we put an addition on you could not legally rent it in that area. THE CHAIRMAN: That is correct. Tell me what I can do, other than I am telling ~ou we cannot give you the addition. We can possibly grant you a conditional permit based upon the fact that you have been utilizing the existing attached garage. You don't want to use the garage? MR. MINNICK: No. We don't want to pull anybody's leg and play the game and go with the wet bars. We figured that is not the purpose of all the zoning laws. We 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 figured we'd try it. If the Board feels that it couldn't be granted because of, like you say, the existing footprint, then it must be the Board's decision to find that way. THE CHAIRMAN: I will tell you this. We will review it with the Town Attorney before we make a decision to see if there is any possibility, and the law may be changed in the future. We have no idea. We haue had some pressure in reference to that. When I say "pressure," I am talking about people asking for additional things. As of to date, the only thing we have granted is a conditional relief, or what we refer to as a conditional special permit for the utiliza- tion of the garage. Thank you very much. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of the application? Anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from any Board members? Hearing no further questions, I make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. (Time noted: 7:55 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is Number 3967, in behalf of Kim Campbell. (Legal Notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: ! have a copy of the site plan and a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating a parcel of 4.3 acres which is on the water. The site plan indicates a proposed garage in the front yard area. Our Fishers Island consultant and member of the Board, Mr. Doyen, has brought us pictures from Fishers Island indicating the approximate placement ~f this particular proposed garage. Is there anybody that has an interest in looking at them in the audience? Seeing no hands, is there anybody 1 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 .19 20 21 22 23 24 25 representing Ms. Campbell concerning this garage -- from Fishers Island? Is there anybody that would like to speak in favor of the application? Is there anybody that would like to speak against the application? Do you have anything you would like to say for the record, Serge? MR. architects electricity in for storage -- DOYEN: No. I did inquire of the and they said there would only be the garage and it was only the garage for storage. THE CHAIRMAN: The approximate size of the garage is 16 by 24 -- approximately 16 feet in height, of hip roof construction. Hearing no further comments, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. (Time noted: 7:58 p.m.) 1 2 3 $ ~0 12 14 15 17 20 23 24' 25 21 THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is in behalf of Frank Curran, Appeal Number 3963. (Legal Notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of a sketch of the survey indicating an existing house set fairly close to Haywaters Cove, surrounded by somewhat a bulkhead seawall type of situation. The nature of this application is a construction of a 20 by 30 foot storage building on the easterly side of the property, approximately 3 feet from the easterly side yard -- actually property line -- and I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. Would you MR. PETER Chairman, like to be heard? STOUTENBURGH: Yes, please. and members of the Board, am mostly here to answer any ~uestions and to make sure that if there is any paper work missing in your records, I could give you copies of it. In terms of the past, almost every project they have done has had to come 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ~14 15 '16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 %¸> 22 before the Board because of the awkward size of the land that they made their home on some time ago. One thing that was never constructed was the utilities space, since maybe ten years ago they converted their garage into a bedroom for the expanded family. We had gotten an approval from both your body and the Trustees for a swimming pool complex in the front yard, I think two years ago or so, and we had run into problems with the DEC stating that the only place they really felt we could do any building was pretty much exactly where we asked for this storage facility. It is in the side yard, and we are not asking to reduce the rear yard setback from the bulkhead any further than what the house is from the bulkhead presently, which was also I think the request at the time from the DEC. The variance that we had gotten in the past was, I believe, 800 and something feet. We are looking for a building envelope of approximately 600 this time. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 23 THE CHAIRMAN: That variance at that time dealt with an existing lot coverage. MR. STOUTENBURGH: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: Therefore, you are going to be 200 square feet under the existing lot coverage. MR. STOUTENBURGH: What we had asked for, at that time, yes. It had requested a reduced front yard, as well, which we are not asking for at this point. The property narrows too much as we get towards the front of that. So we are looking or they are looking for a 3-foot setback from the side yard property line, the same reduced distance from the bulkhead and looking for a, hope- fully, variance of 25 of lot coverage. THE CHAIRMAN: proposed -- I'm sorry percent approximately Existing distance -- proposed distance of the -- let's just use the phrase distance from the garage or proposed garage to the bulkhead is what? MR. STOUTENBURGH: Eight point five. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 24 THE CHAIRMAN: Eight point five. MR. STOUTENBURGH: Which is what the house is off the bulkhead at the closest distance. THE CHAIRMAN: I notice you want to build 3 feet to the easterly sideline. Does that include the overhang? MR. STOUTENBURGH: It doesn't include the overhang. The building they have looked at has less than -- I would say less than a foot of overhang. It is probably less than that. It is a minimal amount of overhang. THE CHAIRMAN: What about water runoff? MR. STOUTENBURGH: I spoke with the Trustees when we met them on the site, and they had some confusion. Hopefully, at their meeting tomorrow we will get our letter of approval from them. They indicated that at the meeting. All runoff is going to be contained on a drywell on the site or however they request it. We also have no porous surface inside the building so that it would be 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 '/1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 contained. THE CHAIRMAN: What about height? MR. STOUTENBURGH: Height is a story and a half. They are looking for storage above, although it will not be a total two- story structure. It will be something along the line of a salt box. I think the plans we had sent in with it are from a very similar structure we did, Nassau Point. It is just has two-thirds height THE CHAIRMAN: from Anderson on a salt box which on one side. What are you talking about, maximum 167 if you don't all right. MR. STOUTENBURGH: that you have -- That's something, again, have it with you, Peter, it is think the plans THE CHAIRMAN: It is shown here as 19-9 on that side. All right. The only other problem we have is a rather new one and I don't think it has ever been done any other place in Southold. We are, however, all firemen on this Board and I don't know if you sat 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 :21 22 23 24 25 through these hearings on Carol Road. We started out on Carol Road, 26 over by the Sound Beach Motel and we started with one garage on the lot and we kept on going down the line as people moved out and converted the houses from seasonal dwellings to year-round. Most of them had heat in them, anyway. The nature of this Board's policy is not to close up side yards, as one usually does. The restriction on this, if the Board is so inclined to grant it, may or not be to have two existing garage doors; one in front and one in the back. MR. STOUTENBURGH: I don't think that is a problem. THE CHAIRMAN: We do that mainly for two reasons. I am from Mattituck, Jimmy is from Greenport, Serge is from Fishers Island, and Charlie is from Southold. We find that it is very easy to fight a fire if you can open the garage door and pull a hose through the garage door rather than try to wind it around, and that is exactly what we did on Carol Road and every one of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 existing garages we granted. the restriction on this. MR, STOUTENBURGH: I that's fine from the customer's from what he told me. THE CHAIRMAN: an overhead garage door. MR. STOUTENBURGH: Is there distance between the two buildings 27 So that may be would assume standpoint, It doesn't have to be also a that could be suggested -- one or the other? THE CHAIRMAN: I don't think you are going to be able to get it there. Usually the distance is 8 feet, and I don't think you are going to get it. The other concern is the opposite side of the dwelling. It is completely fenced with a four-foot fence and you just cannot drag two and a half and three foot hoses over a four-foot fence. this may be a consideration. at this particular time, but if you -- on the 20-foot -- how large a door are you putting on this, 8 feet -- 10 feet? MR. STOUTENBURGH: Eight foot is As I said, I don't know 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 '20 21 22 23 24 25 28 minimal. It's quite often 9 foot for aesthetic reasons. They may go down to 8. THE CHAIRMAN: We would not -- on the back side of the building -- we would not be requesting anything larger than 8 feet. It does not have to be overhead. It could be swinging. MR. STOUTENBURGH: I'm sure that's fine, that or 8 foot. Between the two would be given an option. THE CHAIRMAN: I don't have any other questions, as long as you allow us to put a restriction on it that it is only to be used for storage purposes. MR. STOUTENBURGH: I don't think there is a problem. The house is big enough. THE CHAIRMAN: We thank you very much for coming in. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of this application? Is there anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from Board members? 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29 Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: MR. GRIGONIS: MR. DOYEN: MR. DINIZIO: (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. 8:09 p.m.) The next hearing is a recessed hearing from July 25th, at which time new maps were submitted and I now have before me a new map indicating a requested set-off of now three houses on a private road off of Fox Avenue in Fishers Island, indicating three existing dwellings that probably have pre-existed zoning. We have seen them personally, all three of them. The first lot is approximately 40 by 120, Lot Number 2 is 44 by 120, and Lot Number 3 is 16,714 square feet or 85 by -- or 85 by combination of about 180. And they have existing CO's. We ask the attorney if he would like 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ~0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 to speak in favor of the application? MR. HILL: Michael Hill, 208 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead, New York. I am appearing in behalf of Thomas and Allison Sargent. Recognizing that you have all seen the area, I would also like to present to the Board a video tape of the area. (Applicant's counsel handing video tape to the Board.) MR. HILL: It is narrated by Mr. Sargent so any com~ents are his. It was done in the cold days in January. I guess the snow wasn't on the ground. In addition to the facts submitted in the application, I would like to point out that initially it had been thought that the Town of Southold's laws were going to be changed so that when we came here in a voluntary merger, as we had here, it wouldn't be necessary for us to go to the Planning Board. We have had at this point the filing of an application with the Planning Board for the subdivision. Assuming that that subdiuision is granted 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 and we are going to need variances, we made an application for here as additional economic hardship -- assuming they would give us a subdivision in order to comply with any setbacks which I think are impossible on these particular plots. The houses that are existing would have to be moved. The cost of that is prohibitive, to say the least. There is no change in the character of the neighborhood at all. The houses there are all built very close to the front line. They are all very close together and these houses have existed in that condition, the three houses on these properties, since the inception of zoning. As I said the last time to you, by a court decree, a third lot was merged into this. It was originally a two-lot subdivision and the houses are going to just exist as they are, no changes -- one driveway added to the premises and that is shown on the video tape by my client, posted out where that is going to be, and otherwise there are no changes to the property. ! 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 THE CHAIRMAN: The only problem I have is with continuing with the use, whatever, with the garage apartment. This Board may put a time limit. I realize the lady that is presently living in it is 84 years old, or something of that nature. I have no idea whether she will stay, but that may be a recommendation of mine in reference to putting a time limit on the existence of the garage apartment. MR. HILL: How many years? THE CHAIRMAN: I am estimating 10 at this point, and only bearing in mind she has probably lived there for a fairly long period of time, according to Mr. Sargent, .although he said she is in good health. We have done this knowledge. That may be once before in Orient, to my a recommendation. I you to leave here thinking you that there is a don't want have three valid CO's, possibility -~ MR. HILL: My only question is strictly hypothetical and hopefully if we 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 33 encounter any problem -- let's suppose this particular woman lives in excess of ten years, can we come back at that time for an extension? THE CHAIRMAN: Certainly, sure. MR. HILS: Hopefully, we will all still be here. THE CHAIRMAN: Right. MR. HILL: Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: Anybody else that would like to speak in favor of this application? Anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from the Board? Seeing no hands, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: in favor? 8:14 p.m.) The next application ! 2 3 4 5 6 ? 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is in behalf of James, Peter and Chris Meskouris. This is a rather unique application in the respect that we have opened half of this application before and had recessed it, which was 3951, and I will open 3957. (Legal notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a letter from the agent of the applicant, who is Mr. Fitzgerald, in the file. I have a copy of the survey, (phonetic), 34 produced by Anthony Lowendowski dated 1/29/90, indicating a lot of approximately 75 by 167 plus or minus. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map. Would you like to be heard, Mr. Fitzgerald? MR. JAMES FITZGERALD: I would be happy to answer any questions that you have. I don't have anything to add to the information in the application. is interesting. one, Jim, is the assume that's the THE CHAIRMAN: This What was different on this fact that the deck -- I most easterly parcel -- 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 35 MR. FITZGERALD: Thirty-seven, yes. THE CHAIRMAN: (Continuing) -- is not as encompassing as the other two. In other words, it doesn't encompass both sides of the property line. MR. FITZGERALD: That is correct. THE CHAIRMAN: However, it does encompass the entire west side of the portion -- westerly portion of the lot where the house is located. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: I assume the decks are the same as the decks that exist on the most westerly lot. MR. FITZGERALD: Number 35. THE CHAIRMAN: And the nature of this application as modified and as we discussed with the Town Attorney is for the reparation of each one of these individual houses -- dwellings which presently have existing CO's on them and were merged when purchased. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: By a father and two sons. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 '16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 36 MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: Who all have separate families. MR. FITZGERALD: THE CHAIRMAN: you would like to say? MR. FITZGERALD: anything else. THE CHAIRMAN: Yes. Is there anything else No. I don't have Is there anything Mr. Meskouris would like to say? MR. PETE MESKOURIS: I don't know if you are familiar with the area. I imagine you are, but when you step out of the house you go right into sand. I would appreciate it if we are allowed to have the deck. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of the application? Anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from any Board members? Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. DINIZIO: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DOYEN: MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: for coming in. (Time noted: Aye. Aye. Thank you very much 8:20 p.m.) I, GAIL ROSCHEN, do hereby certify that am an Official Court Reporter and that the foregoing constitutes a true and correct transcript of the Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals hearing 26, 1990, according to my stenographic of September notes. GAIL ROSCHEN Official Court Reporter 37 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COUNTY OF SUFFOLK : STATE OF NM YORK TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING : OCT I 2 1990 Town Hall 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York September 26, 1990 7:32 P.M. 11971 11 12 13 14 BEFORE : GERARD P. GOEHRINGER, Chairman. 15 16 17 18 19 20 BOARD MEMBERS: CHARLES GRIGONIS, JR. SERGE DOYEN, JR. JOSEPH H. SAWICKI -/6me~ JAMES DINIZIO, JR. 21 22 23 ALSO PRESENT: LINDA KOWALSKI, Board Secretary ,~ ,,] 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2 (Excerpt of Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, September 26, 1990.) appeal, appeal (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: Number 3955. from the last 8:22 p.m.) The second to last It is a recessed regularly scheduled hearing. It is in behalf of Dominick Sblendido and A. Auricchio. We ask Mr. Cardinale if there is something he would like to add to this. I do want to address a specific problem we had, that we never had before. Mr. Cardinale, are you familiar with the problem we have from the prior hearing? MR. PHIL CARDINALE: Yes, I am. THE CHAIRMAN: Are you ready to address the Board? MR. CARDINALE: Yes. Good evening, gentlemen, and the female member of the Board as well. I am aware of the problem because one of the secretaries of the Board called me to advise me my remarks were not able to be 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 3 transcribed, because the Court Reporter was not here and I guess the machine didn't work. Therefore, I will have to be somewhat more complete than I would otherwise be then in today's representation. The applicants, Dominick and Ann Sblendido are present here, as is Angela Auricchio. You want to stand, please? (Applicants standing.) MR. CARDINALE: As I indicated last time, Dominick and Ann are husband and wife. Angela and Ann are sisters. the residence involved here a little bit of background, They have owned since 1977. As they are in their early sixties and they are anticipating using the house, which they have used as a second home, home at some point and that extensive renovation was commenced. Another note is that during this saga I am about to address, between March 16, 1989 and today, some 18 months later, they have been unrepresented up through 8/1/90 as a year-round is why the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 which, as I go through this, you will see was the point at which I entered the situation and asked Mr. Lessard to issue a disapproval so we could come before this Board. I hope that this presentation this evening will shed more light and less heat on this matter than the original hearing did. My representation to you is based upon a review of the Building Department and ZBA files. Incidentally, I reviewed your file this afternoon. There is apparently going to he a supplemental memorandum submitted by Marie Ongioni, the attorney for the adjacent neighbor Mr. opportunity read it. Toher, which I have not had the to respond to since I haven't So I would like that opportunity to respond in writing a few days after this. I also consulted, of course, with my clients, with the builder, with the Building Department personnel, with the surveyor, as you requested I do, and I have that survey for you showing the lot coverage. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 consulted with the Town Attorney, Mr. Arnoff, in regards to some of the remarks I am going to make tonight. I reviewed at length the applicable code provisions since the last time we were here. I think that was on July presentation I am going to make, 25th. The and the this in 10 is a brief 5 good news is I believe I can do minutes, is in four parts. One recitation of the facts that got us here which I don't think are greatly in dispute. The second is a more interesting part, and that will address the questions or issues properly before this court, and the law regarding that. You recall, Mr. Goehringer, that one of the things that did get transcribed was my remark that I was surprised by the opposition and that I believed it to be very wide-ranging and I had serious questions as to what the court could in fact do in this instance under its authority, under the statute. I am going to address that in the second part of my remarks. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 6 The third part will be a rebuttal of the inaccurate statements of the opposition, specifically the neighbor adjacent, Mr. Tober, through Ms. Ongioni. that I have and will submit, the lot coverage surveys. -- last two months ago -- according to the surveyor As a preview of in a moment, As I suspected the lot coverage is now 13 1/2 percent which is far below the 20 percent permitted of this lot. So Ms. Ongioni's allegation that it was 28 percent is wrong, as a number of her other allegations are. Finally, I would like to briefly review the equities involved here. In regards to the facts, November 25th, 1977, Ann, her sister Angela, and her husband, Dominick, purchased the property. There was a husband involved of Angela but he had passed away. They have resided weekends, vacations, su~ers, as I indicated earlier, up to March of '89. On March 16, '89, more precisely a few weeks before that, they retained Argyle Construction to obtain a building permit in regards to this matter 1 2 3 4 5 6 ? 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 and to build a renovation which would include essentially doubling the size of this house. Construction commenced sometime after March 16, '89. I think it was in June or so on the plans, which were submitted, which were accepted, where a building permit was issued and which were in your file as Exhibit Number 1 and which clearly show two kitchens which, incidentally, it could and will be argued does not necessarily mean that was an error on the part of the Building Department, to issue a building permit, even showing two kitchens. THE CHAIRMAN: What date was this? MR. CARDINALE: March 16, 1989. Thereafter, construction co~enced, as I indicated, without incident until 12/5/89 when a Stop Work Order was issued. The Stop Work Order of 12/5/89, which is in your file, indicates to the owner "You are notified to suspend all work at the location." The basis of the Stop Work Order is "No foundation inspection, no second 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8 survey, nothing built as per plan submitted, appears to have insufficient front yard setbacks, cannot build a two-family dwelling in an R-40 zone." The conditions under which the work may be resumed: One, submit a new survey showing all setbacks and houses within 300 feet on the same side of the street, which would be relevant to Section 100-230 which provides for relief automatically for, as you know, lots where the setback within 300 feet is less than that which would otherwise be required. The second condition was to -- now this, mind you, was nine months after the initial permit -- new plans show all details stamped. The third condition for resumption eliminates the two-family dwelling. Fourth, pay the new fee. Failure to remedy same may constitute an offense. The builder, according to your file, met on December llth with the Building 5 6 7 8 9 '~0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9 Department personnel. Incidentally, Victor Lessard got a lot of grief last time. Victor Lessard is not really much on the file. Muoh of it is other members of the Building Department; Mr. Fischer (phonetic), Mr. Horton (phonetic), Mr. Lessard. There is a number of people involved in this file. They met and there is a notation, on 12/12 the Stop Work Order was lifted and permission to resume construction was given. That was not given just for the fun of it or for no reason. It was given because in the file, at the request of the Building Department, was submitted by my clients a statement, which is in Marie Ongioni's papers, that they would not use the residence and had no intention of using it as a two-family residence. That they in fact did submit plans, which you have as Exhibit 2 from the last hearing, which did something more than simply restate the original plans. It interrelated this house, in a very meaningful way because the Building Department was legitimately I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 10 concerned that this house should be interrelated since it had some indications of a two-family structure. They insisted apparently that there be an interrelation of each ~loor between the two parts o~ this home -- hallways, in other words, and most significantly, if you walk through this home now with these plans they insisted the bedroom -- all the bedrooms in the upstairs area are all interrelated. There is just a big hallway, and this was required as was the exclusion of the kitchen which had already been approved. As a condition of going forward, my clients agreed to this, presumably. Remember, they were unrepresented because the contractor urged them to do so, and they gave the statement of non-use to family. They changed their plans to interrelate both floors and they addressed the other issue, which was the issue o~ setback, by indicating that they would provide the setback survey, showing the setbacks of the 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 11 home within 300 feet, which survey they did in fact obtain, and it did in fact establish that they needed in order to get this big round stoop, which you will see on the plans, approved to get a variance because the big round stoop was 18 feet from the front line. The average, depending on how you calculate my clients' setback, at 18 as proposed or at 26, is either 26 or 28 for the other houses. If you notice the plans, the house simply stayed on the same line as the existing or renovated portion of the home. So that actually, with the exception of the stoop, they do not need a setback from the front yard because they were not, under Section 100-242, increasing any nonconfor- mance. We were building on the same line except for the stoop. So it was agreed they would submit this setback survey, and if necessary, they would seek the variance and they would not do any further construction on the stoop. And they lived up to that. Nothing happened much between I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 12 In any event, which is, I believe, make an inspection. we are now at 5/14 Mr. Horton comes out Incidentally, we are to December 12, when the Stop Work Order was lifted on the condition just indicatad, until May, except that; one, it became clear that the setback, the smallest setback possible for the stoop would be 26 to 28 feet, not 18. So they would need a variance for that, for the stoop. And also in the file there is a January 5 stop appearance ticket indicating that they should come to court on January 5th, which is referred to in Marie Ongioni's paper work, for failure to obey a Stop Work Order. It was never signed. It was never issued and, apparently, what it was was sitting in the file because ii they hadn't gotten together on the 12th -- llth or 12th ~- to agree to lift the Stop Work Order, it would have been issued. So to say there was no compliance between 12/12 and the next Stop Work Order on 5/29 is inaccurate, based upon what I have seen in your file. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 13 now around $176,000 into this construction. Mr. Horton notes that at the point where they pulled out the second kitchen, and if you look at the plans, the whole back of the house was going to be a kitchen with the exception of two bathrooms in between, that when they agreed to make the second kitchen into a great room, in December, they -- according to Mr. Horton, which is a reasonable observation, when he got out there on the 14th he was suspicious because there was plumbing in the wall in the great room facing out towards the backyard which could be utilized for the sink and/or for a kitchen. It was the plumbing set up for the sink. Mr. Horton discussed it with the builder and with the clients -- with the builder, I know at least -- and the clients came to me after that discussion and they said to me in about late in May, early June, "We need a variance for a wet bar because that's what we want to put in. We want to put a sink in and a bar overlooking the 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 39 20 21 22 23 24 25 14 window, looking out into the backyard." So, I said, "Well, unless something has changed in Southold Town, you don't need a variance to put in the sink for the wet bar," meaning a bar with running water. Under the circumstances, I didn't doubt the Building Department had good cause to be concerned that they might be permitting this and that it may thereafter illegally be made into a kitchen. So the gist of it was, when I spoke to Victor, I said, "Victor, what are we doing?" He said, "Number one, you've got to get m setback anyway because the variance 28. Number two, go to -- I am any further into this -- go to find out if you can have a wet shows 26 or not getting the Board and bar." I said, "Victor, I am not going to the Board and asking them if I can have a wet bar with a sink because I know I can have a wet bar with the sink in the great room, but I wilm ask them to interpret 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 15 whether a second kitchen originally proposed necessarily makes this a two-family dwelling." There is some law on this which I will get to in a moment. The gist of it is, now we are at 5/29 on the facts, and I asked him to please issue a notice of disapproval so I can get going It is in your file following: on the variance. He did. and it indicates the Under Article 3A, Section 130.3 and Article 23, Section 100-230A, construction has insufficient front yard setback. Also, under Article 3A, Section 100-30A2,A1 (100- 3lA), a permitted use one-family detached dwelling not to exceed one dwelling on each lot. (A two-family dwelling is not a permitted use.) Action required by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Hence, we are here. We needed the setback. We knew December, when we We just didn't go not that since late in got the setback survey. in for it because we were working on the stoop. We agreed not to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 I0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 16 work further. Now we are in here and, in fact, Victor I think really, I would add, was going to permit the construction to continue if we pulled out the plumbing on that wall. Instead of doing that, because of this second Stop Work Order and the back and forth, we elected to come in to put two questions before this Board: 1) May we please have a variance for the stoop, because it is 18 feet from the line instead of 26 to 28 feet of the neighbor's. 2) May we have an interpretation of the indicated section from this Board as to whether a second kitchen necessarily means that a house which is interrelated on both floors and which is now and has been used for the last 15 years by two sisters, does that necessarily mean it is two family? When we finally got to the hearing, on 7/25, my clients were quite surprised at the confusion about what it was we were seeking. My first remarks were we are not seeking a permit for the two-family home. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 We were not apartment. 17 seeking an accessory use for an We are seeking a variance for the stoop and we are seeking an interpre- tation of an interesting legal had already discussed, question by this time, which I with Mr. Arnoff. The issues that I believe are properly before the Court are, I believe, the following: The questions which the Board which zoning you are aware of, is that the Board's power and properly made -- has before it. You may be relieved or you may not. You may believe me or you may not, but I believe if you consult with your Town Attorney, he will agree that despite what the revoked -- building permit, tear down the house, cut it in half, contingent urges that it is not within the purview of the Zoning Board of Appeals, under these facts which I have just indicated, to do that. If you look at Section 100-271, is the empowering portion of your statute, the indication there, as well L 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18 authority is to hear and decide appeals from and review any orders, requirements, decisions or determinations made by the Building Inspector; to grant variances, as the ones we are seeking; to grant exception which we are not seeking; and to interpret any order, decision or determination of an administrative officer by determining the meaning of any prevention or of any condition or requirement under the chapter. The point I am really desperately trying to make clear to you is that we have no real problem to speak of with the Building Department. We are asking you to give us a variance or not give us a variance, as you see appropriate under the law as I will address it in a moment, and to give us an interpretation positively that we may put that kitchen in or negatively that we may not, and in doing so I believe you must reach the issue of whether a second kitchen necessarily makes a home a two- family dwelling. Now, the logic, the way I approach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 19 this logically is -- and incidentally, the notice of disapproval from the Building Department which was requested by me, and which is dated May 29, and the Stop Work Order that followed the next day, defines our problem. Our whole problem is that after this whole saga which you know about, we requested on 5/29 the long awaited and the not surprising order to get our stoop variance and that this one-family detached dwelling has to have only one dwelling unit, and there was an interpretation of the Building Department that putting a wet bar in on that wall where the original kitchen had first been approved would be not proper -- much less a kitchen. It is our position, which I will advance further, that a kitchen itself is proper. How are we going to get out of this Stop Work Order which indicates, inci- dentally, the June 1st order, construction has insufficient front yard, not being constructed as per plans, plumbing installed for second kitchen? We have to get your 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 approval for the second kitchen or take out the plumbing4 Incidentally, if you don't give us a second kitchen, would you please let us know that we can put a wet bar in there, which I am defining as a bar with a sink in it with running water which many, many great rooms have in many houses; and finally, an okay from the principal Building Inspector, in other words Victor, to look at it and to make sure he would be happy with what we are doing. If we decided not to go forward with the stoop and if we decided further not the wet bar, we construction. to challenge on the kitchen or could have continued Now I am sitting here in October. That may have been the wiser choice, since we have been held up four or five months. The petitioner's application, incidentally, indicates as you know and should know that what I was seeking was a variance for insufficient front yard and an interpretation to permit second kitchen, interpretation of ordinance sections 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 21 regarding second kitchen in one-family dwelling. If you look at your two notices, that would probably explain to you to some extent why everyone is in an uproar. We are not seeking a permit for a two-family dwelling. We never have been. I believe that is part of the reason why everybody is so upset, in addition to the fact they don't like the way the house looks and it will look better when we put some trees around it. We do not seek nor have we ever sought the two-family permit. We do seek the following, and here is the case: a variance. You know that we have to establish for the front yard variance practical difficulty, unnecessary hardship, and that the relief would not be inconsistent with the neighborhood. It is our position that practical difficulty standards is met by the fact that this is pre-existing nonconforming lot. That are dealing with a small allotment of in an undersized lot, space that the next-door 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 neighbor has in fact an 18-foot setback. are seeking the same setback, that the average within 300 feet is 26 to 28 foot 22 We Finally, unlike what Marie Ongioni's paper work, ride and look at the house. is indicated in please take a In fact, if you want to see the house, please ask for the key. We will be glad to let you go inside, something the architect never did although he wrote a three-page letter to you. setback -- that we are not even seeking a setback here for the line of the house. We are seeking a setback for the circular stoop, so that it is less offensive, so to speak, and the house actually remains back at the 28-foot level. Secondly, in regards to unnecessary hardship, the unnecessary hardship, the best argument is the whole saga which I delineated in the first part. This whole saga of $146,000 worth of expenses and constant cooperation with the Building Department to do whatever they ask us to do, I believe established unnecessary hardship. ! 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 23 The new houses in that area, particularly on the bay side and the renovations are quite lovely, are quite large, and if you look at the house I want you to realize that that house has 1,400 square feet on each side of it, so to speak. This whole house is 2,800 square feet. This is not a big house. I have been in it. It looks pretty big sitting there because there is nothing on this lot but this house and some construction debris, but 2,800 square feet is not a big house. Incidentally, Marie Ongioni argued this was an illegally issued or improperly issued permit. I believe that is So that is the argument on the inaccurate. variance. If you look at the community, they have larger homes than 2,800 square feet on lots of similar or lesser size, although the picture you have from Ms. Ongioni are smaller homes which also exist. There are some very nice big homes on the bay side -- across from them. Now let's get to the question of 1 2 3 4 .5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 interpretation. interpret that 24 Why do I think you ought to the second kitchen does not necessarily make a two-family dwelling? Well, for one thing, it would help I think if you looked at the definition of "dwelling units" in your code. That is interesting. It says -- and this indicates I believe that Victor Lessard and the Building Department were in fact doing their job in indicating that a dwelling unit is defined as a building or an entirely self-contained portion thereof .... you can look at 100- 13. The point is that this is not a building or an entirely self-contained portion thereof, this second dwelling. It is a totally interrelated home. Who is going to build a two-family dwelling, with interrelated bedrooms with one big hallway? Who is going to build a two-family dwelling, with a connection on both floors which people walk through? If you want to get in, as the opposition suggests, to how this could easily be made an illegal two-family 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 25 dwelling, then we will have to have the Town Building Department police all over town because you can do that with any building. In fact, as you know, if they just put a door, and then two doors when the got inside, this whole entire problem would not be before your Board because that generally is the way people who want to be sneaky do it. The point is, this is an interrelated building on both floors, by direction of the Building Department when we filed our new plans. So despite the fact that these two older sisters, who want separate heat and separate water and separate electric, if they can get it put in that doesn't make it a two-~amily dwelling. That is one thing I would ask you to look at. I also bring to your attention the Riverhead Zoning Board of Appeals decision in the case o~ Wilmont (phonetic) issued in July o~ this year. What happened there, Mr. Wilmont had a house in which there were two kitchens with the pre-existing use. He 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O ';'1 2:2 23 24 25 26 requested, as I am doing, a single-family CPU. The Building Department has to go in to see. They see the second kitchen. They say no, we can't give you a CPU for a single-family dwelling when you have two kitchens. They go to the Zoning Board of Appeals to get an interpretation of whether they can or cannot do that. The decision, Pat told me, of that Board was the following: That a second kitchen does not automatically mean a two-family dwelling. Issue the one-family Certificate of Pre- existing Use. We got it in '77, a one- family Certificate of Pre-existing Use, and we want now a one-family Certificate of Occupancy. We don't want a two-family. We never have. Finally, I would like to mention that it seems on a matter of law and equity that all of you sitting here and standing here know that there are one-family homes sitting in this town which legally have two kitchens. There are kitchens off the bay, on Nassau Point. There are kitchens off of 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2.5 27 pools. There are rec room kitchens. Yet these houses are nonetheless one-family, not two-family homes, because they are interrelated. My point, of course, is that Mr. Lessard and the Building Department correctly insisted on interrelationship of this house. That they were connected. That the bedrooms were all together. That there was one hallway and that not whether or not there The third thing is the indicator, are two kitchens. wanted to do -- technically, I are limited to requesting and do not have to do this. You considering what I am considering what I am asking you to interpret, down buildings on me. on that, technically I and you can't start taking If you are convinced do not have to rebut the inaccuracies in the paper work from Mr. Tober. However, I cannot resist. I will submit, at this time, the survey from Peconic Surveyors demolishing the argument advanced that this new renovated dwelling has 20 percent or more 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 39 2O 21 22 23 24 25 lot coverage. It just isn't so. It is wrong. Ms. Ongioni, I believe, is also, behalf of Mr. Tober, whose motivation I 28 on leave to your consideration, but I note this Board can sufficiently differentiate what some boards call, quote, religious objection as opposed to real objection to a particular project. There is a motion involved here. I don't know why. She is wrong on that point. The lot coverage is 13 1/2. As to the argument about setback, attached to my application, petitioner's application, here is the setback survey. What happened here, and what happened properly under 100-242, quoted in Ms. Ongioni's own paper work, is that the Building Department correctly permitted my clients to simply extend the existing setback line front and back on this residence by sufficiently adding a second part to it. If you look at 100-242 and read it carefully, it supports that. Nothing in this article shall be deemed to prevent the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 29 remodeling, reconstruction or enlargement of the nonconforming building containing a conforming use provided that such action does not create any new nonconformance or increase the degree of nonconformance with regards to the regulations pertaining to such building. If you look at the old survey in Marie Ongioni's papers, if you look at the new survey you will see that we don't do anything but simply -- and, incidentally, if this is wrong and I for one know of many instances where exactly the same thing happened -- we simply extended our front line and extended our back line. We have not run into any sideline problems. Therefore we stayed within the same building envelope as we were originally in. And this is particularly so, with the exception of the stoop. We consider that under that particular section, 230. We have a setback not of 50 feet -- not of 30 feet, but of the average within 300 feet. So on that issue she is, I believe, also wrong. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 30 On the side of this house, this house is smaller than it would be. Significantly smaller than it could be. It is 2,800 square feet. So they are wrong on that, tOO · There is in your file, the only notification I saw was a letter dated August 25th, from George Yorkey (phonetic), a New York City architect, who admits he was never in the house -- presumably saw it either from the street or trespassing on the property, and yet presumes to advise you to tear it down. If Marie Ongioni is simply wrong, as I have indicated, and you believe this to be true, this man is simply ridiculous and I am sure you will treat that letter with the care that it deserves. None of that is important if you believe, as I believe you will, that your authority under the statute is limited. Even if these arguments have had some merit, which they do not, the permit for the reasons indicated was never improperly issued. There was no lot coverage issue, no 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 and no setback issue, other than the stoop, oversize issue. As to other remarks about whether we met the standards for the variance, I believe we have as I indicated earlier. The confusion in the papers, as I studied them, is simply this: She is talking about a variance for a two-family house. We have not reached that standard because we never wanted a two-family house. We reached the standards for the setback on the stoop. As to the question of interpretation leave it to your I have of the codes, I consideration. Finally, introduced you to the is a hardship. They had enormous expenses. The kindest thing you recall said about them earlier here was their house was a monstrosity and they were animals for having torn down the trees in front of it. They heard it. applicants. earth people, The saga has They are real simple, down-to- trying to retire out here. been 18 months. I believe that 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 7'7 32 The use is going to be the same as it has been since 1977. The title is in a ~amily of two sisters and a husband. The house is totally interrelated on the new plans, both floors. The size is as indicated; 2,800 square feet. They have acted in good faith in the last 18 months, which is what the Building Department told them to do. We have spent a lot o~ money, $167,000 in the process. To suggest that this is a self-imposed hardship, as suggested by some of the opposition, although some of them tempered it with, "It is really the Building Department's problem," to suggest my clients created a self-imposed hardship is in the facts. Thank you for THE CHAIRMAN: confuses me about this it actually looks like a because of the two doors. totally outrageous listening to me. The only thing that application is that two-family house, I want you to think of that, Mr. Cardinale. I am going to ask you about it at the end of this hearing, 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 what you can do about that particular architectural view. MR. DINIZiO: Can I ask a question? Because you explained to us just exactly what we are supposed to be considering here, I just want to make it clear that I am considering that we are supposed to make a determination on the determination that Victor Lessard for the Building Department has said, by looking at these plans and inspecting that house, that they interpret this to be a two-family dwelling. MR. CARDINALE: I am glad you stated that. That is not what they said. If you would speak to your Building Department and Mr. Lessard, he will confirm what I said to you tonight. They have no problem with the plan as it exists so long as we did what we promised to do, which was interrelate these two floors. They have no problem except they do not want plumbing, as you walk in what is now called the great room, on the back wall. The contractor put plumbing in there, and 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 34 they don't want plumbing in there. Our response is, it is not a kitchen. It is a wet bar. Victor has been around long enough to respond to that, "Right. Tell it to the Zoning Board of Appeals." is concerned, legitimately, if you permit plumbing on that line it can be altered later to a kitchen. The point is that if you took that stance on euery case in the Building Department, you would never permit a wet bar -- that is a bar with a sink -- in any great room, and to deny my clients %o have a wet bar in their great room is unfair. THE CHAIRMAN: Would we use the phrase "great room" to mean then also? MR. CARDiNALE: Yes. I do encourage you and I am sure my clients would be glad to have you get inside. THE CHAIRMAN: By raising that question that Mr. Dinizio just did, I am afraid it appears that we are not going to be able to close this hearing because we might have to get Mr. Lessard back again and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 discuss it with him on the record. Certainly conversations with the Building Department concerning this hearing are not germane to everyone in the audience who is here for this hearing. So that's where the problem is. MR. CARDINALE: question, I asked Mr. reach him this afternoon without success. was in here at 4:30. He was out on the road. The other thing I will In anticipating that Lessard -- tried to .I state, which I am sure you will confirm, is that I said to him -- and this really is a problem because we haven't been able to build since June 1st, that we are coming into cold weather. The house is unprotected. I said, "what the heck do I have to do to get the Stop Work Order lifted?" He said, "What you've got to do is don't work on the stoop until you get a decision, and pull out the plumbing." I said, "If I pull out the plumbing and I get approval for the kitchen and wet 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 36 bar, t just wasted a few hundred dollars." So my point is, I don't want to get my clients in a bigger jam than they already are. If I withdrew this application, I could go back to the Building Department and tell them, "I am taking out my kitchen -- my kitchen plumbing -- for my wet bar, which you are concerned about this kitchen, and I will forget this circular stoop." My position is we have complied in every other way, and the Building Department believes we have complied. I believe he will verify that. THE CHAI~4AN: In answer to your what we had was the exact question, Jim, updated plan, which there was only one copy from the Building Department. It was lent to us from the Building Department's file from the last meeting, and our prior secretary had returned it to the Building Department the morning after the hearing. So we don't have the exact, most updated plans. That's possibly it. Maybe yuu can 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 ~4 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 looking at, submitted? !4S. KOWALSKI: Number 2. shows MR. CARDINALE: There is, in fact, an interconnection between all the bedrooms, and if those plans do not show that, they should. I am surprised. I didn't look at them carefully. You may be correct. There was one other thing I wanted to mention, which is that Victor indicated -- well, in regards -- I guess I stated what he indicated. So I'll just leave it at that. I thought I was going to advance, Mr. Dinizio, you are correct that the confusion that brought out the neighbors I believe was MR. CARDINALE: Which plans are you Number 1 or Number 2 I MR. CARDINALE: That is the one that the great room on the lower floor. THE CHAIRMAN: Yes. furnish us a better copy of the plans. MR. DINIZIO: Our plans don't indicate that the upstairs is separate, in that it has a wall. It appears to be a wall. 1 9 lO 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 '19 2O 2'1 22 23 24 38 greater anger than necessary, and what concerned this Board, is if you look at -- not my application but the notice of disapproval of May 29th, Victor indicates the section why you can't have the two- family. He doesn't indicate his underlying reason for stopping the work. ! am telling you the underlying reason is because of the plumbing in that wall. He wanted it cut. ! said to him, "Couldn't I put a wet bar even?" He said, "No, not even a wet bar unless ycu get the Zoning Board of Appeals to approve it." I said, "That's ridiculous. I'll go for a kitchen and see what they say." THE CHAIrmAN: Ms. Ongioni, pursuant to my discussion with Mr. Cardinale, you did read rather a lengthy memorandum. Are you prepared to do that again? MARIE ONGIONI: I am not. I am making that a part of the record. I don't want to take the Board's time once again tonight. In view of the lost time, last 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 ~9 2O 21 22 23 24 25 time, I am not going to go through the entire memorandum with you. THE CHAIRMAN: MS. ONGIONI: record, I don't think through it once again. We do appreciate it. Since it is part of the it is necessary to go I have a supplemental submit now. It previous one. (Above-mentioned memorandum submitted memorandum I would like to is much shorter than the I would just like to Hopefully, I will hold to the Board.) MS. ONGIONI: make a few points. the are not present took ill last week. to the ten minute parameter that Mr. Cardinale suggested before. First I would like to advise Board that my clients tonight, as Mr. Tober He had a heart attack and he was hospitalized in the middle of last week, in Manhattan, in St. Luke's Hospital. That is why their presence is not here tonight. However, I do believe there is quite a bit of community opposition and I believe 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 40 they are in the audience, and although I do not know them by name I would like to remind the Board of petitions submitted by uarious community members at the last hearing. I will not reiterate the points made in the earlier memorandum submitted in July. I will say though that in response to one of Mr. Cardinale's points, there was an error in the calculations regarding the lot coverage and I withdrew the application that the lot coverage exceeds 20 percent. It does not. The multiplication was the building, 58 by 56, or thereabouts. So the allegation in the earlier memorandum is withdrawn. However, I believe that the Board still needs to review the totality of the circumstances here and the building in its entirety in determining what this really is. As one of the opponents indicated at the last meeting, there is every indication that this is a two-family dwelling. I know that this is not before the Board now. The only based upon instead of 56 by 24 lot coverage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 41 two issues which are before the Board are: 1) whether or not a second kitchen should be allowed; and 2) the front yard setback. In my opinion, I urge the Board to reach that requests whole. entrances. You have two fuel tanks. have duplicates of so many essential services that are in the dwelling. that the conclusion is that this is, a two-family dwelling. conclusion that both these are secondary to the project as a In viewing the site, you have two You I submit indeed, I would also like to point out, it is within this Board's jurisdiction and, in my opinion, to revoke the building permit. I refer to the Board, to the same section with which Mr. Cardinale referred the Board to, which is a section of the Town Law, a section of the Southold Town Code, Section 100-271, and it states that this Board has the power to hear and decide appeals from and review any order requirement decision or determination made by the Building 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Inspector. I submit this the determination made by Inspector can, indeed, be reviewal could indeed his decision to issue to the Board, the Building reviewed and that result in annulling a building permit and 42 that New York State Town Law, has the power to make such determinations. And in the memo I submitted tonight, I refer you to two cases: 1) Second Department Case, Matter of Village Green Center, Inc. versus Reidy, 249 NYS 2d 440 (2nd Department 1964). This case indicated that a Zoning Board of Appeals is empowered to revoke a building permit issued to an applicant and the Board possesses such authority. There is another case, which is a Third Department case. So based upon that case law, it is my belief it is within the power of the Zoning Board of Appeals to make such a decision. As a matter of ~act, to, in fact, annul the building permit. So, contrary to what Mr. Cardinale has advised the Board, it is my opinion that this Zoning Board of Appeals according to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 believe that this Board has building permit in the past. Now, as far as whether or not this a two-family residence, the applicant indicates that is not before this Board. Well, that may not specifically be before this Board, but the inescapable conclusion is that this has all of the elements of a two-family dwelling. It has six bathrooms. It has two dwelling units which are mirror 43 indeed revoked a While Mr. Cardinale an interrelationship is an images of each other. may indicate there is between the two dwelling units, if it open hallway that, in my opinion, was an accommodation to give the appearance of a one-family dwelling. The hallway could have easily been closed. There are two front entrances, which clearly indicate there are two totally separate dwelling units. Once again, the case law has indicated that the test of whether a dwelling is a one or two-family residence is its design, and t refer to the case of Matter of Stafford versus Incorporated 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 village of Sands Point. Justice Shapiro, this case, believes one must consider both design and nature of occupancy as a twofold test and he did not believe that the case before him met that test. I would submit to this Board that facts exist in this application. similar Here we have a two-family unit, although sisters; two heating systems, two ~lectrical systems; two entrances and stairways. Whether or not a second kitchen should be added to this dwelling is really irrelevant, because it is a two-family dwelling. THE CHAIRMAN: Could I just ask you to give us copies of those cases that you are stating? MS. ONGIONI: If you would like me to, I will do that. They are cited in the memo. It doesn't have to be THE CHAIRMAN: tomorrow. MS. ONGIONI: I have copies in my office, and I will get them to you. There is one new issue which I would 44 in I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 45 like to bring to the Board's attention. There is a possible violation of the wetland statute here. It appears that the Environmental Conservation Law could have been violated. I don't have an exact dimension between this property and, I believe, it is Gull Pond Inlet. I have it attached to the memorandum. Yes, it is Gull Pond Inlet. It appears that this property may be 270 feet within the inlet, and if that is so the Department of Environmental Conserva- tion's approval should have been sought because the Environmental Conservation Law, Article 25, Title 4, requires that the excavation and removal, either directly or indirectly, of soil, sand or the dumping, filling, or depositing, either directly or indirectly, of the same substances or the erection of any structures within or immediately adjacent to wetlands that is within 300 feet. The areas immediately adjacent to the wetlands are regulated by NYCRR Part 661 and in Section 661.4(b), 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 ~0 ~2 ~3 ~4 ~5 ~6 ~7 ~8 ~9 20 2~ 22 23 24 25 46 stating that adjacent area is defined as within 300 feet landward of a wetland. This adds to the totality of the circumstances involved in this application since its inception. There have been numerous violations of numerous parts of the I believe it Town Law and the State Law and is incumbent on this Board to look very carefully at this application, and to perhaps even go beyond what the applicant has requested. I would like the Board to consider this as a formal request by Mr. and Mrs. Tober %hat the building permit be revoked. If the Board indicates that it wishes to have a specific application requesting that relief, I will submit such application to the Board. Finally, I understand that this application is being reviewed by an attorney who has been appointed to investigate specific Building Department files. I believe the attorney is Barry Warren (phonetic), and I understand that he is investigating the facts of this file, and I 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 47 would suggest to the Board that it may wish to hold a decision in abeyance pending a finding of that particular investigation. am not sure if such a deferral would be mandated, but it might be advisable to do so at this time, THE CHAIRMAN: MS. ONGIONI: THE CHAIRMAN: Order, Mr. Cardinale, MR. CARDINALE: Thank you. Thank you. So the Stop Work is still in effect. It is, unless I pull out the plumbing which I think I should have done four months ago. Let me leave you with one issue. That is the DEC thing. ! think you are aware, as I am, that if there is a street between, the Department of Environ- mental Conversation loses their jurisdic- tion. There is a street in between here. The second thing is, I have been before the Zoning Board of Appeals for the last ten years for relief for my clients. appreciate it if you believe you guys have the right to revoke this permit, that you let me ]:now because I will be doing worse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 2'5 48 with you than I am doing with the Building Department, and the whole purpose of going to you is because I wasn't happy with the Building Department. The Zoning Board of Appeals is a relief agency, to seek relief when someone is hurting from an administrative order. If they want to do what they want to do, they shouldn't piggyback on this application. I think they would have the right to bring an Article 78 against the Building Department. I suppose we are going to have to give you some law on this, and I will do so. THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anyone here that will not be here for the October meeting that would like to say something for the record? Anybody in the audience, tither pro or con, concerning hearing, or is the any group? this particular spokesperson for a Yes, Mrs. Sblendido. MRS. SBLENDIDO: You are saying you will not have the meeting until the end of October? 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 sort house? here. 49 THE CHAIRMAN: That is correct. MRS. SBLENDIDO: Could we get some o~ temporary extension to winterize the I mean, we have got a big investment MR. CARDINALE: was referring to Board's problem. to Mr. Lessard. Lessard on the This is the issue I earlier. I am aware of the I assume you want to speak THE CHAIRMAN: We have to get Mr. record and in the interim I have ko discuss it the Town Attorney. CARDINALE: MR. Sblendido, home? with Mr. Arnoff, who is Right. Mrs. do you wish to winterize the MRS. SBLENDIDO: Yes. rutin~ as soon as possible. I would like .h_~ zs four months now. That's all I ask, a ruling from someone -- anyone -- because, ycu ]:now -- because i cut down my trees -- MR. CARDIr.;ALE: The only suggestion I would have, that the Board obviously wants to keep it open so I can submit a memorandum 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 5O on the supplemental brief, is it possible to take Mr. Lessard's deposition instead? THE CHAIRMAN: That is the question. I would rather not do that. My question is to what degree are we talking about winterization? Are we talking about the erection of walls, the installation of heating elements? MRS. SBLENDIDO: Can I put one kitchen in? THE CHAIRMAN: I believe there is a Stop Work Order on the premises at this time, Mrs. sblendido, and that is the problem that exists. MRS. getting it the place? MR. able to use it suppose what I Lessard about what indicated earlier, the house as plumbing. SBLENDIDO: How do I go about lifted, or should we just bomb CARDINALE: They have not been That aside, I to Mr. as he this summer. have to do is speak he would permit, to permit construction in long as we pull out the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 51 THE CHAIRMAN: Hearing no further comments, I recess this hearing to the next regularly scheduled hearing. In the interim we will discuss it with the Town Attorney and in concert Mr. Cardinale will discuss it with Mr. Lessard and see if the Stop Work Order is to be lifted or not lifted. In reference to the question, before I continue with the motion, Ms. Ongioni, I discussed that issue concerning an investigation of this particular permit, and I think you ara perfectly correct, that the Building Department file has made its way up to Hauppauge, or wherever Mr. Warren's o~fice is, because I believe we requested a copy of that most updated set o~ plans and they were non-existing because they were not in the building. The Town Attorney mentioned to me that he had specific questions. Sc you might want to contact him in regards to that particular request, i thin]: it is a little lengthy to go into it, at this particular time. it will be mentioned in %he decision 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 somewhere basically point. down the road, and that the situation as I know it at this Also, Mr. Cardinale, when you speak to Mr. Lessard afford him the notion we will be discussing with him the possibility of coming to the next meeting so we might speak to him, not interrogate him, but speak to him as we did before regarding the questions that have arisen on this particular project. We thank everybody and for coming in again. recessing to our next regularly hearing. for their courtesy I make a motion scheduled MR. DINIZIO: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: Ali MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. in favor? THE COURT: Thank you very much. (Time noted: 9:27 p.m.) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 52A CERTIFICATION I, GAIL ROSCHEN, do hereby certify that I am an Official Court Reporter and that the foregoing constitutes a true and correct excerpt of the Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on September 26, 1990, according to my stenographic notes. GAIL ROSCHEN Official Court Reporter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COUNTY OF SUFFOLK : STATE OF NEW YORK TOWN OF SOUTHOLD : ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING : Town Hall 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York Septembe= 26, 1990 7:30 P.M. ~/¢/- Og' I Z 11971 11 12 13 14 BEFORE : GERARD P. GOEHRINGER, Chairman. 15 16 17 18 19 20 BOARD MEMBERS: CHARLES GRIGONIS, JR. SERGE DOYEN, JR. JOSEPH H. SAWICKI~h6SeNT- JAMES DINIZIO, JR. 21 22 23 ALSO PRESENT: LINDA KOWALSKI, Board Secretary 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2 THE CHAIRMAN: We would like to welcome everybody here. This is our regularly scheduled meeting of the Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals. We would like to welcome Mrs. Kowalski. She has not been on my right, with us for the year. She is and your left. MS. KOWALSKI: THE CHAIRMAN: welcome everybody here tonight. hearing on the agenda is Appeal in behalf of Venetia McKeighan. Thank you. We would like to The first Number 3961, (Legal Notice (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: read off record.) 7:33 p.m.) I have a copy of the survey, dated September 20, 1965, indicating a one-family dwelling, located somewhat in the center of the property, closer to Pond than to Bayview Avenue. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. The nature of the application is for a gazebo on the road side of the house. We ask if there are any applicants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 '15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 here. MS. McKEIGHAN: Venetia McKeighan. THE CHAIRMAN: How far from -- I should have mentioned this to you -- MS. McKEIGHAN: I have it here. did get a letter. It will be 30 feet from the south line, 60 feet from the north line, 30 feet from the house, 70 feet from the street. THE CHAIRMAN: gazebo? MS. McKEIGHAN: by 10. After I heard How large is the It was going to be 10 a new price today, I may he down to 8 by 8. THE CHAIRMAN: The purpose mainly an aesthetic reason? of it is MS. mother is housebound, She doesn't MoKEIGHAN: No. The reason, my 84 and living with me. She is but she can walk in the yard. like it back is a lot more windy and it cooler than in the front, where comes and the house shields her wind. I thought she could go in the back because the is a lot the sun from the out and sit 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ~0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 4 there and it would be a place for her to go. Now she walks down the driveway and there is nothing to do but turn around and go back. I thought if I could have a gazebo, she could sit there and in the front also neighbors could see her and come over and talk with her. THE CHAIRMAN: any way? MS. McKEIGHAN: THE CHAIRMAN: Will it he lighted in No. The foundation is very simply the base of the gazebo. It is probably out of pressure-treated wood and sits right on the lawn. MS. McKEIGHAN: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: And the approximate height, do you have any idea? MS. McKEIGHAN: ! did ask them and I did submit that. I think they are like 12 feet high. THE CHAIRMAN: I'll look in here. It has been some time since I've looked at the file. MS. McKEIGHAN: I think it is 12. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. McKEIGHAN: THE CHAIRMAN: Is that would like to speak Thank you very much. there anybody else in favor of the application? application? members? Anybody against the Any questions from Board Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: ME. GRIGONIS: MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? Aye. Aye. Thank you. 7:36 p.m.) The next appeal is in behalf of Harold Gordon, Appeal Number 3962. It is a variance for a deck addition to existing residence with insufficient side yard setback. The legal notice reads as follows: 5 THE CHAIRMAN: We thank you. We hope to have a decision for you probably tonight. So if you give us a call in the morning -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 32 13 ~4 35 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 6 (Legal Notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have s copy of s survey, dated January 6, 1972, by Alden Young, indicating a parcel just under an sore with a frame bungalow probably a little oloser to the west side than it is to the center of the property. Attached to this existing frame bungalow is a deck which surrounds it on two sides partially. The nature of this application is to reduce the side yard from 10 feet to 8 feet, on the deck side which is the closest portion to that side of the property. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties. Doctor, would you like to say anything for the record? DR. GORDON: Yes. Dr. Harold Gordon, 124 Hickory Avenue. We wish to enlarge the size of this deck you just mentioned. Since it is used right now it is an existing deck. We wish to enlarge it, since it is uncomfortable and its use is restricted for that reason. It 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 7 is inappropriate to build a deck or enlarge it in any ether manner. I am informed my neighbors don't have any objection. So I hope you will see favorable action on it. THE CHAIRMAN: Doctor, what would you say the height above the ground is on that deck presently? DR. GORDON: I would say three feet. THE CHAIRMAN: In closing it will still be a pole structure holding it up, or will it be cement block foundation? DR. GORDON: Well, the house is presently on cement blocks. So we may very well skirt the whole thing around in the same manner. THE CHAIRMAN: Very good. Thank you so much. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of this application? Anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from any Board members? (No response.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 order, Gordon and he is on this project. 8 THE CHAIRMAN: Taking this out of I did have a discussion with Dr. in need of getting started In that light, I make a motion granting this application as applied for. I don't have any other specific restrictions on it. MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. GRIGONIS: MR. MR. DOYEN: DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: Do you? No. I'll second. Granted as applied. Aye. Number 3966, (Legal Aye. Aye. Thank you very much. 7:40 p.m.) The next appeal is in behalf of Peter Bloom. Notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of a survey dated September 27, 1988, indicating a survey of Lot Number 17 of this file map, and showing a one and a half story frame home approximately 36 feet from Old Shipyard Lane or Road, and a flag patio in the rear 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9 of this dwelling which is at ground level. The nature of this application is to encompass that flag patio and put a raised deck along the entire rear of the house, and a partial deck around the west side of the house adjacent to the garage. The deck in proposed is 11 feet by 33 feet, 6 I have a copy of the Suffolk County and surrounding size as inches. Tax Map indicating this properties in the area. Is there somebody that speak? MR. GRATHWOHL: would like to My name is Kenneth Grathwohl. I am here by proxy to Mr. Bloom. THE CHAIRMAN: We have been down there and we have seen what Mr. Bloom wants to do. I don't remember exactly how close to the rear property line -- which of course is really the side property line -- (Interruption) MR. GRATHWOHL: The rear property line is approximately a foot and a half. The existing garage, which has a CO, is one foot off the line. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 '~5 16 17 18 lg 20 21 22 23 2,~ 2,5 THE CHAIRMAN: MR. GRATHWOHL: 10 What about the height? Fourteen inches above Is there anybody else that would like grade. THE CHAIRMAN: You are not going to disturb the original hedge along -- (Interruption) MR. GRA?HWOHL: No, the hedge will not be touched. ?HE CHAIRMAN: ! think the property line is the steel fence inside that hedge. MR. GRATHWOHL: ~ccording to the survey, it says, "hedge on line." There is no indication, no corner markers or anything. THE CHAIRMAN: You will not be extending to the garage? MR. GRATHWOHL: No. We will be shy of the garage. THE CHAIRMAN: So basically, your plan here is about right on'the dollar. MR. GRATHWOHL: Probably. THE C~AIRMAN: We thank you very much. 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to speak in favor of the application? Is there anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any question from any Board members? Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing the hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? DOYEN: Aye. MR. MR. GRIGONIS: MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: Aye. Aye. Thank you for coming in. I hope to have a decision for you shortly. (Time noted: 7:45 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is Appeal Number 3964, in behalf of Kenneth Minnick. (Legal Notice read off the record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy and a set of plans. Presently on the property is a one-story frame home of ranch style, the parcel of approximately 139 by 273 plus. I I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 -//2 ~ 12 have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. Is there somebody that would like to be heard? MR. MINNICK: THE CHAIRMAN: Kenneth Minnick. Is there anything you would like to say for the record before I interrogate you? MR. MINNICK: Well, the reason why we have requested this was we recently met a couple, that is a Section 8 couple. We have known them for about a year and they were having trouble with housing. We thought that, gee, maybe if it was feasible we would go into it. In the long term, we both have parents that are living out here that are retiring or are retired and in the future, at the rate that the taxes are going and expenses out here, we figured they are going to have to part with their home eventually to survive. So we figured we have a place where they could live too, and we thought we 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 would do a seasonal THE CHAIRMAN: have with the application is no provision in the original rental for them, too. The only problem I that there was special permit to allow for an addition to the dwelling itself. You have to utilize the existing footprint of the existing dwelling. MR. MINNICK: Yes. That was explained to us, but it was suggested we apply and convert the garage into an accessory apartment. THE CHAIRMAN: Can you do that? MR. MINNICK: We could, but that wasn't -- we wanted a separate entity. We wanted an apartment that had vision from the existing dwelling so there would be some kind of personal setting for anybody that lived in it. That's why we connected it with the breezeway. separate unit. THE CHAIRMAN: granted is garage. MR. So it would be a The only one we ever a utilization of a two-car MINNICK: We had thought possibly 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 '~1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 14 we would put in for an expansion, an addition to the house which would be connected hy the roof line and later apply. Then it would be an existing footprint. THE CHAIRMAN: The problem is the law reads it has to have a valid CO, before January 1, 1984. The purpose of that was to utilize all the existing structure first before we go into actually creating these apartments in newer structures -- dwellings, I should say. Where do we go from here? I know there is a need for affordable housing. Tell me. MR. that, too. MINNICK: We had looked into We looked into low-income housing loans and things like that, to try and even get the money to do this project. We had checked and found out that there was always something missing. We couldn't apply for it. After all avenues were exhausted and we couldn't get grants, our last resort was to try and go this way. But, like I said, the whole purpose -- right -- is for 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 15 family, ultimate immediate family, when you can't afford to live anymore to have a place. I didn't want to do it in the existing dwelling, if at all possible. That is why I am asking for the consideration on the separation. The property we are located on is residential and agriculture. If we did modify the existing garage and applied for a dwelling within it, then we would have to do a separate garage'and we would still be encompassing the same amount of land at a later date. To do another two-car garage would take up the same amount of space as the addition would. THE CHAIRMAN: It would be unkind of me to have you leave here thinking you are half-way there or something in the nature, which you are not. We really can only let you utilize the garage. We have no problem with you constructing another garage, either attached to the house or detached from the house, as long as it is not in the side yard or the front yard. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 At this point, the only thing I can offer to you is that if the Board is not so inclined to grant the addition that you want -- do you want us to consider the garage? MR. MINNICK: THE CHAIRMAN: something? put No. Why don't you say MRS. MERRY MINNICK: We could have an addition on the house, but then it would not have been anyone. THE CHAIRMAN: MRS. MINNICK: went this way. THE CHAIRMAN: I don't know how to legal to rent it to That is correct. That is the purpose we I understand that, but explain this to you. It is not the way you should have gone. They should have told you you had to utilize the existing footprint meaning the existing house structure, because I assume it was built prior to 1984. MRS. MINNICK: Yes, it was before that. MR. MINNICK: Yes. The house was 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 built before 1984. THE CHAIRMAN: You have a valid CO on the house attached to it before January 1, 19847 MR. MINNICK: It was completed in '79 -- the CO. THE CHAIRMAN: So the house then qualifies. MRS. MINNICK: We met all the requirements except the fact that you could not legally rent and if we put an addition on you could not legally rent it in that area. THE CHAIRMAN: That is correct. Tell me what I can do, other than I am telling you we cannot give you the addition. We can possibly grant you a conditional permit based upon the fact that you have been utilizing the existing attached garage. You don't want to use the garage? MR. MINNICK: No. We don't want to pull anybody's leg and play the game and go with the wet bars. We figured that is not the purpose of all the zoning laws. We 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 figured we'd try it. If the Board 18 feels that it couldn't be granted because of, like you say, the existing footprint, then it must be the Board's decision to find that way. THE CHAIRMAN: I will tell you this. We.will review it with the Town Attorney before we make a decision to see if there is any possibility, and the law may be changed in the future. We have no idea. We have had some pressure in reference to that. When I say "pressure," I am talking about people asking for additional things. As of to date, the only thing we have granted is a conditional relief, or what we refer to as a conditional special permit for the utiliza- tion of the garage. Thank you very much. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of the application? Anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from any Board members? Hearing no further questions, ! make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 19 a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. (Time noted: 7:55 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: The next appeal is Number 3967, in behalf of Klm Campbell. (Legal Notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of the site plan and a copy of the Tax Map indicating a parcel which is on the water. The Suffolk County of 4.3 acres site plan indicates a proposed garage in the front yard area. Our Fishers Island consultant and member of the Board, Mr. Doyen, has brought us pictures from Fishers Island indicating the approximate placement of this particular proposed garage, Is there anybody that has an interest in looking at them in the audience? Seeing no hands, is there anybody 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 .19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 representing Ms. Campbell concerning this garage -- from Fishers Island? Is there anybody that would like to speak in favor the application? Is there anybody that would like to speak against the application? Do you have anything you would like to say for the record, Serge? MR. DOYEN: No. I did inquire of the architects and they said there would only be electricity in the garage and it was only for storage -- the garage for storage. THE CHAIRMAN: The approximate size of the garage is 16 by 24 -- approximately 16 feet in height, of hip roof construction. Hearing no further comments, I make motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONI$: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. (Time noted: 7:58 p.m.) 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 THE CHAIRMAN: behalf of Frank Curran, Appeal (Legal Notice read off THE CHAIRMAN: / 21 The next appeal is in Number 3963. record.) I have a copy of a sketch of the survey indicating an existing house set fairly close to Haywaters Cove, surrounded by somewhat a bulkhead seawall type of situation. The nature of this application is a construction of a 20 by 30 foot storage building on the easterly side of the property, approximately 3 feet from the easterly side yard -- actually property line -- and I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. Would you like to be heard? MR. PETER STOUTENBURGH: Yes, please. Chairman, and members of the Board, I am mostly here to answer any questions and to make sure that if there is any paper work missing in your records, I could give you copies of it. In terms of the past, almost every project they have done has had to come 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 22 before the Board because of the awkward size of the land that they made their home on some time ago. One thing that was never constructed was the utilities space, since maybe ten years ago they converted their garage into a bedroom for the expanded family. We had gotten an approval from both your body and the Trustees for a swimming pool complex in the front yard, ! think two years ago or so, and we'had run into problems with the DEC stating that the only place they really felt we could do any building was pretty much exactly where we asked for this storage facility. It is in the side yard, and we are not asking to reduce the rear yard setback from the bulkhead any further than what the house is from the bulkhead presently, which was also I think the request at the time from the DEC. The variance that we had gotten in the past was, I believe, 800 and something feet. We are looking for a building envelope of approximately 600 this time. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 23 THE CHAIRMAN: That variance at that time dealt with an existing lot coverage. MR. STOUTENBURGH: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: Therefore, you are going to be 200 square feet under the existing lot coverage. MR. STOUTENBURGH: What we had asked for, at that time, yes. It had requested a reduced front yard, as well, which we are not asking for at this point. The property narrows too much as we get towards the front of that. So we are looking or they are looking for a 3-foot setback from the side yard property line, the same reduced distance from the bulkhead and looking for a, hope- fully, variance of 25 percent approximately of lot coverage. THE CHAIRMAN: Existing distance proposed -- I'm sorry -- proposed distance of the -- let's just use the phrase distance from the garage or proposed garage to the bulkhead is what? MR. STOUTENBURGH: Eight point five. I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 THE CHAIRMAN: Eight point five. MR. STOUTENBURGH: Which is what the house is off the bulkhead at the closest distance. THE CHAIRMAN: I notice you want to build 3 feet to the easterly sideline. Does that include the overhang? MR. STOUTENBURGH: It doesn't include the overhang. The building they have looked at has less than -- I would say less than a foot of overhang. It is probably less than that. It is a minimal amount of overhang. THE CHAIRMAN: runoff? MR. STOUTENBURGH: What about water I spoke with the Trustees when we met them on the site, and they had some confusion. Hopefully, at their meeting tomorrow we will get our letter of approval from them. They indicated that at the meeting. All runoff is going to be contained on a drywell request it. inside the building so on the site or however they We also have no porous surface that it would be 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 '~3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 contained. THE CHAIRMAN: What about height? MR. STOUTENBURGH: Height is a story and a half. They are looking for storage above, although it will not be a total two- story structure. It will be something along the line of a salt box. I think the plans we had sent in with it are from a very similar structure we did, from Anderson on Nassau Point. It is just a salt box which has two-thirds height on one side. THE CHAIRMAN: What are you talking about, maximum 167 That's something, again, if you don't have it with you, Peter, it is all right. MR. STOUTENBURGH: I think the plans that you have -- THE CHAIRMAN: It is shown here as 19-9 on that side. All right. The only other problem we have is a rather new one and I don't think it has ever been done any other place in Southold. We are, however, all firemen on this Board and I don't know if you sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 through these hearings on Carol Road. We started out on Carol Road, over by the Sound Beach Motel and we started with one garage on the lot and we kept on going down the line as people moved out and converted the houses from seasonal dwellings to year-round. Most of them had heat in them, anyway. The nature of this Board's policy is not to close up side yards, as one usually does. The restriction on this, if the Board is so incline~ to grant it, may or not be to have two existing garage doors; one in front and one in the back. MR. STOUTENBURGH: is a problem. THE CHAIRMAN: I don't think that We do that mainly for two reasons. I am from Mattituck, Jimmy is from Greenport, Serge is from Fishers Island, and Charlie is from Southold. We find that it is very easy to fight a fire if you can open the garage door and pull a hose through the garage door rather than try to wind it around, and that is exactly what we did on Carol Road and every one of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 existing garages we granted. the restriction on this. MR. STOUTENBURGH: So that may be would assume that's fine from the customer's standpoint, from what he told me. THE CHAIRMAN: It doesn't have to be an overhead garage door. MR. STOUTENBURGH: Is there also a distance between the two buildings that could be suggested -- one or the other? THE CHAIRMAN: I don't think you are going to be able to get it there. Usually the distance is 8 feet, and I don't think you are going to get it. The other concern is the opposite side of the dwelling. It is completely fenced with a four-foot fence and you just cannot drag two and a half and hoses over a four-foot fence. this may be a consideration. at this particular time, but three foot As I said, I don't know if you -- on the 20-foot -- how large a door are you putting on this, 8 feet -- 10 feet? MR. STOUTENBURGH: Eight foot is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 minimal. It's quite often 9 foot for aesthetic reasons. They may go down to 8. TH~ CHAIRMAN: We would not -- on the back side of the building -- we would not be requesting anything larger than 8 feet. It does not have to swinging. fine, be overhead. MR. STOUTENBURGH: that or 8 foot. It could be I'm sure that's Between the two would be given an option. THE CHAIRMAN: questions, as long as restriction on it that it for storage purposes, MR. STOUTENBURGH: there is a problem. enough. THE CHAIRMAN: for coming in. I don't have any other you allow us to put a is only to be used I don't think The house is big We thank you very much Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of this application? Is there anybody that would against the application? Board members? like to speak Any questions from 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29 Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: MR. GRIGONIS: MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: All in favor? Aye. Aye. 8:09 p.m.) The next hearing is a recessed hearing from July 25th, at which time new maps were submitted and I now have before me a new map indicating a requested set-off of now three houses on a private road off of Fox Avenue in Fishers Island, indicating three existing dwellings that probably have pre-existed zoning. We have seen them personally, all three of them. The first lot is approximately 40 by 120, Lot Number 2 is 44 by is 16,714 square feet combination of about 180. existing CO's. We 120, and Lot Number 3 or 85 by -- or 85 by And they have ask the attorney if he would like 1 2 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 to speak in favor of the application? MR. HILL: Michael Hill, 208 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead, New York. I am appearing in behalf of Thomas and Allison Sargent. Recognizing that you have all seen the area, I would also like to present to the Board a video tape of the area. (Applicant's counsel handing video tape to the Board.) MR. HILL: It is narrated by Mr. Sargent so any comments are his. It was done in the cold days in January. I guess the snow wasn't on the ground. In addition to the facts submitted in the application, I would like to point out that initially it had been thought that the Town of Southold's laws were going to be changed so that when we came here in a voluntary merger, as we had here, it wouldn't be necessary for us to go to the Planning Board. We have had at this point the filing of an application with the Planning Board for the subdivision. Assuming that that subdivision is granted 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 . 3~ and we are going to need variances, we made an application for here as additional economic hardship -- assuming they would give us a subdivision in order to comply with any setbacks which I think are impossible on these particular plots. The houses that are existing would have to be moved. The cost of that is prohibitive, to say the least. There is no change in the character of the neighborhood at all. The houses there are all built very close to the front line. They are all very close together and these houses have existed in that condition, the three houses on these properties, since the inception of zoning. As I said the last time to you, by a court decree, a third lot was merged into this. It was originally a two-lot subdivision and the houses are going to just exist as they are, no changes -- one driveway added to the premises and that is shown on the video tape by my client, posted out where that is going to be, and otherwise there are no changes to the property. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 32 THE CHAIRMAN: The only problem have is with continuing with the use, whatever, with the garage apartment. This Board may put a time limit. I realize the lady that is presently living in it is 84 years old, or something of that nature. I have no idea whether she will stay, but that may be a recommendation of mine in reference to putting a time limit on the existence the garage apartment. MR. HILL: How many years? THE CHAIRMAN: I am estimating 10 at this point, and only bearing in mind she has probably lived there for a fairly long period of time, according to Mr. Sargent, although he said she is in good health. We have done this once before in Orient, to my knowledge. That may be a recommendation. don't want you to leave here thinking you have three valid CO's, that there is a possibility -- MR. HILL: My only question is strictly hypothetical and hopefully if we 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 33 encounter any problem -- let's suppose this particular woman lives in excess of ten years, can we come back at that time for an extension? THE CHAIRMAN: MR. HILL: still be here. THE CHAIRMAN: Certainly, sure. Hopefully, we will all Right. MR. HILL: Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: Anybody else that would like to speak in favor of this application? An2body that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from the Board? Seeing no hands, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. MR. DOYEN: THE CHAIRMAN: Second. All MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: Aye. (Time noted: THE CHAIRMAN: in favor? 8:14 p.m.) The next application 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 is in behalf of Meskouris. application 34 James, Peter and Chris This is a rather unique in the respect that we have opened half of this application before and had recessed it, which was 3951, and I will open 3957. (Legal notice read off record.) THE CHAIRMAN: I have a letter from the agent of the applicant, who is Mr. Fitzgerald, in the file. I have a copy of the survey, produced by 'Anthony Lowendowski (phonetic), dated 1/29/90, indicating a lot of approximately 75 by 167 plus or minus. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map. Would you like to be heard, Mr. Fitzgerald? MR. JAMES FITZGERALD: I would be happy to answer any questions that you have. I don't have anything to add to the information in the application. THE CHAIRMAN: This is interesting. What was different on this one, Jim, is the fact that the deck -- I assume that's the most easterly parcel -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 MR. FITZGERALD: Thirty-seven, THE CHAIRMAN: (Continuing) as encompassing as the other two. words, it doesn't encompass both sides the property line. MR. FITZGERALD: That 35 yes. -- is not In other is correct. THE CHAIRMAN: However, it does encompass the entire west side of the portion -- westerly portion of the lot where the house is located. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: I assume the decks are the same as the decks that exist on the most westerly lot. MR. FITZGERALD: Number 35. THE CHAIRMAN: And the nature of this application as modified and as we discussed with the Town Attorney is for the reparation of each one of these individual houses -- dwellings which presently have existing CO's on them and were merged when purchased. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: By a father and two sons. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: Who all have separate families. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anything else you would like to say? MR. FITZGERALD: No. I don't have anything else. THE CHAIRMAN: Is there anything Mr. Meskouri$ would like to say? MR. PETE MESKOURIS: I don't know if you are familiar with the area. I imagine you are, but when you step out of the house you go right into sand. I would appreciate it if we are allowed to have the deck. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of the application? Anybody that would like to speak against the application? Any questions from any Board members? Hearing no further questions, I make a motion closing this hearing and reserving decision until later. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 32 13 14 1§ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: MR. GRIGONIS: MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. DINIZIO: THE CHAIRMAN: for coming in. (Time noted: Second. All in favor Aye. Aye. Thank you very much 8:20 p.m. ) of September 26, notes. I, GAIL ROSCHEN, do hereby certify that am an Official Court Reporter and that the foregoing constitutes a true and correct transcript of the Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals hearing 1990, according to my stenographic GAIL ROSCHEN Official Court Reporter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1S 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COUNTY OF SUFFOLK : STATE OF NEW YORK TOWN OF SOUTHOLD : ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING : OCT I 2 1990 Town Hall · 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York September 26, 1990 9:30 P.M. 11971 B E F HARD P. GOEHRINGER, Chairman3 BOARD CHARLES GRIGONIS, JR. SERGE DOYEN, JR. JOSEPH H. SAWICK~ JAMES DINIZIO, JR. ALSO PRESENT: LINDA KOWALSKI, Board Secretary 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2 (Excerpt of Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, September 26, 1990. ) (Recess taken at 9:27 p.m., at which time Mr. Goehringer recused himself from the hearing, and proceedings resumed at 9:30 p.m. with Mr. Dinizio presiding.) THE CHAIRMAN: ! make a motion to reconvene. MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: Al! in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GRIGONIS: Aye. THE CHAIRMAN: My name is James Dinizio, Jr., and as Gerry explained to you before, this being a small town, you know we all have friends and Gerry felt it better that he not be here for this meeting. So I am going to conduct it. We will reconvene. (Time noted: 9:33 p.m.) THE CHAIRMAN: This is the application in behalf of village Marine, Application Number 3938. (Legal Notice read off record.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 MR. DINIZIO: We have a copy of the zoning map, and the Southold Town Property Tax Records and County Tax Map. Does anybody wish to be, heard in behalf of this application? MR. CUDDY: My name is Charles Cuddy. Village an application for a piece on the east side of Bay Avenue, in Mattituck, approximately 150 feet south of the Main Road. For those who have some knowledge of the area, it is directly right in back of the Hess gas station. The parcel is 23,645 square feet. It has an existing building on it. It has a frame building. It has an existing metal building. It is our intention to replace the existing metal building, as it is approximately 1,000 square feet, with the new building which will be 2,400 square feet. Also, it will be a metal In addition, which is 11 one corner of we want to place a feet by 102 feet in length, the property. building. boat rack, at 3 I am an attorney for the applicant, Marine. This is of property that 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 21 ~3 2§ 4 These two additions to the property -- really, in one case, replacement gave rise to this application, and without going back to the Book of Genesis, ! would like to go back a little bit to the beginning, at least zoning-wise, and discuss for one minute what we have and what maybe we don't have. This piece of property has been there for years and years. It has been used as a marina for years and years. In 1989, the Town Board legislatively endorsed the use of this piece of property as being in the M-I Zone. All the uses we have are permitted uses. All of the uses we are going to make are permitted uses. We are not changing any uses. We are not asking for an extension of a non-conforming use. We are asking for area variances based on the small piece of property, half-acre piece, that we cannot use properly, we think, variances. The variances begin with one from the bulkhead. without these that we are requesting Our 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 '19 20 21 22 23 24 25 5 present situation is that we are located approximately 32 to 33 feet back with the existing metal building, and I refer you to the site plan map, which ! think you have a copy of, just to see the distances, but we are asking that instead of being 32 or 33 feet back from the bulkhead, that in fact we be 28 feet back from the bulkhead. So that is the extent of the variance from what exists and, I think, what existed is important because this is not a vacant piece of land we are asking for variances on. This is an existing parcel. We are asking, essentially, from the bu]khead that we have from the metal building, the new one, a difference of approximately five feet from what we now have. We have a front yard that's 37.3 feet. That conforms to the requirements. We have a side yard approximately that is 3 feet, on what is the northerly side of the property. We are going to take the new building and extend it exactly parallel. So we end up with 3 feet. The requirement of 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 6 the side yard, as I understand, is 20 feet. What we are asking for is that we be allowed to have exactly what we now have. It is 3 feet, and that we are not changing it. It is very narrow. It is a 3 foot lot. It is 3 feet and we are going to continue in exactly that. This large building will have a 20- foot rear yard. The requirement is 25 feet. The rear yard backs onto the fenced area and also backs onto the business zoned piece of property, so that the variance there is indeed very slight. As to the boat rack, the boat rack we ask that we be given a 10-foot side yard on one side and a 10-foot rear yard. Requirement again for the rear yard is 25 but it is a rear yard that extends feet, onto a 5-foot metal chain link fence and also back onto the right-of-way. So essentially there is no use, except for vehicles going back and forth, of the rear yard. The boat rack will allow us to store 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 boats. We do not intend -- and I say this most emphatically so there is no question from anybody in the audience or anybody on the Board -- we do not intend to bring any as part and parcel of what we are new boats doing. The reason for doing this is to take the existing boats -- and the entire area is essentially cluttered with boats because it is a small parcel -- to put the boats that are being repaired inside the building. They now repair the boats outside the building. When it gets rainy and cold, to repair the boats outside the building is difficult. They want to use the new building to repair the boats. They want to store the existing boats they are repairing on the rack. Therefore, they will clear out the cluttered area of the boats now. We cannot take a car and go into the existing facility, because there are boats all over. Once that clears out it is their contention to try to use that area to expand the parking. It is not shown on the map 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 8 that way and that's not what we requested, but it is our intention to try to get more parking spaces, and the parking now is 7 spaces. It has been 7 spaces for a long, long time. The requirement is much greater. The requirement is 29 spaces. We would have no place to have any additional parking, except if we clear out the boat area. We are saying simply we intend to put more spaces there. We don't know how many. We have 7. We had 7. We are not increasing the number of boats. use it as it is. As far as We are simply going to landscaping, there is minimal landscaping. I would say there is no landscaping at this site, because it is basically a building and parking area. We are a boat storage area at this point. We will put some landscaping bushes and flowers along the area that is used for the dock at this point. That is right at the bulkhead. Aside from that, there is no place to landscape at all. We ask for a variance for that requirement. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 I would point out to the Board real practical difficulty in this 9 that application is that you have a lot which not only is small, but has a strange configura- tion. The configuration is triangular in slope. Because of that, I think the variances we ask for are not excessive. I think the variances would meet the test of practical difficulties. We are not going to change the character of the neighborhood. There is no other means to use it to get the point we want to be at, which is to have a larger for the repairs. further demands facilities. We usable building There is no excessive or at all on governmental are going to have variances for the most part that are not substantial, certainly in light of what we already have. They are basically minimal variances compared to the overall requirements. Some of them are significant, but not compared to what we have. I would ask that this Board encourage properties to be improved, that they permit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 10 and grant this particular variance. I would like to say that if the Board were to reject this variance, what would happen is you would have basically the same place you now have. You would have no improvement in structure. You would have a clutter of boats, no better parking. There would be nothing that would improve the site and I think that would be inappropriate. I would say two things in closing. First, it has been my experience that on occasions, when site plans are pending, that you get communications either at the time of the hearing or after the hearing from the Planning Board. If that happens, I would ask for the opportunity to respond to whatever the Planning Board says that that may be negative concerning this application. I want to point out to the Board that at %he time this application was initially made, Linda Kowalski, who is the Board secretary and administrative assistant, was working with me in my office. She no longer is, but I want it to be known. From the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 11 very time she began working for the Town, she no longer worked on this application. I would ask that you approve the application. Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: Mr. Cuddy, I can tell you that I believe today we received something from the Planning Board requesting that we hold the hearing open or recessing it with the idea they could have some input into what was going on here. I can give you a copy of that. So they haven't submitted it yet, but they did say they intended to comment on this application. MR. CUDDY: I would certainly ask that ! have the opportunity to respond to whatever they say. THE CHAIRMAN: you are willing to go Certainly, as long as forward with that. MR. CUDDY: Otherwise I would have no reason to keep it open except for that narrow point. THE CHAIRMAN: Would you like to respond in writing to that? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 12 MR. CUDDY: I would prefer to respond in writing. If there's is in writing -- I take it they are not here -- that it will be in writing. ! will respond in writing. MR. DINIZIO: They haven't made comments yet. As soon as we get them -- MR. CUDDY: Fine. Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: Mr. Cuddy, I have a few questions but I think I will wait until after I hear if anybody has any other comments positive to this application and negative comments. MR. GOLDMAN: Robert Goldman. I am the program coordinator for the North Fork Environmental Council. I would like to read a statement into the record. "The North Fork Environmental Council is opposed to the granting of bulk and setback variances to Village Marine. The applicant has failed to show why the strict application of the zoning code would cause hardship necessitating variances. The applicant has operated the marina for a number of years. What is the 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 ~/S~ 13 hardship? We respectfully remind the Board that the inability of a business to increase profits is not grounds for claiming hardship. The subject property is a pre- existing, nonconforming site according to the M-! Zone adopted 1/10/89. The site is .55 acres. M-I requires at least 4,000 square feet. The granting of further bulk reductions by the variance would be completely contrary to the intentions of the Master Plan. Granting bulk and setback variances here would be making a bad situation even worse. We respectfully remind the Board that the M-I Zone figures prominently in pending litigation between NFEC and other parties and the Town. NFEC has proposed revisions to the M-I Zone in the course of the litigation. Relevant to this appeal is requirement C.(1) (f) and (g) of said revisions which state: (f) For each one square foot of surface water occupied by the marina, there 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 14 should be 1.25 square feet of upland area available (exclusive of area covered by setbacks and rgquired landscape area). To the extend upland area is unavailable to maintain the 1 to 1.25 ratio described herein, the ability to use surface waters shall be limited specifically in this special exception permit. (g) The permitted number of boats at such marina will be limited to one boat per 1,250 square feet of upland area (exclusive of areas covered by buildings, required front, side and rear yard setbacks, and required landscape areas). The special exception permit shall state specifically the approved boat capacity for the marina approved. NFEC is fully confident that we will win the suit and that the proposed M-I Zone will be adopted. In which case, if this appeal is maintained, it will have to be reviewed by the Board utilizing new criteria, partially cited above. James Creek is included in the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Peconic Bay designated by Suffolk County. The action proposed by the applicant is therefore the Type I under SEQRA with a presumption of significant impact requiring an environmental impact statement. A long- form Environmental Assessment Form is required to be filled out by the applicant and the lead agency. NFEC believes that a significant increase in boat traffic, water pollution, noise, automobile traffic and wildlife habitat degradation would occur as a result of the proposed action. The Board should initiate a coordinated review of this appeal/application with all concerned agencies. The Board should request lead agency status, issue a positive declaration, and require that an environmental impact statement be prepared." THE CHAIRMAN: that would like to be application? MS. 15 Critical Environmental Area KOOP: Gertrude Koop. I live on Is there anybody else heard on this 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 Bay Avenue, in Mattituck. Mr. Cuddy, I would like to ask you -- because I know you but I don't know the name of the marina owner -- when you spoke of How high is tell me in feet. MR. CUDDY: MS. KOOP: this storage rack, you gave foot space. this thing going to be? Don't How many layers of boat? Two, at the most. There are here tonight many people who are living in homes that have been established for quite a few years, prior to the Village Marina business. When they developed their property on James Creek, John Klein (phonetic) had a marina of a type. At that point, it was a rowboat and putt-putt motor. Today it is high speed boats that are dashing in and out and, as was spoken of before, is causing pollution. I do not feel that to enlarge this building, to give allowances to exceed the space allotments should be done. Secondly, I think rather than waiving parking restrictions, I think there should be a bigger demand on parking restrictions. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 17 If the bank across the street really enforced their sign, which says, "For bankers only. Other cars will be towed away," many of the boaters on Saturday and Sunday would have a long walk home because the only place they park their cars is in the bank parking lot. If one car is parked on Bay Avenue it is almost an impossibility to get two cars, one going in each direction, in and out of Bay Avenue. It makes a tremendous hazard and a definite difficulty. I think there should be a greater demand for demanding more parking on the property. As Mr. Cuddy said, they intend to have more than seven, but good intentions -- you know there's an old statement that says, the road to hell was paved with good intentions. And I don't like to see the entrance to Bay Avenue going to hell. Also, we have another marina. Within the powers of planning, and so on, it was decided James Creek wasn't worthy of being used. So they allowed a marina to develop 1 6 7 8 9 10 11 '~2 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 18 on either end. What one didn't pollute, the other one did. That too, at one time, was stated it wouldn't be more than 100 boats, and I am sure the number there exceeds far more than 100 boats. I hate to see the same thing happening up there. I don't think we should have to look at the storage facility and I don't think we should have to be inconvenienced by parking that's a hazard to all of us. Thank you. MS. MARRINER: My name is Jeanne Marriner. I live off the Bay Avenue. I concur with the statement of Mr. Goodman and the Environmental Council. I urge you to consider this very carefully. There are multiple problems. It is not only pollution in the creek. It is a definite traffic hazard in that whole area where the marina which was -- as Mrs. Koop said -- very small little operation, a little outboard repair shop and a few rowboats. was never meant to be a large marina. It was sited inappropriately. I think the It 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 lawsuit will prove this. into hazards. hazard. 19 I hope that you will take all this consideration, and think of the traffic There is also a potential fire In fact, that Hess gas station is right there. Fiberglass boats are highly volatile. One fire and you could have a tremendous situation in the neighborhood that is so congested that people can't get out of Bay Avenue, and anything further in this area would just be contributing to more detriment to the people that live there. The object of good zoning is to protect the public's health, safety and welfare. Please remember that. Thank you. MS. SAWASTYNOWICZ: Nancy Sawastynowicz. I would just like to have the Board become lead agency and ask for an environmental impact statement to be done on this project, because this time they say they want to make more roads. It will be more boats, more congestion, more pollution, all of the above that everybody else stated. I think it is a serious problem we are 1 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2~ facing with our bays being polluted, by not just boaters but the whole environment. So let's look at this with a lot of concern. Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: Anyone else? MR. CUDDY: If I may, I would like to respond to some of the comments that have been made. I am disappointed to a fair degree, although not surprised, by Mr. Goldman. I am disappointed because the whole crux of his remarks directed not towards this application, but towards some preconceived agenda that some people have and the North Fork Environmental Council, to my knowledge, has not done very much positive but they have done a lot through the kind of statements made here that negate any form of change, any minimum progress. I bring to the attention of the people that are here and the Board, once again, this application does not have to do with James Creek. We are not putting more boats in the water, and we are not putting anything that is going to cause additional 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 pollution. I think to talk in those has really missed the point. There is an existing building. 21 terms There is an existing site. We can use it exactly as it is. It can stay that way. That's what you would end up with. You would not end up with what I think you intend to, which is to deny completely. They're asking you to to an appeal. I take exception to Environmental Council as here through Mr. Goldman, legislate here instead of listening the North Fork a unit, standing without either a resolution showing his authority or giving indication of what standing they us any have. I want it on the record, their standing, at this point. think they I object to I don't have any in connection with this application. Their interest environmental. I point out to this is totally Board in April of 1989, the Town Trustees -- I am making this a part of the record -- approved this application as to the building. At that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 '22 23 24 25 22 time, it is my understanding they did make an environmental declaration. This has been through that process. This is over a year ago. I think that I could sympathize with someone like Mrs. Koop who is concerned about traffic. I point out to the Board, think we are going to eliminate part of the traffic problem. If this, again, was denied there would be no improvement in the traffic situation. None at all. So the very concern she has, that the traffic is bad, is not going to improve if this is rejected. If it is accepted I think there may be a material improvement because you are taking boats from where they are now parked, or stored, and you will be putting cars in those spaces. I think the traffic situation can be significantly alleviated by approving the application we seek. I say this is an upland application. It has nothing to do with the water. It has nothing to do with increasing environmental hazards in this area. The marina is there. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 It has been from the proposed Fork Environmental 23 legislated. Mr. Goldman read revisions that the North Council would like to make to the Town ordinances -- not the ordinances, but the proposed revisions these people want to make. I think they are irrelevant to this proceeding. I point out to the Board that my client is here. Mr. Young is one of the principals of the marina. I said, and I say it on his behalf, that this is not an increase as to the number of boats. This is to try to eliminate situation. It's nice outside, because that problems. He cannot work He wants to put the boats increase the number of boats either. Therefore, the application. the an unfortunate that it is raining is one of his there in the rain. inside, not from the Board of Trustees, dated May 10, 19 .) I ask for the approval of I am handing up a copy of resolution from the Trustees. (Mr. Cuddy handing the Board a letter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 THE CHAIRMAN: going to be? MR. CUDDY: My understanding is that the accessory limitations, the accessory unit to the building or structure can't be higher than 18 or 19 feet. I don't remember which one is applicable. It will not be higher. We are not asking for a variance to go higher. I agree there is an aesthetic question involved. We think we are trying to clean up the area. It would certainly not be more than two, maybe end up with being one, but we can't go higher than the law allows at this point. For an accessory structure, we can't go higher than 18 or 19 feet. shape THE CHAIRMAN: of the parcel, In relation to the I had a question as to whether or not the land that is to the rear of the boat rack is the front yard or not, in that it is on the right-of-way. MR. CUDDY: I don't believe the definition of street or right-of-way makes 24 How high is this rack 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 25 that the front yard. I would point out to the Board that, first of all, our access to that is zero because there is a five-foot chain link fence. But my understanding that the definitions in the zoning ordinance do not make that a front yard simply because it is a right-of-way there. THE CHAIRMAN: I am sure you are going to have a lift of some sort, to lift the boats out of the water. MR. CUDDY: They use a ramp, and Mr. Young can tell you if they are going to use a particular lift. MR. DAVID YOUNG: We use it for storage of new boats only. New boats, boats that are being serviced. The boats that are cluttering. The boats there are plenty. We are not using it in a high and dry marina. The dry rack will never be used for a dry land marina situation. They will only be used in order to store new stock boats and boats facility. for me to use that are being worked on in the It is financially inconceivable it as a marina-type situation, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 where we are customer's boats. THE CHAIRMAN: of new boats? boats launching and retreating So it is for storage MR. YOUNG: Inventoried boats, stock we have inventoried that are for sale and customer boats that are being worked on. In other words, if it is a two rack set up we'll keep the stock inventoried boats on the second set of racks, up high, which reduces theft and give us a place to keep the boats out of the way and the customer service boats will be kept under them in that rack -- in that rack place. THE CHAIRMAN: On the ground level? MR. YOUNG: On the ground level, yes. THE CHAIRMAN: It is just really the ground level and one rack above that, and nothing above that? MR. YOUNG: No. You can't do it. requires about eight foot above. It THE CHAIRMAN: Is there a launching MR. YOUNG: Yes, there is a launching ramp? 1 2 3 4 5 6 ? 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2'1 22 23 24 25 27 ramp. It has been there since we owned the property, and I assume it has been there since Mr. Klein owned the property. We use it for our own use only. You do haul boats out Yes. What do you use, a A trailer. We have a forklift on the premises that we use to move boats, remove motors from boats, remove boats from the trailer to work on the bottom of the boat, or whatever. THE CHAIRMAN: My concern was how are you going to get those boats onto that top rack? MR. YOUNG: We have a forklift that we own. THE CHAIRMAN: So it is capable of lifting the boat up seven or eight feet and pulling it onto the rack? MR YOUNG: Yes. THE CHAIRMAN: What will you be doing THE CHAIRMAN: now to work on? MR. YOUNG: THE CHAIRMAN: forklift? MR. YOUNG: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 28 with the boats tied up at the dock for the winter? MR. YOUNG: We store all of the storage boats. We lease a piece of property in Aquebogue, where we store all of our winter storage, boats. When we initially bought the property two years ago, we saw Marquettes (phonetic) had a very congested situation in the winter. There was no room to park. Customers had no access to the place. We made a decision to utilize a piece of property in Aquebogue. Every boat we store, except for the boats that are being worked on and the boats that are being sold by us, either by brokerage or the boats that we own, we keep that all -- we keep on that property in Mattituck. We lease a piece in Aquebogue in order to store all the boats -- th~ customers that are in the water or that come in that we service, we take everything to Aquebogue. THE CHAIRMAN: I think that is all have. MR. YOUNG: Thank you. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 29 MR. GOLDMAN: I am a little surprised Mr. Cuddy would take such exception to the North Fork Environmental Council's comments on this application. Mr. Cuddy well knows we comment on applications in both Riverhead and Southold. Just for the record, so it is clear, I do represent the North Fork Environmental Council. I am duly authorized to do so, and the Board may inquire of that with our Board of Trustees. I am authorized to speak in behalf of NFEC. I think the point we want to make more clearly to the Board is that this application has to be considered a Type I application under SEQRA. It is a critical environmental area, so designated by Suffolk County, 500 feet from the mean high water mark of the Peconic Bay and its tributaries of which James Creek is a tributary. There is a presumption of significance to this action and that would indicate the need for an Environmental Impact Statement. That is the important point that we want to bring out to the Board. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The rest of my statement was a presentation to the Board of what we believe to be the case and our opinion. We also, again, re-emphasize we are pointing out to the Board it has an application under the SEQRA to assume lead agency status and we are requesting that you do so. Apparently when this application was made to the Trustees, they did assume lead agency status and requested a short Environmental Assessment Form and that is contrary to SEQRA. They should have requested a long form. The ball is now in your court. You have the responsibility and the opportunity to become lead agency here and we would urge you do to so. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you. MS. EVETTE MELLENDER: What I want to ask -- is there a procedure in the Town if someone asks for a variance that the neighbors are to be notified within a certain area? Because we were never notified of this, except for the North Fork 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 Environmental Council. I remember many years ago they wanted to build a pathway through that was going to come by our house we were notified. are "X" amount of off of the Main Road and They said that's when you feet from a home that is asking for a variance or a business that is asking for a variance. What I am asking is should the people on Bay Avenue that are a certain amount of feet from this have been notified? THE CHAIRMAN: It is adjoining property owners, ma'am, and we have a list of them. MS. MELLENDER: It is only adjoining properties? THE CHAIRMAN: Yes. I have the addresses here. MS. MELLENDER: Could you clarify that for us, at any future point? THE CHAIRMAN: We have a list of adjacent property owners, and then receipts of certified mail for eight neighbors. If you would like, I could name them. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. MELLENDER: It is that touches on that property? THE CHAIRMAN: MS. MELLENDER: 32 only property Yes. They were sent a certified letter on this? THE CHAIRMAN: Yes, and I probably should have stated it at the beginning of this hearing. There were legal notices placed in the papers. Is there anything else? If someone would like to make comments, step up to the mike and we can get your name. MR. RICHARD LUHRS: I had sent Mr. Goehringer a letter, and I hope that you received it. I wanted to know that you have it on file, about my concern and many of my concerns are the same as the North Fork Environmental Council. But going back to this point about not notifying different neighbors, when was that notification sent? Very recently? MR. CUDDY: When the application was made. THE CHAIRMAN: May 4th. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 MS. KOWALSKI: sent a week before MR. LUHRS: than the neighbors who property line. MS. KOWALSKI: 33 It's required to be it is filed. It doesn't include, other are adjacent to the It is not required to. MR. LUHRS: THE CHAIRMAN: people here? MS. PATROWSKI receive a letter. THE CHAIRMAN: would like to speak? That's fine. Thank you. Are any of those (Phonetic): ! did Anybody else that MR. EDWARD BURKE: I live on Bay Avenue, and the rear of my property is on James Creek. I am just wondering why they are going through all this if they don't want to expand the marina. I can remember back about 14 years ago, when Dave Strong was standing here and he wanted to expand his marina. The people here were against it. He said that he had a mini-marina. What that meant no one seemed to know, but the people up where you are 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 34 sitting said it means 100 boats maximum in the water, on the land stored, and that is the way it was left. They gave him an okay. No new buildings. Go down and look at Dave Strong's now. Maybe 400 boats. The rack that was only going to be this high (indicating), now is about five stories. Now I have to look I don't know what they are going to at it. do, but I can tell you what happened before. It certainly wasn't nice. If they do that down the end, of course it's all money. Everything is money. You people up there are to protect us, not them. And if we have rules and you people make variances for everything I don't think it is fair to the taxpayers and the people that live along the creek. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Anybody else? Hearing motion to recess MR. DOYEN: THE CHAIRMAN: nothing further, I make the hearing. Second. Until the next 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 regularly scheduled meeting. to recess scheduled to he the MR. this hearing until hearing, which is end of October. CUDDY: Can I ask the purpose of 35 We are going our next probably going the recess? THE CHAIRMAN: Well, ! would like to investigate the North Fork Environmental Council's letter a little further. I would like to sit down and read that letter. MR. CUDDY: Does the North Fork Environmental Council the applicant with? THE CHAIRMAN: Yes. Also, your comments have a copy to supply We have this. about standing particular meaning. I a little I would time to has, in my mind, would like to investigate that further with the Town Attorney. like to give you an opportunity next further bolster your case. (Court Reporter requested Mr. Cuddy repeat a portion of the testimony.) MR. CUDDY: My objection to the North Fork Environmental Council was: 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 a) although he recites this, I have never seen a resolution. I have never seen anything from the Council itself that indicated that the Council had determined they were taking a stand. I don't know where Mr. Goldman gets his information from, but he apparently hands in writings and makes comments on behalf of them. My first objection was that I don't believe that it is sufficient for him simply to stand and announce that an organization is something that he is representing at this letter -- more than point. I would like a that. Secondly -- (interruption) MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE: I am a director, and I can tell you he's honest. MR. CUDDY: You weren't asked that, number one. Number two, I am asking for more than a director to sit here. I am saying I would like to see something in writing saying that he has done this. You Gan bring all here the next of the Board of Directors down time. I guess that will prove 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 37 it. If they have it in writing I would like to see it. I think this applicant has the right to ask that question. I think the Board has a right to ask that question. They oppose unanimously every application that I have ever made in this Town. They are there. They oppose it. The other thing I am saying is I don't think that they have standing to oppose an area variance. That's very different than coming in and saying, "We want you to do something," in front of the Town Board, legislatively. It is very different than coming before the Planning Board. They're saying that here they have some reason to take issue. Some of the neighbors, I understand their standing. I don't object to that at all. The North Fork Environmental Council, I take serious issue with standings they have to object to the area variance. THE CHAIRMAN: MR. GOODMAN: to make a request Thank you. If Mr. Cuddy is going to the Board to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 38 investigate the standing of the North Fork Environmental Council to appear at public hearings, I think it might be incumbent upon him to at least cite to the Board initially some law or some facts in law, some precedent in law, where an organization can't come through its representative and speak at a public hearing. This is something absolutely new to me. I have never heard of anything like this in my five years in doing this, between the Riverhead Board, the Southold Board, the Suffolk County Legislature where an organization was challenged as tO whether they could come before a public body or a public hearing. think Mr. Cuddy will have to submit something. I would request that if the Board is going to follow through on Mr. Cuddy's request, they request Mr. Cuddy to produce something that says we can't. This is new to me. MR. CUDDY: I don't challenge Mr. Goodman's right to freedom of speech. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 I0 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. JEANNE MARRINER: I am also member of the North Fork Environmental Council, and when I am not able to attend meetings I am very pleased to have Mr. Goodman or another NFEC representative representing my views. We enjoy NFEC because we all have similar views and I think that certainly gives them standing. 39 He is representing members. THE CHAIRMAN: standing comes up, I one thousand plus When the question of don't question your standing. But I would like to, at least, if someone raises the question about that, I would like for that particular thing to be cleared up before I close the hearing. I would not like to have something that could not be commented on. I would not want to have my thoughts not be commented on. So I would over, and I would the Town Attorney like to read the letter like to investigate with the standing of the organization. It has been raised before, in other applications before us. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 40 MR. YOUNG: If there is anybody with any kind of environmental concern it would be myself as a marina owner. Without an environment we wouldn't have a business. without boating, without fishing, we'd have nothing. I am very environmentally concerned. The last thing I want to do is create havoc on the environment. It is my livelihood. So if there is any environmental question or if there is any problem with any environmental impact in this project we are trying to do, please let me know so that I can correct it. The only thing we really want is to be able to work indoors in February and stay warm. We have absolutely nothing other than that, but to work in a tin ramshackle building that is big enough to get half a boat in. In order to make our mortgage payments we have to have a shop we can produce work out of utility bills, hire viable business so that we can pay our help, and have a in the Town of Southold. That's it. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 41 THE CHAIRMAN: At the risk of going any further, I understand the reason for the building. The rack I have a lot of questions about. Do you have parking spaces there now? MR. YOUNG: It varies from time to time. What happens is Monday there is a flow of boats into the place that are broken down and they need repair. By Friday and Saturday, it's out. We have an agreement with the bank, where we can park customer vehicles in the bank. The customers are marina customers. They know about it. That's why there are cars parked in the bank parking lot on the weekends. The bank agrees with us on that. They know about it. It is fine. Right now what we would like to do is make it so that we can park our cars, our customer cars next to their boat slips. We are trying to clear that bulkheaded area. We want to landscape it, plant flowers and have parking for our customers. There are only 25 slippings there. 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 :21 22 23 24 25 I understand. THE CHAIRMAN: not increasing that. MR. YOUNG: All we want is building, where we can go inside in the winter and a little bit more room in the You are workable yard so we can maneuver what we are doing there. We've got a good lot situation on a Monday morning from the broken-down boats. They flood the yard and we need a place to put them. This rack system will clear more room so that we can put the boats on the back line of the property, and leave that bulkheaded area along the water clear $o that the customers can park their cars in there; pull in the driveway, turn around. Right now, the only access is you have to back in with the boats and trailer and it makes it very difficult. A customer will pull in there to have his boat worked on, and he will block Bay Avenue because he has to back it in. Not a lot of customers know that. They pull it straight and they have to back out in the road. THE CHAIRMAN: How many boats do you 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 '~0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 suppose this rack will hold? MR. YOUNG: Twenty boats. THE CHAIRMAN: top, 10 on bottom? MR. YOUNG: room for 10 more. THE CHAIRMAN: Twenty boats; 10 on Right. It will clear Ten additional? MR. YOUNG: You will have room. There boats in the yard now. It situation. If you have 10 Ten additional boats. is only about 20 is a gridlock on the top rack, you'll have the other 10 against the fence. You can maneuver. You have room. THE CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much. Is there anybody else? MS. KOOP: I may seem very stupid on this. I thought the question was: How many spaces do you have for parking now? I don't think you just answered that. You said that there was an agreement with the bank, which I am sure there was. Do you have parking spaces back there now? MR. YOUNG: Not really, no. MS. KOOP: If you have spaces for 25 ! 2 3 4 5 6 ? 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 boats and you are only accomplishing 10 boats on top, which makes it a saving of 10 boat spaces in the yard, right? MR. YOUNG: Right. MS. KOOP: -- on the ground. In my mind it would seem you only have room for 10 MR. YOUNG: It's the configuration of the boats and trailers. It is much longer than a car. MS. KOOP: Thank you. THE CHAIRMAN: We are going to recess this hearing until the next regularly scheduled meeting, which will be some time at the end of October. Do ! have a motion? MR. DOYEN: Second. THE CHAIRMAN: Okay. All in favor? MR. DOYEN: Aye. MR. GHIGONI$: Aye. (Time noted: 10:30 p.m.) 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 44A CERTIFICATION am an Official Court Reporter and that constitutes a true and correct excerpt Town 1990, GAIL ROSCHEN, do hereby certify that I the foregoing from the Southold Zoning Board of Appeals hearing of September 26, according to my stenographic notes. GAIL ROSCHEN Official Court Reporter