HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-06/19/1997 HEARING TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
JUNE 19, 1997
SOUTItOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS
(Prepared by Lucy Farrell fronl tape recordings)
6:45 P.M. (Carryover) Appl. No. 4475.JD -MARY FISCHETTI
Request for a Variance under Article XXIV. Section 100-244B, based
upon tile February 21, 1997 Action of Disapproval issued by the
Building Inspector for permission to locate an addition to existing
dwelling which will have a reduced side yard setback at less than
the required 10 feet, and less than the required total of both side
yards of 25 feet. Location of Property: 3760 Minnehaha Boulevard,
Southold; County Parcel ID #1000-87-3-4. This parcel contains a
total area of 9,874 si. R-40.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Fischetti would you like to say something?
MR. F1SCHETTI: Mr. Chairman, Members of tile Board, my name is
Joseph Fischetti. I'm representing Mary Fischetti, I'm a
professional Engineer and I live on 1725 Hobart Road, in Southold.
The applicant wishes to construct all x 20 addition on the south
side of her home and we request a side yard variance. This is
going to be a primary residence for Mary Fischetti. This was
originally a small cottage as most of the houses were in Laughing
Waters and summer cottages. The addition is reasonably for a den
and a bedroom for her daughter as a guest room. It takes her
daughter an hour and a half to drive out so she really needed an ·
addition for a guest room because the existing size of the house is
very small. We looked at tile house. We tried placing it somewhere
else. We can't do it in the rear because we have a 75 foot setback
right now in the wetlands. We can't do it in the front, we can't go
up. The side yard works, we tried to go as minimum as possible 11
feet is really the miuimum size that she can construct the bedroom
for the width size. As you can see on tile site plan that we gave
you really the front corner is projecting. Most of the major portion
of it is sitting back outside the property even though it's 9 foot
side yard. We feel that basically many of tile houses built in
Laughing Waters are all on undersized lots. Many of them were built
before zoning, there ape many properties there with minimum side
yards. Actually, surprising I received tile property of the
correspondence from the property owners to the I guess to the south
and Lenceski and Elizabeth Shalvey wrote the letter about this but,
I just noted on their survey that their property on the west side
has a 8 foot side yard. So, this is consistent with what is
happening there in Laughing Waters. Many houses have minimum
Page 2 - Hearing Ti~nscripts
June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
side yards so we really don'l think that what we're doing there now
will change the character of the neighborhood. Actually tn essence
we're upgrading the property. Many of the old cottages there, some
are more rundown and peolcle are bringing them up so we really
think that we're enhancing the neighborhood, we're adding money to
the house and upgrading it so, we think it's a positive benefit to
the community and we hope that this Board approves that side yard
approval. I'd be glad [o answer any questions from anyone.
CHAIRMAN: Starting with Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Yes, Joe, what's the side yard on the other side?
MR. F1SCHETTI: Minimum, I think it's 3 feet. But, that, that was
existing. That's why I said that's the way it was originally
constructed from when we came in there.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: That had a variance. There was a
prior variance. There was a variance on the side yard.
MEMBER DINIZIO: So, you're asking for 11 on one side and 3 on
the other. Well, 3 on the other exists.
MR. FISCHETTI: 3 is there. Correct.
CHAIRMAN: The addition is 11 and leaving us a 9 fool proposed
side yard.
MR. FISCHETTI: That's correct.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: A total of 12. rigi~t?
MR. FISCHETTI: Correct.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's all [ have.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mt. Do,zen?
MEMBER DOYEN: No, thank you.
CHAIRMAN: I don't have any questions at thi~ time. Is there
anybody else would like to speak in favor of the application?
Page 3 Hearing Transcripts
June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
Anybody like to speak against? Sir, starting with you first please.
Could you please state your name for the record.
MR. LENCESKI: My name is Edward Lenceski and I'm husband of
Ann Lenceski. one of the co-owners of the property. Now, one side
of the house is already down to 3 feet and the other side is 9 feet.
The front of tile house is parallel to the road end actuallSr it
encumbrances p~'actieally the whole property in front of the house.
This fellow here, M~'. Fischetti, says he's a professional engineer.
What does that mean?
CHAIRMAN: We'll have to ask him. It means he's an architect, I
assume.
MR. FISCHETTI: Mr. Lenceski, I'm an engineer, licensed in New
York State to practice engineering. I'm licensed by New York State
Education Department. Sir.
MR. LENCESKI: You haven't answered my question.
MR. FISCHETTI: What's your question? I have a degree in
engineering from Philadelphia University, I have a Master's Degree
from Adelphi University and I have a License from New Yol~k State
to pPactice engineeri~g. You know what a license is? Doctors have
licenses.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Jerry, I object to this.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Lenceski, you have to ask the questions to the
Board. Mr. Lenceski, you can't ask him. Does that answer you
question.
MR. LENCESKI: Yes. What is the minimum for side yards?
CHAIRMAN: On a lot this size?
MR. LENCESKI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN: Probably 10.
MR. LENCESKI: 10. Now, he wants it without the 9 feet on our
side of the property and it's down to 3 feet on the other side. What
is the total of both sides?
CHAIRMAN: 25.
MR. LENCESKI: 25?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Well it's 12. Twelve is what he's
proposing. It's supposed to be 25.
, Page 4 -ttearing Transcripts
,June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MR. LENCESKI: The proposal here is down to 12 feet. That's a
long way from 25.
CHAIRMAN: 50%.
MR. LENCESKI: Now, from our side this would cut our view toward
the front of the building at this particular site and count from nine
feet he takes up the whole lot with this building.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, we understand that.
MR. LENCESKI: I think that's all I have to say.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Anybody else like to speak? Atright, is
there any other question regarding this from any Board Member?
Yes, Mr. Fischetti?
MR. FISCHETTI: Can I just respond a little bit?
CHAIRMAN: Yes, I just want to say for the record, that the total
side yards are 10 and 15 (by code). (Sic) (See prior variance
.. restriction which is less.)
MR. FISCHETTI: Correct, 10 and 15. Again, we took that into
consideration. The side yard we're dealing with here now, when we
design homes, very important, side yards are designed for privacy.
It really is very important. So, I understand people are critical to
that. This particular side is their garage side. We really feel that
I don't understand, maybe he can answer me on the deal. I don't
understand what the deal is on the side yard because it is the
garage side that we ask, so that we felt that the 9 foot if it was a
10 foot side yard we're talking about a foot here between what
normally would be part of the side yard on a piece of property.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's 15 feet on that side. The
requirement is 15, so it's 6 feet difference (there is a prior side
yard variance on tile opposite side).
MR. FtSCttETTI: Yes, right, it's 15. So, again, we're concerned
with the privacy issue and again if this was a living area where
views were there we would understand completely but, being a
garage I would think that it's not going to affect them.
CHAIRMAN: The Board also has a concern Joe, and that is, the
ability of getting access to the rear yard for a variety of reasons.
You know, waterfront lots are unique because you can't ask
permission to ride on somebody else's property to get to your rear
yard, so the question I basically have, is, with the size of
machinery today, is 9 feet wide enough to get a piece of machinery
in? That's the problem. We always allow on waterfront property that
if you're going to close up or attempt to close up, I dontt mean you
Page 5 - Itearing Tf.~seripts
t~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
in particular, this is a generic statement, one side yard, OK, then
you must leave tile other side yard open so as to gain access to the
rear yard. These pieces of property are somewhat pie shape so
that's what makes them a little more difficult because as you
mentioned the corners are the ones that are actually sticking out.
That's where our concerns are.
5/IR. FISCHETTI: Any access to the rear yard?
CHAIRMAN: Yes, sanitary purposes, bulkheading purposes~ any
ability to get machinery in because if you don't have that ability
then you have to hire a crane and lift it over' the top of the house.
Any other questions of the applicant, or the applicant's agent?
MEMBER DINIZIO: What about going up, Joe? Can you gain
anything from going up?
MR. FISCttETTI: Well, that's a, again a cross consideration that
would be prohibited just the way the framing of the structure is. To
go up just for an extra room is very, very close prohibited. We
might be able to go past, squeeze it down to 10 foot and leave a 10
foot side yard. If i0 foot is sufficient we could try to redesign it
that way because it's a pie shape; we might be able to move it back
slightly to try to get tile 10 foot.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. You have a question?
MEMBER TORTORA: Along the same lines as a part of other
alternatives I just want to get a couple of things for the record.
The property is 9~800 sq.ft., so there is limited space apparently
available for any type of expansion. Could you explain why you
couldn't go to the rear of the property towards the water for this
addition?
MR, FISCHETTI: Well, as you can see, New York State DEC and
the Trustees are required 75 foot setbacks. Actually, right now,
pretty much the rear corner of the property is about 78-79 feet.
Right now, when we added the addition it just about meets that 75
foot setback. If I put an addition to the rear most likely, I mean,
it would not be approved because of the setback requirements by the
DEC and the Trustees.
MEMBER TORTORA: And if you wanted to expand in the front of
the property, could you do that without a variance?
MR. FISCHETTI: I don't think physically you can because we have
a front door there. I don't think it's physically possible to do it
towards the front, Mrs. Tortora. I have a front door, I have
another area in there, I think that would be more detrimental to the
community by having an addition coming to the front. Physically,
esthetiealIy having that come out to the front.
· Page 6 ~ Hearing T.~nseripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: OK, that's all.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, Mr. Lenceski.
MR. LENCESKI: 1 think that when this gentleman speaks of
setbacks doesn't that refer to the front of the building?
CHAIRMAN: It's referring to the side yards.
MEMBER TORTORA: Side rear front.
MR. LENCESKI: Not the rear of the buildings so on and one of the
things we're in the process of doing right now is, we already have
the Southold Town Permit and working on the the DEC Permit for
replacing the bulkhead in the back.
CHAIRMAN: On your house?
MR. LENCESKI: Yes, rougilly 75 feet of bulkhead.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Hearing no further comment I'll make a
motion closing hearing reserving decision until later.
MEMBER OSTERMANN: So moved.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor?
MEMBERS: Aye.
7:03 ~ Appl. No. 4483 -ANDREAS VASSILIOU
CHAIRMAN: Request for a Variance under Article III-A, Section
100-30A.1 based upon the March 21, 1997 Action of Disapproval
issued by the Building Iuspector for permission to locate an
accessory gazebo ill a front yard area at premises known as 580 Inlet
Drive, Mattituek, NY; Parcel ID #1000-106-2-1. Zone: R-40
Residential. I have a eopy of the survey which we are familiar with
because we dealt with the pool and deck application on this property
way back in June 7, 1995 and we are noticing that this applicant is
proposing approximately 8 feet from we'li refer to it as the westerly
property line and a copy of tile Suffolk County Tax Map indicating
this and surrounding properties in the area. How are you tonight
Sir? Could you state your name for the record.
MR. CYPRUS: My name is Nick Cyprus and I represent Mr.
Vassiliou. I believe I have eomplied with all due requests that you
,Page 7 - Hearing T~,~iscripts
/June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
have given me and if I may add something of my own to this, Mr.
Vassiliou, he has two lots a¢tually that he is using one. Where he
is putting the gazebo is not in front, it's to the side and as far as
footage is concerned I don't know the exact size of this, but it's
over an acre. Anything else you want to know, just ask me.
CHAIRMAN: I didn't have the luxury of walking on the property.
I only had seen it from the road side because I didn't contact you
and I apologize for doing so. This is going to be placed at an
elevation at approximately the deck lev-el?
MR. CYPRUS: Approximately, yes. Not higher than that. Actually,
the builder who built this house because this house was torn down
and rebuilt and I put the sticks myself because only ~0 feet and
he finally went to his next door neighbor wllo has an empty lot and
who doesn't object to that I'm sure.
chairman; Is there going to be any electricity in the gazebo or
anything?
MR. CYPRUS: I don't think so.
CHAIRMAN: OK, I think we'll start with Mr. Doyen. Questions?
MEMBER DOYEN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora:
MEMBER. TORTORA: No.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
CHAIRMAN: No questions, OK. While yore're standing there is
there anybody else in the audience would like to speak in favor of
this? Al~ybody like to speak against it? Hearing no further
questions I'll make a motion closing tl~e hearing reserving decision
until later.
MEMBER TORTORA: Second.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor;
MEMBERS: Aye.
7:08 P.M. - Appl. No. 448~ - CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
,Page 8 - tIearing Transcripts
~.June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Request for a Variance under Article XX, Section
100-205 based upon the Appil 30, 1997 Action of Disapproval issued
by the Building Inspeetop fop permission to locate a new gpound sign
in excess of the size requipements of the eode. Location of
Property: 15625 C.R. 48, Cutehogue. Parcel #1000-101-1-10. Zone
District: Agricultural Conservation. I have a rendition of the sign
and t have a copy of the placement of the sign on the survey and I
have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and
surrounding properties in the area. Question?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: I have to ask for the affidavit of
this.
CHAIRMAN: You're going to give us an affidavit or something, Sip?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: FoP the sign, the receipts from
the post office.
MR. STILLEY: Yes, I am.
CHAIRMAN: Could you just state your name fop the record.
MR. STiLLEY: My name is Ernest Stilley.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Mr. Stilley, I need to ask you just
to fill this out latep after you finish. You can do it now or
tomorrow, whenever you want. I mean aftep the hearing.
CHAIRMAN: While we have you standing at the mike, can you tell
us why such a large sign?
MR. STILLEY: Well, the biggest reason is, it's in a dark area,
there's no lights at all on the post or anything and we have guest
coming from out west and nine times out of ten they go right by the
church and they don't see it. Unfortunately sometimes when they
get to the church we're just about finished. So, we thought we
would put a larger sign so they could see it fap off and it'll
enhance the community also with a light at that particular part of
the highway. It's even hard to identify and it's kind of hard to see
a small sign.
CHAIRMAN: What's the actual size of the sign?
MR. STILLEY: 5 feet. 10 feet long 5 feet high.
CHAIRMAN: It will be lighted?
MR. STILLEY: Yes, Sir.
CHAIRMAN: OK, we'll start with Mr. Dinizio.
.Page 9 - Hearing Tz~nscrip~s
,June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MEMBER DINIZIO: Is this going to be on post? Ia it like a ground
sign?
MR. STILLEY: Yes it's going to be on two posts with cement
foundation.
MEMBER DINIZIO: The part of the sign will be 5 feet, or will it he
higher than that?
MR. STILLEY: The sign itself is 5 or 10. It will be probably 8 no
more than 12 ~eet from tile ground. Figure about 8 feet high.
CHAIRMAN: You mean the top of the sign will be no higher?
MR. STILLEY: Yes. about 8 feet high We're over the 8 feet. No
more than 10. It should be 8.
MEMBER DINIZIO: It's just that your addition here shows it looks
more like. 10 feet. 12 feet?
MR. STILLEY: Yes, 6 ~oot -
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's wily I asked the question. I wanted to
be sure. So, if you're sayi~g 8 feet then, if we write a decision
for 8 feet, then ii can't be any higher than that. If it's going ~o
be higher -
MR. STILLEY: OK, well gives us the height that we can, but, we
hope, we don't wsnt it but 8 ~eet and we've decided the 5 feet and
we wsnt about 3 feet from the ground. Give us the distance that we
can go but we probably go about $ feet.
CHAIRMAN: The sign certainly isn't made yet, right? You haven't
made the sign yet?
MR. STILLEY: Unfortunately.
CHAIRMAN: You did make the sign? So the sign is all done?
MR. STiLLEY: Yes, Sir.
CHAIRMAN: Now. is the sign going to be a two-faced sign?
MR. STILLEY: Yes, Sir.
CHAIRMAN: OK, so it's going to go this way so you can see it from
both sides. OK, Mrs. Ostermann?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: What is tile measurement of your present sign?
MR. STILLEY: I think 3 or 4. about 4 feet.
,Page 10 - Hearing ~['ranscripts
=June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: I measured it this morning. It's 43 x 61. I measured
it from the peak~ which is really a part of the sign. 43 wide
including the two by fours holding it up and they're 3-5/8 each.
MEMBER TORTORA: So, it's 3 by 4.
CHAIRMAN: Exactly what he said. This must have been a
relatively expensive sign to construct?
MR. STILLEY: Yes, we got a good price on it. I knew the fellow
that makes them and he gave me a very good price on it, otherwise,
we really couldn't afford it.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann, do you have any other questions.
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No, no other questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: So, just continuing with the story, you made
the sign, you had it reconstructed and then the Building Department
said, no, no, you can't have a -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: The new sign is not up yet?
MR. STILLEY: No.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's not constructed, because you
said constructed.
CHAIRMAN: No, it's not up. No, they have it built, they have it
some place stored.
MEMBER TORTORA: What was the cost of the sign?
MR. STILLEY: About $4,200, but we didn't pay that much for it.
CHAIRMAN: Now, I noticed the Church is set back 50 feet, excuse
me again for jumping in here, I notice the Church is set back 50
feet from tile property line. Where approximately are you
anticipating to put this?
MR. STILLEY: Right in front of the sign that is already there.
CHAIRMAN: So, you're going to go back from there back to the
Church with the sign?
MR. STILLEY: No, from that sign towards the street.
MEMBER TORTORA: But it would be catercornered, it wouldn't be
the same direction? This sign would be both ways, 10 feet lighted.
.Page 11 - Hearing Transcripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Doyen?
MEMBER DOYEN: No, thank you.
CHAIRMAN: While your standing there, is there anybody in the
audience would like to speak in favor of this application other than
the applicant for the Church? Anybody like to speak against the
application? Any fnrther questions, about placement, lighting,
anything?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: I'd like to ask how far from the road would
the sign be placed?
MR. STILLEY: From the road? It's probably 20 feet or around.
15- 20 feet at least.
MEMBER OSTERMANN: The new sign?
MR. STILLEY: Yes, it would be t5- 20 feet.
CHAIRMAN: When we say road, we're referring to the front
property line. Alright, I think that fully answers the questions.
Thank you for coming in and we hope to have a decision for you
very shortly.
MR. STILLEY: How far should it be from the property line?
CHAIRMAN: Well, you can go as much as 35 feet, but of course you
wouldn't see the sign at that particular point. It would be right on
the front steps of the Church. In reality, we have granted them as
close as 7 feet to the property line, but, certainly not something
this large and the average is usually about 15. OK.
MR. STILLEY: OK, thank you.
CHAIRMAN: Heari~lg Ilo further comment, I'll make a motion closing
hearing reserving decision until later.
MEMBER OSTERMANN: Second.
CHAIRMAN: Ail in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
7:22 P.M. Appl. No. 4488 LAWRENCE AND JOSEPHINE
PEARLSTEIN
CHAIRMAN: Request for a Variance under Article XXIV, Sections
100~244B for permission to construct addition, a portion of which
witl not meet 'the minimum required front setback at premises known
as 2225 North Sea Drive~ Southold; County Parcel #1000-54-4-23.
,Page 12 - Hearin,g ~l¢'ahlscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
Zone: R-40 Residential. I have a copy of the site plan produced by
Garrett Strang, most recent date is March 12, 1997, indicating the
addition and the size of the area that encroaches on the front yard
area and a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and
surrounding properties in the area.
MR. STRANG: I think the application is relatively self-explanatory.
A little history, the Pearlsteins, who own the home, are planning on
making this a retirement home for themselves and it's a little small
as it is for a full-time residence, so they're looking to expand a
little bit and basically we're trying to keep the front and back of
the building, you know, alignment with the addition of the alignment
with the existing building with a minimum (~8 sq.ft. ).
Unfortunately, the building is not perpendicular, parallel 1 should
say to the property line so as we expaad off to the easterly
direction it eneroaches somewhat on the required yard that's shown
on our site plan. Actually, there's only a little triangular section
of the southeasterly corner of the addition that encroaches on that
front side yard. There was a variance that was granted by this
Board in January of 1990 whict~ allowed the construction of the deek
on the south side of the house of the roadside of the house
permitting the setback to that deck of 33 feet from the property line
provided that it was not enclosed, just kept opened. Obviously,
this being an addition, it's going to be enclosed and we're looking
for a 37 foot front yard oppose to the 40 foot that's required again
on that little triangnlar corner. The addition will be build on a
piling foundation required by the flood plain requirements. So, it
will be elevated above the ground approximately 8 feet and it will be
open pilings with the exeeption of a storage area that's permitted
for incidental storage. We really had no other options available to
us that were practical again for the expansion being to try and stay
in the alignment of the existing building makes it much easier to
construct than to have a jog.
CHAIRMAN: What's the approximate height from grade? Do you
have any idea Garrett?
MR. STRANG: To the addition?
CHAIRMAN: Well, what the addition will have if it's built in its
location that you're requesting?
MR. STRANG: I believe it was to the ridge because as you said
before, you take an average, but to the ridge I think we're looking
at about 28 feet.
CHAIRMAN: And the pilings will be driven so you'll have how much
for incidental on any?
MR. STRANG: About 8 feet.
.Page 13 - ttearing [[~,anscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: About 8 feet?
MR. STRANG: Yes, because we're required to be at an elevation of
16.7 to the finish, floor. I shouldn't say that. We're not required
but the existing house is at an elevation of 16.7 which is above the
required base flood elevation will be at that same height. Obviously,
the practicality of the floor is too high. The existing grade is
approximately 7-1/2 to 8 feet. We're looking at about 8 feet of
space. You could in reality walk underneath the addition.
CHAIRMAN: Interesting. SO, this is going to be similar to what we
have at Rabbit Lane then where you have the older cottages and
then you have the elevations and the additions and so on and so
forth as it goes on.
MR. STRANG: Except this particular addition will not be elevated
too much. I mean it will be about maybe 4 feet above the height of
the existing ridge of the house.
CHAIRMAN: OK, I think we'll start with Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I don't have any questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Doyen?
MEMBER DOYEN: No
CItAIRMAN: While you're standing there, is there anybody else in
the audience would like to speak in favor of the application?
Anybody like to speak against the application? Hearing no further
questions I'll make a motion closing the hearing reserving decision
until later.
MEMBER TORTORA: Second.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
7:24 P.M. Appl. No. 4484 PAULETTE SATUR MUELLER AND
EBERHARD MUELLER
Page 14 - Hearing h.-anscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: This application is based upon the April 28, 1997
Action of Disapproval by the Building Inspector. Variances are
requested under Article Ill, Section 100-33 for approval of the
location of a new dwelling to the rear of existing accessory
buildings, leaving a ~ron! yard location for the accessory
buildings. Location of Property: 3705 Alvah's Lane, Cutchogue;
1000-101-2-24.5. A-C Zone. I have a copy of a survey from John
Metzger. Its most recent date is February ~7, 1997, indicating the
construction of a proposed residence at approximately ~20 feet from
Alvah's Lathe, 58 feet, we'll refer to that as the southerly, it's
really southeasterly property lithe and I have a copy of the Suffolk
County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the
area. I assame Ms. Wickham yoa are representing.
MS. WICKHAM: I'm Abigail Wickham, I'm representing the
applicants. As many of the Board may know, this property has
been in farming use for many, many years. The existing dwelling
and the barns ]have been nh that prime location probably since early
on in this century and tile property has been in continuous farming
use since that time. The dwelling had originally been used for farm
help and more recently has been rented out lo tenants and several
months ago my clients acquired this property and the enjoining 16
area parcel. The enjoining parcel ~s property of farmlaud on which
the development rights have been sold to the county and this was
the parcel reserved out from that sale, so, this is the srea in which
the residential portion of property will occur and obviously there
appears to be a hardship that was not self-enclosed that is then
e:<isting snd they reslly have tho other alternative in terms of
lo~ating the residence which automatically creates a hardship for
which we're seeking a technical variance. If there's any specifid
questions that you'd like alhswered.
CHAIRMAN: What is the nature, just for the record, of the existing
residence? Wbat will happen to that?
MS. WICKHAM: Initially, while the new dwelling is being
constructed, my clients would like to I don't know if live is the
proper word, this is noi a very dwelling but %hey will be
residing in it periodically while they're reconstructing their new
dwelling. At the time that the CO was issued and I spoke to the
Building Departmeut about this, the residential character of that
building will cease and it will become an accessory use. Initially
they'll be using it for probably seed propagation. They're going to
be using farm and vegetable purposes and then other residential
agricultural accessories.
CHAIRMAN: So, yoa're not objectiug to a restriction that there be
only one residence on the property and tbat as you sa~d that they
will cease and desist the residential nature of this upon the
completion and a CO for the new structure, new dwelling.
· Page 15 - tlearing 2~-anscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MS. WICKHAM: It will be an accessory residential use but the
dwelling will be the new dwelling and this building will be limited
to accessory residential and agriculture use.
CHAIRMAN: Right, meaning not a residence?
MS. WICKHAM: Meaning not a dwelling.
CHAIRMAN: Right, OK, we'll start with Mr~ Doyen.
MEMBER DOYEN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No, I got quite a nice tour from Mr. Mueller
the other day.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No comments.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Just to be clear. No-one will be living -
MS. WlCKHAM: There will not be a dwelling.
MEMBER DINiZIO: No bed, no stove.
MS. WICKHAM: Right.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Lawn mowers and garden tools, OK.
MS. WICKHAM: Right.
CHAIRMAN: While you're standing there, we've done very well with
this tonight, we'll continue. Is there anybody else would like to
speak in favor of the application? No-one in the back wants to
speak? I guess, they know you Gaff, they know you do a great job.
Is there anybody like to speak against the application? Hearing no
further comment I'll make a motion closing the hearing reserving
decision until later.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Second.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
7:35 P.M. - Appl. No. 4480 - NiCKHART REALTY
Page 16 - Hearing ~l~,anscripts
~une 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: This application is based upon the September 18, 1996,
updated April 28, 1997 Action of Disapproval by the Building
Inspector which states: "...1) Insufficient lot area and depth in an
R-40 Zone. A lot is required to have an area of 40,000 sq. ft... and
depth of 175 feet Article III-A~ Section 100-30A.3, 2) Insufficient
front yard setback for a non-conforming lot-Article XXIV, Section
100-244B..." 53400 C.R. 48, Southold, N.Y., Parcel 1000-52-2-13.
R-40 Zone. Lot width at 150 ft. fo~' each. (Remaining yard areas
shall be according to code requirement, and front yard reductions
according to ZBA ruling.) What we're very simply doing is opening
the hearing. It is not going to be presented tonight.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: You're here to speak? You may
speak.
CHAIRMAN: You may speak if you'd like to. We are very simply
opening tile hearing and then we are recessing the hearing. That's
alt we're doing because Mr. Sambach, who is an Agent for the
applicant is not here.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Yes, but you're going to postpone
it.
CHAIRMAN: I'm going to postpone it until the next regular meeting.
Could you just state your name for the record.
MS. PAETZ: My name is Gloria Paetz. I live on the corner of
Beverly and North Road. They sent me this survey and I was
interested in the 20 feet or 10 feet right on that road. There are
water, pipes right on that corner. I don't know if Greenport owns
that 20 feet or that 10 feet there, Greenport Water because they
have, I don't know what you call it. Faucets are in there for the
three houses that are on Ashamonaque and I would hope that they
would leave as many trees they can there to kind of deaden the
sound of the cars and the trucks going on Route 48 and also there's
a little shed there that the previous owner Haas had said to me that
I could use. I don't know whose property that is on at this
moment. I have my bicycles iu there. It's not locked, it's just a
shed.
CHAIRMAN: Said shed to be removed.
MS. PAETZ: OK, then they probably own all of that section there.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, except for the right-of-way.
MS. PAETZ: Right up to Beverly Road there?
CHAIRMAN: Yes. Inclusive of Beverly Road it looks like.
.Page :17 - Hearing ~iranscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MS. PAETZ: Well, that's OK, I just wanted to know. Who owns
that corner where those water things are? My water comes from the
Main Road from Gveenport on the Main Road. I don't have a well,
but the other three houses do and those have faucets or whatever.
If there's a leak they have to go in there all the time, lift up that
big -
CHAIRMAN: I don't know. It's probably part of the road bed. I
think the road is 66 feet wide at that point. It shows a variable
width here. However, I think it's 66 feet wide.
MS. PAETZ: See, this has a Iittle light line here where I was
concerned. Right after it says 70 feet there's a very littte light
line and this corner right where that 70 is -
CHAIRMAN: You're goiag to have to show me that Mrs. Paetz. I
can't see where you're pointing.
MS. PAETZ: Lets see, Beverly and this north road, and there's a
little light line that goes here and I was wondering if they go -
CHAIRMAN: That's the water serviee line. That is the water
service line.
MS. PAETZ: And Greenport services that? Greenport won't touch
it. It's amazing. It's a private road and there was a leak in there
alxd they won't touch it because they just stand there.
CHAIRMAN: Well, they won't touch it because it's on somebody
else's property-, that's the reason why.
MS. PAETZ: So~ they own those pipes too. This is what I want to
know.
CHAIRMAN: Well, there is probably a prescriptive easement over
that, over that piece of property.
MS. PAETZ: This is only what I was concerned about. If they
would just try to keep some trees. Maybe I eoald ask them. When
they have a hearing I'll come down and speak because it is nice to
see the trees.
CHAIRMAN: Alright, so we'll see you back on July a
MS. PAETZ: Whenever. Is it definitely set July what, 9th?
CHAIRMAN: i0th.
MS. PAETZ: Thank you so much.
.Page 18 - Ilearing ~Iranscripts
June t9, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Is the~e anybody else would like to speak in behalf of
Nickhart Realty before we recess the hearing? Hearing no further
comment I'll make a motion recessing the hearing to the next regular
schedule meeting.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Did you give a date that?
CHAIRMAN: Yes, July 10th. I need a second.
MEMBER DOYEN: Second.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
7:58 P.M. - Appl. No. 4487 - DONALD AND PATRICIA FEILER
CHAIRMAN: (Owuer: Homan Realty). This is a request for a Special
Exception under Article VII for conversion of building from
single-family to "business and professional offices" as provided by
Section 100-7lB, subsection 2. RO Zone. 11725 Main Road,
Mattituck; Parcel ~000-141-4-40.
Mr. FEILER: I'm Donald Feiler. Pm asking for a Special
Exception. I'll tel1 all about what we are hoping to do when we
convert tile house on the Main Road in Mattituck in my own
architectural office. I don't claim to add on to the building, no
additions and it will remain residential in appearance. In
furtherance, I plan to make, to remove the vinyl siding, restore the
original board-and~button siding that was on there- it's probably
over 100 years old, I'm uot sure the age of the house. Install an
accessible lam~eb ramp entry on the back of the building. Pave off
street parkiug behind the building and that's been approved by the
Planning Board. The back yard is already screened on three sides
with stockade fence a~d tile driveway is going to be at the same
location as tile existiug location. It'll be little traffic during
the day to my business and none after business hours. There's a
big black walnut tree that's in the fronl and in full bloom now - you
can hardly see the house and it's going to remain, I'm not going to
take it down so to improve the visibility let it stay. And I've
spoken to all four of my neighbors, new neighbors, Mr. Devito, the
Coopers, tile Kruegers, Alan Cardinale who is across the street~ and
they're all very supportive, they welcome the change and they
consider it a big improvement aud Jim Mooney called me this evening
and is suppose to be here but his wife has been in labor for 20
hours. Other basiaesses in tile area just down about four houses,
there's a lawyer and the next house is an accountant, and ,
boat showroom is to the west and Handy Pantry across the street,
cargo, video, photo store, mixed use, so I don't think it will be too
different. It will be within the character. Hopefully everything
· Page 19 - Hearing 'l'r'~nscriptS
~June ]9, 1997 Board of Appeals
will work out, and as contract vendee, I'm hoping to close soon and
I'm looking for your support.
CHAIRMAN: We'll start with Member Doyen.
MEMBER DOYEN: I have nothing.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No, the Planning Board you're going to provide
seven parking spaces and the curb cut in the back? That was the
thing that I was concerned about wl~en I was down there, just
because I was, outward parking so could turn around and come out
because it is a Main Road. That was my primary concern.
MR. FEILER: Yes, like I said the driveway will be where it is now.
It's not going to be iii the place it could be.
MEMBER TORTORA: You dida't have a lot of areas moved around in
as far as the driveway.
CHAIRMAN: Just as a point of reference, when did they put that
siding on? It use to be board-and-barton up to a couple of years
ago wasn't it?
MR. FEILER: Tile principle had bought it in 85.
CHAIRMAN: Subsequent to 85.
MR. FEILER: I would thing after that. Since then, its been a
usual two family residence up to a year ago.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann.
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DIN1ZIO: No, ilo questions.
CHAIRMAN: While you're standing there Don, is there anybody in
the audience would like to speak in favor of this application?
Anybody like to speak against the application? Hearing no further
testimony, I'll make a motion closing the hearing reserving decision
until later.
BOA'RD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Who would like to second that
motion?
MEMBER DIN1ZIO: Second.
~Page 20 - Hearing Trailscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
cHAIRMAN: Ali ill favor. MEMBERS: Ayes.
8:02 P.M. ~ Appl. No. 4469 - RAYMOND FEDYNAK
CHAIRMAN: (Cappyover) l~equests for : (1) approval of Waiver
under Section 100-26 for a single non-conforming lot identified as
1000-123-5-15, which is vacant, or (2) alternative relief under
Article III-A, Section 100-30A.3 by variance for approval of lot
sizes, as opiginally created, which now have insufficient lot area,
depth and width in this R-40 Zone. Fay Court, Mattituck. Is there
someone here representing? How are you tonight Sir. Would you like
to address tile issue here?
MR. MONAG}tAN: Yes, I would. I'm Richard F. Monaghan.
Raymond is a neighbop of miue iii Mattituck. l'm the attorney
representing him in this matter. What he is basically asking the
Board to do is reverse the decision of the Building Inspector for the
following reasons. I think that when he purchased the property in
1980 there were two parcels he purchased and as I lived across the
street from the parcels for 10 years, the parcels have been, the
house and the parcels. No-one lived in it for approximately
years and it had been overgrown and Raymond and his wife Jac
bought the house specifically with the idea there were two parcels
involved on the property and his idea was that eventually what he
had hoped to do was after he cleared the property which took him
approximately two years, the house was infested with leaves and it
was overgrown. As I said, it took him approximately two years to
clean it. That eventually some day because of his two children he
had hoped to at least sometime in the near future, leave those
parcels to his children. From an Estate Tax point of view as recently
developed, as it makes more sense to do it now than never clear.
The Unified Credit and the Annual Exemption the property is worth
$60 - $80,000, what he would like to do is deed or make annual
distributions with his wife joining it, give that property to his
children so they can get benefits of living in Mattituck. Give to
the childreu and if they lived here, they're in their late twenties
now. He hopes eventually to have them live next to him when he
retires and what he would like to do is deed the parcel over to
them. I think in tile spirit of 100-26 would be that is lot sizes are
not average, that plot size is not average that goes around them.
live across the street from it for 15 years, on a 50 x 100 plot. I
don't think this is a density issue, I think it makes good sense from
an economic point of view as I said because he runs into a problem
having some estate tax problems perhaps down the road, with
property appreciatiug with his other assets so what we would like to
do is ask the Board to waive the merger of what occurred back in 83
and allow him the opportunity to at least proclaim his estate with
Page 21 - Hearing ~i~mscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
more efficiency. Last year he had the opportunity to travel, to look
at his estate plan and that was one of the things that surfaced and
has a poteutial p~'oblem to his Estate Taxes if he doesn't. He could
then get the property unmerged and he is alIowed to give it to his
children.
CHAIRMAN: OK, Mr. Dinizio, questions?.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann?
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions at the moment.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Doyen.
MEMBER DOYEN: Nb questions.
CHAIRMAN: For the record, I do understand the estate situation.
For the life of me though, I, and 1 do understand that you live on a
50 foot piece of property across the street,
MR. MONAGBAN: I did.
CHAIRMAN: You did, OK,
MR. MONAGHAN: I did. I moved back. I use an area that
occasionally gets bits by northeasters so it was across the street, I
had a problem, so I moved about 700 feet back.
CHAIRMAN: I remember the Fire Department down there and we've
taken many people off of those properties, partieularly in the
November, December 1992 storm. I have to be honest with you Mr.
Monaghan, I just dou't see creating or recreating a 50 foot lot in
that area but that's just my opinion.
MR. MONAGItAN: I figure if you look at the other lots there not
this similar.
CHAIRMAN: No, you're absolutely correct. There are some smaller
lots in the area and there are some larger lots in the area.
MR. MONAGHAN: I'll tell you that this particular neighbor on lot
15, by the name of Burne, boaght that lot precisely for the same
reason that the Fedynaks bought theb~ lot and that was eventually
gifted to his children so that they could buiIda home. So, I mean,
there is a spirit in a sense I think in Camp Mineola, there was at
Page 22 - tlearing ~.dnscripts
',.June 19, 1997 Board of Al)peals
one time as I recollect in 1976 30 some odd children in the area most
of whom all love that area. I have 5 children, they still come out
to Mattituck, they love Mattituck. I know his 2 children, Fedynak's
two children love Mattituck and I think if you take it in that spirit
that these kids love this place they eventually some of them want to
come back.
CHAIRMAN: You know, I'm not here to offer other relief but,
mean, there ape other avenues that can be done. On a stretch of
an imagination the garage could be pulled over to the house and
could be made a part of an accessory apartment, possibly. There
are other options that are here.
MR'. MONAGtIAN: Knowing the piece of property as I do, it would
be a difficult stretch -
CHAIRMAN: Yoa know the house is not a terribly large house as we
can see.
MR. MONAGtiAN: That's another reason why you wouldn't want to
deed the property over to his children so they could build their
own. As you know one of the things that you don't want to lose
frankly, if the children leave you don't want them coming back.
That's one of his concerns. But if you look at it from an estate tax
point of view as you get np to the $600,000 level, once you have
reached that $600,000 level, the estate taxes go for both Federal and
State purposes increase dramatically and pay a fair price for having
property in that category. From his economic point of view, that's a
concern of his. If he could on an annual basis with his wife joining
into the gift-making a $20,000 gift over 4 years assuming he the
property is worth $80,000. In 4 years he's taken an $80,000 asset
out of his estate to the economic benefit of his children or the
objects of the county what he has done is has in fact saved himself
a fair amount of estate taxes - New York and Federal.
CHAIRMAN: Is there anybody in the audience would like to speak
other than this attorney who is an agent for the applicant in favor
of this application? Anybody would like to speak against the
application? }leaping no further comment, any further comment of
this nice gentleman. Thank you very much Sir we appreciate it.
Hearing no further comment I'll make a motion closing hearing
reserving decision.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Wait, he's going -
CHAIRMAN: Oil, yes, how do you do Sir?
MR. FEDYNAK: I have applied for' this separation as Mr. Monaghan
s~id but, I think that if the town doesa't grant it, it also puts me
at another disadvantage. The parcel that I have, I think it's parcel
16, is 100 x 150 feet, which is one of the largest parcels in Camp
Page 23 - Hearing '~anscripts
.June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
Mineola. The rest of the parcels in Camp Mineola average about 50
x 100. If you deny that, that makes my parcel 150 x 150 total and I
do have two separate tax bills and I know the area is zoned for 1
acre zoning but, that does put a hardship on me and everybody else
who has retained a 50 x 100 piece of parcel iu that area has that
right. By not granting it to me you take that right away from me.
That's all I have to say.
CHAIRMAN: Any questions of this applicant?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Oh, sure. Sir,' I have to ask you a few
questions. When you purchased this lot, did you purchase two deeds?
MR. FEDYNAK: I purchased two parcels.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Two parcels.
MR. FEDYNAK: And with two separate tax bills.
MEMBER DIN1ZIO: You have always been receiving two separate tax
bills from the Town of Southold?
MR. FEDYNAK: Seventeea years.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Last year you received two separate tax bills?
MR. FEDYNAK: Two separate tax bills. In 1980 I received two
separate tax bills.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Two separate lot numbers are on the tax bills.
MR. FEDYNAK: Yes. I questioned the Town of Suffolk County and
they said as far as Suffolk County is concerned, it is two parcels.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I mean, do you have cesspools on the vacant lot?
MR. FEDYNAK: No.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Do you have swimming pool?
MR. FEDYNAK: It's an undeveloped pieee of property.
MEMBER DiNIZIO: No garage, no, you dou't store anything on
there, baseball field.
MR. FEDYNAK: No, nothing.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Is it fenced individually, is the whole lot feneed
or is it just sought of open?
Page 24 - Hearing 2,-anscpipts
',June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MR. FEDYNAK: A fence was put across the [[50 to stop people from
using it.
MEMBER DINIZIO: From the back?
MR. FEDYNAK: From the front.
MEMBER DINIZIO: So you don't park your cars on there?
MR. FEDYNAK: No.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's ail.
MR. FEDYNAK: As Mr. Monaghan said, it was intended to
eventually gift it to my children.
MEMBER DINIZIO: So, when did it came to your attention, that you
didn't really have two lots?
MR. FEDYNAK: Wllen my daughter noticed the lots.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Wbat did the notice say?
MR. FEDYNAK: That my properties had been joined.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: That's when you applied for a
Building Permit, right?
MEMBER DINIZIO: But you took an action. Your action was you
wanted to build something on that lot, is that correct?
MR. FEDYNAK: Not me, my children will. Most likely my children.
MEMBER DINIZIO: So, you came to the town and said, we want to
split this lot or whatever.
MR. EEDYNAK: I thought for 17 years that it was since I had two
separate tax bills that it was two separate parcels.
MEMBER DINIZIO: But, what prompted you to, you know, what got
you to this point here, I mean did -
MR. FEDYNAK: You mean coming to this point here?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Did you come to the Town Hall with a specific
thing in miad. How did yon get to this point?
MR. FEDYNAK: There was a notice I think in the paper that any
joined properties had to be applied fop before January a December
31, 1996 and I applied for that.
Page 25 - Hearing T~nscripts
'June 19. 1997 Board of Appeals
MEMBER DINIZIO: You applied for
MR. FEDYNAK: For a separation.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: That was that ad by the
Councilwoman that put the ad in the newspaper?
MR. FEDYNAK: Right.
BOARD OF SECRETARY: For all undersized lots, they should be
aware.
MR. FEDYNAK: So we answered the ad.
BOARD OF SECRETARY: That's right, he answered the ad in the
newspaper.
MR. FEDYNAK: I was under the impression that since I had two tax
bills I had two separate pieces of property and just because they
were in the same name they were put into one continuous piece of
property.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Is that your understanding? That's the only
reason why? Yoa think that's the only reason why it was -
MR. FEDYNAK: Well, the area is zoned for one acre too. I think
that they placed me in a hardship when everybody is dealing in 50 x
~00 tots and I still have the two large lots and you're creating a
larger lot.
CHAIRMAN: But, lets do this before we, because we've done the
same thing ail throughout the entire town for everyone of these.
Would you come back with an analysis cause I want to be, I mean
we're completely fair all the time and you raise some interesting
issues as well as MP. Dinizio did as well as your attorney did and we
realize that this is a timely situation because it took you a little
while fop you to come up with this singular and separate search.
There's no crilieism, there's no contest on that basis, but come back
with an analysis of all the lots in the area on your side from the
water all the way back and tell us how many are 50 x 100.
MR. FEDYNAK: I think you have a tax map.
CHAIRMAN: I have a tax map but I can't read it. I ran blow it up
also, but if you want to do so and we'Ii go lot to lot with you. I
want to give you every possible advantage on this.
MEMBER TORTORA: In.that block 5 or block 5 and block 6?
CHAIRMAN: You eau go block 5 and 8.
.Page 26 - ttearing T~dnscripts
June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
MR. FEDYNAK: Block 5 and 6.
CHAIRMAN: Yes and we'll give you every possible advantage. We did
the exact same think in Cutchogue, l~robably not 6 or 8 months ago.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Are you interested in only vacant
lots, Jerry?
CHAIRMAN: I'm interested in every lot, if it's vacant or improved.
You're goinK to see most of ttmm improved because most of them are
improved there, bat I'm primarily concerned with the ones that are
50 x 100. This particular case is 50 x 150 which is 7500 sq. ft. and
we'll give you every possible advantage that we can deal with and if
you can't do that by July 10th just let us know and we'd be very
happy To rehear it. It's nm something that, I know it's an
immediate concern To you but I mean if ii takes another month it
takes another month, you know what I'm saying.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: I just wauted to say, this is a
two-fold application also an area variance, did you want to ask about
financial, what the value is on it? (Discussion between Member
· Tortora and Jerry)
CHAIRMAN: Are you familiar with what we're requesting Mr.
Monaghan ?
MR. MONAGItAN: I didn't hear, I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN: You do want to rephrase it?
MEMBER TORTORA: Under tile criteria for both an area variance
and for a waiver financial hardship is one of the aspects that we're
suppose to look at, so it would be prudent if you can present some
kind of evidence as to the value of the property with and without
the variance and/or waive.
CHAIRMAN: This way we'll have the entire everything laid right
out on the table for us. We'll give you every possible advantage we
can which we woald do anyway, but, we're jast limited on some of
this information at the moment. Thank you.
MEMBER DOYEN: So you're recessi.ng this?
CHAIRMAN: We'll recess it until July 24th. I'i1 make a motion
recessing this to July 24th.
MEMBER TORTORA: Second.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
.Page 27 -ttearing T~:=nseripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
8:15 P.M. - Appl. No- 4489 - DOUGLAS W. McGAHAN
CHAIRMAN: (Owner: Evelyn Fleet) Applicant is requesting a
Waiver under Article II, Section 100-26, for non-conforming lot
identitied as 1000-103-07-11, which adjoins non-conforming lot
1000-103-07-12, under Article II, Section 100-26. The lots in
question were created by a deed dated 2/1/1923, and dated
10/26/1964; under Section 100-25 the lots in question alee
non-conforming and have merged because they have been held in
common ownership at some time after July 1, 1983." Location of
Property: Stillwater Avenue, Cutchogue, NY; also shown as Lots ?
and 8 on the Map of Green Acres filed in the Suffolk County Clerk's
Office November 3, 19?l. We have a copy these maps as shown in
the rendition of the original subdivision as lot #7, 39,956 sq. ft.
and lot #8, 39,932 sq. ft. I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax
Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. Mr.
McGahan you are on. What woald you like to tell us?
MR. McGAttAN: Just timt these lots both are consistent with the size
lots in this subdivisiou and with the other lots in the neighboring
community and what we plan on doing is building separate houses on
each lot, separate family homes, consistent with the size of the
homes in that neighborhood.
CHAIRMAN: We'll start with Mr. Doyen.
MEMBER DOYEN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, I just want, I did see the properties and
I just wanted to get the exact size of each lot again.
MR. McGAtlAN: Well the map of Big Green Acres subdivision which
was surveyed by VanTuyl, shows lot ll, 39,956 sq.ft, and lot 12 at
39,932 sq. ft.
MEMBER TORTORA: So, both of the lots in question are less than
100 feet of the total required 40,000 sq. ft.
MR. McGahan: That's right.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's all.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Ostermann:
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No questions.
Page 28 ' Ilearing Transcripts
June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: While you're standing there Mr. MeGahan, is there
anybody in the audieuce would like to speak in favor other than the
applicant or coutract winder? Anybody like to speak against?
Hearing no further comment I'll make a motion closing hearing
reserving derision until later. Anybody second it?
MEMBER DINIZIO: I second it.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
8:18 P.M. - Appl. No: 4491 LOUIS MOORE BACON
CHAIRMAN: This is an application requesting approval for
modification, in part, of Variance Project #4354 approved by the
Board ef Appeals on March 6, 1996. Location of Property: Robins
Island; Suffolk County District 1000, Section 134, Block 3, Lot 5, of
434+- acres. The specific areas requested for consideration are:
(1) AREA C. FARM CENTER: Modification as follows:
(A) C.4 Agricultural/Maintenance Compound: Reduce size,
scope and reassignment of sleeping quarters, and location slightly to
the east.
(B) C.5 Gamekeepers Barn: Add use for periodic
sleeping quarters of two staff employees (reassignment).
(2) B.5 DUCI,: INN-COTTAGE: Restore building and add use of
periodic sleepiag quarters for one employee.
(3) B.1 LANE LODGE-HOUSE: Minor clarification for record
purposes to show bright exists as three stories, not 2-1/2 stories as
originally requested.
I have a copy of the map indicating these and the other existing
structures and dwellings on the property and I have a copy of the
Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties
in the area. Mr. Law would you like to be heard, Sir?
MR. LAW: Kevin Law, Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle, for Mr.
Bacon. Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak tonight.
In our application to the Board that we submitted on June 2nd,
basically we're askiag the Board to (1) clarify and (2) partially
modify its prior determination last year m~d in that decision the
Board indicated that if there were revisions to the plan we needed to
rome back to the Board for /ts review and/or approval. For starts,
the request for clarification from the Board regarding the number of
stories co,trained in the Lane Lodge, review tbis as more of a
housekeeping item. We inadvertently indicated last year that the
Lane Lodge was a 2-1/2 story structure when in fact it is a three
story structure. We are not changing the growth, we're not
Page 29 - IIearing rI'tanscripts
,June 19, 1997 Beard of Appeals
changing the height of the building, it's just that it's a three
stox~y building and we waut a prior determination to reflect that it
was a three story building and we request the Board to clarify
that. Again, we are not seeking to renew our additional height
bearings for that structure. That's the clarification in minor
revisions to the plan the Board approve ..... The Duck Inn is a
very smali structure, it's Iocated on your map as 3-5, it is right
next to the Mackay Cottage and historically was known as the Duck
Inn, one of the caretaker cottages on the property. Very small
structure. We had originally proposed to demolish it. We thought it
wasn't salvageable and it had some major repairs that we thought it
~xeeded, but, as the Island and the plan was sought of a working
progress every day, every week, the project team learns new things
about the property and upon further inspection of that building we
thought it was salvageable and was deemed worthy of savkxg and
we'd like to restore that facility and keep it in the same place.
We're not seeking a height' variance, keep it exactly the way it is,
but, just we're looking to repair it. Upon restoring the Duck Inn
we intend to use it just as, again periodic sleeping quarters for one
of the staff members on the property who will be over there during
either forestry activities or hunting activities. The property
again, will not be a year-round will not be a year-round use.
CHAIRMAN: Isn't that the original caretakers' cottage that --
MR. LAW: Our of the origi~ml.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, that was the one who the gentleman who basically
utilized that cottage for 20 years or so.
MR. LAW: Correct, Mr. Tuthill will look kindly upon this in his
eternal reward hopefully.
MR. LAW: Yes, unfortunately he passed away two years ago.
CHAIRMAN: OK, thank you.
MR. LAW: Additionally, if you recall in the farm renter, the middle
of the island, we had proposed Agrieultural Compound with an
existing structure which is referred to as Workshops and
Poultryman's house and then we were going to build three new
sought of wings attached to that and build a quadrangle type of
structure. We,ve changed that a bit and we reduced the scope of
those buildings and the size of those buildings and now rather than
quadrangle we're talking about two unattached wings and the
existing structure which is where the Workshop and Poultryman's
house is, we are looking to restore. So, it will not be a quadrangle
concept but there will be sought of three unattached wings. One
existent wing of that formerIy proposed quadrangle and two new
unattached wiugs very close to the area that we proposed it be
located last year. I understand the Board wilt be inspecting the
Page 30 - }teariug 'l,anscripts
"~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
property next week and we can show you and we'll have the area
roped off wbere the unattached wings are proposed. You'll notice 50
feet differently than what we proposed last year.. The more
significant change involving this structure is that the Board last
year approved one of the uses of this building could be used for
sleeping quarters for four employees or staff members of the
propemy and what we are requesting in light of the fact that we
changed the design aud reduced the scope of the building is to
reassign those three ~o four sleeping quarters that you gave us
permission ~o do. Again, we're not looking for an increase, we're
looking for a reassignmen~ of those four sleeping quarters. One of
the sleeping quarters we'd like ~o see reassigned would be to the
Duck Inn that we're now saviug and we're looking to restore and two
of the other four previously approved sleeping quarters we're
looking ~o have reassigned ~o what is known as the Gamekeeper's
Barn. Whal is interestiug why I referred to before, when you asked
me the question abou~ tile Duck Inn as oue of the Caretakers'
Cottages, if you notice in our submittals last year, the
Environmental Assessment form, [hat rather small document that was
thicker than the yellow pages, included in one of the exhibits the
historical overview of all those structures. In there, it indicates
that the barn was daring the nineteen forties used as a Caretaker's
residence and [here was slots if you can calI them where you could
actually see that [here might have been two bedrooms or places
where you could put beds. Again. we're looking to reduce the
scope of some of the buildings and looking to put previously
approved functions in existent buildings. This would allow us to get
bedrooms and existent building that has undergone some significant
renovation over the last year when the structures that continues
concentrating on and we would request the Board to reassign three
of those four sleeping quarters. Again, we feel like last year we
already justified the need for the sleeping quarters. We're only
asking for a reassignment. The necessity hasn't gone away. We're
again just looking to redistribute what was previously approved and
they'll be no increase in the aggregate amount. That's basically
it. We provided you as you required of us, a status report, March
31st, sought of gave you an update as to what happened in. the last
year since you approved tile plan and if you read it, it's was pretty
self-explanatory. I'd be happy to answer any questions relating to
the status report or to our request for the clarification and
modification of the Board's prior detemnination of last year.
CHAIRMAN: What it appears to me on tile surface is that you
actually want Io have people occupying certain strategic buildings
within the agricultural area. I mean, I call see the reason for Duck
Inn. Quite houestly, I can never see the reason for destroying it
because it is ahnost a historical building. There are buildings that
were worst than that that you worked on, you know what I'm saying?
MR. LAW: Right
Page 31 - Hearing ri:.anscripts
~ ~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: But, that's not for me to comment on other than the
fact that I'm happy that you're keeping it, but, it almost sounds
like that you want to logistically place people within the
Agricultural Compound area strategic buildings for its specific
reason. Is there any reason for that?
MR. LAW: No, it's a good observation. What we're trying to do is
sought of with the security and service needs of the property in
mind, be able to have a place in the various areas where there's
going to be activity. In that hunting lodge area and then in the
agricultural center area. That's what we're looking to do.
CHAIRMAN: OK, thank you. We'll start with Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I guess we're going to be over there next
week?
CHAIRMAN: Right. Mrs. Ostermann.
MEMBER OSTERMANN: No questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora.
MEMBER TORTORA: The only thing is, do you have any kind of site
plans of the new proposal for the Agricultural Compound?
MR. LAW: Yes and it's on your map that we submitted. What we
tried to do if I may approach, not the bench, but the dais here,
what we tried to indicate on the map here in the gray area that was
the formerly proposed site and then right to the right of that you'll
see, "sec 4", that's the Iocatiou of the two new wings. We tried to
indicate what was previously proposed and then in light blue what is
currently proposed.
MEMBER TORTORA: No, I was just wondering so that we could fix
some kind of size, you kuow, what the actual reductions are, etc.
MR. LAW: I'll be happy to provide that to you by next
Wednesday. That is, as to what the scope I believe.
MEMBER TORTORA: See, but we're not just talking about reduced
size, we'll know exactly where we're going.
MR. LAW: Fine, I brought Mr. Thompson down from all the way
down from Collneoticut, to the extent I can't answer any of your
technical questions, perhaps he can tonight.
CHAIRMAN: Jim yea want to address that?
MR. THOMPSON: Jim Thompson, Mr. Bacon's architect, and I think I
can clarify the question. The previous application was for an
Page 32 - Hearing 'l~-anscripts
~June 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
aggregate of 30,000 sq. ft. of construction, item C-4 and C-4-1,
Farm Compound. The curve proposal is for the renovation of the
existing Poultryman's Workshop wi~ich is about 7,000 sq. ft. and a
construction of 12,000 sq. ft. of new space. So, we're looking at
coming from 30 down to 19, so it's reduction is just over 50%.
Again, I think to reenforce Kevin's comments if you go back and
look at the scenario for construction strategy, the timing, the
sequence of activity on the Island recognizing the multiyear aspect
of this are mandated then to focus on the restoration of the existing
and historic structures that design process has led ns through a
number of decisions wlmre we're trying to optimize those facilities
and also recognize that in any design process there is some evolution
and we find that Mr. Bacon has been there for two years of activity
where they did not have the capacity to have shelter or housing for
s~aff to support the family and their guest activities of their
wintertime so he's really come to us and said, look you've got to
rethink the program for space because we're initially saw all of
these periodic staff quarters going essentially into new construction
and so the combination of looking at the priority of delivering
portions of the property for nsc this year and trying to optimize the
use of the existing structure such as dock use, I'm the one who is
guilty of initially concealing of it not being there and he has
agreed to go to some expense to keep it particularly Mrs. Bacon
decided that she liked it quite a bit. So, I guess she's the one who
really gets the credit for saving it, so, those things influenced us
in any - OK. If we could rearrange how we're looking at the use
of those existing buildings that we're getting priority attention
then that would solve an operational dilemma for him for this coming
winter and so that's -- than the trade-off probably in the design
processing. We do feel that the need is considerable, there has
been a risk and a hardship related to how do we transport people
during the wintertime and we'd like to avoid in the coming season
and this seemed the best solution to get to that port.
CHAIRMAN: In tile construction of any apartment type of aspect
and I'm not talking about design construction, I'm talking about
fireproofing and so on and so forth, tilts is all done with typical
zoning, excnse me, Building Code mandate trend. There's no
question, we're all, everything is zoned?
MR. THOMPSON: Yes, we're bing monitored very closely by the
Building Department.
CHAIRMAN: Alright, thank you. Mr. Law, you have something else?
MR. LAW: Yes, just two other minor points: Again, I think the
Board sl~ould keep in mind all the structures again will only be used
periodically. None of them, other than the Caretaker's Cottage that
you approved last year cad which isn't built yet, nor plans aren't
even designed yet, which that structure was allowed to be used
year-pound all of these structures we're requesting, reveal that they
Page 33 - Hearing T~ahscripts
gune 19, 1997 Board of Appeals
only be used periodically and if there is any concern by the Board
for precedence I'd just like to get on record that the Island as.we
ail know is very unique by the fart that it's an island is unique and
I think the property being an island precludes the use of this ease
as a precedence for any other proposal similar unless it was of
similar size and stroke. I know we got accused of lawyers speaking
too much bat since we're establishing a record I just like to put on
the record that we believe that all of these requests contain on this
application are consistent with the Board's prior determination, will
not change tile character of the Island or the community. It
observes the spirit of tile Zoning Ordinance and will not have any
negative effect on the environment and there will be no undesirable
change or any detriment to the health safety or welfare of the
community.
CHAIRMAN: Right, thank you.
MR. LAW: Thauk you, thauk you for your time.
CHAIRMAN: In the audience, is there anybody else would like to
speak in favor? Anybody like to speak against? Hearing no further
.. comment I will close tiffs hearing pending the inspection that we will
make next Thursday morning at 9:00 A.M. If anything is of concern
to us, we'll certainly reopen tile hearing by a unanimous vote but,
at this particular poiut we're in effect closing it pending that
inspection. We thank you very much gentlemen for coming in. Did
you second that .Jim?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Yes I did.
CHAIRMAN: All in favor.
MEMBERS: Aye.
RECEIVED AND FILED BY
Tile SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
DATE -7/~t/~7 HOUR ~'.o~ ~r~
Town Clerk, Town of Souiholcl