HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-02/23/1999 HEARINGPp.
TRANSCRIPT OF ZBA HEARINGS
HELD February 23, 1999
1 Appl. No. 4658-JEANNE SWEET BARTOS
10 Appl. No. 4609-MARY MURPHY
12 Appl. No. 4653-WILLIAM & CATHERINE (SMITH) MULRAIN
15 Appl. No. 4654-MILES D. GORENKOFF, D.M.D. (Owner Greeves)
21 Appl. No. 4656-JOSEPH KOLLEN
27 Appl. No. 3426-G. DOROSKI & ALEX & S. VILLANI
26 Appl. No. 4651-WILLIAM HANDS, JR.
29 Appl. No. 4655-J. BOYLE & HANDS FUEL CO.
36 PATIO INTERPRETATION discussion (Hands)~Not a public~~)
51 Appl. No. 4649-PLANNING BOARD REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATION
62 Appl. No. 4643-JOHN MESLOH
63 Appl. No. 4644-MARIA TRUPIA
Transcript of Public Hearings
February 23, 1999
Southold Town Board of Appeals
(Prepared by Lucy Farrell from Tape Recordings)
6:38 P.M. - Appl. No. 4658 - JEANNE SWEET BARTOS
This is an application for Variances under Article XXIII, Section
100-239.48 and Article XXIV, Section 100-244B, based upon issuance
of two Notices of Disapproval dated January 7, 1999, for total lot
coverage and setbacks from bulkhead for a proposed addition to
dwelling, and "as built" deck. Location of property: 1829 Mill Road,
Peconie, N.Y., 1000-67-7-14.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a survey by John C. Ehlers
indicating the proposed addition, the existing deck and the other
improvements on the property. I have a copy of the Suffolk County
Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area.
Who is representing Bartos? Good evening Sir. Can I ask you to
use the mike please and speak into it and state your name.
MR. BARTOS: Yes, I'm Michael Bartos.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: How do you do.
MR. BARTOS: Jean's husband and I have the architect.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Great. Specific questions on the size of
the parcel and the size of the building and so on and so forth. Are
you prepared to do that Mr. Bartos?
MR. BARTOS: Yes. We have copies for the Board.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, Great. You want to give them to us?
MR. BARTOS: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you, Sir. Mr. Bartos, how long
is the existing deck in there to your knowledge?
Page 2 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. BARTOS: I really don't know, it was before my father-in-law
passed.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: And there have been no changes to that
deck and there are no anticipation of any changes to that deck?
MR. BARTOS: No, not at all.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I'll review this. If I have any questions
on it, I'll do it at the hearing. Mr. Dinizio do you have any
questions of the applicant?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I don't have any questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS: The drawing that you just gave us which I'm
just absorbing, this shows what I would call the front stoop or the
front entrance area, -
MR. GABRYSIAK: Yes.
MEMBER COLLINS: But it does not show the existing 10 x 14 deck.
MR. GABRYSIAK: No, it doesn't.
MEMBER COLLINS: And there was another drawing in our files
which I believe, Sir, probably came from you because it has some
architect's notations on it that's marked "existing wooden deck to be
relocated?"
MR. BARTOS: Yes.
MEMBER COLLINS:
What is the story here on that?
MR. GABRYSIAK: That's - the existing wood deck is 10 x 14. It's
location is not appropriate to where the entrance doors are going to
be in the new addition. So the deck will be dismantled and
relocated.
MEMBER COLLINS: Where?
MR. GABRYSIAK: To the back of the house. It's shown on one of
the drawings. Would you like me to bring your attention to that
drawing?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
record, by the way?
Sure. Could you state your name for the
MR. GABRYSIAK: OH, yes, Marion Gabrysiak.
CHAIRMAN GoEHRINGER: Thank you Sir.
Page 3 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER COLLINS: Mr. Gabrysiak, I mean we have of course the
drawings of the called the survey of the house as it exists now, and
it shows the deck and I was there and I looked and the deck is
indeed where it's shown. What I'm getting at is, your statement
that it's to be relocated, since we're concerned here among other
things about setbacks, I'm interested where it's going to go.
MR. GABRYSIAK: If you would turn to drawing A-IA, -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right here.
MR. GABRYSIAK: Second sheet.
MEMBER COLLINS: Oh, I should have studied it. OK, I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
wall that's in between.
It's actually going to truncate the new
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: I think we didn't have six originals
of these and we can't duplicate these maps, so there's one for the
file.
MEMBER COLLINS: Oh, OK, I'm sorry and I've been on vacation.
MR. GABRYSIAK: Let me just spread this out so you can see it.
MEMBER COLLINS: I apologize. I've been on vacation and I didn't
go into the office to look that up.
MR. GABRYSIAK: Oh, no, that's OK. We probably do this in New
~lersey at the Planning Board, so. What we're going to do is,-
MEMBER COLLINS: This is the addition over here.
MR. GABRYSIAK: This is the addition and this is where we're
going to relocate the deck to. So basically what we're doing is
we're moving it, if you were to look at the back of the house to the
left.
MEMBER COLLINS: OK, then, now I therefore understand the -
yeah, now I understand why the Building Inspector's denial refers
to the deck as being only 16 feet from the bulkhead. And it was
clear to me that in fact~ that it's further from the bulkhead. But
when you move it, it's going to be only 16 feet.
MR. GABRYSIAK: Right, that's exactly.
MEMBER COLLINS: OK, fine.
MR. GABRYSIAK: That's the exercise we went through when we
went for the Building Permit. OK, would you like me to leave that?
MEMBER TORTORA: Lora, I was confused about the same point. If
the deck as it is, is 16 the nearest edge is 16, I measured it off
Page 4 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
from the bulkhead. When you move it, it's going to be even
closer. If you take a ruler you'll catch it very quickly.
MEMBER COLLINS: Oh, I read about 20 using a ruler as the
current setback. But the point I think Lydia and colleagues is that
the proposed moving of the deck will in fact put it closer to the
bulkhead than it is now.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Is there any reason why that deck has to
be raised? Why it can't be ground level?
MR. BARTOS: It is ground level.
MR. GABRYSIAK: It's only about 8" off the ground.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well that's still above ground.
MR. GABRYSIAK: One step.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yeah, well it's still above ground.
That's the reason why I asked the question. Is there any reason
why a monolithic pour of cement couldn't be done there?
MR. BARTOS: Oh, no, I could do that. That's no problem.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
problem that we have here.
Yeah, that would eliminate the whole
MR. BARTOS: I can do a patio back there?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It has to be flush with the ground.
MR. BARTOS:
there.
Oh, that's no problem.
I'll put a blue stone patio
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, that would be greatly appreciated.
You see, in looking at the surrounding neighborhood, I'm not
positive that your neighbor's deck which is approximately in the
same location as your proposing it, OK.
MR. BARTOS: Right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I'm not sure that's legal, OK. So I mean
I certainly didn't do any investigation on your neighbor's house but
I can tell you that we are getting very close to this bulkhead and
that's an area that we are concerned about as you can see. Is that
correct, Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS: Absolutely.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mrs. Tortora?
Page 5 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, a couple of things. The new figures are
a little confusing. You have Trustee approval. The approval that
you got from the Trustee does not include the deck and didn't
include relocating it for that matter. It does say that there should
be no further construction that should be done seaward.
MR. BARTOS: No. They had a permit. No, they had a survey that
had the deck ineluded on there. They had a current survey.
MEMBER TORTORA: Is this the May 4, 1998 survey?
MR. BARTOS: I think so. Yeah. I have it in my briefcase.
MEMBER TORTORA: I just wanted to make sure that what they
approved included that.
MR. BARTOS: Well could they -we have a waiver from the Trustees.
MEMBER TORTORA: It doesn't make any mention of that of a waiver.
MR. BARTOS: Of the deck?
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Why don't you do this Mr. Bartos.
don't you just call the Trustee's office, -
Why
MR. BARTOS: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Or go down and see them and tell them
that is it alright and get it in writing from them to construct that,
you know, that particular, we of course want a ground level deck.
Monolithic pour, blue stone is fine with us also, OK, I don't care.
When I say monolithic pour I'm referring to one piece poured, OK,
as oppose to you know, done in sections or something. And of
course blocks would be fine too, but as long as it's alright with
them. You know, in coordination with what Mrs. Tortora is saying.
MR. BARTOS: Because, this is, I gave them the plan that the DEC
approved and I gave them (interrupted).
CHAIRMAN GoEHRINGER: Right, OK, remember though that that
deck is now being relocated to the southeast.
MR. BARTOS: Right, OK, right.
MEMBER TORTORA: I guess that's part of what troubles me here
because this is the one that the DEC approved and what they
approved is about'600 sq. ft. in addition. Correct? And one of the
conditions they also didn't want you come any closer to the water.
MR. BARTOS: OK.
Page 6 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA:
water.
So what we're doing is we're coming closer to
MR. BARTOS: OK.
MEMBER TORTORA: And the other thing they were concerned about
and I'm concerned about too, is that I'm trying to figure out where
you going to get those drywe]ls 75 feet from the tidal wetlands?
MR. BARTOS: OK.
of the house.
We can put them over here closer to the front
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well, that's a stipulation that he has to
live with, so I mean, I mean he'll have to do it, or his contractor
will have to do it.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
before they get a permit.
They have to get all approvals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right. OK? Why don't you think about
that for a little while (to Member Tortora). I mean we don't even
have to close the hearing tonight. We can ask them to come back in
a half hour or something, 'and you can-study it. '~
MEMBER TORTORA: The addition is 15 x 36? Is that the addition?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: 36'6".
MR. BARTOS: 36'6".
MEMBER TORTORA: And that's on not really the south side of the
house? I guess the east -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Southeast side. (Silence)
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Are you done now?
MEMBER TORTORA: I'm just, the only thing -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well you can come back.
MEMBER TORTORA: You had revised the calculations on the lot
coverage downward from what you originally submitted. You
originally estimated 2,006 sq. ft. and you readjusted those downward.
MR. BARTOS: Well I'm responsible for that. When I first came to
the Zoning Board I saw there was a discrepancy between the
Building Department and our records, and I made them the same
because I didn't want to get into trouble with the Building
Department and then I was told that was wrong so I had the
architect recalculate the measurements.
MEMBER TORTORA: OK. Thank you.
Page 7 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: So what's the percentage over?
MEMBER TORTORA: He's maintaining there isn't any over.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: You're maintaining that there
overage of 20%? Is that what you're maintaining?
MEMBER COLLINS: No.
MR. BARTOS: It's about 1%.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
MR. BARTOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
About 1%. OK, so you are 217
OK.
MR. BARTOS: And if I take the deck off-
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
MR. BARTOS: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: More or less.
MR. BARTOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I mean -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
variance.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right.
So it's going to be even then?
is no
I mean that was my point.
So he only needs the setback
MEMBER HORNING: Is Mr. Bartos telling us that this 10 foot by 14
foot deck on the survey as May 4, 1998, will not be moved? Will be
removed?
MR. BARTOS: It will be removed.
MEMBER HORNING: It will be removed?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right.
MEMBER HORNING: And you will do something else? A patio or
something -
MR. BARTOS: Yes, I'll get the approval first from the Trustees.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: As long as it's in accordance with the
Town Trustees.
MEMBER HORNING: OK.
Page 8 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. BARTOS: No problem.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Alright, OK, while you're welcome to sit
down and we'll see if anything else develops throughout the
hearing. Is there anybody else would like to speak in favor of this
application? Anybody like to speak against the application? Any
further comments from Board Members? Anybody? (None) OK. So
Mr. Bartos, just so I keep this - I'm just addressing basically. You
will go to the Trustees, you will discuss with them the patio issue,
OK.
MR. BARTOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
whatever ground level-
And, if they agree to a, you know,
MR. BARTOS: No problem.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
you'll let us know on that.
Type of material you intend t° use,
MR. BARTOS: Absolutely. All I have to do is -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, either submit a letter, fax us a
letter, or whatever the case might be, or ask them to fax us a letter
you know, based upon that situation. Because that will eliminate the
lot coverage and that will eliminate the setback situation.
MR. BARTOS: OK, fine.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Which is of importance to us.
MR. BARTOS. Sure.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It does not eliminate the setback.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: It does not eliminate the setback?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
setback.
He still needs a variance for the
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
It doesn't eliminate.
You said eliminating the setback.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
the setback.
Well if he uses gravel, it will eliminate
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Well the corner of the addition
needs a variance.
Page 9 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was talking
the deck specifically. Yes. Oh, I know there's still a setback issue
on that. OK, thank you so much.
MR. BARTOS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Hearing no further comment I'll make a
motion closing hearing reserving decision pending that information
from the applicant.
MEMBER HORNING: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 10 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
6:55 P.M. - Appl. No. 4609 MARY MURPHY
This is a request for a Variance, based upon the Building
Inspector's August 14, 1998, Notice of Disapproval (for a Building
Permit) Article XXIII, Section 100-239.4 for permission to locate new
dwelling with a setback at less than 100 feet from the top of the
bluff on Long Island Sound, at private right-of-way extended north
of Bridge Lane, which parcel is known as 9206 Bridge Lane,
Cutchogue, N.Y.; Parcel 1000-73-2-3.3.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, on the issue of Mary Murphy, just
for the record I know that we have basically closed this to
verbatim. I revisited the property. I will make my presentation to
the Board and I offer a Resolution to close the hearing. Unless
anybody has anything specific?
MEMBER TORTORA:
on the record?
Is that you want to provide your presentation
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Presentation? I don't understand.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
opinion about a decision.
Well my presentation in reference to my
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
hearing record.
Oh, I thought you meant for the
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, not for the whole hearing.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: No. OK.
MEMBER COLLINS: You don't intend to do that tonight, Jerry?
You intend to do that at the meeting which we -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well unless we do a straw poll tonight, I
will tell you what my opinion is. I mean it's entirely up to you. I
mean I can restate here at this time.
MEMBER COLLINS: No, I'm just asking if you wanted this to go on
the record?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
opinion?
You're talking about deliberations
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, deliberations opinion.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Yes, deliberations, OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
a -
In reference to setbacks and reference to
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: We're talking about the hearing?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: The hearing itself.
Page 11 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER COLLINS: So, you move to close the hearing?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I move to close the hearing.
MEMBER COLLINS: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: All in favor?
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 12 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
6:58 P.M. - Appl. No. 4653 - WILLIAM & CATHERINE (SMITH)
MULRAIN
This is a request for a Variance under Article III, Section 100-33,
based upon issuance of a Notice of Disapproval, dated December 29,
1998, in applicant's request for a Building Permit for an "as built"
shed which does not meet the minimum three feet setback, required
by the Zoning Code. Location of Property: 1520 Bray Avenue,
Laurel, N.Y.; 1000-126-7-27.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a copy of the survey indicating
the existing house, blacktop driveway and the nature of the
application before us which is the shed, which is within two feet of
the property line instead of three feet.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: At two feet.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: At two feet, yes. And a copy of the
Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties
in the area. Who would like to be heard? Good evening. Would
you state your name for the record.
MRS. MULRAIN;
Mulrain.
Good evening.
My name is Catherine Smith
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: What would you like to tell us?
MRS. MULRAIN: Well, I've owned the property for the last 10 years
and the shed has been up and none of the neighbors have said
anything against and no complaints about it. It's a very good, well
made shed.
MR. MULRAIN: The shed is also wired which we have the
Underwriters and the shed is also being -- because we couldn't just
pull it back, it's 2 foot plus. So we just couldn't pull it back.
You would have to almost destroy it. I could show pictures of the
condition of the shed.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, we've all seen it, thank you. That
was the question I was going to ask you. It is fixed to a permanent
cement foundation? Also, this shed was built by a prior owner?
MRS. MULRAIN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: And this was an issue that you weren't
aware of?
MRS. MULRAIN: (Nodded yes).
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Until this time?
MRS. MULRAIN: See, when I bought the house from him he held the
mortgage and then when I went for my own mortgage, they never
Page 13 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
you know, asked me for a CO.
will only need a CO.
But, I just sold the house and we
MR. MULRAIN: It was brought up when we went to see our lawyer
when we were getting into contract upon selling the housem he
looked at the Survey and asked were there a CO for the shed? So
we called Clarence Barry and -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Who was the prior owner.
MR. MULRAIN: He was the prior owner, and he said to my wife,
"Oh, I'm sure there is." At which point I came down to Southold
Town Hall to find out that there wasn't. So at that point that's
where we're at right now.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: For the record, that was Mr. Mulrain
speaking. George, I apologize. They were willing to give us
pictures and I don't know if you looked at it. Would you like to see
the shed?
MEMBER HORNING: No, I didn't.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, would you show Mr. Homing that
picture of the shed. It's a rather stately nice shed.
MEMBER HORNING:
to move it?
Sir, where did you get your estimate of $3,000
MR. MULRAIN: I was told that by my lawyer who contacted them.
MEMBER HORNING: Do you want this for the record?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Mulrain.
I could take one if you don't mind, Mr.
MR. MULRAIN: You can take them both if you'd like (photos).
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Oh, that's great. Thank you. For the
record our Assessor's card indicates the shed has been in existence
since 1979.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
record, right?
There's actually a Building Permit
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, there's actually a Building Permit
record.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: For the adjacent property.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes. So we assume it's been there that
long. It's in excellent condition. It actually looks almost brand
new.
MRS. MULRAIN. Right.
Page 14 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mrs. Tortora, questions?
MEMBER TORTORA: No, I don't have any.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS: No, I thought the fact that the 1979 Building
Permit for the adjacent property showed the shed there then and
just made the shed an historical artifact. That doesn't bother me at
all.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. We'll see what develops here
throughout the hearing. We thank you for your presentation.
MRS. MULRAIN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Is there anybody else would like to speak
in favor of this application? Anybody like to speak against the
application? In an effort to move this along, is there anybody that
would like to make a resolution regarding this?
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'll make that resolution (to approve).
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: We have a draft ready on that.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Granted as applied?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MEMBER DINIZIO: There was. I think to point the exact
measurement, probably is a -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: It's approximately two feet plus or minus.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Yes, because we said 2-1/2 feet
approximately in the decision I think.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Yes, 2-1/2 feet.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's fine. Is that OK with everybody? 2-1/2
feet?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes. I'll second that Mr. Dinizio. All in
favor?
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 15 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
7:04 P.M. - Appl. NO. 4654 - MILES D. GORENKOFF, D.M.D.
(Owner Greeves)
This is a request for a Special Exception, Article VII, Section
100-71B(2) for permission to establish Professional Office Use, as
provided by Article VII, Section 100-71B(2) of the Zoning Code.
Location of Property: 14216 Main Road, Mattituck, N.Y.; Parcel
1000-140-3-26.2. Zone District; RO, Residential Office.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have one letter from a contiguous
property owner that is requesting screening in the rear yard. I
have a site plan indicating the proposed placement of the building
which is not an issue at this hearing. The site plan indicating the
parking and this plan was done by Donald G. Feiler 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, Don?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's Mrs. Mesiano.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Oh, ok. How do you do?
MS. MESIANO: My name is Catherine Mesiano. I'm here on behalf
of Dr. Gorenkoff and acting as his Agent and if you have questions,
or would you like me -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No. Why don't you give us your
presentation and if we have any questions.
MS. MESIANO: The separate site is a 40,000 sq. ft. site located on
the north side ~of the Main Road in Mattituck. 313 feet west of Maple
Street. Dr. Gorenkoff proposes construction of 1600 sq. ft. one-
story dental office. The property is currently zoned RO District
and under that zoning professional office is a use permitted by the
Special Exception. The basis for his request is as follows. The
proposed use is consistent with the present makeup of the
neighborhood which is a mixed use. There is some residential
multi-family,., medical and for the professional uses as well as a
church and library. The proposal of ( ) materials are consistent
with the residential character of the neighborhood. The proposed
parking is situated to the rear of the building. The Zoning requires
five parking spaces; ten are provided. The proposed site lighting
is designed so as to provide on site lighting only and the existing
trees that are shown on that site plan are to be preserved near
additional plantings which are also indicated on that site plan.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
site plan?
OK.
Have you made an application for
MS. MESIANO: An application has been made for site plan.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Has the Planning Board reviewed it at all?
MR. MESIANO: Don can answer that.
Page 16 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. FEILER: The Planning Board has been reviewed by the TOwn
Engineer. The Health Department approved it.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
if you wouldn't mind?
Could we just ask you a question, Don,
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: You might have to use the mike
because we're not picking you up very well. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
just said.
Yes.
Why don't you re-state what you
MR. FEILER: It's under review for a Planning Board approval. We
have Health Department approval. We have State Department of
Transportation, a Highway Permit, and Architectural Review
Committee under review.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: I just wanted to mention today
that Bob Kassner said, they have no objection to the Special
Exception.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. My question is, I don't know if we
should take jurisdiction in reference to the neighbor's concern or if
we should give jurisdiction to the Planning Board in reference to the
buffering in the rear yard. Maybe by the time we have completed
this hearing we'll make a determination which way we're going to
go. We certainly could state it. It looks like you have plenty of
area to land bank parking back there if you need it. It appears
that you don't need it. So I don't know, maybe we should ask the
Planning Board to address that issue rather than deal with it
ourselves. But, we'll see how we go on this particular issue. Do
you have any recommendations on that, Don?
MR. FEILER: I think that's a good idea.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Mesiano was there anything else you
would like to state?
MR. MESIANO: No. I think I addressed all the issues that were
brought up in the Zoning Code and if you have any questions -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, we'll start with the Board.
Dinizio any questions of these two nice people?
Mr.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS: No, no questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mrs. Tortora?
Page 17 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: Do you have any objection to putting a buffer
along the property line? The neighbors that are concerned about
that.
MS. MESIANO: I had discussed this with Don earlier and we, I
think we would like to see more of the random evergreen planting of
a straight privet hedge type of planting. Something that's a little
more consistent with the nature of the existing proposal, I think is
what we like to be able to do rather than a solid wall across the
back because the parking is only 41 feet wide. So it's not a
significant portion of that contiguous neighbor's property, t think
a planting up closer to the parking area rather than on the line
would be more appropriate in this situation.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: How far back from the rear line?
MR. FEILER: It's at least 80 feet from the property line.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
(interrupted).
No, I meant where they're going
MEMBER TORTORA: I see what you're, you're, in other words I
see what you're talking about, but area -
MS. MESIANO: Screen the back of the parking area.
MEMBER TORTORA: You put a fence right along -
MS. MESIANO: Right, rather than just a straight line across the
back property line. Screen the back of the parking area.
MEMBER TORTORA: I actually see what you're talking about, right
here?
MS. MESIANO: I noted, rather than go a straight line and make it
look 'like a strip wall, do something a little more preformed and
naturalized across the back so as to screen it because I don't see
that noise is going to be an issue.
MEMBER TORTORA: This is the neighbor that's concerned.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, they have a swimming pool which is
relatively close to the rear property line. They actually contacted
me personally by telephone.
MEMBER TORTORA: Generally, these types of conditions are types
of conditions that the Zoning Board would put on.
MS; MESIANO: Zoning?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes. See the problem I have is I don't
know what's going to happen in back of that. Is it going to be lawn?
Page 18 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of ApPeals
MS. MESIANO: Yes, this is all going to be planted and grassed.
You can see on here it's noted grass. I have indicated the trees
that exist and that are being maintained as well as the additional
plantings that will be put in. So this will be grassed. Parking is
to be extended as indicated here.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well, why don't you come up with a plan
for us and we'll submit it.
MS. MESIANO: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: And to the neighbor of concern. Either
that or you can submit it to the neighbor of concern and then get
back to us. Submit it to both of us.
MS. MESIANO: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: And a -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: And one to the Planning Board.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
also.
Yes and submit it to the Planning Board
MS. MESIANO:
Board.
To the Zahras, to the Zoning and to the Planning
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, the Planning Board and if no-one
has any objection we'll go with it. What?
MEMBER TORTORA: I'm just thinking if, you know, do you want to
close the hearing and do this?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, I wasn't going to close the hearing.
I was going to close it as verbatim and then just close it at the
next meeting. It's the easiest way to do it and if there's any
verbal communication between the two and they're not happy with it,
we'll reopen it at the next hearing. We'll very simply say, we're
going to reopen it to verbatim and we'll change the buffering. Do
you have any objection to that Mr. Feiler? We're talking three
weeks here.
MR. FEILER: No, I'm not sure.
dense these a -
Did the neighbor mention how
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well you see, that's the concern. The
concern is that if you do it in back of the parking OK, which is not
a problem to us, it still leaves this wide spanse in back, OK, so
that when somebody is cutting a lawn, they are still going to see the
lawn cut. I mean you would see that even if you had a house
there, you know what I'm saying. But I don't know if that's a
concern to them. I was just trying to alleviate any future problems
here and that's it. Personally I would do double buffering, but I
know it's costly. I would do it directly in back of and I would do
Page 19 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
this planting smaller in back of the parking area and then I would
do wider plantings in back by the line. And you can stagger it. I
mean it doesn't have to be straight. It could be staggered.
MEMBER TORTORA: Exactly. I tend to agree with the Chairman
simply to avoid any problems in the future here. But that looks
that were, you know even if you wanted to do random planting like
this exactly. You're only talking about a distance of 100 feet here
essentially.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: And they should be six feet apart to
allow for growth, six to eight.
MEMBER TORTORA: You know, if you want to do just what you
said, random, fine. We could put it in as a condition to be done.
You don't have to wait three weeks.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: That's right.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's what I'm trying to do, to get it moving.
MEMBER HORNING: The other concern issue is that if you did it
right up against the existing proposed parking if in the future you
decide that you needed to increase the parking by a space or two
you would already have -
MS. MESIANO: But parking is already double the amount.
MR. HORNING: I know, but you might decide that you needed more
or that it would be desirable to have another (interrupted).
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well in the past what has happened is
when additional doctors come into a site, then there are additional
parking spaces needed so on and so forth. We've gone through this
in Southold over the years, particularly in the areas down across
from Hart's Hardware.
MEMBER TORTORA: Let's put it this way. Would it be acceptable
if a, because I really don't have no objection to this application.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, I don't think anybody does.
pragmatic application and it's a -
It's a
MEMBER TORTORA: Right, so, in the interest of getting it done,
would you have any objection to the condition of putting random
planting for a distance of 100 feet from the westerly property line
setoff from this property line? What do you want to do, Jerry?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
the planting.
You have to go six to eight to allow for
MEMBER TORTORA:
apart.
Six to eight feet apart, right? Six to 8 feet
Page 20 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Random.
MEMBER TORTORA: Random and what distance do you want to come
off that line?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
6.
Well it should be six to allow, yes, 4 to
MEMBER TORTORA: You want some growth.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, 4 to 6.
MEMBER HORNING: : And the height.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well the height has to be special. There
had to be two issues here, OK. The height of the planting, the
minimum, OK, and that they be continuously maintained, OK. So, if
it died you would have to put another one in when you plant them.
So, I mean those are issues that we can state right here. You
know, within the body of the decision.
MEMBER TORTORA: Would something like that be acceptable to you?
MR. FEILER: Well~ I only have to speak to the owner so I hope he
wants to move it along.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well, Don, you know you can give him a
call tonight. If you want to get back to us, we'll -
MR. FEILER: No, I'm sure he would consider this you know in the
alternative. He's not out to be cheap on anything.
MEMBER TORTORA: Well this will save you time.
save you a little time. OK, sounds good.
MS. MESIANO: We'll get back to you later.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
any qUestions?
MEMBER HORNING: No.
MEMBER HORNING:
condition then?
Jerry,
Yes, thank you so much.
I think this will
Mr. Homing
the question being there will be a
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, we'll deal with that. OK, is there
anybody else would like to speak in favor? Anybody like to speak
against? (None) Seeing no hands I'll make a motion closing the
hearing reserving decision until later.
MEMBER TORTORA: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 21 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
7:15 P.M. - Appl. No. 4656 JOSEPH KOLLEN
This is a request for a Variance under Article XXIV, Section
100-244B, based upon issuance of a Notice of Disapproval dated
December 16, 1998, in applicant's request for a Building Permit to
construct a deck at less than the required 35 feet from the rear
property line. Location of property: 1010 Hiawathas Path,
Southold, N.Y.; 1000-78-3-50.2.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a survey from Howard Young
indicating the present plaeement of the house which is not an issue
here. The issue is a deck whieh is approximately 12 x 14 affixed to
the rear of the house, approximately 20 feet 4 inches from the rear
property line and which makes it a setback issue. Not an issue to
us but the applicant and a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map
indicating this and surrounding properties in the area. How are you
tonight, Sir? Can I just ask you to use the mike. Are you the
applicant?
MR. KOLLEN: Yes, Joseph Kollen.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Nice to meet you. Is there anything
you'd like to tell us about this.
MR. KOLLEN: On the deck, well I don't think it'll bother the
neighbors as far as appearance and you know, encroaching on their
property or anything. I have a back door right off that porch for
access to the deck and that's really the only area I can put a little
deck in on this.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: The property is relatively well screened
with trees and bushes. I drove by the proposed deck myself. So,
I agree with you there. You have no anticipation of enclosing this
in anyway?
MR. KOLLEN: No. I have enclosed deck now.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. Will start with Mr. Horning.
questions of this nice gentleman?
Any
MEMBER HORNING: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins? We're on a roll here.
MEMBER COLLINS: No, no questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
Page 22 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. While you're up there is there
anybody in the audience would like to speak in favor? Anybody like
to speak against? OK, so you have no objection to a restriction that
the deck remain open to the sky?
MR KOLLEN: No, not at all.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, we hope to address this tonight. If
we don't get it tonight we will do it within the next week and we
appreciate your coming in.
MR. KOLLEN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you Sir. Hearing no further
comment I'll make a motion closing the hearing reserving decision
until later.
MEMBER TORTORA: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 23 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
7:20 P.M. - Appl. No. 3426 G. DOROSKI & ALEX & S. VILLANI
Request for Variance in establishing minimum construction standards
under Section 280-A, New York Town Law, over private right-of-way
extending from the north side of CR 48, Peconic; Parcel
1000-68-4-10.1.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Dory how are you tonight?
MS. DOTY: Fine. How are you?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Good, Is there anybody else that's here
that's going to address us from the other side that you see in the
audience at all?
MS. DOTY: No, I don't see anybody.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: We got a letter today.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right. I'm aware of the letter from the
Suffolk County Water Authority, yes.
MS. DOTY: I would like to first of all thank Linda for getting that
letter to me so promptly.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: You're welcome.
MS. DOTY: Basically what we're seeking is what's on the Agenda
which is, does the Board establish minimum construction standards
for 280-A Access?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: We never had any contest with that at
all, we have to tell you, OK.
MS. DOTY: We're not asking for a subdivision right now.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MS. DOT¥: At the present time the contract vendees which to build
their home on the property. But we don't know if within ten years
they're going to want to subdivide it, put up a second dwelling for
their parents, or something like that. We just don't know.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, because that's what five acres?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's eleven.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Oh, pardon me 11 acres and it's a what
an R 80 Zone District, right?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Yes.
MS. DOTY: Again, we're just not asking to subdivide. We're
asking for the 280-A approval from the ZBA to get up there.
Page 24 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right.
MS. DOTY: And I think the Suffolk County Water Authority is in
the wrong forum if we over-burden the right-of-way, you know
running up and down there with two lots. It's not just before the
Board at this point. It's been there for 100 years and it's a
travelled road that people have been using; and it's on our mat)
since 1985. I believe but I'm not certain that it's on the Suffolk
County Water Authority's Map. I have not seen the map. I believe
also, that their title report for their recent purchase a couple of
weeks ago, excepts out the right of others to travel across the
right-of-way. There is also a second right-of-way - possible one on
the eastern side of their property. We're not asking that that be
approved. We're asking to go up the road that exists. So, we just
ask the Board to give us our 280-A without any restrictions, you
know, subdivisions relatively. All we want to do is build a house.
That's all.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
that on anyway.
We don't uniquely put restrictions like
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
the past.
We offer subdivision. We have in
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes.
MS. DOTY: That's really Planning Board, isn't it?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Well I can show you some old
decisions if you want to look at them.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I mean I'm not prepared to put that
restriction on. That's what I'm saying at this point. I'm not doing
that. I don't know if the Board's is prepared. But, I'm not
prepared, OK.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Well I guess it depends on the
width. If it's 15 feet maybe for two lots or 12 foot width for one
lot. It depends on how many lots there are.
MS. DOTY: Well, if we went for the subdivision that's when it
would be further improved.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: But the Planning Board doesn't
take jurisdiction if the right-of-way is outside the area that they
have jurisdiction.
MS. DOTY: Well then we have to come back here, right?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
that they put in usually.
That's right.
That's a condition
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Let me just say this, OK? That we have
an undescribed width and that it would- it's important that we have
Page 25 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
a width that is adequate enough to service fire and rescue vehicles.
I will agree with you: the right-of-way is there. I will agree with
you: that about 270 feet of it has gone through the worst
excavation that I have ever seen in my life, OK.
MS. DOTY: I didn't even try.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank God because you may not be here
today, OK. But you know, the minimum restriction is that we are
writing, or the minimum specs that we are writing, are to
accommodate that type of situation, alright? And so, yes, if you go
for a subdivision in years to come, you may be required to
macadamize it or whatever the case might be. We're certainly, I'm
not certainly dealing with that aspect of it right now. So, that's
all I can tell you at this point. Does anyone on the Board have any
questions of Ms. Dory?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I just want to comment on the letter.
think that it is a little advanced.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Which letter, Jim?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Suffolk County Water Authority?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Suffolk County Water Authority.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Water Authority. I just want it on
the record, OK.
MEMBER DINIZIO: You know, when they do come to that point
where they want to subdivide it, I suppose that's when they would
have the right to say that they need to subdivide it.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: That's right.
MS. DOTY: If we want to subdivide it. I don't even know if they
want to subdivide it.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: That's right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right. OK. Anybody else over here in
reference to questions to Ms. Dory or statements? No?
MR. HORNING: No question.
CHAIRMAN GEORHINGER: We thank you. Is there anybody else
would like to speak in favor? Anybody like to speak against? OK,
seeing no hands I'll make a motion closing the hearing reserving
decision until later.
MEMBER COLLINS: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 26 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
7:25 P.M. - Appl. No. 4651 WILLIAM HANDS~ JR.
This is a request for a Variance under Article XXIII, Section
100-239.4B for "as built patio", which as constructed, partly above
grade, is located less than 75 feet from existing bulkhead, at 960
Willow Terrace Lane, Orient, N.Y.; Parcel 1000-26-2-21.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: (change tape) indicating the I scaled the
concrete slab which is the patio, at approximately 50 feet is it's
closest point to the bulkhead and 57 on the northerly side and I
have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and
surrounding properties in the area. Is Mr. Hand available?
MR. HAND: Yes I am.
CHA~IRMAN GOEHRINGER: How are you tonight Sir?
MR. HAND: Good, thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Since the last time we've see you, that's
quite a house you constructed there Sir, it's beautiful, absolutely
beautiful.
MR. HAND: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I had the distinct pleasure of being out
there last Saturday and to a look at your patio and I have absolutely
no objection to it and I think we'll start with Mr. Homing. Any
questions of this applicant?
MEMBER HORNING: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: I recall this application very clearly a couple
of years ago. In fact, in 1996 when we granted the setback of 57
feet to the house from the bulkhead, one of the conditions in that
was that you not build anything except a ground level deck. And,
the next year you built a concrete deck that you're here for right
now. I'm trying to figure out what happened?
MR. HANDS: The question was, the answer rather is that at the
time when the original plans were for the house, would show a
raised deck with a possible screened in porch which was knocked
down and you folks asked me not to come back two years from now
and apply for a raised deck, and I asked what about a patio? And,
they said that was not a problem. So consequently we built a patio
and did not build a raised deck.
MEMBER TORTORA:
then?
So I'm not sure what you are here for tonight
Page 9,7 Hearing Transcripts
February 9,3, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. HANDS: Obviously because I'm too close to the bulkhead.
house is too close to the bulkhead, so-
My
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Let me just answer that question for you
and see if the question is proper in reference to the way that I
stated. At the house, OK, the deck is or the patio is actually at
grade. OK. Unfortunately, as I've mentioned to this Board, that
no pieces of property except for a piece that is graded absolutely
flat, OK, is going to remain flat. In this particular case,
Mr. Hands' property falls away toward the bulkhead, which thereby
keeps both or allows for some height, and he has indicated 16
inches. I actually think it's a little less than that.
MR. HANDS: I guessed at that.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, right. I am requesting that this
Board in this decision, that we do an interpretation for the Building
Department, and that we allow in this decision that if a cement patio
as this gentleman has indicated that he has built or was built in two
years ago, is now built now, OK, as long as more than 50% of it,
OK, is below grade, that people like Mr. Hand do not have to come
back before this Board, OK, and I have been even bodied that
within a draft -
MEMBER COLLINS: You don't mean below grade, Mr. Chairman?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Yes, below grade.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well I meant below grade and so that's
my opinion on this particular project. I mean he's done everything
he said he could do. I mean you would actually or would have had
to of built it 16 inches below grade at the house for it to come out
zero.
MEMBER TORTORA: You mean at grade or below grade?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Below. He would have had to build it 16
inches below grade at the house for it to come out zero.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: And not more than an average of
16 inches above grade at either end.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: At either end.
MEMBER TORTORA: I'm reluctant to. I mean I understand. I see
what happened. I'm personally reluctant to do an interpretation that
could have far reaching effects on other applications without you
know having noticed it. That's just my feeling. I do not have any
objections to it. I've know the application. I approved it two
years ago. My curiosity was there and you explained it.
MR. HANDS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
Page 28 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER COLLINS: No, I have no questions. I would agree with
Mrs. Tortora's sentiment that I would be very cautious about putting
interpretations into this decision without having a chance to think
about it pretty well.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I for one have thought about it pretty hard
and you know this is the old "lawn mower" rule.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: That's what I want to take care of.
old lawn mower issue, yes.
The
MEMBER DINIZIO: It really is a good thing that maybe just get rid
of that. I've heard so many of these things and a few months ago
we had a patio less than 8 inches just because he couldn't drive the
lawn mower over it and you know, this would be a good time right
now just to sort everything now and be done with it. But I have no
objection to the application.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MEMBER HORNING::
the bulkhead?
Mr. Chairman.
Do we have a distance from
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: 50 feet is its closest point. There's a
scale, OK, and 57 feet at the northerly portion. It's 50 feet plus
or minus of the southerly portion and you know, the bulkhead is not
straight also. It runs all at an angle.
MR. HANDS:
the bulkhead is
Right. The problem is, that the high water mark,
? feet above high water mark.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: George there's a photo in the file
if you want to see it.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, so regardless of the interpretation
we'll make a decision sometime in the very near future and we
appreciate your coming in. We'll be seeing you again in a couple of
minutes anyway I think, OK?
MR. HANDS: Yes I will. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Alright, is there anybody else in the
audience that would like to speak in favor of this application? Is
there anybody like to speak against the application? Seeing no
hands I'H make a motion closing the hearing reserving decision until
later.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 29 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
7:33 P.M. - Appl. No. 4655 J. BOYLE & HANDS FUEL CO.
This is a request for a Variance under Article III, Section 100-31 to
allow use of a strip of R-80 Residential Zoned land proposed to be
merged with land identified as Parcel 1000-18-2-32. (Current Owner:
William Hands), Main Road, Orient, N.Y. This use is proposed as
an accessory use for parking and/or storage of vehicles being
serviced), related to the Hands Service Station property which is
zoned "B General Business". Proposed accessory automobile storage
is not permitted in an R-80 Residential Zone District. Location of
Property, 24405 Main Road, SR 25, Orient; Parcel 1000-18-2-33.
(Current Owner J. Boyle).
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mr. Hughes, how are you tonight?
ROBERT HUGHES, ESQ.: I'm fine, how are you?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
you been?
It's a pleasure to you again.
How have
MR. HUGHES: I'm fine, how are you?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
tell us?
Good, thanks.
What would you like to
MR. HUGHES: I'll just give a short explanation of why we're here
on this and then I'll leave myself opened for any questions that you
have. Mr. Boyle is the owner of - for lack of a better expression -
of the "L" that we which to annex Mr. Hands' property. The L is
part of an R-80 Zoned parcel which extends back and comes to about
seven acres. What Mr. Boyle would like to do is transfer this L to
Mr. Hands, and at which point Mr. Hands would merge the L into
the piece of property that encompasses the Orient Service Station.
Before Mr. Boyle does this, he wants the town to grant a variance
which would essentially legitimize a preexisting nonconforming use.
We've tried to come up with various alternatives as to how we could
allow, how Mr. Boyle could allow Mr. Hands to use the property, the
L shape piece for parking. Without doing a transfer, we really, we
could not come up with any other way of doing this. Mr. Boyle's -
one of his main motivations is that he wants Mr. Hands to be able to
use the property, but he doesn't want any liability. And the only
way to really do that is transfer ownership.
Now, one of the side effects of this is that if this transfer
takes place, the remainder of the piece of property that the L is
now part of will be landlocked, and the proposal on that, and I
don't know whether I've included in your package a description of
it, there's a proposal to create a right-of-way parcel across the
parcel which is directly to the east of the parcel that has the L.
That is also owned by Mr. Boyle, and he is willing to create a
right-of-way across that piece of property to the remaining part of
the what would now be a landlocked parcel so that we can avoid any
access issues.
Page 30 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Do you mean Mr. Boyle owns the other
22 acres next to that? Is that what you're saying?
MR. HUGHES: He owns it in, the various -. He's one of the
owners. The parcel, the parcels that he has are checkerboarded.
He has control of it. Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR. HUGHES: What we're asking for is a use variance and, you
know, we were aware of the various elements, such as we need to
show a reasonable rate of return. Without the parking, there is
now, used on this 25 foot L, the service station would probably have
space for 15 cars. With the requirements that Mr. Hands' operation
requires, it requires more space than that to generate the income to
make this property viable. For the record I asked Bob Scott in the
Assessor's Office to look, according to the assessment of what the
value of the Orient Service Station piece of property is, and by
their formula it's $275,000. It's also, I think important to note
that the service and inspection aspects of the service center
employed people who basically it feeds three families. So, there is
an employment aspect here. The hardship on this piece of property
is unique to the area that this is the only business zoned piece of
property in the area and I don't think anyone would contest the fact
that it will not change the character of the neighborhood in that
this parking has been in existence for 70 years since Joe's Garage
was first built there. I did include a photograph which I'm not sure
the exact date of that, but I would dare say that was before 1957
judging by the cars showing that that area was used for parking
way back and (interrupted)
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Was all of this used by, the actual piece
in the back that you're anticipating has not been used? Is thai
correct? The piece that, the flat flag of the - yeah.
MR. HUGHES: I think that's been used for, as far as I know it's
been used for parking.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: It has been?
MR. HUGHES: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Because I thought it kind of like lined
up with the next door neighbor's property. And so, when I was
there, I didn't realize that it was actually jutting out into the
Boyle farm.
MR. HUGHES: My understanding is that it has, you know, it has
been used. You know that's was sort of farmland back there and you
know how everything is when you get to the other side of
crossway. As far as I think it's been used for parking. .But, if
Mr. Hands has to pull back to his actual property line, then things
become pretty much contrained back there as far as having room for
Page 31 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
cars that are towed and wrecks, you know, vehicular, cars that
need to have service.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Are we actually talking a full 25 foot strip
of the north south or the south east to, north?
MR. HUGHES: You mean to the main road back?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes. Are we actually talking 25 feet
there, and then we're talking 25 feet along the back? Now, in
transferring -
MR. HUGHES: Twenty-five and, yes it's on the survey from the
Main Road back is 25 and the other one is 25 as well.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Now, what you're telling me is that, in
transferring fee from Mr. Boyle to Mr. Hand, that you are not
going, that Mr. Boyle is not going to request a right-of-Way over
this which would actually landlock this piece of property?
MR. HUGHES: That's the intention. They will create a
right-of-way.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: In a different location?
MR. HUGHES: In a different location and that is the proposal. He
appreciates that this would essentially landlock that piece but, he
is a very nice person and he is willing to do this.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
property?
How long has Mr. Hand own this
MR. HUGHES: Since 19-
MR. HANDS: 12 years.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: 12 years. Right and its been his
substantiation that this property has been used this way prior to
owning the property?
MR. HUGHES: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: You don't have any affidavits from the
prior owner or anything like that?
MR. HUGHES: I don't.
guess. Joe Andrade-
You know I can get one from Joe Andrade I
MR. HUGHES: Joe Andrade was the original of Joe's Garage.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes.
mean that was Joe Andrade?
That was Joe's Garage, yes? I
MR. HUGHES: Joe Andrade, Sr.
Page 32 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right. That would be greatly appreciated
if you could do that. It would alleviate a lot of a, maybe you could
do that for us? OK, we'll start with Mr. Dinizio. Any questions of
Mr. Hughes?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS: Yes, Mr. Hughes, a little more about this his-
tory of how the land was used. Based on the file in your
submission, I was feeling uneasy about a use variance here because
a use variance is such a formidable thing in the Code and that led
me to question whether you need the variance at a11. It would seem
to me that if we can find adequate evidence in the form of affidavits
that :this L shaped piece of land was used for this kind of purpose
from before there was zoning, I think that Section 241 of the Code
says even if the ownership changes you can keep on doing it. And,
I just think that's something worth thinking about because it's
certainly easier than, it seems to me, that if Mr. Hands owned,
actually owned the L-shaped property right now and was stuck with
a R-80 land that he couldn't use, he could make a very good use
variance case saying this land is absolutely useless to me, give me a
use variance. But he doesn't own it. It's Mr. Boyle whose asking
for it. I think that's kind of a muddy situation for us when we
come to write a variance, a use variance. So I'd be very keen to
find a way to show that this was a preexisting nonconforming use
and it can continue as long as it isn't expanded, all you know, all
that language in the code expanded, altered, which it isn't.
MR. HUGHES: Nobody would even know the difference.
would have to just -
They
MEMBER COLLINS: But I gather there's never been any kind of
lease or anything like that. It just happened.
MR.HUGHES: Exactly, it just happened. And the use of the
property is - it's always been a gas, you know, generic gas
station. There's always been cars stored there. I can remember
when I was a kid, I was a summer kid, we use to leave our car with
Joe Andrade for the winter. It was stored there. And I can always
remember, you know, cars parked along the side there and so, you
know, Mr. Boyle wants assurance that it's OK with the Town before
we go ahead with transferring. But what you're saying is that if it
were transferred, then we came back to you and asked for a use
variance, you would actually prefer that.
MEMBER COLLINS: Well I think it would be a clean case. That's all
I'm saying. I mean I understand very well that Mr. Boyle and
Mr. Hand don't want to finalize this deal in the dark.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
aspect.
Well why don't we go with the affidavit
Page 33 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER COLLINS: But, that is my thinking.
promising route.
That that's a
MEMBER TORTORA: It's very fuzzy to me because actually the
variance that you're requesting a use of is R-80 and is not the
Hands. It's not the business. So any relevant financial
documentation as far as the Hands' business is moot because I think
it has to do with whether or not the Boyle property can be used for
anything else other than use variance criteria. I'm willing to go
down other avenues because that's one, frankly I see it's the easiest
for you to go to the Town Board and get a change of zone. That
would be the, you want the quickest way?
MR. HUGHES: No, that was an option then and quite honestly what
we were trying to do what was really the least intrusive to Orient
and at sometime in the future the use was abandoned and then, you
know, we weren't expanding business zone, you know, business zone
in Orient because we are cognizant of the fact that this is, that
area, that neighborhood is essentially a residential neighborhood.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's not criteria for a use variance, R-80
parcel zone. So, I mean you know how stringent it is.
MR. HUGHES: Right.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's my first thought. The second question
I wanted to know, where does the right-of-way go to? I see that it
comes from the State Road, and then it kind on dead ends at
somebody's property?
MR. HUGHES: Well I have -
MEMBER TORTORA: If you could, you know, what would be helpful
if you could just kind of show us?
MR. HUGHES: Well, I have, I wasn't sure as ! said, I wasn't sure
whether I had included that in the package. So, what I have here
is are ones that I have colored for you and I will explain it to you.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, we have this one.
MR. HUGHES: OK, well the blue is the right-of-way going from,
you see, it's a proposed right-of-way. The orange is the L shape
piece that we have been discussing. So the right-of-way would
(interrupted)
MEMBER TORTORA: Yeah, get you back in.
MR. HUGHES: It would get you back in, it dead ends basically on
the property line of the rest of the parcel that the L is part of.
MEMBER COLLINS: Just a side question about the right-of-way. I
in fact had figured this out from the black and white drawing and
saw where the right-of-way went and then you had given us a
description of that right-of-way done by Van Tuyl in 1996, and I
Page 34 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
was just curious why the description reads as an easement given to
William Hands.
MR. HUGHES: I think that Mr. Hands was the one who went to Mr.
Van Tuyl. Basically Mr. Hands has been given the obligation by
Mr. Boyle of writing herd on this end, including the cost, OK. Mr.
Hands went to Mr. Van Tuyl, Mr. Van Tyle who wrote this. This
was actually done by Mr. Van Tuyl about a month before he died
and so that aspect never changed.
MEMBER COLLINS: OK, thank you.
MR. HUGHES: I think that's basically what happened there.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
MEMBER HORNING: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Ok. Mr. Homing any questions?
Right, so you're going to get us an
affidavi'L? You're going to attempt to get us an affidavit and we'll
reconvene this at the next regular scheduled meeting and if you
need more time than that let us know.
MR. HUGHES: You want an affidavit as to the L shape piece has
been used -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right, concurrently.
MR. HUGHES: Concurrently and -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: For X, Y, Z, years.
MEMBER TORTORA: Documentation that you can prior to.
MR. HUGHES: Prior to 1957.
MEMBER COLLINS: Sure, right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well I don't know how long Joe owned the
proper~y prior to that.
MR. HUGHES: Well Joe owned it from when it was started in 1928.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, and he's still alive.
MR. HUGHES: He's still alive and his son -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Joe, Jr. is like a 55 years old, so.
MR. HUGHES: Right, Joe, Jr. is 55 and his father is.
MEMBER TORTORA: Old photographs, anything that could
substantiate this.
Page 35 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. HUGHES: It may be easier to get Joe, Jr., but of course he
can't go back to 1927.
MEMBER COLLINS: Well we only need to go to 57.
MR. HUGHES: Prior to 1957.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right, sure, whatever. GoOd, thank you.
MEMBER COLLINS: So that where sure of what we're asking. The
important thing is to determine that the use was there before we had
zoning and that it hasn't been interrupted for a period of more than
two years since we've had zoning. Those are the things and I think
if you can get those in a way that you know has some legs that
Section 241 does what you need.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you. While I have you there I
don't if there will be any future questions. Is there anybody else
in the audience would like to speak to him, in favor of this?
Anybody like to speak against it? OK, we'll make a motion recessing
the hearing until the next regular scheduled meeting.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: March 25th.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: March 25th. I need a second.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 36 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
PATIO INTERPRETATION discussion (Hands). Not a public hearing.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I just want to reflect before I go on to
the Gremler hearing. I don't want any misconception on what I was
trying to do here ladies and gentlemen. This is a clarification in
reference to patio structures, OK. This is a construction aspect.
This has nothing to do with the town wide interpretation. This is to
give the Building Department an opinion in reference to what we
intend to do in reference to these structures. I just wanted you to
be aware of that Jim, OK.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Right, I agree because you can't on one hand
drive a lawn mover on one part of that.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Patio, yeah.
MEMBER DINIZIO: What they do is look at the other end and say,
well, I can't do it.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right, OK. Well, you don't understand
that Mr. Homing is about to ready to leave us because he has to go
back.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: So therefore, I am asking you to digest
it so if he would like to vote on it, he can vote on it. You're very
welcome to digest it. But, this has nothing to do with a, you know,
a vast town wide interpretation. This is very simple a Building
Department function. We're directing the Building Department so
that if situations like this don't come before us in the future when
they don't have to. And that is the issue. Comments, anybody?
(None) OK, I'm going to make a motion and we'll see how it goes.
Would you second it, Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Yes I will.
MEMBER HORNING: For your second/resolution?
MEMBER DINIZIO: We'll leave it. Do you have a question?
MEMBER COLLINS: I don't understand this.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: What we're saying is, that in a situation
where, a monolithic poured deck, and I want to be very specific
about these decks, these patios. They can be either of cement.
They can be either of wood, which is CCA, below grade, grade
level, CCA, or even grade level CCA, or the new thing is plastic,
OK, that reinforced fiber plastic deck, OK, and I'd like to add that
to it. That if more than 50% of it is below grade, then it is not
necessary for us to deal with it on the aspect of the setback, OK,
and that it is not necessary for us to come before uso That's what
I'm saying.
Page 37 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA:
aloud for definition
inaudible).
In answer to what they're doing (read draft
or type of construction). (Question was
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Construction.
type of construction.
It's defining the
MEMBER TORTORA: I know this. The problem that I have Jerry -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: What?
MEMBER TORTORA: Is contrary to what the town ,code is, we're
setting new rules for the Town Clerk.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, this is the Building Department
function. This is why we are saying -
MEMBER TORTORA: Right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: We are telling the Building Department -
No, no, wait. If we take an accessory structure and we tell them
that they cannot go to 18 feet. We know that they can build it to
22. They're taking an average. This is exactly the same thing,
OK. We're saying to them, that if it were started at zero and
because the property fell away, regardless of the height situation,
as long as it doesn't exceed 16 inches at the other end, it is an
issue that is moot. That's what I'm saying.
MEMBER HORNING: I agree with your theory Jerry, although the
wording be resolved -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's the height, yes, it's the
height of the patio, Jerry. Forgot to put the word height in there.
MEMBER TORTORA: I just don't feel comfortable because -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
patio shall be limited to -
You're saying the height of the
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, so we'll change the terminology of it.
MEMBER HORNING:
end.
Well, it has to be zero at zero grade on one
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It is?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
end.
MEMBER HORNING: Right.
Yes, it's got to be zero grade on one
MEMBER COLLINS: Well no, it doesn't say that.
Page 38 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
end.
Well we'll say that.
Zero grade at one
MEMBER HORNING: To get the concept.
MEMBER COLLINS: That's why. The concept is fine but, that's
why I was holding out for working through this language a little
more before we turn it into a decision.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MEMBER COLLINS: Because there's also an assumption here that we
know what a l~atio is.
MEMBER HORNING:
from this -.
Why don't we have an interpretation separate
MEMBER COLLINS: OK. One should say, I mean-
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Repeat all that?
MEMBER COLLINS: Yeah, yeah, because -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, alright.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Jimmy, I'll withdraw my motion until next
week. OK, we'll deliberate then?
MEMBER DINIZIO:
approve this?
I don't quite understand why we can't just
MEMBER DINIZIO: In all honesty, I mean, it looks to me like we're
taking some ambiguity out of this.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
record.
Well, you have a second on the
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
his second.
I know. Well I'm asking him to withdraw
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'm not really - I'm not willing to withdraw. I'm
looking to discuss this a little bit more. What we're doing here I
think in this decision and I grant you that if you put height in
there instead, you're saying to the Building Inspector, that you
can't use the lawn mower theory anymore. We can't say, you know
if you can't drive a lawn mower then, you know, it's a deck. We
may be very specific as to the reason why we're granting this by
giving him an idea as to what the base symmetric system on this
when he comes. I mean I don't see, I see this as being very
intelligently written by, you know, by the Chairman. I don't see
any reason why we can't pass it and go on with it.
MEMBER HORNING:
one end.
I think you need to have a zero grade level on
Page 39 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, we will put the zero grade level in.
MEMBER TORTORA: And it shall be deemed to be construction
which is at least 50% built into the ground?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Or on ground level.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's like a monolithic slab.
MEMBER DINIZIO: On grade.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: On grade.
MEMBER TORTORA: It shall be deemed to be grade level, correct?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Fine.
MEMBER DINIZIO: On grade.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's what we're trying to get to, grade level.
MEMBER COLLINS: Yeah, but -
MEMBER DINIZIO:
Inspector's call.
Yeah, but that's his call.
That's the Building
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: It's not all grade level.
MEMBER TORTORA:
confusing me?
What are you saying here then, that's what's
MEMBER COLLINS: More of this needling over words, but, there's
also the problem, it shall be deemed, OK, we're deeming the
construction to be da, da, da, but, the rest of the sentence says,
and not more than an average of 16. That I think is a proviso.
That's not something we're deeming. That's a requirement. It's
just to make sure that the thing parses is my concern, nothing more
substantive than that.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
have it ready for next week.
Well we can reword it then and
MEMBER HONING: Jerry, Mr. Chairman, is this for the parcels that
have a sloping grade to it, or, or is this for a117
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well this is basically all parcels because
George, in my particular opinion no parcel is exactly flat and I've
said that before, you know, unless you make it completely flat and
then we have a rain storm and it's no longer flat. You know what
I'm saying?
MEMBER HORNING: It could read that it's zero grade down one end
and not to exceed 16 on the other end then, I can support it.
Page 40 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. All in~ favor?
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Does anyone oppose?
BOARD MEMBER TORTORA: No, I'm going to abstain.
BOARD MEMBERS: Alright, you're abstaining, OK, so it's four to
zero, one abstention .
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: We apologize. We were moving a
resolution for everybody in the public prior to a member having to
leave and we apologize to the Gremlers because we realize their
application was next.
(See Minutes for Resolution prepared separately).
Page 41 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
8:00 P.M. - Appl. No. 4659 WILLIAM & MARYANN GREMLER
This is a request for a Variance under Article III-A, Section 100-30
A.4, based upon issuance of a Notice of Disapproval dated January
20, 1999, in applicants' request for a Building Permit to construct a
proposed addition to dwelling which addition would exceed the 20% lot
coverage limitation under the Bulk Schedule of the Southold Town
Zoning Code. Location of Property: 375 Kraus Road, Mattituck,
N.Y.; Parcel 1000-122-5-6.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a sketch of a plan indicating the
square footage that the applicant is requesting. It is over the 20%
and I have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and
surrounding properties in the area. Mr. Gremler would you like to
be heard? How are you tonight Sir?
MR. GREMLER: Fine. Just to run down, you know it's probably on
the drawing there. The addition doesn't come out as far as the
existing L shape of the house and it's a pretty well buffered you
know because of the pool. We have a fence there with trees and
all. So, but we didn't have any objections, that's all I've got to
say. But I have something here for Linde. Here I forgot to give it
to her.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
for it.
Thank you I was going to ask you
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: For the Boards' knowledge. Mr. & Mrs.
Gremler experienced a quite a severe fire in this dwelling and in
looking at the proposed plan of the house they had decided that this
addition would be to their best interest and of course realizing of
course that they were over the amount shown on the sketch plan
here, that is the reason why they are here before us. Does
anybody have any questions of the applicant? Mr. Homing?
MEMBER HORNING: What would the addition be used for?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well it's basically additions to the rooms
of the house itself. It adds to specific rooms,-
MEMBER HORNING: Extending the -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Mr. & Mrs. Gremler?
Yes, extensions of a, isn't that correct
MR. GREMLER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: They have an extensive pool area in the
back which would see on the plan. What it does basically is
encroaching to the garden area, OK, which was garden in the back
of the house.
Page 42 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, ~1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER HORNING: It doesn't seem to block anybody's -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, it, it's almost, you really even can't
see it from the surrounding property owner. Mrs. Tortora questions?
MEMBER TORTORA: No, I haven't.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins, questions?
MEMBER COLLINS: No, I have no questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. In the audience, anybody like to
speak in favor of the application other than the applicants?
Anybody like to speak against the application? Seeing no hands I'll
make a motion closing ~the hearing reserving decision until later.
MEMBER COLLINS: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 43 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
8:05 P.M. - Appl. No. 4657 RICHARD & DEBRA HEFFERNAN
This is a request for a Variance under Article XXIII, Section
100-239.4B, to locate proposed deck addition at less than 75 feet
from existing bulkhead at 580 West Shore Drive, Shouthold, N.Y.;
Parcel 1000-80-1-48.1.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a copy of the survey indicating
the penned in area which L shapes around the house on the easterly
side and the closest part of the deck will be 40 feet from the
bulkhead 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 Sir?
MR. GRIGONIS: No, just if you have any questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, and what is your name?
MR. GRINGONIS: Bob Gringonis.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Nice to meet you. Mr. Dinizio any
questions of Mr. Grigonis?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS: I guess I have views but net questions, so I'll
pass.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. Mrs. Tortora?
MEMBER TORTORA: No, I haven't any questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mr. Homing?
MEMBER HORNING: No questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: We assume this deck will remain open?
MR. GRIGONIS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: There is no possibility that it will be
enclosed in anyway?
MR. GRIGONIS: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: The applicant has no objection to a
restriction that it will remain open to the sky?
MR. GRIGONIS: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
Page 44 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER COLLINS: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes.
MEMBER COLLINS: I realize that Mr. Grigonis is the builder and
not perhaps the agent in the sense that we might wish. I'm
mumbling, excuse me. My reaction to this proposed deck is that
given the deck of the rear of the yard, facing the water, it's a big
deck, because although it's 40 feet from the bulkhead, the bulkhead
is well below the bluff and this deck is going to fill up like half
of the yard and I'm interested in the fact, that no neighbors have
made any comments. But, if I were a neighbor I'd been a little
concerned about just about the size of it and I was really going to
ask whether we believe that the applicant would be willing to except
a somewhat less deep deck than 15 feet? Do you know, Mr. Grigonis?
MR. GRIGONIS: Yeah, I don't know.
MEMBER COLLINS: Yeah, that's what I was afraid of.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Would you ask and get back to us.
MR. GRIGONIS: Sure.
MEMBER COLLINS: Because you can see where my prejudice lies.
MR. GRIGONIS: Do you have a size in mind?
MEMBER COLLINS: Well 12 and that's a, I'm just giving you my
thinking when I looked at the property and looked at the neighbors.
MR. GRIGONIS: I call them and I'll have them send a letter.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, good, we expect to have a Special
Meeting next week. It would be greatly appreciated if we receive
the letter before midweek, next week. They could fax it to us,
whatever.
MR. GRIGONIS: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Alright?
MR. GRIGONIS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you. Is there anybody else in
the audience would like to speak in favor. Anybody like to speak
against? Seeing no hands I'll make a motion closing the hearing
reserving decision until later, pending the letter from the applicant.
MEMBER COLLINS: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 45 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
3-4 minute break then reconvened.
8:14 P.M. - Appl. No. 4661 ELLEN VIOLET
This is a request for a Variance under Article XXIII, Section
100-239.4B based upon issuance of a Notice of Disapproval dated
February 2, 1999 in applicant's request for a Building Permit to
construct an inground swimming pool with fence enclosure in the
rear yard, at less than 75 feet from the existing bulkhead. Location
of Property: 650 Cedar Point Drive East, Southold, N. ¥.;
1000-90-2-17.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a copy of a sketch of the survey
indicating a pool as proposed at 12 feet. It's a 16 x 44 foot pool
with a l0 foot deck on one side and it appears to be a 3 foot deck
around the other three sides at closet point of the pool to the
bulkhead is approximately 35 feet and I have a copy of the Suffolk
County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the
area. Who would like to be heard regarding this application? How
do you do Sir? Would you state your name for the record.
MR. WENDELL: Doug Wendell.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: What would you like to tell us about this?
MR. WENDELL: Do you have any questions?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Well, when I was there of course the
applicant was not there. I would have asked to go into the
basement to see if the porch area and that one addition is a crawl
space as oppose to basement because I personally would like to put
the pool a little closer to the house, OK. Bearing in mind that the
other 3 foot deck around it, OK.
MR. WENDELL: Right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I couldn't see any reason why if we
didn't have in actual basement walls there thai it couldn't go 8 feet
say to the end.
MR. WENDELL:
way out.
The basement does not go out.
It's solid all the
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: So that's a crawl space underneath that?
MR. WENDELL: Yeah, it could move closer.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR. WENDELL: I was under the opinion you couldn't get any closer
than 12 feet, but, I'm sure they'd be willing to.
Page 46 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right. Well the Building Inspector or
the architect, I'm sorry, the engineer for the town is saying 10,
OK. But, if you take a 3 foot deck and you put that around it,
that doesn't have any effect upon us. So, in this particular case 8
feet would be applicable in my opinion.
MR. WENDELL: Right, right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Is this a liner pool or a gunite pool?
MR. WENDELL: It's going to be gunite.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Gunite pool so that even further
strengthens the aspect. I mean it's really another foundation where
the building is.
MR. WENDELL: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
pool at anytime?
OK, there's no intention of enclosing this
MR. WENDELL: No, not at all.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Mrs. Tortora, any questions of the
applicant ?
MEMBER TORTORA: The only question I have. Where did you plan
on putting the range field for the pool?
MR. WENDELL: Range field for the pool?
MEMBER TORTORA: Hm, bm.
MR. WENDELL:
future?
In terms of draining off any access water in the
MEMBER TORTORA:
goes straight down.
Yes, because it is such a severe bluff that
MR. WENDELL: The angle of the bluff. Have you seen the
pictures? I took some pictures of the bluff there.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right.
MR. WENDELL: Well if we were going to drain it, we'd strain it the
other way. I guess out the driveway on the front side of the
house. That's the only way I could see going with it.
MEMBER TORTORA: So in the side yard you mean?
MR..WENDELL: Well, I would say more out of the front yard.
Everything doesn't lean back towards the street. Nothing pitches
towards the front.
Page 47 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: That's it, that was my only question.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
MEMBER COLLINS:
views.
No, I guess I don't have questions.
I have
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR. WENDELL: The only thing I'd like to add is they've been there
for 31 years and the real reason for this going in, is because of her
medical condition. I've improvised some -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right, we did see the -
MR, WENDELL: And that really is the only reason at this point.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, no questions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, so let's see if we went to 8 which
would be 4, that would put it at 39 then.
MR. WENDELL: Right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
to the deck.
39 to the pool less 3 which would be 36
MR. WENDELL: Right. The deck is flushed, right. So, I mean
you were talking about passing one maybe a little lot low.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, I think we might have taken care of
that, OK, so we'll deal with the full aspect of 39 feet then as we
look at it, at this you know, juncture at any guess in this
juncture. And the other setbacks seem to be appropriate. So, what
is the deck material going to be made out of?
MR. WENDELL: CCA.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: CCA, OK, Great. While you're standing
there is there anybody else in the audience would like to speak in
favor of this applieation? Anybody like to speak against the
application? Seeing no hands I'll make a motion closing the hearing
reserving decision until later.
MEMBER COLLINS: Seeond.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 48 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
8:24 P.M. - Appl. No. 4648 ROSE DIACHUN
This is a request for a Variance under New York Town Law, Section
280-A and Section 100-235A of the Zoning Code, and the Building
Inspector's Notice of Disapproval, for a determination establishing
the minimum construction standards for safe and sufficient access for
emergency and other vehicles to travel over designated
rights-of-way, extending northerly off the north side of Peconic Bay
Boulevard, Laurel, over land identified as District 1000, Section
127, Block 8, Lot 17.3 to the applicant's vacant lot (proposed for
single-family dwelling use), known as as 430 Diachun Road, Laurel,
N.Y., District 1000. Section 127, Block 3, Lot 10.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: This is an appeal that has been
continued and we would like to ask Mrs. Diachun if there is
something she would like to say for the record. I have to. tell you
that at the last hearing I did get in trouble with the person who was
transcribing because there were too many conversations going on.
So, we'll just ask you to make just one specific statement.
MRS. DIACHUN: I just want to tell you that I sent Mr. Danowski a
certified letter that as of th'eit date he's no longer my attorney.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Alright, so what we're going to do I
think at this point is recess the hearing without a date. When the
person that is looking to put the right-of-way over your property,
comes to you and you agree on an appropriate location, then you will
contact us and they will contact us and then we'll reconvene the
hearing in reference to the improvements to be made to the
right-of-way. How does that sound to you?
MRS. DIACHUN: Well I don't know if there's going to be one
because that's where the right-of-way is. It's my lot, it's my
driveway.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No, I'm just saying to you that if in the
future some appropriate thing happens. Now if this thing should go
longer than a year, OK, we're going to send a certified letter to the
attorney and say, we're stopping this hearing as processed. It's no
longer going forward, OK.
MRS. DIACHUN: Alright.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: But I mean we're just going to keep it
open for a short period of time because if for some reason, OK,
there is an agreement that is forthcoming then, we can reconvene
the hearing rather than start a whole new hearing process all over
again. Is that alright with you?
MRS. DIACHUN: Yes.
Page 49 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, OK, and at anytime I have to tell
you, anytime you will never be barred from speaking at this
hearing. So just remember that, OK. You, your son, whatever,
any family member. When it concerns your property nobody is
putting a right-of-way over your property unless you approve it and
that's it.
MRS. DIACHUN: Well what happens when a they threaten me that if
I didn't sign that, that they were going to take me to court. But I
know they .were just doing that because they wanted me to sign it.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: You know this is still America and
nobody can force you to do anything that you don't want to do and
that is the purpose of this hearing process and I -
MEMBER TORTORA: They don't have permission so, I can't see how
they can take you to court because they need permission to get the
right-of-way and we haven't given them the permission yet.
MR. DIACHUN:
They have to
right-of-way.
I mean we're not granting her a right-of-way.
buy a right-of-way now. They sold their own
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, just for the record that was Mrs. -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Ronald, Ronald Diachun.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, that was Ronald Diachun. Alright,
it's a pleasure again and we'll keep you posted. If we hear
anything we'll keep you posted. If you hear anything you keep us
posted and we'll go from there.
MRS. DIACHUN: OK, thank you very much, thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, is there anybody else would like to
speak in behalf of the Diachun application? Seeing no hands I'll
make a motion recessing without date. I just want to add one thing
in. If this goes more than six months or a year we're going to very
simply just do away with it.
MEMBER TORTORA: They'll have to reapply.
MEMBER COLLINS:
Chairman?
Well do you mean six months or a year, Mr.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Between six months and a year. Well
from an individual situation when we do it and audit what's still out
there, that we' haven't made decisions on, I would say from a year
of this particular date, OK. But, I mean next January, we could
say that we haven't heard anything. So, you know, as of this date
effective we are now disposing of this application.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: OK, as of February 23, and the
year 2,000, this application will be deemed what?
Page 50 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Null and void.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I offer that as a resolution.
MEMBER COLLINS: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 51 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
8:29 P.M. - Appl. No. 4649 PLANNING BOARD REQUEST FOR
INTERPRETATION
Carryover Resolution adopted January 21, 1999. (Drossos site and
possible Town-Wide Interpretation).
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: We will ask the attorney who is
representing the owners of the property if he would like to say
something. Mr. Cardinale, how are you tonight Sir?
PHILIPCARDINALE, ESQ: Good, thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: It's a pleasure to see you again.
MR. CARDINALE: I know there are a few other people who would
like to speak so I'll make it very brief. I'm a little confused as I
was the last time as to the actual issue before you, the Board. I
believe the last time, if you look at your Notice it indicates that
this is an application which is itself unusual by the Southold Town
Planning Board for an interpretation to consider whether or not
addition tables in the service area for alcoholic beverages are
accessory to a food service as determined by the Building
Department on November 4th and then they cite the Building
Department's determination which states among other things, that the
use is permitted in the zone and the accessory service of alcoholic
beverages is common to restaurants in this town. There's a
follow-up paragraph which indicates that this includes possible
Town-Wide Interpretation under Zoning Code Section 100-91A
regarding restaurants and/or drinking establishments in the Limited
Business Zone. I think that last paragraph, I believe, and that's
why I want to get clarification so I don't have' to waste your time
talking about an issue that isn't an issue. I believe that the sense
of the Board was that they did not have the authority or the
inclination to review this last part a Town-Wide Interpretation
because that would be appropriately in the domain of the Town
Board which is the Legislative Body. I believe that, therefore, the
only issue before the. Board is as posed in the Planning Board's
statement last time as to when an accessory use becomes a, as they
put it, when, what point does an accessory bar use increase in size
and operations so as to cross the line and become a second primary
use, or stated another way, how can we determine when a, when the
restaurant and a drinking establishment are both primary uses?
I think the definition is what the issue is what they're seeking.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: In reference to your statement about the
last -.
MR. CARDINALE: Paragraph.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Paragraph, we do have the authority,
OK. I'm not sure we're going to deal with it at this aspect, OK?
We are primarily concerned with a site-specific situation before us,
OK? In all fairness to you, Mr. Cardinale, you've raised that issue,
and I have to tell you that we do have the authority to do so but we
may not at this particular juncture.
Page 52 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. CARDINALE: OK, I guess I've misstated and I'm glad it has
been clarified by that statement. I have no doubt that you have the
authority to interpret by your functions. But what I found
interesting was for example the Planning Board submitted to you
with copies to your Board to me, the Zoning Reports indicating from
the Zoning Report some very interesting ideas and the facts and
proposed statutes as to how to differentiate between taverns,
restaurants, package stores and that's all of interest. However, you
can't interpret a code that isn't written for the Town yet, and I
think that really is at the heart of the Planning Board's legitimate
concern here. That there might be a good idea to further clarify
and develop the code in regard to this. But you can't interpret a
code that doesn't exists and that,s kind of how I think what has
happened here to the applicant. They've gotten caught in the
middle. The Planning Board made this an issue before and I think
that there could be a code created by the Town Board which can
address these issues. At the moment there isn't, at least I don't
believe there is. As I understand it looking at your code, you have
definition of accessory use unsurprising, definition of principal use
unsurprising and a definition of restaurant unsurprising. And
that's really the only code provisions together with the indicated
100-9lA that you can interpret walk-up and I don't really think the
issue is that. The real issue is, that. there is no code provision
differentiating a tavern and restaurant and accessory, restaurant
with accessory use. Let me move along that point quickly. I want
to be able to finish a few points I want to make before I sit down.
The issue which has been raised by the Planning Board other
than the issue of maybe we should get a more clear code is when do
you know if an accessory use is a an accessory becomes a primary.
How do you find out? How do you determine when, under the
definitions of your code, you wind up having two primary uses?
Well, 'the first thing you do obviously is you look up the
definitions. I don't want to read your own definitions to you.
You know where to find them. They are not surprising. But, the
other think you might do, you might ask the Administrator who
under Section 100-280 of your Code who is authorized to make these
interpretations which is Ed Forrester, the Director of Code
Enforcement, and ask him what he thinks because he's the one that
was given the authority and he thinks that since it is his call that
this particular circumstance indicates an accessory use as he put it
in his approval. That is, the use is permitted in the Zone and the
accessory service of alcoholic beverage is common to restaurants in
this zone. That certainly would carry a great deal of weight.
The next thing you might want to look at is what the applicant
just said. Or the applicant currently created part of your own
problem here by, since they are civilians and they are throwing
around the use of the word "tavern", but one of the things not
pointed out to you was, although they use that word in the initial
application, in December of this year they submitted a clarified
letter to Mr. Kassner of the Planning Board which reads, "This
letter is to serve as an amendment in terminology for the
above-mentioned project, which the Planning Board seems to be
Page 53 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
having some difficulty with. We, the Drossos Family, are looking to
renovate an existing space. This renovation is to convert the snack
bar into a full service restaurant in conjunction with serving
alcoholic beverages."
So I suppose you look at the Administrator's opinion that is
authorized in the town, the applicant's statement. Another thing
you might want to look at is the Health Department, the sister
Agency. This is particularly helpful. The Health Department's
issues I'm told by Mr. Brown, he was going to be late, but I guess
he didn't make it; and their site plan application - that someone had
asked for a clarification on this point. They issue two kinds of
approvals or licenses. One is accessory to an existing use, in this
instance existing permit for restaurant ID #8275 and this is now an
application for accessory use. That is the way the Health Depart-
ment's application reads in this instance and if they wanted a tavern
that approval would not be sufficient for a tavern from the Health
Department's perspective. So certainly what they have said to other
agencies, the applicant, what they have said to the town, and what
the Building Department has concluded would be very important here
for consideration.
As I indicated earlier, the Planning Board's basic concern I
believe is a need for a more precise statute which the Town Board
may well like to address. The bottom point I want to make before I
sit down is that I would hope that you would issue a decision shortly
after this meeting for the equities here require it. They've had
unnecessary and unreasonable victimizing delay in regard to this
because at all times the Drossos have been ready to comply with
whatever the code said. I think what has really happened here is
that there hasn't been a great deal of sensitivity to their needs as
business people and what has occurred is that they are being asked
in effect to comply with a code that is not yet written. If you look
at what's on your code book now, the accessory uses, the principal
uses, department's recommendation, the applicant's statement,
so beit. They did use the tavern words too loosely initially and the
Health Department application. I think it's demonstrative and we
need not be here. It probably would get better for us if simply
that had the Planning Board refer this to the Town Board. Put that
aside I would ask for a quick decision.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I just want to elaborate on that one
second. We had not deliberated upon this at all, OK. So we are
going to take whatever appropriate time we need to do so. So, I
mean, I would hope that we would have a decision in the near
future. Not to belabor this topic.
MR. CARDINALE: Right.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
want you to know that.
But it's not going to be tonight.
I just
MR. CARDINALE: I understand. I've indicated that to my clients.
Page 54 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: So, I- you know these interpretations
require an appropriate amount of thought on everybody.
MR. CARDINALE: Which reminds me. One last point I want to
mention. I want to note for the record, that of course you did do a
site inspection.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Inspection, right.
MR. CARDINALE: Site inspection. I want to note for the record
one other thing that you would obviously want to look to because if
you look at this accessory/principa] thing, you look at the amount of
square footage within the plans. I mean under this there's a square
footage issues a few feet here and there. But by everybody's
account if you look at the plan you're going to see three times as
much in food service in that facility as you do in the bar. So I
think that looking at the plan if you wish to do I'll appraise of
that conclusion, there's one other point which, when I was speaking
I thought of as I recall, and if it helps me, I'll come up again, but
basically I think I'm just saying that I know there are other people
here that want to express themselves.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you. Giving the attorney
representing the Drossos, Costas, is there anybody from the Town
that would like to speak? OK, there's none.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: The Planning Board, you mean?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: The Planning Board or the Building
Department. I don't think anybody is here from that, OK. In the
normal course of action I just want to tell everybody that the
applicant that it concerns and the attorney are usually people who
are inclined at all times as in the case that affects these
applicants, they have been very gratuitous in giving us a very nice
on-site inspection and we appreciate that.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: They're not the applicants.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: They're not the applicants, pardon me.
They're the affected people, OK, we'll use that phrase. However, it
is normally the procedure of this Board to swear in other people that
are speaking, so please be aware that I may swear you in and so
anybody that would like to speak concerning this application we're
ready. Do you want to hold up your right hand?
JOSEPH LIZEWSKI was sworn in: Do you solemnly swear that the
information you are about to give us is the truth to the best of your
knowledge.
DR. LIZEWSKI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Thank you Sir. This is Joseph Lizewski.
Page 55 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
DR. LIZEWSKI: I'm representing at this time part of the Business
Lions. My concerns for this is basically the battle between two
departments in our Town and the authority that was actually taken
from the Building Department which I believe is still has in making
determinations as to what uses can be done, which was taken in 1995
I believe in May our law gave the Planning Board the right to
determine if you need site planning, then would be able to allow you
to issue a Building Permit and this is a case where the Building
Department made a determination that this was a legal use and then
in the correspondence I saw had a letter from Bob Kassner, who is a
Site Plan Reviewer and not actually a Planning Board Member
elected, not a Planning Board Member, decided to challenge the
decision of the Building Department.
' I find that this case that you're going to decide on is a lot
more than just a decision for Drossos. It's going to have to realize
that the authorityof this Building Department which represents the
State of New York in these things and by your Board about five or
six years ago was also determined to be the proper place for the
person who decides who did site plan. I believe if you look into a
study that the Zoning Board did, you'll find that the Building
Department and not the Planning Board was determined to be the
proper member of State Government, of the government, to determine
who decides who gets a site plan. But, that was all changed by a
code change and of course it has never been changed back again.
And that code change is now starting to reek havoc on people like
the Drossos who in former years would probably of gone to the
Building Department, it would of decided there was no change of
intensity of use which is the big bugaboo with the Planning Board.
Intensity of use could mean that you're building an 8 x 10 secretary
addition or for storage, could mean changing your business from a
realty office, you're moving into a store office and I think that
determination intensity of use somewhere along the way is going to
come into a town battle in our Courts because it certainly has been
used with just anything it wants to. But I'm really surprised thai
these people are actually before you because I don't believe that the
Planning Board Member, Planning Board really the Site Plan
Reviewer should of been able to actually challenge this and bring
these people in. If they wanted a determination on what you people
think as a Zoning Board, I don't know why it should affect the
Drossos. I think it's an interpretation that really shouldn't be
affecting them at all. They should be looking for an interpretation
of the law. As you interpret it. Not necessarily a decision to be
made by you. So I just hope that you realize that the decision that
you're making with this, I think, has far reaching implications of
where the power of the Building Department is going to lie in the
future, and where the Planning Board is going to be. I mean the
Planning Board would like to be the Zoning Board. It likes to write
laws even though we don't elect it to do so. It likes to be the
Building Department in this ease. It likes to be everything. I mean
the Planning Board was certainly given a lot of power by the
Wickham Administration as we all know and it's maintained it, it has
grown and grown and grown. And I think it's going to be
challenged someday. But at this point in time, I hope we realize
Page 56 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
that this determination is going to probably take in an awful lot
more than just Drossos because I don't think the issue is as much
Drossos as it is interpretation of who is going to make these
decisions. I can't believe that the Planning Board can override the
representative of the State of New York who represents the Building
Department. The Planning Board doesn't represent the health and
welfare of this community. The Building Department does and it's
responsible but to the Attorney General's office. The Planning
Board is responsible to nobody. I just hope that we get this, you
know, factored out sometime.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Just as a point of clarification Dr.
Lizewski~ this. particular application was brought and there was a
prepared statement which we have a copy of by Mr. Kassner.
However, the Chairman of the Planning Board was with him, OK,
just so you're aware of that situation.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: And in the application.
MR. LIZEWSKI: I know he signed it and I was surprised. You
know, that he would be signing an application for this kind of
interpretation and not the Planning Board Chairman.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI:
Orlowski signed the application.
No, actually, no he didn't. Mr.
MEMBER TORTORA: This isn't, let's get a little clarification on this
because as Mr. Cardinale, I think ali the Board Members kind of
plugged around it. What are we really looking at here? As far as I
know, what we know we're looking at, correct me if I'm wrong, is
this is an appeal.
DR. LIZEWSKI: Absolutely.
MEMBER TORTORA: By the Planning Board of the Building Code
Enforcement Officer's Decision on whether or not his decision, of
whether the Drossos is in fact a restaurant is accurate. They have
asked us to overturn that decision. That's the first part of it.
MR. LIZEWSKI: That's what you have to really decide.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's I think that we will all seem to agree on.
MR. LIZEWSKI: I think they have a right to do that.
MEMBER TORTORA:
on.
The second part I won't even open my mouth
DR. LIZEWSKI: OK, but I believe they have a right to do that.
MEMBER TORTORA: Absolutely.
DR. LIZEWSKI: I just would hope that you know, there's a lot,
there's a lot of play in this decision. It's not just a simple
Page 57 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
decision to be made because of the way our codes have been written
and haven't been changed.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Cardinale.
That is exactly what I said to Mr.
DR. LIZEWSKI: I understand that. I just want to make my
feelings as representation in the business community we're very
alarmed that these things are happening to us and it's becoming
very difficult to do any kind of business in this town or any kind of
improvement in this town because of the interference by the Planning
Board in their decisions. I was in here this morning with Drossos,
not with Drossos, with General Wayne. The man has spent $30,000
waiting four months to find if he can improve his kitchen because
the Planning Board's involved and not the Building Department.
So we're going through this in a very big way. Your determination
will. mean an awful lot to this community. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you. Anybody else?
MR. CARDINALE: I remember what I wanted to say.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, Mr. Cardinale.
MR. CARDINALE: I had indicated, we both agreed that you have
the right to interpret what it says on the books and I guess that's
what you're trying to do here. I assume you're trying to interpret
accessory use, principal use, and restaurant because that's all you
have. What I was, I think, we all agree also that you cannot.
interpret what doesn't exist on your statute clause; and I want to
remind the Board of this, and that's why I think this whole thing is
confusing and is odd for all of us. If we get approval here, of the
Building Department, if you let that stand, if the Planning Board
after site plan. Everything is going to relate, relates to approval
for a restaurant with an accessory bar use. We're not getting a
tavern approval. It's going to say "restaurant with accessory bar
use" - not a tavern.
!i
So it brings to mind that what you have is a Building, a
Planning Board that is suspicious on looking at the site plan that
maybe there's more bar than restaurant as proposed which is ironic
because they really don't care. They propose almost anything if you
tell them what it is that you want to propose. But my point is that
the Building Department and the Planning Board had a disagreement
when they looked at the site plan. Ultimately, your approval is only
going to be for a restaurant with accessory use. If they start using
this as a tavern, they're going to be, they're going to receive a
summons, if the law works the way it should work. They're going
to get a Summons for using the premises in a manner not approved
by the Town and then we can come back in front of the Justice
Court appropriately and have this whole trial about whether it's
being used as a tavern or being used as a restaurant. It's almost
impossible for you to do this now. I think it is impossible for you
to do it now because there's nothing on your code book that
Page 58 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
indicates what criteria you're supposed to consider as to when this,
whether this is or is not a restaurant/accessory use or a restaurant
and a tavern. So, you don't have all the facts. You can't have all
facts because they're not operating yet. The task you set up for
yourself seems pretty impossible. What I'm suggesting is that in the
ordinary course of things is like that case in Southampton, Attorney
Tohill was arguing, the guy built an enormous house. The neighbor
suspected it was going to be used as a hotel. Well ultimately they
said, go ahead and build it. But if you use it as a hotel, we'll
violate you. And, that's really where you really are here. So, I,
I, and I wanted to, I wanted to run that by you know, to see if it
made any sense.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: What I think you might want to do and I
very rarely ever direct you to do this, OK? As you know Mr.
Cardinale you have been before us several times. We try and leave
no stone unturned. Unfortunately you are appropriately correct on
this one that there may be there may be some stones that we may
not be able to turn over, OK. But in reference to your opinion
regarding what is in the Code and what ~is not in the Code is an
issue that you may want to discuss with Counsel, our Counsel.
MR. CARDINALE: OK.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Prior to us making a decision because if
there is a specific change on that we would like to know that going
into a deliberation.
MR. CARDINALE: You mean anything in addition to what I-
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Right. You have told us that in your
opinion that we can only interpret what's in the code. What's in the
code, OK?
MR. CARDINALE:
restaUrant.
Right, for accessory principal under definition of
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Yes, OK, and no further than that,
OK? I would really urge you to speak to counsel regarding that and
let Counsel know because we would like to continue that aspect of it.
MR. CARDINALE: OK, I'll talk to Frank tomorrow, thank you.
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Gregg.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Gregg.
MR. CARDINALE: Gregg, not Frank.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Gregg, OK. I am not trying to stop
anybody from speaking. I assure you if anybody would like to
speak we at this time would like to discontinue this hearing by
closing it. Yes, Mr. DiVillo?
Page 59 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
JOHN DIVELLO (Sworn in): I do. John DiVillo. I just want to
voice my opinion in support of the Drossos' application. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
are you tonight Sir?
Thank you.
Yes Sir, Mr. Lieblein, how
MR. LIEBLEIN: Fine.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Swore Mr. Lieblein in. (Do you solemnly
swear the information you're about to give us is the truth to the
best of you ability?)
MR. LIEBLEIN: I do.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR.~. LEIBLEIN: I would also like to voice my opinion that I would
like to see you act favorably. I'm not sure what you have to vote
on to be favorable. Whatever it is it's going to take so that they
can move ahead as fellow business people want this town, I would
like to state that I'm in favor of it. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you Sir. Anybody else? OK, Mr.
Costello, how are you tonight?
MR. COSTELLO: Very good.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Do you solemnly swear that the informa-
tion you're about to give us is the truth to the best of your ability?
MR. COSTELLO: I do.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you Sir.
MR. COSTELLO: I just want to make one point that I've been
before a few of the Boards before, and the time and delays I'm sure
this~ Board does not lecture on, taking the adequate time to
deliberate to come up with the proper evaluation. But you know,
the cost involved, the delays, the climate, the economic climate
changes, the jobs. If there are fishermen you ask for a delay many
times for a procedure in government, there'd be no fish. They
wouldn't get out there except in the winter time. If you ask the
farmer and it has happened to me many times, as recent as last
week. They tabled a motion so that they could speak with someone
on some moot 'point. But the delay. If you told that to a farmer,
come back next month, we'll render his decision. It hurts. I don't
know financial status for this application or the individuals
involved, but after having had adequate time deliberate, please,
please, try to move along. Get some of these eases back to the
people that's what we all the represent. I represent them, you
represent them, we all represent people. Please.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Thank you, Mr. Costello. Anybody else?
Page 60 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. CARDINALE: I just want to make one other note. I want to
have this Board to be aware that the Planning Board has declined.
I was advised by the architect to process site plan pending your
decision. So what will happen here, they'll have a delay whatever
your decision is. Ironically we may accept, I'm not sure. Once
you get the decision out, we need another month to get through site
plan. We were unable to convince them to process the site plan on
the premise that there is a true site plan. So I just want to
reflect that on the record.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. Is there any reason why I can't
close this hearing at the Special Meeting next week? OK, so ~then
this course between the Town Attorney and -
MEMBER DINIZIO: I have a particular problem. I would like to
state it. You know, everybody's here except the people who are
supposed to be here, the two people that are the cause of this
application. And Mr. Cardinale I'm sure you're a very intelligent
man, but you seem like you're straining there. You're trying to
find someway to explain your actions and you don't really, aren't the
applicant; and it seems to me that it's difficult for these people to
state their case when they can't even get a response from the actual
applicant to their questions or perhaps even if he makes a statement
perhaps Mr. Kassner would get up and explain himself or Mr.
Orlowski. I mean I have enough information from the Building
Inspector. I thought his interpretation, his decision was proper and
I'm just a little perplexed as to the reason why we're not even
really having the Planning Board weigh in on an application that
they have caused. So I'm kind of wondering if we can't just
expedite this a little bit and, you know, give these people a
decision. I'll go down I don't care whatever it is, but they don't
need to wait any longer. They acted on the Building Inspector.
They wouldn't have needed Mr. Cardinale for the past two months.
They would have been in there spending money.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I just wanted to mention Mr. Dinizio in
reference to that. I did have a discussion with Mr. Forrester today
and he told me that he did have a conflict tonight.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I'm not looking for Mr. Forrester. I'm
looking mostly for the people that caused this application. They
don't care to even be here. (People applauding). And, you know
how I feel about these interpretations~ Jerry. You know we come
across it all the time. I just think that, you know, to make them
wait, you know another, whatever it's going to be for us to, it's not
something that we should be doing. And again, it's up or down.
At least they have a decision and then they can go where they need
to go to get this done. But he doesn't need to talk to the Town
Attorney. He's an attorney himself. I think he can, you know.
He's a big boy. He can make the decision himself. He has his own
interpretation and follow through on that. Unfortunately, two
applicants who are very honest in their application to the Building
Inspector got themselves into trouble.
Page 61 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. Anybody else? (None) OK, seeing
no hands I'll make a motion closing the hearing and if there's
anything that goes on we're having a meeting next week that we
will, you know, I just want you to discuss that particular issue with
our counsel, OK? Thank you all for your courtesy. It's a pleasure
seeing you all and we'll have a decision in the future. I'll make a
motion closing the hearing.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 62 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
8:54 P.M. - Application No. 4643 - JOHN MESLOH
This is a request for a Variance, based upon the Building
Inspector's October 14, 1998 Notice of Disapproval (for a Building
Permit), Article IIIA, Section 100-30A.3, to construct a deck
additionL with a front yard setback at less than 50 feet, at 2150
Arrowhead Lane, peconic, N.Y.; Parcel 1000-98-2-16.2. (Carryover
by agent for applicant from the 1/21 hearing. )
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: This hearing is a continuation of the last
meeting will be held in abeyance -
BOARD SECRETARY KOWALSKI: Without a date.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Without a date. So, I'll offer that as a
resolution.
MEMBER COLLINS: Second.
Motion carried. See Minutes for Resolution.
Page 63 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
8:59 P.M. - Appl. No. 4644 - MARIA TRUPIA
This is a request for a Variance based upon the Building Inspector's
Notice of Disapproval dated November 20, 1998 (for a Building
Permit), Article IIIA, Section 100-30A.3, for approval of an "as
built" entry stoop addition with a side yard setback at less than the
required 15 feet, at 1395 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Southold;
1000-78-1-10.2.; a/k/a Lot 14 on the Map of Sleepy Hollow.
(Carryover by applicant from the 1/21/99 hearing for attendance by
current builder or other repr.)
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I have a eopy of the survey indicating
the stoop. It is my understanding that the ramp leading to the
stoop is not a part of this application and I have a copy of the
Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties
in the area. I do see Mr. & Mrs. Bertani here and how are you
tonight Sir?
MR. BERTANI: Good evening. My name is John Bertani. I'm
representing Maria Trupia who is not here. I'm here to clarify any
questions'the Board would have. I want to give a little insight of
what happened here. The project was started in 1993 and a survey
was given to the Building Department in December of 93 showing the
foundation and the concrete stoop. I was involved in 1997 to take
over the project to complete their house, We reapplied
for permits and inspeetion surveys given. The stoop has always
been there since 1993. It all eame about when I filed for the CO on
the house and it was discovered it encroached a 50 ft. setback.
The house was always measured to the foundation and it was pieked
up at that time. It is now 9-1/2 feet. It's approximately 68 sq.
ft. per area.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
38 sq. ft.
So it exceeds the allowable 30 sq. ft. by
MR, BERTANI: Right. And the handicapped ramp was attached to
thisand that could go within 3 feet to the property line
if we kept it tied to the building and ended up 4-1/2 ft. off the
property line which gave it a little more room.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR. BERTANI:
anything else.
If there's any questions I could try to explain
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Bertani?
Mrs. Tortora any questions of Mr.
MEMBER TORTORA: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Ms. Collins?
Page 64 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MEMBER COLLINS: Did I understand you to say Mr. Bertani, that
when the original Building Permit was applied for back in 93, that
this stoop was on the plans that were -
MR. BERTANI: Yes, the foundation was there. There's a concrete
foundation under that because in order to cut costs we covered it
with wood instead of doing it with stone and that's why there's a
wood stoop there now instead of stone. But, that's basically a
poured concrete stoop which is underneath there. Concrete walls
are there the whole time. And, it shows on the foundation survey
at that time.
MEMBER GOEHRINGER: OK. Can I just ask you, the purpose of
the size of the stoop I assume the ramp is to accommodate a wheel
chair which of course I know.
MR. BERTANI: Yes, Mrs. Trupia's mother is handicapped, she's in
a wheel chair and that's why basically it's up there so you can turn
the chair. There's a double door. It's a 6 foot door to get into
the house because you need the entrance and also for the projection
of weather.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. Mr. Dinizio?
MEMBER DINIZIO: No.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: No
audience like to speak in favor?
thank you Sir.
questions. Anybody else in the
OK, we'll see what develops. We
MR. BERTANI: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Anybody like to speak against?
McLaughlin, how are you tonight Sir?
Mr.
MR. McLAUGHLIN: I'm very good, thank you. I'm here this
evening representing Nancy Deconcilis who owns the property
immediately adjaeent to the applicants. I think if you take a look
at the survey you can see that a very large structure was built on
this property and it was built, the house itself right up to the 15
foot setback. I've looked through the Planning, I'm sorry, the
Building Department files and indeed there have been surveys and
plans that have been submitted, none all of which show the stoop.
In faet, the Health Department approved survey I don't believe
showed a stoop on it at all. And, I think that is where the problem
developed in what was the Health Department approval on their
survey. It looks to me from the survey that the stoop encroaches
approximately 6 to 6-1/2 feet into the 15 yard setback. As you've
spoken already, an allowable 30 sq. ft. stoop is possible as long as
it doesn't come out more than 5 feet also from the wall of the
building. I'm not sure how the stoop is measured for your
purposes. Whether it includes the stairs from the stoop but, it
appears to me to be substantially larger than 16 sq. ft. It looks to
me if you include the stairs to be about 6-1/2 feet by about 17-1/2
Page 65 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
feet from the survey which would be over 100 sq. ft. of stoop and
stairs.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Can I answer your question Mr.
McLaughlin, we very rarely do include those stairs, OK, and the
ramp area is not affected in this.
MR. McLAUGHLIN: I realize that the ramp is not even an issue
before this Board this evening. Again, my client's position is
simply if they wanted a stoop of this size, they clearly could have
put this building further off the line and accommodated the stoop
and that if you take a look at the criteria under the Town Law, 267
B as to what you should be looking at, you should be looking at the
detriment to the adjoining property which we feel is substantial
because it's to a very substantial degree taken away the side yard
setback, could the benefit to the applicant be achieved by some
other method.? I think clearly it could if there's decks all around
this house and there could have been other ways of accommodating a
wheel chair ramp into the house is the variance substantial. It's at
least even according to their estimates double the allowable size and
is it a self created difficulty and I think the answer to that is yes
too, because again, the building proper was put right up to the
setback line and if there was an indication that they were going to
be adding a stoop of this size and not within the 30 foot limit
that's allowed by the statute. Clearly they could have moved this
building further off the line and gotten away with any problem like
this. My client would have been here herself but, she is a, spends
considerable time in Italy and is not presently in the country but
she asked me to come this evening and express her views on this
application.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, can I just ask you a question? We
have a self imposed hardship, OK? What can we do to assist your
client, apart from taking the stoop down?
MR. McLAUGHLIN: I don't know. Perhaps some required screening
next to it. Might do something so that at least it isn't as
visible. Other than that I really don't have any suggestions.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, do you want to contact her in
reference to that? No way am I questioning your authority in any
way, I assure you Mr. McLaughlin.
MR. McLAUGHLIN: I have not discussed that issue with her at this
point.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR. MCLAUGHLIN: I would hope to be able. Communications is a
little difficult. But, I would hope to be able to communicate with
her and get back to you by next week, or your next meeting.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
next week maybe?
OK. By the end of, by the middle of
Page 66 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
MR. MxLAUGHLIN: I, I will do my best. I'll send a fax over to
her tomorrow and hope that she'll get back to me quickly and
indicate in the fax that I would like her to do so.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Good, that's great.
MR. BERTANI: May I say something?
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Surely, Sir.
MR. BERTANI: The Trustees, the people of the Board who placed
the house where it is. We originally had the house, I didn't myself,
but, the prior builder had the house placed much closer further up
on the property and away from this property line. The Trustees
made them move the house back to this location exactly. We didn't
plan to put it there and that's not a, and we always had this stoop
on it as far as the plan.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: My understanding Mr. Bertani that you
were not the original builder but you finished the house for Mrs.
Tripia?
MR. BERTANI: Yes, right, that's correct.
was done in 93. So, I'm a little, you know.
I came in 1997. This
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: What was there when you took it over?
Just the shell of the house?
MR. BERTANI: Yes which we had to tear down to the first floor.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Oh, really.
way down to the first floor?
You had to tear it all the
MR. BERTANI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Why?
MR. BERTANI: We reconstructed the house and completed it.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK.
MR. BERTANI: And all of these things like I said. Actually there
was a larger deck that went through all the way down the side
of it. Sure my client would be willing to do some sort of screening
that would -
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: That was my next question.
MR. BERTANI: Yes, that wouldn't surely be a problem.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK,
MR. BERTANI: Thank you.
Page 67 Hearing Transcripts
February 23, 1999 - Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER:
Mr. McLaughlin?
Thank you.
So you'll get back to us
MR. McLAUGHLIN: Yes I will. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK. We thank you all and we will a, if
no one else wants to speak we'll make a motion closing the hearing
reserving decision until later and then we'll wait for a, is there
any reason do you want to be communicated in reference to what Mr.
McLaughlin has to say in any way? You have offered to do some
screening so we will then take the bull by the horn if he says it's
OK.
MR. BERTANI: Oh, yes.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: I don't mean to be trite about this. I'm
nOt trying in any way but, I just don't want to delay the hearing.
There's no reason for it if you a -.
MR. BERTANI: Well no, that's fine. Then we'd be more than
happy to look into that and take care of it.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: Is that alright with you Mr. McLaughlin?
MR. McLAUGHLIN: That's fine.
CHAIRMAN GOEHRINGER: OK, we thank you Sir. We thank you.
Hearing no further comment we'll make a motion closing the hearing
reserving decision until later.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Second.
End of Hearing.
APPEALX3 BOARD MEMBERS
qerard P. Goehringer, Chairman
James Dinizio, Jr.
Lydia A. Tortora
Lora S. Collins
George Homing
BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
ZBA Fax (516) 765-9064
Telephone (516) 765-1809
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJ:
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
PATIO HEIGHT CLARIFICATION
This will confirm that by Board Resolution adopted February 23, 1999, the following shall
be used to clarify the Zoning Code regarding allowable height for patios, replacing the
lawn mower standards established by Building Inspectors:
PATIO: The height shall be limited at zero inches, flush (level) with the
ground at one end, and limited to a heiqht of 16 inches from ground level
at the opposite end, with at least 50% of the entire structure built below
grade. The patio would also be flat and level and meet safety
requirements.
Other present code restrictions are, of course, unchanged.
Vote of the Board: Goehringer, Dinizio, Collins, Horning. Member Tortora abstained.
ThiS Resolution was duly adopted (4-0, plus one abstention).
Thank you.
[ I~ECEiVED AND F!LE~