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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-01/06/2011 Hearing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS COUNTY OF SUFFOLK: STATE OF NEW YORK RECEDED TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS F~B ~ 2 BOARD OF APPEALS Southold Town Hall Southold, New York January 6, 2011 9:34 a.m. Board Members Present: LESLIE KANES WEISMAN - Chairperson/Member GERARD P. GOEHRINGER - Member JAMES DINIZIO, JR. - Member GEORGE HORNING - Member KENNETH SCHNEIDER - Member JENNIFER ANDALORO - Assistant Town Attorney VICKI TOTH - Secretary Jessica DiLallo Court Reporter P.O. Box 984 Holbrook, New York 11741 (631)-338-1409 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 INDEX OF HEARINGS Hearing: 4170 Indian Neck Lane Holdings #6443 David S. And Elizabeth Branch #6439 Jeff Andrade #6435 Lois Abramchik and Barbara Cavallo #6436 Barbara Scura-Coyne #6441 Joel B. And Jami Friedman #6440 West Creek Avenue Trust #6442 TK Alpha, LLC #6437 Benali, LLC #6422 Donald B. And Janis G. Rose #6430 Louis and Elizabeth Mastro #6417 Page: 3-25 25-31 32-36 36-54 54-59 60-73 73-80 80-108 108-161 162-168 168-183 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals HEARING #6443 Indian Neck Lane Holdings CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Our first hearing is for Indian Neck Lane Holdings. And that's George Horning. Would you please read the legal, George? MEMBER HORNING: This application "No. 6443, Indian Neck Lane Holdings. Applicant requests a Special Exception under Article III, Section 280-13B(9). To construct second floor apartment as groom/farm labor quarters in existing barn, location: 4170 Indian Neck Lane, adjacent to Little Creek, in Peconic, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-98-1-27.1." CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. somebody here to represent that? to the podium, and would please Is there Please come state your name and spell it for us, recorded? MR. EMILITO: because it's being Good morning, Ladies and Gentleman, Members of the Southold Zoning Board. My name is David Emilito. I am a registered certified professional planner. I am representing Indian Neck Farm here today and that is before you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Before you continue, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals sir, the Board has implemented a procedure late last year, whereby, we ensure that the applicants have received copies of all or reviewed their file prior to the hearing or if not, we will provide you with the copies of any correspondences in our file, so that you may address that correspondence before the Board in a public record in whatever way you wish to. Have you received a copy of the letter that we received from the Planning Director, Heather Lanza? MR. EMILITO: Yes, I have. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You have that? MR. EMILITO: Yes, I have. I intend to address that during my comments. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's fine. I just wanted to make sure -- MR. EMILITO: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We're trying to make sure that we don't miss anything during the hearing. So that we have full advantage and are able to discuss all aspects of whatever is in our file with the applicant. MR. EMILITO: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Please 5 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 proceed. MR. EMILITO: Thank you very much. The application is for a -- an apartment intended for the grooms quarters to maintain the horse farm on the premises. It is classified as a farm labor camp. The particular section of the zoning code, which may not seem like the term, but that's the provision for which we are applying. It was a Special Exception before your Board and in the course of events in discussions with the Planning Director in reference to that memorandum and with the Building Inspector, we're filing simultaneously two other applications. The barns were originally constructed as residential accessory structures to the main residences on the property, because we're now intending to install an apartment for a groom, there has to be a Change of Use for the barns from residential accessory to an agricultural use. That application is in process and we are working with the Building Inspector to complete it. Due to that change and the application for the Special Exception, the necessity for a site plan approval from the Planning Board, also a condition and is also in the process with the Town Planner and the 6 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Town Planning Department, to perfect that application. So in fact all three applications will proceed simultaneously. with that procedure and it's button it all up at one time. We're comfortable appropriate to That being said, for the purposes of your consideration for the Special Exception, this is -- in effect a 138 acre parcel, with all the parcels taken together. This particular tax parcel is 77 acres. It is comprised of the principle residence, the accessory structures with the residences. The newly completed horse barns with approximately 60 horses, and 60 horses require a bit of maintenance. And the remainder of the property is basically open fenced horse (inaudible). It is to be served entirely of public water brought in from Indian Neck Lane. The Health Department is in the final stages of approving those connections -- (inaudible) connections. We will also have to have the apartment itself inspected by the Suffolk County Department of Health Room Housing. Because it is a pro-farm labor situation, there will be one additional layer of review for these quarters. The onsite sanitary system has been sized to accommodate the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals apartment. There is sufficient parking, obviously, on the premises, where the -- for the proposed resident. The apartment itself, as I stated, is necessary for the maintenance of the horse farm. As I said, 60 horses do require a bit of maintenance. It will have no undue adverse affect on the neighborhood. And the only -- there will be no increase in the footprint of the simple barn. The only exterior evidence of the apartment will be an outside door leading to the stairway, which would go right up to the apartment. It will be constructed on the north side of the barn. There will be 3 or 4 additional skylights to allow sufficient light into the upstairs. And there maybe associated bench stacks to accommodate the plumbing riser systems. Other then that, there will be no visible evidence of the barn -- of the apartment itself. I don't think I have anything else to add to the testimony at this point. I would be happy to feel any questions that you might have. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Can I just ask one question? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: First, see if George January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 has any questions. MEMBER HORNING: going to MR. I wanted to ask who is live there? EMILITO: Who is going to live in the apartment? It farm. In other words, it will be will be working there to maintain is going to be an employee of the someone who the paddocks. To clean out the barns. To exercise the horses and so forth. MEMBER HORNING: Just one occupant or more than one? MR. EMILITO: The floor plans indicate that there are two bedrooms. So we might assume that there will be two people. MEMBER HORNING: Two employees? MR. EMILITO: Yeah, I think so. I can't say for sure. We would anticipate there being two, because there are two bedrooms and there would be two people. MEMBER HORNING: I mean, it is important to distinguish whether they are employees or otherwise. MR. EMILITO: Well, there would be certain occupancy limits set by the County, but with two bedrooms, I would assume at least two 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals people. MEMBER HORNING: Right. I would just like to know whether it would be two employees or one employee and -- MR. EMILITO: I can find out the owners intentions if you would wish? But I would assume that there are two bedrooms, there would be two. MEMBER HORNING: Two employees? MR. EMILITO: Yes. I mean, let's make that MEMBER HORNING: clear. MR. EMILITO: will Okay. allow me to make a note. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Mr. I can do that. If you Okay. Emilito, at Al01-1 and it indicates that the total square in looking MR. EMILITO: That sounds -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Sounds about right? MR. EMILITO: Sounds about right. Did you have a question Mr. Goehringer about -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: This is my question and you know, it is somewhat rhetorical. The past labor camps that we had looked at over the many years, some of those years I was not on this footage area of this -- I will refer to it as the "labor camp apartment" is 1243 square feet. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals Board, were usually housed in one particular area. What you are giving to us as your presentation is one particular area; however, there are three barns. Is there a possibility of a future application to do this in the other two barns, to retrofit the other or three of situation? the upstairs of either one of of these barns with this type MR. EMILITO: There know of, no. is no intention that I MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Okay. MR. EMILITO: quite as big. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The other two barns are not I mean, I am sure there could be something but there is no intention -- MR. EMILITO: There is no intention at this time. I would have encouraged the owner to come forward and if there were to be others, do it now and be done with it. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The reason why I said it -- this Board has looked at it, I have been on this Board since 1980. You know, the majority of where the camp issues came prior to that; however, there were some issues about labor camps on certain area in Cutchogue at one point, that 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals we did look at, they were all housed within one structure. I am saying to you, if there was a future situation that would (inaudible) that issue into three separate structures or elongated this one and then putting one in another structure. At this particular point, you're only looking at this particular structure -- MR. EMILITO: That's correct. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The larger structure that we -- MR. EMILITO: That's right. Is that a question that you would wish me to obtain an answer to? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Sure. MR. EMILITO: All right. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sir, the floor plans indicate a 21.2 x 21.2 foot waiting room. MR. EMILITO: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And there is no kitchen shown? MR. EMILITO: That's correct. An earlier version of the plan had that room designated as a kitchen. I don't know why now it has been designated a waiting room. I would assume that tl January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 SO forth, facility. yet. the actual plans that are filed for the building permit, which would include plumbing, wiring and would then place a kitchen in that I just think it hasn't been designed CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: a drawing that it would be Otherwise, if you come back to us from the Building Department saying that these are not the plans that you approved. So if in fact, you're planning to include a kitchen and a living room MR. EMILITO: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I would request that you submit a plan before a determination is rendered so that we can actually approve, should this Board so -- MR. EMILITO: Okay. That is on -- that is not bad news because I know trying to have the premises occupied by the summer, so if we could all (inaudible) do that, we would all appreciate that. And we will get on that. What we want do is see "as built." it -- it is certainly feasible to suggest that CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And I think for clarification on who will be living there before January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 you might have a family with kids. The second bedroom could be appropriately occupied by the family of the employee; however, know if this is more of a group than one employee and so on, to we do need to residence or more show the full extent of the plans. I am assuming the room is obviously the peek of the gable portion on the second story apartment. The wings would continue to be hay storage? MR. EMILITO: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Jim, question? MEMBER DINIZIO: Yeah, I have some questions. How many acres is the farm? MR. EMILITO: The whole entire farm? MEMBER DINIZIO: Yeah. MR. EMILITO: 133.0063. It's huge. MEMBER DINIZIO: have they been -- MR. EMILITO: property. MEMBER DINIZIO: The development rights, They have been retained on the They are? MR. EMILITO: Yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: We did this for other application many, many years ago. It was a very long time ago. What we wound up doing is telling 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals them to (inaudible) for that barn. And you know, he has two residences and he has four acres set aside for his residential. eliminates a lot of things restrictions there. We're And that kind of for you, a lot of talking about what type of family is living here or if a family will live here. To me, the groom does bring up labor camps and you know, maybe that's the reason why you don't have a kitchen in there. I mean, I can only assume. Because we did get a letter today concerning that, that farm. It's not in our -- it's not even addressed in our accessory apartment law that I know of. The law that you're here for. It doesn't address farm workers in a working farm. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: general. We have materials attorney. MEMBER DINIZIO: Right. So you know -- That code is very supplied by our CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: From the Ag & Market, talking about more specificity, which we should make sure that you have a copy of also. These are guidelines for us because our code is not very specific. MEMBER DINIZIO: So I just wondered if you 14 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 might want to consider, you know, just setting aside those two acres and building yourself an apartment there in the barn, I -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: He can't Jim, because the only way -- that's probably part of the problem. The only way an accessory apartment in an accessory structure can be applied for -- MEMBER DINIZIO: I am not saying that. I am saying, make it a house. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER DINIZIO: They can have a house You mean -- No, set a few acres aside. there if they want. That's one thing. Maybe you should pursue that. The second thing is, I have some safety concerns about building an probably the most world, hay. And I am just wondering apartment upstairs above flammable material in the safety wise, if that MR. questions -- MEMBER DINIZIO: asked. MR. EMILITO: question, structure -- is -- if you have thought about that. EMILITO: You've asked several Yes, three questions I If I understood your first to set aside acres for a separate January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Right. You know, you can is. That particular place is on the corner on Oregon Road and Bridge Lane. It's a very nice house. There is a barn in front of it. barn actually has a residence upstairs. was built to a certain specification. as far as sheet rock and fire rated. residence upstairs. But the way that we came to that setting aside two acres and saying and saying, he wanted an apartment in the barn. We said, "no, you can't have an apartment in a barn." It was going to be for his worker, which happened to be his brother-in-law at the time. He was (inaudible) situation. And you know, it was something that was very simple, because I see a couple of things that are maybe very troubling to me. One is, I don't know if I want to be standing outside a barn that burnt down that had an apartment in it. I don't know how I would feel having approved that. I mean, if I just think there are all sorts of problems with that. That And it You know, There is a MEMBER DINIZIO: go to the Planning Board and add another residence and subdivide out the residential part for a farm, so that you have that set aside -- I am assuming it's two acres, I don't know what it 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, MR. EMILITO: Okay. back to the owner but it subdivision and keep approved -- MEMBER DINIZIO: 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals I will take (inaudible) would require a in mind (inaudible) had been I just want it to be in the record that there are some concerns here. Those are concerns to me -- if you have already pursued subdivision and it's not feasible for you, then just tell me. And then it's on the way. It's my suggestion. I thought it would be a lot easier for you to get it. Certainly, it would have more flexibility, then who you could put in that apartment. MR. EMILITO: We will put those opinions (inaudible). (Stepped away from the microphone.) MEMBER DINIZIO: And I think safety wise, I would like to have you address egress out of there and how it meets the fire code. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yeah, that is a good idea. Let the architect address that. burns MEMBER DINIZIO: MR. EMILITO: I honestly, hay, when it Understood. Horse barn fires are mean and nasty and no one likes to see 17 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 another one. This barn will be fully sprinklered and it would have to be minimum fire standards by -- MEMBER DINIZIO: That is -- MR. EMILITO: The County Department of Housing deals specifically with farm labor housing. We will have to pass through hurdles here. And also apartments in barns, as you stated, are not uncommon, it's good to have someone right on premises, right there. If something happens, they're right there. Not in the main house where maybe the commotion can not be seen or some where offsite, but I think that is the intent here. However, I will take all of your concerns back to the owner for sure. MEMBER DINIZIO: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: While you're doing that, bear in mind, when we grant things like that, we grant the Special Exception, we require a second form of emergency egress. A thrown down ladder or something like that for that second floor. In the barn, the actual windows that may or may not be there, are very different. If you could please address on how you would conform with safety code, New York State Code and January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Building Code on a second form of second story egress, that would also be very helpful. MEMBER DINIZIO: I think anything that we approve should show that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's right. So you need to tell us how you're going to handle that. MR. EMILITO: All right. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Mr. Emilito, I am glad Jim brought up that issue. I was going to discuss that issue, combustibility of hay. I would like to know if the ceiling in the barn, the two satellite areas adjacent to this are going to be insulated and possibly air conditioned, as opposed -- and sprinklered. The problem with sprinkling in a combustible situation, you never know where the combustibility of hay is going to be. Where the source is going to occur. The reason why I am saying that, if you're going to utilize those two for hay, we have to really discuss, you know, the lowering of those temperatures in those barns, okay? And the only way that can be done is through air conditioning. Because although it is nice to sprinkle it, you don't know where the combustible source would be, all right? And the January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 sprinkler may not ever get to that combustible source as it intensifies. So that is the issue. What other sort of protection you're going to be giving to the fire rating, as Jim mentioned, to the apartment on both sides to allow these people to get out in case that was to happen, is a great concern to me, as well as, the Board. MR. EMILITO: So what are you asking? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Is the hay loft area going to be air conditioned in the spring? To lower that temperature, okay, it could be 120 degrees in there in the summer time and 90 degree temperature outside. That creates a combustible source. But you don't know where that combustibility sets itself. If it was to start at the floor rating or the ceiling rating -- you just don't know where it's going to start. And there is nothing worse, in my particular opinion, hay and cardboard. Those are the two worst. And in fact cardboard could be worse. Because it has little pockets for oxygen to get into them and in my particular opinion, you can never really put out a cardboard fire. The hay fire is going to burn through the roof and potentially burn itself out. Hopefully never taking someone's life. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals That's a concern. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's what you get when you're dealing with a firefighter over here. MR. EMILITO: That MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: questions? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: is good. Thank you. Ken, do you have any Yes, I do. Was there ever any consideration of making a ground floor apartment in one of these barns, instead of a second floor? MR. EMILITO: It was never discussed with me. Not to my knowledge, no. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Could you describe for the record, what is the function of a groomer? MR. EMILITO: The function of a groom? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yeah, of the groomer. MR. EMILITO: To maintain intact, to exercise the horses. Clean out stalls. Turn out and bring in. Those kinds of matters. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: And for the record, why would that be essential to having an apartment in this barn? MR. EMILITO: In my opinion, does that make it essential to have the barn, is that your 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals question? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Why is it essential that the apartment be in the barn and not in a separate location? MR. EMILITO: As I stated, to have someone directly on premises. In case anything happens, they are right there. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Any other Board members have questions at this time? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this application? Please come forward. MR. PONTINO: Joe Pontino, Little Indian Neck, p-O-N-T-I-N-O. The County definition of labor camp, what's the potential occupation for that apartment for that size? MEMBER DINIZIO: You would have to ask the County. MR. PONTINO: And would they come (inaudible) to the site? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Maybe that's a legal question. Can you answer that? MS. ANDALORO: I believe they would 22 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 circumvent the Town. That being said, we have jurisdiction as well, for health and safety. So if you would like to put a restriction on the occupants, that there is two, that could fly or that could not fly. You know. MR. PONTINO: I can see a laboring family but you know, labor camp, has the potential of having two dozen people in it for that size. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: That's why I asked the question. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: They will get back to us on what they're specifically proposing. We have a history of granting Special Exceptions and conditions placed upon the Special Exception that stipulate who may reside. How many people may reside and so on. And if they want in any way, they would need to come Board for approval. MR. to expand it back to the PONTINO: How do you sprinkle the system around hay? You can have composting. about that as you mentioned it today. on the ground would be preferable, I is all I have to say. Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I thought Something think. That Thank you. Is there 25 anyone else? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anything else from the Board? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Hearing no further questions, I would like to make a motion to adjourn this hearing to 1:30 on February 3rd at 1:30, so that we may continue addressing the issues that were raised here and be prepared to come back with some additional answers before us. Then we will continue. MR. EMILITO: Thank you. And may I ask, or should I coordinate with Vicki, when you would like our responses back, so that you may consider them? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Certainly before the hearing. So we will have a good chance to review anything in writing and prepare our questions. I would say at lease hearing. MR. EMILITO: a week, minimum, before the Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: before the hearing. MR. EMILITO: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Preferable 10 days Thank you very much. Is there a second to 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals my motion. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. Second. Ail in favor? Motion carries unanimously. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6439 - David S. And Elizabeth Branch CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Our next application is for David and Elizabeth Branch. That is also, George. Would you please read the legal? MEMBER HORNING: "No. 6439, David S. And Elizabeth Branch. They have a request for a variance from Code Section 280-18 and Building Inspector's October 13, 2010 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct an addition at; 1) less than the code required minimum side yard setback of feet, 2) less than the code required combined side yards of 35 feet, at: 5160 Indian Neck 15 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Lane, York. adjacent to Hog Neck Bay, Peconic, New Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-98-4-23." CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Would you like to state your name for the record, please? MS. DOTY: First, good morning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good morning. MS. DOTY: And Happy New Year. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Happy New Year. MS. DOTY: I am Deborah Doty. I am the attorney for David and Elizabeth Branch. Ms. Branch is here in the audience with me, although she says she doesn't want to say anything. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Before we proceed, the only correspondence that we have is Suffolk County (inaudible) indicating local jurisdiction and the other is LWRP -- MS. DOTY: I received that this morning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And a posting affidavit. I am saying it louder for the recorder to get it. MS. DOTY: My clients are requesting two side yard setbacks variances. One is a single side yard setback on the westerly side and the other is a combined side yard setback. In simple January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 terms, more than a 100 years ago, Mr. Smith built a house on this property and it's location, although a portion of that house does not meet current zoning requirements. That's where we are. The lot itself is huge. It's 4 acres. Over 4 acres. It's long and it's narrow. Most of it is wooded. The residence is located down by the water. In 1904, I understand that Mr. Smith built a series of houses. Five of them, along the water. the left was built, by Mr. Smith. It's the same vintage. The western The house immediately to I think prior to this house, similar in structure. It's footprint of this house, which is the problem, the western corner, has been there in it's current location since 1904, approximately. I don't actually have a precise date on it. I did give you a photograph, which appears to be around 1904, and the house structure itself. Many years ago the roof became dilapidated and my client pulled it off for safety reasons. The deck or the porch remain there until the construction commenced, it is now removed. Essentially we're asking for permission to reconstruct 100 square feet of deck and put a roof over it, maintaining the prior roof line and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals the roof line that is coordinated with the rest of the house. On the westerly side, we're asking for a variance to allow the existing side yard setback of 10.9 feet to the house and a combined side yard setback of 26.8 feet. These are really minimal variances given the size and shape of the property and the preexisting house. You have all been down there. extraordinary private. It's all woods. are deer running across the driveway. location of the It's There Or at least every time I went there several deer leaping across the driveway. When you look at the parcel there are two adjoining neighbors, effectors of this, because the way down by the water. problem is on the west it's the Werber House. house is all the And in this instance, the side of our house. So The one on the left. It's most closely affected by allowing us to keep the house where it has always been. There is really no change in the character in the neighborhood as a result of this variance. In fact, there wouldn't be a change if you said, no. You have to comply with the current code, because we would have to rip down a side of the house and remove a deck that had been there for over a 100 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals years. Again, the problem is the size, shape and the parcel and the location of the house. You know, the house was built around 1904 and the current zoning code went into affect 85 years later. The variances requested are really not substantial. The lot coverage is minimally increased and that's increased by the expansion to the east, which will allow the Branches to retire to the house. So there will be a master suite there. And there is really no adverse affect on anything. Not to beat a dead horse, I would ask that you grant the variances. Is there any question? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George, is there any questions? MEMBER HORNING: Sure. The only application that mentions that the applicant was applying to the Trustees and the New York DEC, what is the status of that? MS. DOTY: Those have already been approved. That was in connection with the construction of the expansion that is going on. We have a building permit for approved. And that porch and the variance problem. that. So those were included this deck, this When we went in 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals for that building permit, the building permit reviewer said, "Oops, there is a problem here. So he granted the permit for the rest of the house and said go ahead, and go for the variance to the ZBA and the 10.9 setback. So those were approved. MEMBER HORNING: All right. Thank you. There is also a photo that you submitted, this one in particular, I was wondering if you had a date on this -- MS. DOTY: I took those last Fall. That was during construction. MEMBER HORNING: So the approximate month was October? MS. DOTY: I could check the calendar, but it was either September, October. MEMBER HORNING: Of 20107 MS. DOTY: 2010, yes. MEMBER HORNING: The Fall of 2010. MS. DOTY: Yes, sir. MEMBER HORNING: Okay. That's what I have at the moment. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry? 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Thank Jim? Mr. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I have no questions. MEMBER MS. DOTY: Dinizio? MEMBER DINIZIO: DINIZIO: No comment. Is that good or bad, James -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone would like to address this That's all I could say. in the audience that application? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing no further comment or questions from the audience or the Board, hearing subject date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. you very much. (See Minutes for Resolution.) I would like to make a motion to close the to future decisions at a later 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals HEARING #6435 - Jeff Andrade for it. it. because CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jeff Andrade. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: it was advertised. The next hearing is That's adjourned. No, we have to open Yeah, we have to open We have to open it So I am going to make a motion that we open this hearing. I don't have to, we did that. We have a letter, George will read it. MEMBER HORNING: Right now? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yeah. "No. 6435, from Code MEMBER HORNING: We have an application, Jeff Andrade, request for variance Section 280-13 and 280-15 and the Building Inspector's September 29, 2010 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct an accessory structure 1) proposed building is not accessory to existing structure, 2) accessory structure exceeding the maximum 750 square foot allowed per code; at: 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 43850 Main Road, Suffolk County Road 25 in Peconic, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-75-6-4." CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you, George. Is there anyone here who wishes to address this application? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. We have a letter received January 4th, to the Zoning Board of Appeals Office and dated January 4th, from the applicant's agent, Robert Rutter (phenetic) requesting an adjournment to the next available date. So hearing no comment from anyone, I am going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing to February 3rd, 10:30 a.m. MEMBER HORNING: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George seconded the motion. Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. 33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals Motion carries unanimously. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next before the Board -- MR. ANDRADE: Can I (inaudible). CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: When I or not there was anyone here -- MR. ANDRADE: I didn't know that I anything. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, you can. am going to make a motion to reopen this hearing -- MR. ANDRADE: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: receiving testimony. MEMBER HORNING: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: application asked whether I'm sorry. For the purpose of Second. Seconded by George. could say Then I Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. We're still going to take more testimony in February. MR. ANDRADE: All right. 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to do? January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: say anything -- MR. ANDRADE: Do I just come back on that date? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You come back that date. However, if you wish How does it work? What do I MR. ANDRADE: So it's CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: morning. MR. ANDRADE: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: your name for the record? February 3rd. At 10:30 in the Could you just state MR. ANDRADE: Sure. My name is Jeff Andrade. I am the property owner. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Fine. So your representative Rob Rutter will be here on that date. MR. ANDRADE: I hope so. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, he requested the adjournment on your behalf, I assume. MR. ANDRADE: He never called me. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Oh, really. MR. ANDRADE: That's why I am upset because I have been calling him for days and he hasn't called me back. So I don't know what's going on. 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Apparently, he was not prepared, I would assume, because he would have been here. So I guess you two better talk. MR. ANDRADE: Very good. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So I am now making a motion to close -- to adjourn this hearing, not close, adjourning it to February 3rd. MEMBER DINIZIO: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6436 Cavallo Lois Abramchik and Barbara CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail right. The next application before us is Lois Abramchik and Barbara Cavallo. And that was Ken. Ken, would you please read the legal notice? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Sure. Appeal "No. 6436, request for variance from Code Section 280-15 and the Building Inspector's August 16, 2010 Notice 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct an accessory in-ground swimming pool at; a location other than the code required rear yard, at: Main Road (SR 25) and Brown's Hill Road, Private Road, Orient, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-18-6-24.1." MS. DWYER: Nancy Dwyer, on behalf of the homeowners Lois Abramchik and Barbara Cavallo. The homeowners are looking to install a built in-swimming pool in the side yard, which is actually a front yard to Brown's Hill Road. Then -- the house was built in 1890's. Then a subdivision came about in the late 70's. It created a side yard -- excuse me, it created a front yard. So, they are looking for a variance to put the pool in this location, putting it in the back of the house. We have already found that it's located in the back of the house. So that's it's location. The natural vegetation that separates the house from Brown's Hill Road is to remain. Anything that is there that is natural will remain. The pool will be constructed close enough to the house that is already existing. 37 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have a survey showing the proposed 96 setback from Brown's Hill Road. 68 feet from one side yard and 112 feet from what I guess technically to be the rear yard and 48 feet from the house. Okay. This is Ken's, do you want to start with any questions? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yeah, I do. You said the house was built and then the Brown's Hill subdivision? MS. DWYER: MEMBER SCHNEIDER: was cut? Yeah. That's where this road MS. DWYER: MEMBER SCHNEIDER: was done? MS. DWYER: (No verbal response.) And do you know when that I couldn't get a clarification from the Planning Department. I got approximately '78, in that area. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: And the house was built -- MS. DWYER: The house was built -- was 1890 and then there was an addition that was made part of the house. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Do you know when that was done? 39 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. DWYER: That I don't know. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: And the right of way that you used to enter the property, I couldn't find it on the tax map -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Because it's probably a right of way over the neighbors property and not a flag lot situation. MS. DWYER: This house was actually -- is older then the property in front and on the Main Road. That was also another subdivision. And that part of the property was sold off. And then a house was built there. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Okay. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: original survey dated July 8th, That I don't know. You can see on the the most recent date, Kenny -- MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: right? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: (inaudible) at the time. about other situations. Yeah, I am looking at it. Five foot right of way. Yeah, I see that. Do you see it go to the Yeah. That was the typical We had had discussions The purpose of that was January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 40 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to -- fire and emergency equipment. To at least get the equipment to the site, on the site. That was one of the old ways that they dealt with that. So it's a right of way over the neighbor's property. It's not a flag. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken, the additions were done when? MS. DWYER: Everything on that property is CO'd. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I have no more. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George, any questions? MEMBER HORNING: The right of way consideration would bring to question whether or not the applicant, in your mind, put a driveway in through Brown's Hill Road. Right now it is all vegetated as is, with the possibility that they would cut a road through there. MS. DWYER: That is not something that has ever been discussed with me. I don't know. I don't think it is something that they would ever do. Just because it is -- it has been used that way from when they purchased it, but I don't know. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I am not sure a right of way over that right of way. they have They 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals probably don't. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: They may not be legally able to do that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry, question? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The only question I have is that the swimming pool, is it going to be open to the sky? MS. DWYER: Yeah. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: As you know, you have sat through many of these hearings and we're looking -- I am still looking for sound deafening equipment, the filter. MS. DWYER: I don't know where that's going. I don't know the answer. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Maybe you can ask them? MS. DWYER: I will. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I have one more question. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Can you legal access to Brown's Hill Road. Can you find out if the applicant does have legal access to Brown's Hill Road, all right? MS. DWYER: Yeah. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? 41 42 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER DINIZIO: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address this applicant? MS. PIGNATO: Good morning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good morning. MS. PIGNATO: My name is Jayanne Pignato. I am the adjoining property. P, like Peter. I-G-N-A-T-O. I didn't want to interrupt, but in reference to the right of way, that is deeded to our property and we actually moved that right of way over -- I believe it was 5 years ago and all done appropriately. We moved that over and we have been maintaining that right of way at our expense for the entire 8 years that we were in that house. The proposal that is before you leaves us with some concern regarding a number of issues. I represent both my partner and myself -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Can I ask you a question? MS. PIGNATO: Sure. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Do that fronts on Main (inaudible) Road? MS. PIGNATO: Yes. The old Bob (inaudible) you live in the house January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 43 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 home. Our first concern is the pool, is that the pool be sides from the back yard. I can't really (inaudible) the footage across indicating by the young lady here that there is a septic tank here; however, the (inaudible) footage and I am not used to reading these kinds of maps, seem adequate to have both septic tanks and a proposed pool. That would be my interpretation just by looking at the sizing here. So that a pool being placed in the rear yard seems to be the appropriate position for this from our opinion. Moreover, if that is somehow not possible, we would request that the proposed pool be moved back a minimal of 50 feet, which would in turn give Ms. Cavallo and Mr. Abramchik approximately the same amount of distance they're proposing from our property line. It would give them approximately 62 feet from their rear boundary. MEMBER HORNING: Can you mark it on there? MS. PIGNATO: I have a copy of my comments that I would be very happy to submit to you upon finishing. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. MS. PIGNATO: We would also request that the rapid growing six foot evergreens be planted on 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals the south side of the pool for screening and sound proofing, as we believe the noise elements would be quite severe. We also request that the mechanical equipment be hidden on the north side of the pool in a sound proof structure. In addition, because it has been a tremendous expense to us to maintain the right of way, which we have planted shrubs and all kinds of perennials and has made quite an impact in our budget, we would be very concerned about cement trucks and excavation materials and construction items that would be coming down that road. We would very much want Ms. Cavallo and Mr. Abramchik to be responsible for the damage that would be incurred, as we have experienced in the past and we have to no avail, have had any responses been made and again, it costs us out of our pocket to maintain that easement. Moreover, living in an environment surrounded by farms, we have in the past 8 years have learned that rodents can be a problem in farmland. We our very diligent about maintaining exterminating and not having any of that difficulty. However; through excavation, we believe that that will become a major concern and if that, on our 44 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 property, if we were to experience or incur any damages regarding rodent activity and costs, we would ask for the Cavallo-Abramchik Family to also incur the costs. Lastly, we would also ask Ms. Cavallo and Mr. Abramchik, to please, ask them to sign a statement asking them to be responsible for these expenses, which we believe we will incur, if the pool is in fact built in the position that they are proposing. And once again, I appeal to you strongly as I possibly can for this pool, to be moved to the rear yard where we believe more than ample space to accoramodate it. It would allow for privacy for the Abramchik-Cavallo Family and a minimal of noise and privacy to our family, which very often creates a bit of happening when people's property are being compromised. In this case, we see no reason why privacy should be compromised. I thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: address the issue of what's zoning? MS. DWYER: I are a civil issue. Thank you. Can I ask counsel to civil and what's believe that those (inaudible) But I believe that the Board January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 46 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 has before given an applicant, willing to maintain or pay for damages construction. I know I have seen that if they would be to road by before. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have done that. MS. PIGNATO: I think that's the condition that you have jurisdiction to impose. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I have to say for the 31 years that I have sat, I have never seen an issue of rodents. I have to tell you, if there is anybody that has been more cognizant, infestation, it has been my particular position for the County of Suffolk -- in reference to this particular situation, I have never seen this aspect. This is not a criticism. I am only asking counsel. Your basis statement is taken in truth. I understand what you are saying, but as for the rodent issue, I have never seen that. Again, this is not a sarcastic statement. I am not trying to be curt or smart -- MS. ?IGNATO: It's not taken that way. I would be happy to copy some bills for you. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Okay. I understand that, but by excavating -- I am understanding the rodent issue is coming from across the street. MS. PIGNATO: The rodent issue is an issue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals for all of us. It's an issue for all of us who live in that particular area. So our concern, because we do spend a great deal of time, money and energy, but we do not have to deal with that because it's depressing to deal with. We have the North Fork Exterminating agency come to our home monthly and there are bills that have to go along with that. So in lieu of this concern, with the excavation of this magnitude, it would be a reasonable conclusion that this particular activity may increase and that would be -- you know, to all of the houses. Not just to our house. It is a concern to us, is. We have had cement trucks road after spending $13,000.00 just as the road come down that to move that road in it's position. We've had had cement trucks come down that road and make severe damage, which we out of pocket, have had to pay for. So we don't want to repeat that. We're trying to maintain a civil and to be good neighbors. To perhaps look at problems before they rise and make sure we all understand the best way for all of us to live comfortably and reasonably. I mean, I don't want them not to have a swimming pool. It's a wonderful thing to have. 47 48 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MS. PIGNATO: Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: driveway as -- MS. PIGNATO: We do. Just one last question? Do you utilize the same Along with another family. There are three families that utilize that. And again, we pay solely, repairs and maintenance. Chris Moore comes periodically and keeps that driveway in good form. MEMBER HORNING: The question that I have in was that regard and Gerry asked a question that I going to ask. The other persons that use the right of way are directly to the east of the applicant, is that right? MS. ?IGNATO: Correct. They are to the east of the applicant, correct. MEMBER HORNING: So it would appear that the jag that Gerry referred to a while back, making that turn at the beginning of the applicants property, is accessing their property; correct? MS. PIGNATO: When you say the "jag," I am not sure what that means? MEMBER HORNING: The right angle -- MS. PIGNATO: Correct. That goes to one property and then to the left, westwood, goes to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals the Abramchik-Cavallo property. And of we use it as well. MEMBER HORNING: referring to, that you are come from? course, And these cement trucks what property did it MS. built to MEMBER HORNING: then? MS. PIGNATO: PIGNATO: Well, when the house was being that right turn. Not the applicants property NO. MEMBER HORNING: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Nancy, can you provide the Board details of where exactly the septic tanks are located. So we can really determine how much room is back there and also speak to your client -- MS. DWYER: I will have those -- I will have Jon Mesiter (phenetic) write down the size of the septic system and the location. As far as the pool being in the location that it is, and in addition to the septic being in the back, it is closer towards the south of the property because that is living areas of the house. It is the deck that is right there. So that is primarily where they do a lot of their living. It is a 49 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 family. The children can always be seen from the public areas of the house. So that is the reason why it is where it is and not set back any further from the north. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, you have heard your neighbors concerns and I -- MS. DWYER: Absolutely. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And I think this Board would like to and certainly by the way, there is plenty of past conditions that have been placed with locations of swimming pools, screening and the kinds of things that you are concerned about. This is not particularly unusual for the Board to consider, having said that, let's find out if there is some flexibility and where there is structurally not flexibility. Would the Board like to adjourn this and have the applicant come back with the amended -- additional information and possibly an amended location. The Board has the option of granting alternative relief, which can certainly say that we will grant you the location for --instead of 68 feet, it will be a 100 feet. You know, whatever that may be. We would have to figure it out. That would be another option. We can do two things. We can 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 leave it open, so concerns, we want we have January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals either close this hearing subject to receipt of that information. Give the Board an opportunity to review it and then once received, the clock starts there for the 62-day period of a determination that has to be reached. Or we can if there is other comments and to take additional testimony, that option. I would like to see what the Board's preference might be? Do you have a preference? MS. DWYER: I don't have a preference. What I would like is, I said, the septic located and I can discuss with the homeowners and see if they are amendable to different options and different locations for the pools, and see if we can come up with a site layout and see if it works for them. I can bring that to you and let you review it as well. Whichever, direction works, so we can do that, works with me. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Maybe also in the survey, you can indicate, I guess so called tree line is, specifically to the rear yard and perhaps along Brown's Hill Road also. MS. DWYER: The natural vegetation. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yes. 51 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I think in light of that, hearing. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals Excuse me, I apologize. we should adjourn the Well, we may have additional questions. additional hearing, the other hand, we We don't want to have an if we don't have to but on don't want to be premature in closing this in the event there is some additional consideration. What's the Board's preference? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Adjourn it. MEMBER HORNING: I think it should be adjourned. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Yeah, until we get the other information. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Are there any other comments -- MS. PIGNATO: I have a comment. We would be certainly happy to see if there is driveway that can be created from Brown's Hill. That would take a lot of pressure off our concerns and would probably make it easier, and how feasible that is, but it seems so reasonable. It's such a short distance from their property to access their property. As opposed to the 150 foot right 52 53 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 of way that they currently use. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We are going to investigate and see if that is an option. If that is the case, then the Board has the condition and consideration of granting any pool on the basis of the applicant repairing any damage and/or the surface during construction. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: of that right of way In reference to that, maybe we need to know the legal status of where that right of way is. I know you changed it. We would need to get that application and see what was said and who agreed to what and what was in the titles. So that we know we're not suddenly making someone responsible for something that they are not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good point. MS. PIGNATO: Pat Moore took care of that. That was an agreement made several years in the We did take on the responsibility. We did past. feel that it was easier, not realizing how expensive it would be. Easier, rather then back and forth. You pay this half and that half. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please come forward and she will make sure that we all get copies. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 So the record reflects all the additional information that the Board has requested. I am going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing to February 3rd at 2:00 p.m., and by which time we will have both information submitted by the applicant and the neighbor and we will continue discussion at that time. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can supply the information to each other or the Board can supply and get copies from us. Whatever is easier. Okay. Is there a second on the motion? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I did give you a second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry seconded. All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. Motion carries unanimously. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6441 Barbara Scura-Coyne CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. The next 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, application is application is Jim. Jim, the legal notice, Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: This 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals for Barbara Scura-Coyne. And this would you please read is application "No. 6441. Request for variance from Article XXIII Code Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's September 28, 2010 Notice of Disapproval based on a building permit application for "as built" deck addition to existing dwelling at; 1) at less than code required rear yard setback of 50 feet, at: 1145 Oakwood Drive, Southold, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-70-13-10." MR. FITZGERALD: Jim Fitzgerald for Ms. Scura-Coyne. And I may, in my presentation refer Ms. Scura-Coyne as Ms. Scura or Barbara. They all are the same person. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The same person. Okay. MR. FITZGERALD: The bad news is, this deck is 5 feet or so in the required rear yard setback. The good news is, it doesn't create an undesirable change or affect in the neighborhood or detriment to the nearby properties. The benefit the owner receives can not be achieved by some feasible method other then a variance. 55 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 56 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The requested area variance is not substantial. The proposed variance will not have an adverse affect on the conditions of the neighborhood. And the alleged difficult was literally not self created. More about that real quick. To give an explanation about the last statement of it not being self created, the from an ad in the paper. deck. He said, "fine." owner got the contractor She said she wanted a He asked, how big. She said, "I don't know, make it from here to there." So he did. She was not aware that the project required a building permit and that the contractor had not gotten one. It never came up. She assumed that when he said he would take care of everything, that she meant it. He knew what everything was. So here we are. A little more about the items and good news. The answers are based upon that the deck exist and we would like to keep it that way and it's present state. The interesting thought, if the property were 2501 feet smaller, the deck under the code would be okay. What would be a nonconforming 19,999 square feet. The code says that at that size, the lot needs only 35 foot rear yard. Just in passing, it is unfortunate that the code doesn't 57 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 make the contractor, in a situation like this, the bad guy. He walks away and leaves the owner to deal with the consequences. And it appears that the owners only recourse is a legal battle over who did what and who said what. Yes, I know that we say that ignorance of the law is no excuse, but for instance, do we expect or require that a property owner know that if the same area as the deck in the same location of the patio, it would not have required a building permit? As you consider this, please keep in mind that the concept of reasonable and necessary exist in detail in the mind of the beholder. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: I agree with all your reasons though. It sounds good to me. I have no questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We all were out at the site and the deck itself is actually screened very well. Fence with a gate around it. And mature vegetation around it. I don't see any adverse affect. The setback is not a huge difference, 44.3 and the code requires 50 feet. That is a good thing. It is not a huge variance. Having said that, I will see if anyone else has 58 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 any questions. MEMBER HORNING: was the deck built? MR. FITZGERALD: -- 2010. MEMBER HORNING: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? A couple of details. When In May, April of this year 2010. Gerry? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: remain open to the sky? tub? Is the deck going to MR. FITZGERALD: Absolutely. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No enclosures? No hot MR. FITZGERALD: Nothing. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Nothing of that nature? MR. FITZGERALD: No. MEMBER HORNING: I would like to add something. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Sure. MEMBER HORNING: How is it that the client now -- how was it cited -- how did the Building Department get involved? MR. FITZGERALD: They showed up at her door one day and said that they had had a call in the neighborhood. Not while the construction was going on but -- it was in the last week or 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals something like that. (Inaudible) having noticed it. MEMBER HORNING: And then one of the neighbors said something? MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I have to This is a very unique technique. MR. FITZGERALD: I couldn't else to do it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: applaud you. figure out how Any other questions from anyone in the audience that would like to address this application? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing none. I would to close the hearing and reserve decision. MEMBER HORNING: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. like CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. Motion carries unanimously. (See Minutes for Resolution.) Seconded by George. 59 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I would like to make a motion to recess for five minutes. Is there a second? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. We will be right back. (Whereupon, a recess was taken.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: -- all in favor. MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. HEARING #6440 - Joel CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: before us is Joel and Jami B. And Jami Friedman The next application Friedman. Is there someone here to represent that application? MR. YAKABOSKI: Good morning. 60 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MEMBER GOEHRINGER: It's the afternoon. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good afternoon. MR. YAKABOSKI: -- (inaudible) affidavit down there. Essentially as you -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would you please spell your name for the record? MR. YAKABOSKI: Sure. Y-A-K-A-B-O-S-K-I. First name, Francis, 456 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead, New York. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, we're going to have the notice read. Would you please read the legal notice, Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Certainly. "Appeal No. 6440. Request for variance from Code Section 280-15 and 15D and the Building Inspector's September 20, 2010 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct an accessory garage at; 1) less than the code required front yard setback of 50 feet, 2) dormers at more than the code permitted 40% of the roof width, at: 830 Clearview Road, adjacent to Cedar Beach Harbor, Southold, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-89-3-11.5." CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Mr. Yakaboski, before you proceed, I just want the record to reflect 61 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals that we have just been informed that the LWRP letter, which has not been issued yet, is in the coordinators computer, you will get a letter. proposed garage are considered consistent setbacks are considered exempt from LWRP. and just so you are aware, The dormers on the and the MR. YAKABOSKI: So essentially this is moot? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's not a problem with LWR?. It is still obviously a setback issue -- MR. YAKABOSKI: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And the dormer issues. MR. YAKABOSKI: Right. Obviously, the side yard issue with respect to the garage is similar to any application when dealing with an accessory structure. So I am not going to address that in a great degree. I also point out to the Board and I am sure you are all aware, that in 2006 a variance was granted by this Board for the construction of a garage on this site with a setback of 13.2 feet, I think it was. This application is for a garage with a setback of 12 feet, less than the side yard of what you had previously granted in 2006. As you can see the parcel is situated at the end of 50 foot right of 62 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals way. Obviously, the character of the neighborhood is certainly not as you can see affected. There is no traffic that would be adversely affected by the structure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken, this is yours. So let's see if you want to start with questions. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Sure. Why are you setting it back 12 feet instead of the 13.2 feet that was previously granted -- MR. YAKABOSKI: We're a different applicant. You know this is not the same owner. And just in terms of design, that is how we laid it out. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Okay. Why do extra 6% in this dormer? MR. YAKABOSKI: Well, it makes for an interesting story, which I will just take 30 seconds. Upstairs is going to be a storage for Ms. Friedman's brothers, world class wrestlers. One brother is number 3 or 4 in the world in freestyle wrestling, nationwide wrestling champion. What the upstairs is going to be used for, is the training. They spend the summers here and they are going to spend the upstairs training for training. The brother that is nu~er 3 or 4 in the world, missed the Olympics you need an 63 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals last year -- the summer Olympics, by the loss of one match. So he is hoping to qualify and make the Olympics this time around. And that's the space that is needed upstairs. With the increased size of the dormer, 14x18. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: He wouldn't be able to train and practice with the conforming dormer practice? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: State your name, please. MR. BUTLER: Offices at York. The equipment that they wanted up there, a lot of equipment. Some treadmill weight machines, things like that. Jeffrey T. Butler, engineer. 206 Lincoln Street, Riverhead, New size of the dormer was based on the which is not and some That is what made us go beyond the 40%, given the equipment that they wanted to use up there. The design came from that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There was no other to alternative way to arrange the equipment, remove that particular variance? MR. BUTLER: We have spent a great deal of time with this specific equipment to get the layout and estimate. And that is where we ended 64 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 up, January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals with that number. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So it's a preference or a requirement? MR. YAKABOSKI: requirement. It's in terms of the 40. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Well, essentially a a request in terms of the 6% I have a couple of questions. I have looked at the house. The house has a gable line roofs similar to -- MR. YAKABOSKI: Correct. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So a gable line roof would not be (inaudible). MR. BUTLER: I looked at that but that was one solution that did not fit with -- it doesn't attach to the house very well with the aesthetics. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I understand. MR. BUTLER: But yeah, the gable roof would have solved the problem but that is not one -- we don't want to look at two different pieces of architecture on the same structure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? MEMBER HORNING: The way, you said it dead ends MR. YAKABOSKI: It Clearview Road right of right -- dead ends right at 65 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals westerly side of the property. MEMBER HORNING: But on the map it continues -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: But it stops at that particular point? MR. YAKABOSKI: Yes. MEMBER HORNING: No one else is using it -- MR. YAKABOSKI: Beyond the point of this structure, correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You show on the plan a sink? MR. YAKABOSKI: And a lavatory. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is that the lavatory on the ground floor? MR. YAKABOSKI: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's just sitting there, it's just behind the wall? MR. BUTLER: It may end up being enclosed. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The code does permit that you can have a bathroom. I would just like the plans that are going to be approved are the ones that are going to be built. We really try to avoid having the Building Department, when you go apply for a permit make a decision and come back to our office that was stamped, what do you 66 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals want to do about it? So you know, we try and get that taken care of at front. MR. YAKABOSKI: Is it a problem that you have a sink -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, I that because it is fairly unusual and toilet with no walls. And so sure if we approve these drawings and you come for a building permit and you enclose it, they am only asking to have a sink I want to make in are going to send it back to us. What happens is, once a decision is rendered, we stamp the drawings and it's final and we send a copy with that decision to the Building Department and that is what is in their records and they wait for you to come in and apply for a permit. When you bring in different drawings, it's a whole bunch of different procedures. MR. YAKABOSKI: Then may I request that if the Board was supposed to grant the application that we just made as part of this determination, that the Board indicate at the discretion of the owner that the lavatory area could be enclosed? Well, let's see how Are you heating or as it's finished? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: the Board feels about that. air conditioning this, 67 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, MR. BUTLER: There is no heat. about the air conditioning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: heat 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals I don't know So there is no central that you're proposing here? MR. YAKABOSKI: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Now, when you say might you're not sure about the air conditioning, it be a window unit? MR. YAKABOSKI: Possibly. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's acceptable. am just talking about a mechanical system. MR. BUTLER: No mechanical system. The walls will be finished. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sheet rocked and insulated? MR. BUTLER: Probably insulated. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: You're grieving for the 6% addition. It's because you have some certain requirement by a member of the family or is it actually the owner? MR. YAKABOSKI: Well, in designing the upstairs use and the equipment that is designed to be placed there, that is what dictated the request for an extra 6% dormer area. 68 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 69 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER DINIZIO: I understand that. But you're saying that this equipment must be there and you need a 6% variance. And I understand that, what I am trying to understand is the reasoning for it. You have a hobby or you have -- MR. YAKABOSKI: MEMBER DINIZIO: the owners MR. Friedman is a retired wrestler. brother-in-laws -- This is not quite a hobby. Yeah, but are those people of the house? BUTLER: The owners of the house, Joel The two MR. YAKABOSKI: His wife's brothers. MR. BUTLER: His wife's brothers, one is a national champ from Harvard. The other is a national champion from Harvard. MEMBER DINIZIO: MR. BUTLER: No, the summer with them. Do they live with them? they spend time there in And they train hard all year round. They come out to this house to relax but as an athlete, relaxation involves exercising. So this equipment is a scaled down equipment that they normally train with to keep them from not getting out of shape. MEMBER DINIZIO: I just wanted to get that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, on the record. MR. BUTLER: 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Any other questions? Is there anyone in the audience that would like to address application? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: this Just a quick question. So wrestling usually occurs on a mat. On a wooded floor -- assume that is on a floor that you would play basketball with, I would assume you would have some type of wooden floor in there? MR. BUTLER: Just weight training. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: no wrestling? MR. BUTLER: Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Just weight training and Okay. Thank you. Because if it was something special, we might have had to deal with that issue. Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Would you accept alternate relief with respect to the dormer percentage and the setback? MR. YAKABOSKI: Well, as we explained to you 70 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals about the dormer, you know, the upstairs area has been designed to accommodate the area that we want. To have that equipment there, we need this percentage. With respect to the setback, obviously the client is not here. Picking up from your earlier comment, if you will, regarding the prior 13 foot setback as opposed to the 12 that we are requesting, we would venture to say that if that is the Board's mind, that we would speak to the Friedman's and make them aware of that. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: So you are not flexible with the dormer? MR. YAKABOSKI: Not really. Having spent really months, putting it mildly, designing what's going to be up there and trying to accommodate as indicated to Mr. Goehringer. This is somewhat of a necessity to try and accomplish what we want to accomplish. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: With that in mind, I don't really see any back-up for your design. Where is any of your equipment going to be, the location? Why it's needed and how much space is needed for the equipment. I personally have a hard time granting this, I don't see the need. 71 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals But that's just me. MEMBER HORNING: I think we want to ask you for a layout scheme on the plan so that we can understand the relationship for the increased area and the need for that. And where the equipment is and why the normal dormer size is not appropriate. MR. YAKABOSKI: May I respectfully suggest that we close the hearing and we upon the issue of your determination, supply the upstairs layout with the equipment and where it will be placed and etcetera. Our need for the additional space. So that is the only -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anything else that this Board would like submitted? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Just that if there is any thought of enclosing that bathroom, that there be a change in the plans. You can sketch it in and probably initial run into a problem. MR. YAKABOSKI: If we're what Mr. Horning requested, we it. So that we don't going to be doing certainly will adjust the plans that we send to you, not only the equipment layout but the bathroom as well. So we are all on the same page. 72 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MEMBER SCHNEIDER: With regard to that half bath, there was no room for it upstairs, that's why it's downstairs? MR. YAKABOSKI: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Any other comments or suggestions from the audience? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing none, I will make a motion to close this hearing, reserve decision, subject to receipt of information regarding the layout on the second floor and closure of the bathroom. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Second. Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. MR. YAKABOSKI: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6442 - West Creek Avenue Trust CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Our next application 73 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 74 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 is for West Creek Avenue Trust, Goehringer's application. the legal notice on it? and that is Gerry Would you please read MEMBER GOEHRINGER: "#6442, request for variance from Article III Code Section 280-15 and the Building Inspector's October 14, 2010 Notice of Disapproval based on a building permit application for "as built" accessory in-ground swimming pool at; 1) location other than the code required rear yard, location: 1295 West Creek Avenue, (Holden Avenue,) Cutchogue, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-103-13-30." CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. We have -- is there someone here to -- please state your name. MR. LARK: Richard Lark, Cutchogue, New York, for the applicant. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Before we proceed sir, I will make sure that you have a copy of -- two letters of support for this application. One from Ray Huntington and the other from Sue Miller. We also have a Suffolk County letter of local jurisdiction. Do you have copies of these? Would you like copies MR. LARK: Okay. posting and the of these? We have the affidavit of letters required for the January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 75 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 neighbors. As you know from Mr. Goehringer, the area variance is being applied for because the Building Department determined that the pool was in the front yard. When looking at this property, this appears a logical conclusion that that is the way the Town of Southold Zoning reads. And so that is why we are here for a variance. Under the current ordinance, the applicants property has two front yards and two side yards. There are no rear yards. Kind of an oxymoron but that is it. Interestingly enough, I was surprised after I talked to Building Inspector Doherty about this that the zoning code and it is something you should be considered, the code committee, the building inspector has no authority under the zoning code to make this determination in this type of instance. He was fair with me and even though he went through the definitions with me, he has no authority. So the only place that we could come is to the Board of Appeals to get relief. He was very apologetic about it but he said that is the way it is. I have seen zoning in the east-end where the building inspector does have such power, especially with the water front. We have January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 76 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 addressed that so much in the zoning code. I was surprised to see that there was no relief that way. So that's why. The property as you know from the application is an R40 District and under the R40 section, it refers you back for accessory structures in the R80. Says that they have to be in the rear yard. But that always wasn't the case here. There was a genuine yard when this property was purchased in 1951 Avenue, which is now our other Avenue is not. So the point was, ended up with two yards under the because Holden (inaudible) Holden is that we zoning code and Peter Tederbush (phenetic) who is the trustee now for the trust, he basically inherited that because his brother who was the trustee passed on and getting all the papers ready, it was discovered, as I pointed out in the application that there was no permit for this pool. It was built in 2001-2002. We searched high and low. We said how could this be. It was a responsible pool contractor. There is nothing on file here in Town. When Peter went around to talk to all his neighbors, they said, Yeah, we approved that. Okay. So there is no -- so when I applied to the Building Department for an "as is" I had to come 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals and say we were in the front yard. That is why we're here. I went through all of the things in the application and the requirements for an area variance and I can not -- it does comply with it and I won't bore you with it, but it doesn't provide any undesirable change in the neighborhood. Since basically the neighbors are all in favor of it. The pools are a residential use, etcetera. It's there. Fortunately, it meets all the setback requirements. When I first started, I didn't know that it did. I don't think it is a substantial thing because even this pool has a setback of about 120 feet from Holden Avenue. The house, believe it or not, conforms to all of the restrictions in an R40 zone, which is another blessing. The side yard survey shows all of that. So we're okay there. And obviously, due to the landscaping and you have pictures of the pool, it won't have any environmental adverse affect on any of the community. And as I pointed out in the application, I will say and I have known Peter for some time. He was just shocked that there was no building permit or CO for the whole. When I took Mike Ferrety down there, he said 77 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals there has to be something on record. This is so obvious. It's out in the open. I am here to ask you for a variance, so we can apply for a building permit and get a CO. It does meet all the requirements as far as the electrician is concerned. Ail that other kind of stuff. So that was a plus. So any questions? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And you're not planning on closing it? MR. LARK: No, absolutely not. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: It's actually an estate with a small estate. MR. LARK: The community got developed around it. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I have no questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I have none. It's a big double lot. the pool to go. MEMBER DINIZIO: MEMBER HORNING: There is no feasible place I have no questions. Jim? I have no questions. I have one. Was the for request to get a CO precipitated discovery -- MR. LARK: Yeah, when he was going through the records, he was doing some site planing and trying to get all the records squared away. We were trying to get a CO for everything and they 78 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals said there was nothing for the pool. MEMBER HORNING: Department? MR. LARK: Yes. MEMBER HORNING: He went to the Building Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone else in the audience that would like to address this application? Please come forward. MR. KOBER: My name is Harold Kober and I am in favor of the -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would you please spell your name? MR. KOBER: K-O-B-E-R. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. MR. KOBER: I live directly across the street on Holden Avenue. I have been a neighbor of them for 40 years. I certainly have no objection. The place is very nice. They have a very nice screen between me and my side. That is all I have to say. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you, sir. Anything else from the audience? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Anything from the Board? 79 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing no further comment. I would like to make a motion to close the hearing and reserve decision for a further date. much. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Second. Seconded by Gerry. Aye. Aye. Aye. Thank you very (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6437 - TK Alpha, LLC CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: is Jim, T.K. Alpha, LLC. the legal? MEMBER DINIZIO: The next application Would you please read "#6437, Request for variance from Code Section 280-46 (bulk schedule) and the Building Inspector's October 13, 2010 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct commercial building 80 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 81 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 at; 1) square code less less than the required lot size of 40,000 feet for two buildings, 2) less than the required front yard setback of 15 feet, 3) than the code required minimum side yard setback of 10 feet, 4) less than the code required total side yards of 25 feet, at: 535 Pike Street, aka Railroad Avenue, Mattituck, New York. Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-140-2-20." CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please state your name for the record. MR. BROIDY: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Edward Broidy and I'm -- what we're proposing here -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Spell your name, sir. MR. BROIDY: What? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would you please spell your name for the record. MR. BROIDY: B-R-O-I-D-Y. Edward Broidy. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Just before you get started, I want to make sure that you are aware that we have some correspondences in our file. A letter from Suffolk County indicating local jurisdiction. That's just standard. That means that we can decide on it. We also have a letter from Martin Sider, who is from the Planning 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals Board. Do you have a copy of that letter? MR. BROIDY: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: so you can look it MR. BROIDY: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me give over -- Did you want to read it to me? It's very long. We would be happy to give yourself. MR. BROIDY: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: you time to read it you a copy it is. In the questions that lot, it. Is it judgmental? Yes, I would say that sense that there are a number of they raise about the size of your relative to what you're looking to put on As you probably know, the code requires 40,000 square feet for each commercial building. 20,000 per commercial building. You are proposing a new one and you have an existing one on the property. There would be considered 5 uses here. This existing lot, which is 11,561 feet. Where the code requires 40,000 to do in addition which we will talk square square feet for what you want to a number of setback issues, about. MEMBER DINIZIO: wanting the variances -- What are your reasoning for 82 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 83 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me make sure Vicki gives you the letter and you have copy, so you can review it. MEMBER DINIZIO: As you can see sir, that is quite a lengthy memorandum from the Planning Board and none of those are addressed in your application to any extent. Are you the owner of the property, sir? MR. BROIDY: Yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: And you're not represented by counsel? MR. BROIDY: No, sir. MEMBER DINIZIO: I mean, I have to write this decision. And my thought process is, I go by the reasons that you give me for your application. I think that is the essence of your application and the reasons why you want it. And -- MR. BROIDY: I can elaborate when you're ready. MEMBER DINIZIO: Okay. I would like it in writing, quite honestly. I mean, just for one example, the number one reason, the undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood. What you have right now is a building and that 84 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 certainly wouldn't be a change, but now you're putting this thing up with another building. Both nonconforming, and you're asking us for a lot -- a pretty large substantial variance from what was there. And so I am going to ask you for a little more then there is not going to be a change in the character. MR. BROIDY: There is no change in what, sir? MEMBER DINIZIO: There is no change in the character, You know, there is going character of that street. that is what you're saying. Not mine. to be a change in the What you want to do and the Town had a vision for that lot when it zoned it and you're asking to change that vision. So in my opinion, you're asking to change the character. So you know, I think you need to do a little more homework on this variance to give me something that I can work with, if we chose to grant it or not grant it. You know, I am not inclined, question, give us a more thorough reason on why you think we should grant you the variances that you're you haven't answered the first as far as I am concerned. You need to 25 requesting. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 85 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. BROIDY: I appreciate your misunderstanding with the information that I put down. Basically, you are familiar with Love Lane and that lane is right on top of each other. So we are in the character, but we are trying to enhance the area. We intended to put apartments there because after spending many months and consideration when I bought this property, I wanted to see what was necessary and it seems everyone is looking for apartments in the downtown area. The character of the area, there is a little carriage house in the back of 1600 square feet. It would be ashamed to rip that down. It has a CO on it presently. So I decided, to leave it up and make an artist studio or a retail store out of it. So it would conform to the rest of the character of the area. We utilize as much as area as possible. So we have two little stores in there. The idea is to have a downtown area where people can come and walk around the block and not centered in one area. What I think I am doing is, I am creating an extension for Love Lane. So by putting these two little stores there, it gives people the opportunity to walk around the corner. Everybody 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals I spoke to in the area, it is necessary to have life in that area. The is one apartment in that whole area of Love Lane. We're going to give them two more right now. To utilize the property to the maximum use. We followed the existing buildings in the area. You can see that we're enhancing the area. For people to walk around and spend a little more time. MEMBER DINIZIO: Can I speak frankly? MR. BROIDY: Yes, sir. MEMBER DINIZIO: I hear what you're saying. Your opinion of enhancement of the downtown area, I agree with you, you think your project is going to be the enhancement for that piece of land and I will let you have that opinion. My concerns are more that you're asking us for variances. The Town has a plan. The plan is a zoning code and this is zoned for business. And that has certain setbacks. Certain restrictions to it. And so you're asking us to give you relief to that and make your project come to life. I am saying that I need something more concrete then this is going to be a great thing for Mattituck. It's not that. It's the Town Code that we're concerned with. You're asking us to put a lot 86 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 more than what was planned on that one little piece of land. If you can let me be frank, honestly, I think you need to get a lawyer. You need to have somebody who is efficient in our code. Efficient in applications that area similar to this that can put down cogent and very brief explanations you're requesting. MR. BROIDY: I what is your name? MEMBER DINIZIO: Dinizio. MR. BROIDY: What is it? for the five variances that am prepared to do that now -- My name is Jim. James MEMBER DINIZIO: Dinizio, D-I-N-I-Z-I-O. MR. BROIDY: Mr. Dinizio, the character of the property is in the same contrast as Love Lane. With these setbacks it would be out of character. The zoning is not something that I am familiar with -- (inaudible). I have to tell a lawyer the same thing that I am going to tell you. So I will tell it myself, the way it is. The benefits, it continues. The setback, would set the building back. and the opportunity 150 See the parking I would get the parking feet on the west side. is not the problem. I made it 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals this way so it would fit in. The benefit is, you are really continuing this beautiful look. I know I am not a developer but I am a creative man. And some developers are not creative. If you look at what I have done here without -- to make sure that this is an attractive addition. I did it because I am proud of what I do in life. Maybe in a different town you won't have to worry but we live in a different fork. We live in the east-end here. So I know what should be acceptable. It is something that everyone on this Board has to look at and say, "yes," there is a benefit. The building is one set off the property. You need a variance there. We put the driveway to one side so we can benefit the building. So we can have continuos look of colonial type of building. You know, I could put a building up there and it could look a lot different and it could save me, I don't know, it would definitely save me lots of money. looking to do this and be proud of it. looking to help the community. I am I am I am looking to do something to help improve the area. really tell you much more. You have to this and I can't look at see what I am doing. We kept the 88 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 character -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If I may make a comment that might be helpful. You haven't had a chance to read this letter. I think perhaps what you have done is not necessarily have a full understanding of what the code permits. And that's what this letter will describe. With regard to the Love Lane that you are trying to talk about. Love Lane is a unique property. There are almost no setbacks. It's a continuos row of stores. If you go over to the street that your property is on, right next to your property is a house and on the other side is a two little shops. A hairdresser and a dance a substantial setback. It's very Then you have parking in the rear. studio. It has irregular. Parking in the front. Most stores have street parking or parking in a municipal lot. I don't think that Pike Street has the same character as Love Lane. Because none of them has a house next door. Now, I believe the Planning Board will probably -- the residents certainly support the idea of residences above commercial property. I don't think that is a problem. And I think the letter reflects that. That it is a useful in the January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 90 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 hamlet area. (Inaudible) someone very skilled and understanding could be a great help to you in being able to help understand what this letter means. For example, the fact that you are proposing a building 1 foot from the side yard on one side where there is a house and the code requires 10 feet, a 90% variance from what the code requires. The front yard setback is a 30% variance. These are not small things that we are talking about. And it's 143 relaxation with both buildings. MR. BROIDY: As to the house on the right. I am involved with that with another group of people. And we have the same idea to continue the stores across and in front of that building and eventually convert that building -- it was previously a two-family house and 7 rental rooms on the top. So we intend to make the two families originally there and eventually come right across five more stores. We are in character. We're building the character of the area. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can't just do it because you think it's okay. There is no question that commercial retail is part of that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals area and welcome part of that area. But in order for you to do what you want to do, you have to do it in a way that conforms to the code. Not just to what you want it to look like. MR. BROIDY: I understand that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Do you have an application before the Planning Board? MR. BROIDY: Yes, I do. At the meeting, I went over this with them. And they said, well listen, you are going to have to go in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals to see what they say and then we can proceed with our planning. That's what brought me over here. Honestly not to have -- to go back to the 15 feet , it's going to absolutely destroy that area. That area is retail zoned. The whole next side is the same zone there. We're asking for an approval of an area which is -- not that I want it to be detrimental to the fact (inaudible) this is what I am entitled to if I ask for it. If I am going to be denied -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Can I just ask one question? I have lived in Mattituck since the 50's. I assure you, sir, that every one of those buildings are preexisting zoning, okay. You can 91 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 not create what you have across the street. There have only been 5 major changes on those buildings over the years. All the buildings that are over there. One of them is the bank. The hardware store across the street. The present Love Lane kitchen had an addition done to the rear of it, and as you know, the market place is now under renovation, without any variance application. The (inaudible) has been moved since the late 40's, early 50's, 4 times. All those particular renovations were done after zoning. We're telling you and I am not speaking for the Board, I am speaking from my own personal knowledge of what has gone on, you need to address zoning aspect. When you have things that are 142% of the violation code, okay -- MR. BROIDY: That is why I am here. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No, you are here to understand what the zoning code is and teach it to you. That is the point. That is the reason Mr. Dinizio is here, and I actually jumped on him. It's his application, but you need somebody to look at this and say how I violation of the zoning code. this all day. am not 142% in We can discuss And you're a very nice man and we January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 93 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 appreciate doing that, anywhere. We need to to alter these plans to the point and we somewhere. And we can not get somewhere but we're not getting get somewhere. We need you can get ay 142%. MR. BROIDY: What is your suggestion? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: My suggestion is the same suggestion. Find somebody in town who knows zoning and alter this to the point that we can come down on the percentages and work on. MR. BROIDY: I'm sorry, what is your name? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Goehringer. MR. BROIDY: Goehringer. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: G-O-E-H-R-I-N-G-E-R. MR. BROIDY: Mr. Goehringer, this is a little more than getting someone to understand the code. I am very familiar with buildings and I am very familiar with coming before a Board, occasionally. You're buying a piece of property, you have a dollar value, which you want to gain. You don't have to make money, but we don't want to lose money here. We would like to break out even on this particular situation. To get a return on an investment. And I hate to talk about investment because this is a labor of love. (Inaudible) and make money on it. This is January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 94 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 something that I am taking pride it in. In order to do it right, we have to put all into it. In order to do this, you have to have credits, which is another thing that project. developer. it. I have two groups financial obligation. is anticipated to do this So I only 125,000.00 because I am a Sometimes we lose. Sometimes we make (inaudible). So we have a We're all retired here. I am the youngest. We don't want to either. Let's that is really, the Board, I on the bank. know, get it in shape. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I am 75. This is what we do. throw any money out the window have the pride of doing something really (inaudible). If I was on would have objections to the facade That bank looks terrible. You There was no architectural review at that point. MR. BROIDY: Oh, okay. I'm sorry. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Let me explain this to you one more time. We can't grant the variances that you are looking for. It can not be done under state law. That is my opinion, and not of the Board. addressed a MR. BROIDY: It can not be done. We have 142% variance -- I don't see 142%. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 95 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I didn't do it. It's up to the Building Inspector. He is the one that did the Notice of Disapproval. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is what I think we're trying to point out to you, sir. The fact that you don't know where the 142% came from, suggests to us, that you're understanding, not surprisingly, because the individual may not have any reason to understand the reasoning of our building code or our zoning code, unless confronted with the project that requires them to learn about it. In a commercial property of this magnitude, would probably have counsel advising them how to proceed. The problem is, you have an existing building and you're proposing a new building. For every hamlet in that zone, you're required to have 20,000 square feet. Now, you don't. You have half of that. You have 11,000.00. Okay. Now, here, the law requires square foot property. to put a new building on that you have 40,000 of You have 11,000 of property. So when you do the math, requires 40,000 and you have 11,000. 142% beyond what the code permits. the code So you have That is how 25 we -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MR. BROIDY: Fair enough. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: When you come before the Zoning Board, we have the jurisdiction to grant relief from the code when justified, based on the series of all statutes and those were the questions that we asked you to answer, basically. MR. BROIDY: Fair enough. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The answers were We were -- BROIDY: I am not looking to argue minimal. MR. but -- whether or not, That is a good over to Jim. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. MR. BROIDY: First of all, (inaudible) two buildings. We can simplify this by the demolition of the rear building and go on from there. I have done this before. I haven't done it with two building, but I have done it for single buildings and have gotten variances. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am going to ask you you would consider doing that. start. I want to turn this back MR. BROIDY: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I will do away with the back building. Ail I was trying to do is to preserve it. I had to 96 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals disassemble the existing cesspool that (inaudible) I don't even want to go into that. We will demo the rear building so we can conform to the 20,000 feet like you suggested. If you can make a decision on those basis today, I can -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: first of all, we don't decide at anyway. But -- MEMBER DINIZIO: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We won't decide -- the hearing Can I speak now? Yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: I have made the decision on what you need to do. And the reason for that is, is what I base my decision on. What you are When change the character and that is your opinion, this asking me, this should be self explanatory. I write my decision, this is what I look at. This is what we are here for. Your reasons should give me a reason for approving your application or not approving your application. You can't make stuff up and put it in here. You have to tell me the reason why I should grant you this variance. I am going to write them. It is going to be subjective and it is all going to be part of the record. If you said it is not going to 97 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 98 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 if you can prove it to me that it is not going to change the character, then I want to know. I want to know how you feel about that. Now, I agree with you. You can apply for variances. That is why we are here. Simply because you apply for a variance, going to get it. MR. BROIDY: I MEMBER DINIZIO: doesn't mean that you're know that. Even now, I don't want to be part of Gerry saying that you are asking for too much because I haven't made my decision yet. And my question, and my urging to you, I need for you to convince me that your project is going to be helpful to the Town. Just simply saying it's going to look nice, honestly, it's not going to cut it. And if you knew my history sir, I am the person who is least likely to turn you down. All right, and I am saying what I am saying. I think you need to do a lot more thought. Look at the Planning Board letter and make some decisions on what this Board has said and really hire someone that is familiar with it. It doesn't have to be a lawyer. You know, somebody who is more familiar with it then you are. I understand, sir, that you have done developments. This is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals where I grew up. I think what you have given us in your application is not enough to write a decision. MR. BROIDY: Now, issue. You would grant you really raised an 142% variance -- MEMBER DINIZIO: No, sir. Ail I am saying is trying to give him the opportunity to convince me that it might be so. I have made no decision on this variance. Ail I can say from the written paperwork that you have here and your testimony, it's not enough. I am just trying to give you an opportunity to give your project the best chance for some positive results. MR. BROIDY: Let me ask you a question. Jim, right? MEMBER DINIZIO: Yes. MR. BROIDY: (Inaudible) which is a desperate need in this Town. Like I said to this Board earlier, we are not looking to make a million. We're looking to break even on this project. That is an incentive right there. We can do everything. The question, is does this satisfy some of the needs of this Board? To have affordable housing -- MEMBER DINIZIO: No, we don't look at that. 99 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals you're asking us to grant variances outside Sir, the code. And -- MR. BROIDY: And I understand that. I got that loud and clear. MEMBER DINIZIO: You're asking us to expand the code but -- yeah, affordable housing is nice, but you're asking us to expand the code and honestly, I don't see it. MR. BROIDY: Loud and clear. I understand -- (inaudible) I got it. I think if I redo this plan, in my opinion, I would like to come down again -- what are your names? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Goehringer, Horning -- the names are right here. Let's do this, let's see what George has to say, if that's okay with you Jim? MEMBER HORNING: I just want to say what happened on Love Lane and what has happened earlier in the past, is what happened there. It doesn't pertain to your application on Pike Avenue. It has nothing to do with Love Lane. I wouldn't want you to go with the idea that taring down the building in the back is going to solve your problems, or the idea that making one building out of the proposed two buildings, is 100 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 101 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 going to answer your problems either. Board is encouraging you to do is You do need expert counsel, which What the simple things. obviously you don't have the expertise. You need expert counsel. You need to work with the Planning Board. And you need to come up with something that is going to work because the chances are, working out for you is very dicey or whatever. It's a very slender chance it will work out for you the way you have it. It doesn't seem to be workable site plan. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken, do you have anything? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Just a comment. I just have a problem with the variances that you are requiring for this proposal and that is all I a have to say. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I would like to see if there is anyone in the audience that would like to address this application and then what I think we're going to propose doing is adjourning to March, so you can have an opportunity to have a copy of this public transcript, the Planning Board letter and you can take that information to your colleague or your professional advisor that January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 102 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 you may chose to find or not, and come back before us with an amended plan. And we will take But let me see if there is anyone come to the podium and state your it from there. else. Please name? MR. HUBERT: Thank you. My name is Michael Hubert. I actively live on Pike Street. I have been a resident since 1985. And I don't have any restrictions for my neighbor, but when I heard of this, my main concern was public safety, was the fire hydrant in front of the property. To access an (inaudible) utilized of. I feel that the development of the residence (inaudible). I would say that 60% of the Love Lane traffic really pertains to Love Lane Kitchen and the market place. I find that the municipal lots are filled up 70% of the way. So I feel that any project that goes up on this street, should provide onsite parking. No matter what. It's a narrow street. There is a firehouse on that street. Another problem I wanted to mention, we have a noise problem with the dumpsters that are provided for the stores. And one of these concerns is the picking up of the early hours. So I feel that for any place, dumpsters should be January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 103 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 placed where they have full access to it. And not being impeded with cars. I feel that there should be onsite parking and not relied on the municipal parking across the street. That in itself is limited. And I know that once the village market is opened under the new name, it's going to get worse. You can see now how dangerous it is. Traveling through Love Lane has become a nightmare. So I think having onsite parking for any development, is critical. That is my main concern as far as public safety. MEMBER DINIZIO: I think the parking that Mr. Hubert is talking about is part of the Town Code. He is asking for variances. I just want to clear one thing before. I am not opposed to your project. I am not for your project. I am saying to you, in the record that you have created so far, it's not enough for me to make a decision one way or the other. My comment based to you, is for me to give you an opportunity to convince me other way. MR. BROIDY: I think I will have it reevaluated by March. of spaces of parking. everyone has We are short of a couple We are still in America, the opportunity to use the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 facilities. and I will January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals But what you brought out makes sense reevaluate it. I appreciate the time and I will come back in March. March is it? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: to adjourn to March afternoon. MR. BROIDY: can do to help me. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What is this, just to make it clear. Disapproval cites requesting. Okay. how to read those, What date in I am going to propose 3rd at 1:00 o'clock in the I would appreciate anything you I am going to do Your Notice of 4 variance that you are And anyone who understands will be able to help you. But I am going to explain what those is to make the application goal is to try and make it you can, all right. The buildings with 5 uses on are. The goal (inaudible) so the conforming to code as first variance is for 2 an existing lot of 11 -- feet. The code requires 40,000 square feet. The second is a setback for less than the front yard setback of 15 feet. The third is a side yard setback of 1 foot and the code requires 10 feet on a single side yard. MR. BROIDY: I think it's 5 feet. 104 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 105 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MR. BROIDY: 5 feet CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: correct. The code requires No. on each side. 10 total. No, that is not a single side yard setback of 10 feet and a combined side yard of 25 feet, where you are proposing 22 feet. In addition to those 4 variances, anything that you do will be subject to Site Plan approval. That is an additional process that you are aware of that -- MR. BROIDY: Doesn't CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: this come first, Ma'am? You know what, every application is a little different. Sometimes it's simultaneous -- that is why we got comments from the Planning Board. MEMBER DINIZIO: Sometime we meet together. MR. BROIDY: They said before I further continue, that I come here first. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have comments from them and you can be here and we're going to continue this. I am just wanting to make sure you will have access to a couple of weeks time to a transcript because we record this. You can request it and our office will supply it, a transcript, which will be a public record of this 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals proceedings of this hearing. So you can reread them and take time of what was said -- MR. BROIDY: You gave me two so far. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I gave you the four variances. It's right in your Notice of Disapproval. MR. BROIDY: Oh, from the Planning Board. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, this is from the Building Department. It is called a Notice of Disapproval. And that is what brings this application to the Board. MR. BROIDY: And I want to say one -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And rather then taking more time to go over them again, they're in the notice and they will be in the transcript. So having said that -- MR. BROIDY: I MEMBER DINIZIO: have to say one more thing? Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: If you think that I opposed to your project, I merely wanted to point out the extraordinary variances that were before us. That's all I am saying. And as the chairperson said, I am not speaking for her. Any reduction in those variances, would be appreciated. 106 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MR. BROIDY: I am going to look at. If I can just help you out a little bit. Some of the State Law that I have been involved with over the few years, I can understand what you are saying, in some instances (inaudible) what really throws the whole thing into limbo is the second building. Anything else really complies with the State code. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, sir. I -- MR. BROIDY: I'm sorry. I am not going to say no more. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I think we need to address this at another hearing. We have ample testimony. The purpose of this -- MR. BROIDY: Thank you very much. And I wish you a very happy and healthy new year. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. I am going to make a motion to adjourn this hearing to March 3rd at 1:00 p.m. MEMBER DINIZIO: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. Seconded by Jim. 107 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. Motion carries unanimously. If we could be of any help, please don't hesitate to contact our office. (See Minutes for Resolution.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is a motion made by Gerry to take a 15 minute lunch. Jim seconded it. All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (Whereupon, a recess was taken at this time.) HEARING #6422 - Benali, LLC CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: -- agents for the applicant. The Board recently implemented a procedure whereby in order to ensure that the applicants have every opportunity to address correspondences within our record, we are keeping a list. Although we have instructions specifically on the form, it's the applicants 108 109 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 responsibility to review the file before the hearing but as a courtesy and make sure the record reflects a full discussion of all information available in our record, we have initiated a procedure whereby the staff gives us a list of any correspondences that came in to our file, whether they are letters from neighbors or LWRP or whatever it might be. And so any time that happens, we begin each hearing by asking applicants and if they have seen such and such, do they have copies. If they don't have copies, we will provide copies. That is what I in the past here and previous hearings with the Benali application, certain correspondences were given to the attorney and the environmental consultant and that is going to be the case again today. And with all the other applications. And the other two that are still here. It's just a courtesy to make sure that you address everything and anything you wish. Whether it is to refute it, support it or whatever. Having said that, I am going to ask counsel if you have received copies -- Vicki tells me she just gave you one. We have a copy here from Glen Just, who is the ZBA's environmental consultant, we have the 110 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 survey, which you submitted to us. Which you gave the (inaudible) which is new. And we have a letter from the Trustees, with an attached survey that was approved by the Trustees previously and the DEC on the property. And you all have been given copies of that' MR. ROSENBERG: this morning. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: correct? Yes, Ms. Toth gave us those We have a request from the LWR? coordinator, I am not sure, if you are aware of the fact that he has had very recently a personal tragedy, the loss of a family member, and he is in the process of writing his recommendation. MR. ROSENBERG: That's (inaudible). CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yeah. And he has requested that he be given an opportunity to hold the hearing open, that if we chose to close the hearing, that close it subject to receipt of his report. MR. ROSENBERG: Madam Chairperson, if I may address that? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can. MR. ROSENBERG: As much as I was hoping -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Just please state your January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 111 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 name for the record. MR. ROSENBERG: For the applicant, David Rosenberg. Rosenberg, Furtuno and Latham, 666 Old Country Road, Garden City, New York. Madam Chairman, if I can just address that, although we were hoping to at least close the hearing today, if the -- if it was closed subject to receipt of the LWRP from Mr. Terry, I guess the applicant would not have an opportunity to respond to that or the applicant still be able to -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, we can structure it that way. The first thing, let's examine any additional documents and discuss them. And then we will be in a better position on how we want to proceed. Certainly, any time something is closed, we have the jurisdiction, as you know, to make sure that if something is received, any party has an opportunity to respond to it. MR. ROSENBERG: If we are in a position to close the hearing then subject to receipt from them and just allowing for us to respond, I could and would prefer and find that as these things go on and on, things come out the woodwork and things seem to be a never ending process. So if we could at least limit to that and hopefully at January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 112 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the end, proceedings. is clear, Ms. see where we go for the rest of todays I just want to make sure the record Toth also gave us two letters that I was going to offer but it appears received them. These are from neighbors immediate facility and neighboring area, that you have in the Justin Drago and John and Patricia Foster. not submit my copies of those, record. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So I will if they are in the I am sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier. pointing that out. Gerry, application, did you want MEMBER GOEHRINGER: ahead. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: this to -- No, I will Thank you for is your let you. Go Well, based upon the documents that we have gotten, there is some confusion about the flagging of the wetlands. The Trustees have given us a letter that you have received, indicating that they are going to use for any comment, a previous survey that you have a copy of, that was originally done by Fox of the DEC. They have just reiterated in their letter, that that is what they believe based upon their current site inspection, that that is where the January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 113 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 flagging of the wetlands should be located. In addition to that, we have a letter from our consultant, both Mr. Goehringer and I were there recently after our consultants had flagged wetlands, of course it is a different type of year. We got a -- we went out in the field with each of us individually. another with this sketch where the flag shall be. We didn't go with one from our consultant, of And certainly, I noticed that some were missing from the property and some were missing from numerical order and some were located in a way that didn't resemble this sketch. Did you also find that to be the case? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Now, as a result, our consultants went back out to look and as of yesterday, indicates that he to finds that there is some inconsistency where he finds the flagged wetlands. And he believe 3 and 8 should be relocated (inaudible). So the first thing that we have to obviously do is get squared away. Your survey, the one that you submitted -- SPEAKER: Sorry to interrupt, did any of you 25 get (inaudible). January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 114 1 2 B 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (Whereupon, dicussions hearing.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay, resume this hearing? All right. a alarm was pressed and were held not pertaining to the public can we please So this suggests that when he went to look at them they were not where they were located them. And we have a survey that I believe have the applicant explain. don't we let them talk about it since survey. MR. that I would like to It's a new one. Why it's their ROSENBERG: Madam Chairman, in response to your inquires, to be a two-part and then I am going to have Mr. Anderson, who has already been introduced to the Board will speak. The first thing is obviously, JML letter was handed to us about an hour ago. I read the letter now about four times. If you could perhaps, what the meaning of this letter is. It doesn't appear to say that the flags were moved, which is what my first reaction was when I read it. It seems to me it says on the reflection of going back to the site, he is changing what was his original delineation and is now suggesting that it should be different. I will tell you the first thing is January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 115 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that, is he saying that someone moved the flags, and Bruce and I would just will tell flat out to the Board, and the applicant who is now at his other residence, in his family home out here, absolutely did not, if there was a suggestion that somebody moved the flags. I read it after reading it more carefully, it does seem to say at that upon that time at a second look of the site, it says that he believes that several of the flags should be relocated. I just want to make sure that there is no suggestion insistently that either the applicant or maybe some third-party might had moved the flags. I think the Board would agree with me, that he is now saying that he reconsiders his original determination. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am not sure that that is what his intent was. I think primarily, by no means is anyone on this Board or in our office, nor should anyone perceive any accusations that anybody moved them, other then the fact that where they're presently located is not in conformance with the drawings that he submitted. As to where he flagged them. There is no accusations whatsoever on any one's part that -- we have no idea. All I know is that they January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 116 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 -- when I went to do a site inspection with his sketch in hand, I believe Mr. Goehringer did the same thing, it's pretty clear that they were not coordinated properly. It's not in the same position and the same number. MR. ROSENBERG: So my first response is, I guess that, the sketch that was used was obviously not to scale and not done or located. I know that Mr. Anderson is going to confirm a discussion that we had just this morning, with Mr. Just and he was going to indicate to the Board that he went out and looked at the flags and acknowledged that the flags were where it was originally located by him. I wanted to make sure there is no suggestion. I don't know if he has communicated that orally or in writing. But Mr. Anderson, will certainly be able to say that directly. The next point, is as far as the survey we did, which I believe (inaudible) yesterday, which we did. We then had our surveyor to locate on the survey using the proper surveying techniques exactly where those flags were. And although that survey was submitted at the request of the Board and the communicated by Ms. Scaff, I want the Board to be very clear on January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 117 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that, that is not the survey that we are relying upon in our application and Mr. Anderson will explain why. That one -- I will call it the Averment Flag, which now suddenly is more further landward then the wetlands, well all the other ones are more consistent. I don't know what flag number that is. It's somewhere in the middle. I can identify that in a second. It's somewhat to the east of the dock, the existing dock, Flag #3. I am going to refer to that as the Averment Flag at this point. The other 8 or the 9 flags, are pretty much consistent with what the DEC has done and what the fire survey shows and what Mr. Anderson testified to. So I will let Mr. Anderson explain why Flag #3, is what we call an Averment flag and is not what we believe accurate and therefore, I just want this Board to know, this survey that we did submit at your request to locate those flags, is not in fact the survey that we are going to rely upon for the presentation. Having said that, with response to the Chairpersons question, let's ask Mr. Anderson to come back up and I will certainly have a tag team here and we will go in order for your questions. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 118 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. ANDERSON: Bruce Anderson, Suffolk Environmental Consultant. I want to say and first that I had a conversation with Glen Just earlier today here in Town Hall. He came apparently to drop off that memo. I asked him whether or not the flags that he had placed had been moved. He confirmed that they had not. The reason why I had asked that question is I received a call from his secretary indicating that there was a concern that the flags were moved. I explained to the secretary that we did not move any flags. So no flags were moved. The flags that are there are the flags that your consultant placed in the field -- the location where your consultant placed them in the field. I want to also make clear that the sketch that you apparently relied upon in the determination that you thought that the flags were moved is stamped December 30, 2010, Board of Review. There is a hand drawn sketch. It's not a survey feature. It is simply a mere approximation. Finally, the letter that you received -- the most recent letter from Mr. Just suggesting that he is disagreeing with his own lines. Now, I don't know what would have prompted his disagreement 119 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 with his own line. suggest is there is THE SPEAKER: again. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: arrest me now. Go ahead. interruption. MR. ANDERSON: So been some discussions, The only thing that I can some -- Sorry for the interruption Are you coming to Sorry for the Bruce, continue? apparently there must have some communication between this Board and your consultant, as to why there is now supposed to be a another line 2 to 3, again at an approximation, landward from the line that your consultant already flagged. Now, I will tell you that several well accepted technical methods in evaluating wetland boundaries. The (inaudible) species that occur in wetlands, which is a technical report drafted by the Wildlife Service in 1988. And there is a second one that deals with the Corp of Engineers, Wetland delineation manual. That is prepared by the US Army Corp of Engineers and that is dated 1987. The two are companion cases and they are the standards of what wetland is delineated. In this case, what we have is a shore line comprised of fragmities and we have the upper end of that January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 120 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 shore line, we have some graffel bush. We have a whole lot of Poison Ivy. We have upland species. We have a whole lot of American Bittersweet, which is invasive and like the fragmities. We have a property that slopes up from the water. The high marsh, which were flagged, can occur both in wetlands and uplands. He also found that this was (inaudible) with Poison Ivy, which is an upland species that favors upland habitat. And those sources will confirm that. But the basis method of which we flag wetland was based on hydrophilic vegetation, which is wetland vegetation. And wetland hydrology, which is soil or persistent soil saccharation as to develop hydric soils. If you go to the survey that we had done will see at our expense for your consultants, you Flag #3, which jets up towards the house. A total of 7 flags run parallel to the shore lines and to the deck and where the house is located. And then all of a sudden there is one flag that goes up the hill to almost the topographic line for that now places the house within 13 point. I that wetland feet of the wetland at its closest am now going to pass up a photograph of (inaudible). For your review, you January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 121 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 will see is a close-up of a (inaudible) tree branch that is engulfed by Poison Ivy. You will see on the upper right hand corner that berry is the Poison Ivy that occurs every year. Poison Ivy is an upland plant. So you will -- you can not rely on Poison Ivy for the delineation of wetlands. And this is an area that is flagged -- MR. ROSENBERG: Mr. Anderson, let me just interrupt you. When you say we can't use Poison Ivy for delineation, is it more proper to say that if there is Poison Ivy there, it indicates that it is not wetlands? MR. ANDERSON: MR. ROSENBERG: for the wetlands? MR. ANDERSON: That would be more correct. You can use that as a marker Yes. I then want to bring your attention to a correspondence in your file when this application was filed, you requested correspondences to review from the Suffolk County Soil and Water Conversation District, specifically a Nicole Cirelli, from a letter dated December 28th as part of your file. That is an interesting letter for several reasons. First, it states that the soil type found on this property is Riverhead Sandy inaudible) slope and January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 122 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that these soils are well drained and highly permeable soils. In other words, they are not hydro-soils. And the hydric-soils are needed to support the wetlands. Those soils can only be located where they are inundated by the shore line, which is where we flagged the wetlands. Where the State of New York DEC set the wetlands were and we're all but one flag, from where your consultant said the wetlands were. MR. ROSENBERG: And that would be before the consultant changed his mind in the January 5th letter? MR. ANDERSON: That is also another portion Spinelli letter that correct. There is in here, let's call it the tells us that the hard (inaudible) extend above the two foot contour. That is precisely where the DEC has marked the boundary that is approximate to where I marked the wetland boundary. It's approximate to where your consultant marked the wetland boundary with the exception of Averment Flag #3. MR. ROSENBERG: So I take it that you do not believe that that Flag #3 is in fact on a wetland -- MR. ANDERSON: That is correct. I hope that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals since the -- I say all this with the backdrop as to why we are here. We are here not for a wetland permit. Wetland permits are issued by the Trustees and they are issued by the DEC. We are here for a front yard variance, so as to locate our house on this building away from the wetlands. So we're hopeful that that really is the primary focus of this Board because the matter regarding wetlands are still to be decided by the DEC and the Trustees. We are here for one variance and one variance only. And that it's set back from the road based upon our proposal to maximize our distance from wetlands. MR. ROSENBERG: Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Members of the Board, I also was going to again that I want to remind the Board, rather point out to the Board, that your jurisdiction is to grant the variance, that had a building permit issued almost years ago indicating it was a legal lot at the time. For a variance from the front yard setback, that could be as far as from the wetland as we could and still have a front yard setback. We're similar to the one next door to us, which I believe is 16 feet. The backyard is going to be consistent with their distance from what's there. 123 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 124 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 So I think between the Town's Board of Trustee's jurisdiction of wetlands, the DEC's jurisdiction of wetlands, or whether or not we call Averment Flag #3, is in fact an area which could delineate a wetland. Is certainly not within the scope of what your determination has to be. I would respectfully remind the Board that we're talking about a front yard setback, not the wetlands at the rear of the house. And the only other thing, just so I understand, the Fox drawing which has been referred, and I guess we can review the minutes to be sure, the Fox drawing was not done by DEC. It was attached to -- I think you are referring to the drawing that was attached to the Trustees memo and addressed by you, Madam Chairperson, on December 28th. That was not done by the DEC. That was done by a private consultant. The DEC -- the only thing we have on this record from the DEC is the letter that says that the wetland doesn't go (inaudible). CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I believe Mr. Fox works for the DEC. Let me -- MR. ANDERSON: May I clarify? Mr. Fox does not work for the DEC. I also want to -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: He did at the time. 125 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. ANDERSON: No, he did not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It says the survey -- MR. ANDERSON: BOARD MEMBER: MR. ANDERSON: No, he did not. I also -- (Inaudible). He's a titled consultant with (inaudible). He represented and assisted on a dock application on behalf of the property owner. Now, I want to make one other observation because I believe I heard you three times refer to the Fox drawing as a survey. It is not. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Anything else? MR. ROSENBERG: We have much more to talk to the Board, but if you have any questions on something else, I would be happy to answer your questions or if you want me to proceed, I will proceed. Whatever is the pleasure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: First I would just like to respond to comments that you made counsel, that our jurisdiction is simply front and rear yard setbacks. Yes, that is a variance before us, but one of our state (inaudible) looks at potential neighborhood, we have every and adverse impact and character of the as well as the environment. And so right and responsibility to look feel reasonable potential environmental 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals impact. Secondly, we have a -- we have a request from both the LWRP and based on a letter of October 20, 2010 and a recent letter from the Trustees, which states that the Trustees did a site inspection and their decision was to utilize this deck, however you want to scale it, as their determination of where the wetland setbacks are. The only reason and --and also the LWRP coordinator, we still want to wait for updated interpretation but his recommendation was to have the application amended to reflect the wetland land previously recognized by the (inaudible) issue and surveys attached for your approval on the survey. It's attached to this letter. MR. ANDERSON: I note that there is no stamp attached to it on that survey -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And that's fine, I will accept -- MR. ANDERSON: I also want to note that the Trustees is not a surveyor and I want to note that LWR? coordinator is not a surveyor. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: like to do is ask counsel, this, the jurisdiction of the Board relative variety of materials in terms of how we can Correct. What I would in a situation like to a 126 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 proceed on. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals in terms of what we made a decision based MS. ANDALORO: (Inaudible) 75 feet. You can look at it with respect to the notation of the house and the potential environmental impact under the criteria. And again, the location of the wetland (inaudible) impact perhaps your decision on the environmental impact. So you know, there is again, it seems like there is different opinions as to where that line may be. There is a wetland and it's a certain distance from this house and with the front yard setback where it is. It will have some type of environmental impact, if that helps you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: perhaps. So I don't know Not really. MS. ANDALORO: You can decide where the wetland is based upon your opinion. There is different evidence that is before you on where it can be, based on what they have submitted and based upon what your own consultant has submitted and what the Board of Trustees has submitted. You're only looking at that with relationship (inaudible) criteria -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Setbacks? 127 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 128 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. ANDALORO: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: resolve what boundary that What I want to do is is going to be because when you Board of December 28, from the -- I would like to offer the applicant the opportunity to, either no, our position stands where it is or yes, we will accept this determination and possibly amend the footprint based upon this particular -- it makes no sense to me in some respects for the Trustees to tell us that this is what they're going to use when they go and apply for that permit. And then for us to use something else. MR. ROSENBERG: Madam Chairperson, can I just address that and I believed what you said received recent communication from the Trustees, you're referring to the 2010 cover memo addressed to you is that correct? me by Ms. Toth? December 28, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: one. This is the letter, That was handed to 20107 No, this is an old December 28th, indicating that this is their determination. MR. ROSENBERG: May I suggest to the Board in looking at that memo, and that's why I was -- I want you to confirm that, that this Board may January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 129 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 be well aware of the fact that back in April when I was literally driving out here for the hearing before the Board of Trustees, we got a phone call maybe an hour or two before the meeting, saying that they were going to defer to this Board before the Board of Trustees met. And I was concerned, that maybe somehow they made a finding which in the last month or so that I had no idea. Looking at this, may I suggest to the Board that what Ms. Doherty is suggesting, is that the Board of Trustees may have found a wetland and although this is dated December 28, 2010, she's not talking about a recent finding. She is talking Board. never that would -- (inaudible) due process which doubt. What I am suggesting to you is that, about the finding that may have been made back in 2008. When the applicant, same applicant, submitted a request to build a dock was issued a permit. This does not refer that we made recent finding in the last month or two. This merely says -- it doesn't say when this finding was made, by influences, they deferred the determination that they have to make to this I have never had a hearing and I have gotten this involved in any determination I that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals the Board of Trustees found to be the highlighted area shown on the plan of 2008, means back in 2008 they made a finding of where the wetland was based upon that dock application. And Madam Chairperson, if I could just continue with the questions of counsel, I am an advocate for my client and not for the Board. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: May I comment on what you just said? MR. ROSENBERG: Yes, please. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: As it happened, I was in our office when Jane Doherty came in with this file and indicated they had gone out, the whole Trustee group, had done and made a site inspection in December. So while I completely understand your response to this letter because it is not clear that they made a recent site inspection. This letter is intent, as I understand it, based upon your discussions with me, was to confirm with their recent site inspection confirmed there wetland location that they originally designated when they granted the permit for the dock -- MR. ROSENBERG: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: (Inaudible) drawing. 130 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 131 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. ANDERSON: If I may. Upon any recent site inspection the wetlands boundary that you referred to on another sketch was not delineated in the field. So they could not have had known where that line was well were they were standing. The wetlands flags that would have delineated those lines, enabling a confirmation at any time and clearly that line is (inaudible) in all respects with the wetlands lines that I flagged. With the wetland lines flags by the DEC and the wetland lines flagged by your own consultant -- MS. ANDALORO: Chairman Weisman, what I would prefer that the Board do as opposed to going back and forth with the applicant and the representative about what this man and that man -- I mean, there has been some questions made about the intent of two documents that are in the record. The letter from our consultant and the second one being from the Board of Trustees that was sent in late of December. Go to the source. Let's get it clear on the record. And let's not go back in what they think they may have meant this and they think they may have meant that. That's the best way to handle it. MR. ROSENBERG: I would also just in terms January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 132 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to due process went this is a to my client, if in fact the Board -- the Board of Trustees made a finding and is now a finding of the Board, meaning this finding of fact by the Board, and we have had no notice of it and it was -- (inaudible) application pending because they froze off in deference to you, I would suggest that it is a gross violation of due process to my client. And -- MEMBER DINIZIO: Can I say a comment? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yeah. MEMBER DINIZIO: Couldn't we just get someone here from the Board of Trustees to testify today? So we can at least clear up the matter where they think it is or -- we have more than one line here that we're discussing. Really this is a Trustee thing. I think we are only here to basically figure out how or why or how it could be. It's 20 feet now. I think the focus of our discussion should be more on that. You know what size house can -- 20 feet agreeable with the Board. Can we live with 10 feet on the front yard? And the rest of it, I don't feel qualified -- okay. I didn't realize that is how you did it. With respect to that, I don't intend January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 133 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to go out and look for plants that grow in water. I think we need to focus on (inaudible) size of that building. That is my -- MR. ROSENBERG: Member Chairperson. Again, I appreciate Member Dinizio's comments, which is what I suggested. If I may answer the question that you put to your own counsel. I am an advocate for my client. I think that whatever right you give to this discussion, the variance to the front and the setback is what we're talking about, I would say that if we have maybe what can be called an ambiguous letter from the Board. He's not a surveyor or a technical person, from JML Environmental Consultants seems to be a question of his own credibility as to where he should put the flags. We certainly should give strong deference to the DEC, which has to get a wetlands permit here. And which has in the record, that the wetlands so and it's boundary is saying what the 2 foot contour. So if you're should the Board do, quite frankly you should give deference to the most expert. The ones with the most expertise. The ones that are independent and don't have any agenda. The ones who are not biases. The ones who are not January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 134 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 impartial. We have the DEC here stating what they have in the record. That the wetlands boundary is at the 2 foot mark. withstanding my point into your discussion, be as Member Dinizio is Again, not and although it may factor I think the focus should on the variance on what is a single and separate ownership of a prior legal lot, which is now nonconforming. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me just enter into the record you know, at the (inaudible) conversation. That our environmental consultant second paragraph talks about his flags 1 through 8 should be relocated. That is a number of flags. He says in comparing the various wetlands delineation's done on this property, he believes the one that was performed on 1/9/06 by Fox is the most accurate. That would be the one that we looked at. That the Trustees just confirming. So we have a lot -- I agree, we have a lot of different -- MR. ROSENBERG: now telling his line But your own consultant is flags are inaccurate. His 2 to 3 feet back is inaccurate. And that the Fox line is accurate, even though he doesn't know where that is in the field. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am not sure based upon this letter, which I think is rather ambiguous. What he is saying is that I made a second inspection and if I discovered and Mr. Goehringer discovered when we did a site inspection, the flags were not all there. And again, no accusation towards anyone. It's a simple field inspection reveals that some of the flags were missing. And some of them were numerically out of order in relationship to the sketch. I agree, that was not survey. That was a sketch. It certainly shows the nu~er of flags that were placed on the property and the ordering of those flags, okay. So I am not fully convinced that we have a full and clear situation here. I believe what he may have well been saying, is that he went back a second time and found flags in a position that were from nuraber 3 to 8 that should be relocated based upon what he observed on the second inspection, 2 to 3 foot landward from where Mr. Goehringer and I observed currently located on Tuesday of this week. MR. ROSENBERG: Madam Chairperson, I would just again and refer -- and make clear what I am referring to. We have a letter from DEC dated 135 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals September 30th of '09 which, we believe should have said September 30, 2010. I don't know why it was typed as '09 because quite frankly, from our application was put in on April of '10. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: (Inaudible) it may have the wrong date, things happen. MR. ROSENBERG: The DEC on our application are trainined technical staff, the people who are trained to do this, have determined that the title wetland boundary at this site is currently located on a 2 foot elevation contour. I don't know why this Board feels that it must second guess the expert who is retained by the State, who has no agenda. No reason to equivocate or anything else. And I would again -- if we could move on. I sort have exhausted this -- MR. ANDERSON: Regardless of whether you accept my line. The DEC's line, your consultant first line, the second line that is now going to be 2 to 3 feet less from where your own consultant says the line is or even the Fox line, which is lines -- State and that shows a large going to be the 4th line on the map, our all wetlands will be preserved in the is because the survey before you (inaudible) fence. A substantial 136 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals buffer of what would be basically 20 feet from the wetland boundaries defined by the DEC. And all lines -- this is a no-touch area. And all lines fall within that area. So if there is a suggestion that somehow any vegetation defined in wetland, in any of the four lines would be touched in a result of this application, I am here to assure that it won't because it would fall within the buffer in any event. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I just need to go back. You made a statement that we're not obligated nor should we or it would have an effect on your client, if we couldn't utilize resources within our own Town. In particular, the chairperson or the Town Trustees -- MR. ROSENBERG: No, Mr. Goehringer. I certainly did not mean that if I did say that. I certainly -- it was misunderstood -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MR. ANDERSON: Mr. saying is that you have (Inaudible). Goehringer, what I am 3 or 4 ambiguous documents and you have a State determination by a technical staff, written by an environmental analysis, who has been trained and this is their job and there is no possible political agenda or 137 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals anybody else with an interest in this application, then certainly, if you're going to consider a wetlands boundary, again, which I think is more for the Trustees to determine and the DEC to determine, with respect to wetland applications. And certainly you should look at the definitive unequivocal unqualified (inaudible) from the DEC and where their technical staff found that wetland boundary. And again, just what Mr. Anderson did, no matter which of the four lines that you look at, the house is not going to be within any of those. So I am (inaudible) going to suggest you should use every resource you have and provided that it's done with notice to the applicant, so we can comment on it or respond to it or have no problem with that. So me even doing that on this application or on the mooring application. So I never meant you shouldn't draw up on those resources. I'm saying when the information comes back and it's somewhat equivocal and somewhat ambiguous and you have an unequivocal and unambiguous source technical staff at should give weight and a recognized expert and a DEC, it seems to me what you to and what you should find 138 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 139 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 persuasive, is the DEC letter and not the other stuff. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me just make one comment here, sir, if I might. There is no indication from the letter from the DEC about the basis for which they made their determination. There is nothing that says in this letter that this was based upon a site inspection, okay. We don't know. They could've Googled Earth, for all I know, which is frequently the case. We don't have in that letter an unambiguous basis from which a determination was made. MR. ANDERSON: I don't know of any case, with DEC or anyone else, to determine a wetland boundary on a site specifically on the basis of Google. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I can tell you this much, Mr. King and the Trustees, at the request of the Town Board, called the DEC three times during the month of December to see if they could arrange a coordinated site inspection with the Trustees and not one time was that call returned. MR. ROSENBERG: Was that on this application or another application? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: On this application. January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 140 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 So we're still in limbo as to whether or not evidence -- I agree with you, site inspection would be critical to making a determination -- MR. ANDERSON: Your suggestion that it was done by Google is erroneous. We don't delineate wetland boundaries with Google. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It was offering the possibility that it sometimes -- MR. ANDERSON: is one way sites are examined (Inaudible). CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: But there is nothing on the that letter that suggests that DEC went out there and made a site inspection. I don't know the basis upon which that 2 foot interval was determined. MR. ROSENBERG: I would rely upon a finding of an environmental analysis of the DEC, that says that technical staff has determined wetland boundaries far more credible then what we have seen from the other locations. In any event, with the permission of the Board, I would like to move onto the next point. MS. ANDALORO: (Inaudible) several times and even the Board has acknowledged there is certain information requested from our own consultant and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals people within the Town has been acknowledged being ambiguous and not doing what we asked. We need to clear this stuff up on the record. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I agree. Yes, I agree. And Mr. Dinizio made some suggestions that we get some Trustees, someone from LWRP, own consultant to come in and where we can all be present in the same room and have that discussion publicly. So that we can reach a much more informed basis of determining exactly what potential consequences proposed location or an amended location might have relative to the setback of the road -- MR. ROSENBERG: Madam Chairperson -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Very close to open water. MEMBER DINIZIO: Can I just say something? And you just said it, how can we amend the application before us when the house is 20 feet wide now. We should be saying to ourselves, okay, can we make it 18. Do we want to pull it away from the wetland? I am assuming that is what your concern is. It's not my concern. The 50 feet away from the road, is that something that we can not live with and based on the 141 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals decision of those criteria's. I mean, this line -- this wetland, just my opinion, it's not that it's irrelevant but it exists, but it's going to exist whether there is a house there or not. And whether it is a foot or two foot the other, I don't know that that makes any difference with your concern for the environment. I mean, the cesspools, are they going to take care of that? Is the Health Department, do they go into -- and are we willing to agree with that? And somehow, reconfigure this, this rectangle that we have on here, this 34x20 rectangle, to make it more conforming to our code. That should be the meat of our discussion and wetlands -- and this is only seeing from this application, that is a very difficult thing. Evidently, I am going to be very subjective if I am looking at a picture of an invasive species which is whatever that is. By one consultant it's a wetland and by another it's not. Honestly, I think we should direct ourselves to that rectangle and how we can make it better. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I think you are forgetting another issue that we have before us and that was Mattituck Estates several years ago 142 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals and that was the issue of a dye study that was where they ran dye into the ground to see and then seeing -- we had to hire a evaluate that study. We didn't particular point yet. And if one was the Mattituck Estates consultant to even get to that you remember that and that wasn't even on an open water situation. So we haven't even gotten to that particular point. This appears to be rather a length process here and you know, I don't know where we are specifically at this time but I would like to have a guesstimate of where this wetlands line is and how far these grasses go up and the significance of these. Because if you think this is the last application that is before us, you're whistling Dixie, because there is going to be a lot more. MR. ROSENBERG: Mr. Goehringer, if we're talking about Westlake, this is the only property left that can be built on Westlake. MEMBER DINIZIO: Sometimes the Board thinks -- I just think that the environmental stuff is not something I am expert in. We're not expected to be. We're expected to try to make what's best out of a really bad situation. I would prefer the discussion to go that way. I would like to 143 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals see us -- I am not sure if another Board has to make a decision or if the Trustees still do. Deal with that wetlands. It doesn't make that much of a difference to us, whether we place the building 12 feet or 15 feet or whatever from the front yard. They will have to live with whatever it is. In my opinion, grant them a house that they can build. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, in fairness to the applicant, and in consideration of the time and expense involved in this application, if we go ahead and grant something they -- a front yard setback and then based upon your proposal and the Trustees have already told us they are going to use this, then the Trustees are now saying it's 3 feet now from the wetlands, and you know, then they are not going to give you your permit. I mean -- MEMBER DINIZIO: I -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hold on a second, please, and just let me finish. Coordinating reviews among Town agencies in a productive way is a benefit to all Boards, a good government and the applicant. Because we have often seen one agency undue what another one wants to do and so 144 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals on. And if we can get it right, and get it coordinated, we're all on the same page and we're all using the application to make the decision. So that is my goal here. It's not to obstruct what is before us. To make sure that all reviewing parties are on the same page when it comes to -- MEMBER DINIZIO: hearing, I don't believe we are an agency now. happen to believe that the Zoning Board of Appeals is a special -- it's created by the State to grant relief and when the applicant can prove so. And no other agency in this town has to exist. We must exist in order for the Town to exist. So coordinating between agencies is not something that we, as the ZBA, should be doing, with the exception of bringing those people in here to testify to their word. That's where we should be. Now, if you want to bring them in, fine, I would hope that we wouldn't have to go that way. And I don't buy the reasoning that if we make a decision, we force somebody else to do something else. That is ridiculous. beginning and the end of any baron. our decision based on what we Because we have to have our I We're the And we make -- the information 145 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals that we receive. Now, if you think the wetlands are most important, brought in here. I here. Certainly Mr. Trustee can come in. those people have to be don't know how you can see in WLRP (sic) come in and this And they can make their statement and we can make our decision based on that. I don't buy that Leslie, and I'm sorry if I sound a little upset, but I don't buy our decisions being coordinated with anybody. Our decision -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER DINIZIO: law. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: am not sure this is that discussion. I understand -- Our decision is based on Well, first of all, I an appropriate place to have MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, you brought it up. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I brought it up because a matter of fact what we're attempting to do here is to the best of our ability incorporate coraments so that we, as of appropriate protocol (inaudible) from all possible concern. We have one from Trustee. We have our pending new one from LWRP. And all of that information, we all get commented, as we did from the planning 146 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 147 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Department. Ail of that information is part of our public record. It is part of the process that we use to reach our decision. And that sense, I am talking about coordinating the information. And the ZBA may not be an agency. It is a part of Town government. Ail right. I will correct that statement to reflect that it is Town government. Nevertheless, let's see how we want to proceed on this -- MR. ROSENBERG: Madam Chairperson -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: One second. At this point, Ken, do you have any questions or do you want to proceed? Gerry, do you have any other -- MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I just have a comment. We see that the wetlands do exist and that's a fact. And I think we should look at next, what, if any, the proposed septic system, what detriment it may have of the wetlands and we should move forward. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Ail right. Gerry? I think we have to establish a line and regardless of where this particular line is, I completely agree with Mr. Anderson, that the line is going to be protected; however, we don't know if the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals establishment of this house is going to have an effect on these wetlands. And that is all we want to do. So if we can take an average of everybody's interpretation or everyone's evaluation, then we know exactly where the line is. I appreciate all the information we have gathered from you two gentleman but you know, let's find out what Mr. Just is actually saying and what the Trustees is actually saying and come in and testify. MEMBER DINIZIO: to clear that up. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And we will go from there. Why in Mattituck did they require a dye study in something that is not even open water. I have seen nothing from the Health Department that requires the study or from the Trustees -- excuse me, the DEC that Health Department a dye I can't understand it. I think that's the best way requires along with the study on a sewer system. I realize there is some timingness is the same type of Town -- MR. ROSENBERG: This is not a subdivision though. The current application is not a between the two applications. There subdivision granted by the 148 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, subdivision. perhaps -- Mattituck, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals You just referred to a subdivision, I thought you were talking about the which I am completely -- MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The Mattituck was a 63 subdivision. MR. ROSENBERG: Okay. Mr. Goehringer, the only document I have and I am prepared to move on to Mr. Dinizio's comments, because that is where we left off last time. I appreciate the concern but it sounds like this Board is leaning towards what you expressingly (sic) said and Ms. Weisman sort of danced around the issue, is if this Board is going to make a finding of where the wetland boundary is, I am curious and I am not going to answer the question and be rhetorical. Is that binding upon the Board of Trustees when I go before them and they make the actual application for the permit? Is it binding upon the DEC? Is it binding upon anybody? It seems that your supposed to decide a variance that is in front of a house and back of a house. You can certainly consider it. You can consider it that the Trustees are the one to make that finding. The DEC should make that finding and I will leave it at that. Member Dinizio suggested that we 149 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 150 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 perhaps look at the house. I have some plans that you had asked at the last hearing and perhaps we can modify some plans because there was some what of a concern of the size of a house that would actually be that close to the road and I would like to hand these up to the Board for the changes that we have made to modify or address that sensitivity. You may remember at the last hearing, there was a question of whether or not if the Board were to grant the variance, there would be a large facade if the house was very close to the road of 10 feet. You had asked us to possibly soften that. If I could just walk through what you have in front of you, if you look at the first page, that is sort of -- the front of the house is what you see on the left, but if you notice, instead of making the ridge roof symmetrical, we have pushed back the ridge of the roof so that it is more gentle sloping line and not as high up. So when you're looking at it from the front. You can not see the full height of the roof. If you look at Page 2, instead of having two full stories, we have further tried to soften the look by having the two story portion in a relative small part, less 151 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 than a third of the width of the entire house. And we have done that by moving some of the bedrooms that were upstairs and instead of making the house wider and putting them downstairs. This does not require us to come in for a side yard variance. We are not asking for a side yard variance. We're not seeking any further relief from the Board. We're trying to accommodate the sensitivity of the Board. So what we have done by making the house wider and by softening that roof line, which you can quite tell from Page 2, but if you go to Page 1, you We have soften is delineated The last will know what I am referring to. the appearance substantially. And if you look at Page 3, that actually will show you where we have added the bedroom downstairs, which bedroom #2 and made the house wider. page of course shows the small dimension of the two story view of the house. So I would like to compliment Bruce for actually working with the architect and coming to this scheme. But it significantly softens the appearance to the extent that the Board was concerned about. I would like to have this entered into the record. If the Board has any questions about design, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals doing something that one of the Board members was focusing on, I would be more than happy to answer those or perhaps have Bruce answer those. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, I will just get some updated comments on this proposal. It appears we are still looking at four bathrooms. MR. ANDERSON: What I simply did was take one upstairs bathroom and 1 upstairs bedroom and attach it to the first floor. That to lower the house so when you're on the street, it wouldn't be so high when you looked up. I shifted it over so that it lined up with the existing stairwell. When I applied the same roof pitch based upon the plans that are already with this Board, it did have result of lowering the height of the overall structure by approximately 2 feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The proposal is still on pilings, of course? MR. ANDERSON: It is on pilings. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And from the grade to the first floor is how many feet? MR. ANDERSON: It's 7 feet. And you have those structural$ in your file done by MR. ROSENBERG: The first floor, already several Jim -- which is feet up from the water. 152 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MR. ANDERSON: So this house complies with FEMA and it also complies with your height regulations. One other thing, it would also comply with your coverage regulations. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. BOARD MEMBER: What is the purpose of all the bathrooms? MR. ANDERSON: They're just affording a bathroom for every bedroom. It has no effect on the septic system. No environmental effect. So it's convenient. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: comments? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Ken, do you have any NO. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And would you consider reducing the number of bathrooms and bedrooms? MR. ANDERSON: I would have to check with the client on that. I will remind you that we started with an 850 square foot footprint. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Footprint not house. What is the total square footage proposed? MR. ANDERSON: Approximately twice that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 850 square foot footprint and -- 1700 square foot approximately? MR. ANDERSON: Approximately. 153 154 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Board? 1,160 square foot. Any questions from the You just said 850 square feet -- sounds right to me. So the footprint is not 850 square feet? MR. ANDERSON: square feet, it's 1,160 The revised plan, we're going to talk about (inaudible) has a foot print of 1,160 square feet -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is what we just said. MR. ROSENBERG: And that's still within the lot coverage. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: But you said 850? MR. ANDERSON: What I said is the application before you, which is a footprint of 850 square -- MR. ROSENBERG: I think I misunderstood you. The original application had two floors of approximately 850 each, for a total of roughly 16-1700 square feet. 850 per floor because it revised suggestion -- because it is now wider and the depth is the same, it wouldn't necessarily mean the footprint -- the second is smaller. The total square footage remains the same. Yes, it's -- January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 155 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. ANDERSON: measures 58x20. MR. ROSENBERG: 1,160 square feet. It The second floor is now reduced to -- I saw that on the third page. MR. ANDERSON: The bedroom measures 13x16 and includes a bath and a closet. MR. ROSENBERG: The third bedroom would be on the fourth page and measures 16x -- MR. ANDERSON: MR. ROSENBERG: bathroom. 13.8 plus 5, That's 304 square feet. 13 is on the second floor. It doesn't quite go to the it's about 19x16. 19x16. The gross footage remains the same. Again, this is to accommodate the Board's sensitivity to the appearance of the house from the road. If there is no questions on this, I just have a few more things to clarify that were made to us from the There was a question as to -- there was some surprise since last hearing. or an inquiry that the Westlake Association is still active in connection with the mooring application. That we had not heard from them on this application. I think Ms. Toth, if you have a copy of the e-mail sent by Mr. Kram with a copy to Mr. Gunn, of November 5, 2010 confirming a conversation that he had with you 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals that was related to Mr. Kram, deliberately copied him on that. So he would object if he thought anything that Mr. Kram said was inaccurate and I just want to make sure that this was part of the record. I have copies, if it not. MS. TOTH: Just in case, because this is getting thicker by the minute. MR. ROSENBERG: And again, I think you have to remember when Mr. Kram was here on the earlier application, him and his family owned the house on Aspernad for, I think in excess of 45 years. His mother, Shirley Kram had lived there and he knows a lot of people. So he is speaking to Mr. Gunn about this all the time. And he had always indicated he would not oppose the application. And as a result of the call from Ms. Toth, as a result of a conversation with Mr. Kram, he is specifically again at least indicated, that the Westlake Homeowners Association has no opposition on this house at all. You have the other letters. I now see it came in. It seems to have all been in the And the other enigma to me. letter from, thing is and this is part of You had talked about an unsigned I think it was the DEC, the letter file. an 156 157 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that impact had and it was on a prior application. Just so the record is clear, we filed a request under th Freedom of Information Law with DEC at your request shortly after the last hearing. On November acknowledged by Ruth Earl, DEC. It was also acknowledged on November 19, 2010 by a Nancy Pinomonti, 26th it was the records officer at Region 1 File Coordinator. And then we received a letter on December 3rd denying our requests, alleging that these documents were privilege because they are interagency materials and were not disclosed. I know we had spoken that the Board may want to see that prior application to see if it all was relevant to see what we are doing now and I did make the attempt, and I would be very happy to offer a copy of that letter from the DEC denying our request, and to also confirm that we made two letters acknowledging receipt of the application. I myself, MS. MR. ANDALORO: ROSENBERG: flabbergasted. (Inaudible). Jen, I am absolutely quite of MS. ANDALORO: Can you just send us a copy the FOIL request that you -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MR. ROSENBERG: It was filed electronically and Bruce doesn't have a copy of it. And that's why I gave you the two letters -- MS. ANDALORO: Okay. I just want to see how it was phrased -- (inaudible) if the Board is inclined to look at it, I will get -- MR. ROSENBERG: We have already considered whether we should appeal it or not, quite frankly, we think it is somewhat irrelevant to the current application. It was somewhat several years ago. There was a limited budget here. I just didn't want the Board to think that we did not take any action on that. I don't have anything else to submit that was either not requested by the Board or wanted to address. If the Board has any questions, I will be happy to respond to them. Mr. Anderson, if there is something that you would like to add, please feel free to do so. MR. ANDERSON: appropriate to place I think it's probably into the record the prior review on the part of the soil conversation district with regard to the mooring application and that survey. And I am going to make the following reservations to you. These are two 158 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals lots that are similarly sized. The mooring application involved an application for three individual variances. A rear yard, a bulkhead setback and two bulkhead setback variances. The elevation of the Moy land was 5 feet above sea level. The elevation of the Benali property is 5 to 8 feet above sea level. The ground water on the Moy application was 1.4 feet above sea level. The groundwater Benali application 1.1 feet above sea level. The distance between the septic system and wetlands to the wetlands is 25 feet for Moy and approximately 27 feet here. And the distance between wetlands and the septic system was 43.1 feet for the Moy application and 34 feet for this application as defined by DEC. The wetlands that is the unbulkhead in Moy was just as it is here. Finally the coverage that was permitted in the Moy application was 18.9% inclusive of depths and the coverage requested here is 13.1%. So we have similar size lots. We have less coverage. We have the same amount of ground water. We have the same undersized condition and I hope you take that into consideration and I note that the three variances requested on the Moy application were all 159 160 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 approved. Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: When can we next hear this? Okay. Relative to the discussion that we previously had, thank you very much for the amended plans. I am going to give you an opportunity once we have the submission from LWRP, give you an opportunity to respond to the letter. And we will bring in someone from the Trustee's office and an environmental consultant in. We will ask them to tell us where they determined the wetlands line is. And then we will be able to make a more informed decision. Let them make a determination. That is not our area of expertise. That is what the Board wanted to do and I believe the next possible earliest time that we can do it is putting it on for March 3rd at 1:30. MR. ROSENBERG: Thank you, Merabers of the Board. I would like to wish you all a happy and health New Year. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. So I will make a motion to adjourn this hearing to March 3rd at 1:30. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: All in favor? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) ****************************************************** CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: minute break. So moved. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: (Whereupon, a recess was CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: MEMBER GOEHRINGER: We need to have a 2 Second. Gerry Seconded. Aye. Aye. Aye. taken.) --reconvene? Second. Seconded by Gerry. Aye. Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. 161 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals HEARING #6430 Donald B. And Janis G. Rose CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before us is for Donald and Janis Rose. And we don't need to -- if you would like to come forward. We don't need to read the legal notice again, because it is a continuation. Just to acknowledge that we have two letters that we received. We know you have copies. One from the architect and one from the homeowner. But we are entering the into the record for receipt of communication. If you would like to state your name for the record and proceed? MS. STEELMAN: Yes. architect. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Nancy Steelman, Nancy, thank you so much for the letter. I appreciate it tremendously. It's probably one of the most (inaudible) that I have ever seen. It's fine. As the Board deliberates, if the Board is not happy and I don't know how they feel. I have not spoken to them. We don't speak to each other regarding this until we actually get to the deliberation process. For the five feet issues that we were discussing, the Rose's wanted to take alternate relief, if that is an important factor. Based 162 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals upon the -- I did not scale, which I have to do, the distance between the house and the historic building, but it is relatively close. It's closer when you get up to the hot water heater. You know -- MS. STEELMAN: Actually, that dimension is -- I checked it on my drawings. I have 7 foot 2 inches. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Okay. Was that -- is there a flare on the back of the house -- MS. STEELMAN: There is an overhang -- yes, there is a slight flare. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Okay. So I actually probably took it from the house -- this is not a sarcastic -- MS. STEELMAN: We kind of took it from the foundation where the survey was done from. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So that is the story as I through out to you and we go from there. I have no idea how they feel. MS. STEELMAN: question for them. like to respond. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: them or do you want me I think that would be a They're here. If they would Could you explain to to explain to them 163 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals alternate relief? MS. STEELMAN: I think he should. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Can you -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hold it. state his name. MR. ROSE: Don Rose. He needs to MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Mr. Rose, I don't know if we discussed alternate relief when we were dealing with this. MR. ROSE: No. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: But if the Board is so inclined in their deliberation process to carry a resolution -- three positive votes to carry a resolution. And if the individuals who are voting on it at that time consider it to be (inaudible) chose that the house should be moved forward, will you accept alternate slightly relief? MR. ROSE: I don't think so. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: It's an up and down situation. In other words, we do not approve it if you will not allow us to move the house. MR. ROSE: See what confuses me is that we applied to closing the back porch. And now we're talking about moving the house. I mean, this is 164 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 165 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 a real (inaudible) act for me. We just want to close the back porch. This is a preexisting nonconforming location. We don't want to move it because of the enumerated financial reasons but on top of that, it is where it is. If we move it, we are going to block out the view to our neighbor to the east. We are going to be closer to the road. And we love being where we are. The front porch is where we live. So I would have to say, no. We can't afford to move it and because of the septic stuff and on top of that, this is where the house was built in 1909. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I have to tell you in all fairness, I would not have voted that application in the back based upon that distance (inaudible) two buildings, meaning the existing house and the accessory -- MR. ROSE: But it was there. By the way, that little plastic shed in the back is a temporary water pressure tank. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Right. that. MR. ROSE: That does get We looked at in the way. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I will talk from a fire standpoint. I still think a little more footage 166 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 would make it a lot more plowable between the two houses. Between the house and the storage building. And that is just my opinion. And you know, we go from there. MR. ROSE: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I will simply say that I think it was perfectly responsible to explore the possibility since you are raising the house and putting in a new foundation. And on that basis alone, I think it was worth inquiring about. I belive based upon the submission of argument, relative to keeping it where it is, that since there is the second story is stepped back from that distance, that small distance in the backyard and the footprint is not being enlarged in any way, and you have provided quite thorough explanation and the involvement of the septic system and so on and so forth, that I believe the process has been very fully explored. I am satisfied with the reply you have submitted. I don't have any questions. I think it is the January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 167 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 same application we honestly. MS. STEELMAN: couple of points. saw last time, quite I just would like to make a I can understand where Mr. Goehringer is coming from. If the application to fulfill that porch was directly adjacent to (inaudible), I can understand a little more of your concern. The porch that we are filling in is near and is part of the rear yard, and it's open space at that point. The area that we are concerned about primarily is the corner away from that accessory structure. I just wanted to make that point. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak relative to this application? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Anything else from the Board? (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Hearing no further comments, I will make a motion to close the hearing and reserve decision. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: All in favor? January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 168 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. Thank you. (See Minutes for Resolution.) ****************************************************** HEARING #6417 - Louis and Elizabeth Mastro CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. The next application is a continuation also. Louis and Elizabeth Mastro. That is Jim. No need to read the legal because it is a continuation. If you would like to come forward. We have in the record plans submitted Mr. Mastro and (inaudible). please. MS. MASTRO: MR. MASTRO: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: you want to -- MEMBER DINIZIO: I plans. MR. MASTRO: State your names for the record, Elizabeth Mastro. Louis Mastro. Happy New Year. Same to you. Jim, do see you got some new Do you like them? MEMBER DINIZIO: It's not a question whether like them. So to the porch -- you have a 169 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 covered porch there? MS. MASTRO: We have a covered porch. (Inaudible) to the house. Not to the porch. MEMBER DINIZIO: MS. MASTRO: No, you say, to the house. MEMBER DINIZIO: from that point to the bulkhead, that is? MS. MASTRO: The measurement MEMBER DINIZIO: to tell me what that what it is. I want it MR. MASTRO: 34. MEMBER DINIZIO: 34 feet. is what we're going to grant. To the building. that's what I understood What is the measurement do you know what from the house? Yeah, you're going to have is. I want them to tell me on the record. If we grant, that 34 feet. It's not a question of granting you a porch and an additional 16. You moved it back about 8 feet. MS. MASTRO: 10 feet. MEMBER DINIZIO: just want to clear asking for 34 feet; MR. MASTRO: To the porch, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yeah -- we moved it back about Don't worry about it. I it up. Right now you're correct. yes. It's attached. It's 170 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 really part of the house. MEMBER DINIZIO: Sir, we don't need to get into the minute details. What is and what isn't. We're going to make the determination of where the setback is going to be. Okay. And you're saying to us now it's going to be 34 feet. That's fine. We're going to work with that. What does it have to be 34 feet? I see a septic system in the front. Can you just give us some idea on how that septic system got there? It can not be moved? MS. MASTRO: moved. (Inaudible) That is correct, it can not be resubmitted to the Board of Health and finally they worked it out for the septic system because the level of the water. (Inaudible) you have in your record (Inaudible). The level of the water in the front is really high. (Inaudible) waterline to the house -- part of the property (Inaudible). MEMBER DINIZIO: (Inaudible). MR. MASTRO: Right. MEMBER DINIZIO: Your house is not an extraordinarily large house. I guess about the same size as it was before? MR. MASTRO: Now it is. 171 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER DINIZIO: So it's a normal size house. I guess you got a stairway on the side. MS. MASTRO: It's 6 feet to the property line. MEMBER DINIZIO: And what is it 12 on the other side. MR. MASTRO: Yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: I am just getting this on the record. I am recording it for my decision. I want to get these numbers correct and to have you confirm it. MS. MASTRO: MEMBER DINIZIO: the old -- MS. MASTRO: Okay, that is correct. You had a framed garage on MEMBER DINIZIO: Does that still exist because I don't see it on your plan here? MS. MASTRO: No, it is not on the plan because we don't know if we are going to move. Because of the septic system being there (inaudible) possible. MEMBER DINIZIO: Let me tell you this. If it's not on this plan, it means that you will have to come back before us to get a variance. Pretty much any place you put it on the property, Yes. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals you're going to have to need a variance. So we're not granting you the existing frame garage -- MS. MASTRO: Okay. MEMBER DINIZIO: The plan that you submitted to us will be the plan that we give to the Building Inspector. MS. MASTRO: Okay. MR. MASTRO: So we need another permit -- MEMBER DINIZIO: You are going to need another permit for the garage. You're going to have to. I mean, MS. We would It's likely you will be back before us. you're pretty limited -- MASTRO: So (inaudible) for that reason. like to keep it. We just want to get a place to put it (inaudible). MEMBER DINIZIO: When you get the house up you will know. And when you put it in your front yard something is going to need to go with it. That is basically all I have. You did a great job. MS. MASTRO: Thanks. I am a little nervous. MEMBER DINIZIO: Anybody else? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. I understand that -- the Board suggested a 45 feet setback 172 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 173 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 from the bulkhead, you're now proposing 34 feet. You can't move it any further. What you could do is eliminate the porch, which is 6 feet in depth. They don't count. Then you can move it 6 feet forward without changing your septic design and you could have a 40 foot setback. the (inaudible) side. MEMBER DINIZIO: removing the porch? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER DINIZIO: Of, thought you were talking about The porch on You are just talking about The front porch -- the front porch. I the back porch. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am assuming they want the back porch badly because of the view. That is probably where you are going to be sitting all the time. What I am saying is that if you remove the front porch, decorative then anything -- MS. MASTRO: Can I ask you CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yeah. MS. MASTRO: porch (inaudible) which is more something? The reason we did that front we did not have that but one of the gentlemen mentioned on the Board that they wanted to soften the front of the house. So we did the front porch. It's going to cost us even January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 174 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 more money to do the front porch, going to be "x" amount of steps going up. are going to have some kind of overhead. because it's So we We're just doing it because it covers when someone is coming in the house and to soften it up. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can accomplish the same covering by creating a landing covered. It can be left open if it's 4x6. MS. MASTRO: We want to kind of fit into the neighborhood instead of having it stick right up like a pencil. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: My concern is the 40 foot setback from the bulkhead and if you want to -- if you want to have a seaward and a balcony type porch. In order to get the 40 feet, what you are going to need is to get rid of that 6 feet in the front, put in a landing that is covered with columns, just the way you want. That doesn't count. You can move your house forward without disturbing the You can therefore achieve a 40 the bulkhead. septic system. feet setback from MEMBER DINIZIO: Or move the project. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Or move the entire project back six feet too. You can still move 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals the project even with that front porch, and get the 40 feet. MEMBER DINIZIO: We can just grant the 40 feet and they can do whatever they want. I just want to make clear what we are actually looking it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What's the total square footage of your house? MEMBER DINIZIO: It's 28x40. MS. MASTRO: 2,000 and something. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MS. MASTRO: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 2,317 square feet. 500 square feet of deck. I just wanted the record to reflect that there is another option here. Without messing up the septic, you can comply with what the original Board's request was. Sorry, you misunderstood it. It's an attached structure, therefore it is part of the house. MS. MASTRO: So leave the house -- MEMBER DINIZIO: Leave the house and no porch. Put a patio there. MS. MASTRO: We can't move the house closer to the road. When you make (inaudible) that doesn't touch the ground. Is that something -- 175 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals MEMBER DINIZIO: 18 inches, you can use that for an overhang on a roof lot. I think it is only 12 inches. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If you preferred to eliminate the second story porch and the attached deck and have a step down to and -- a gray patio, that is not counted at lot coverage and that is not counted as part of the house. MEMBER DINIZIO: You can have your front porch. Put an awning back there. MS. MASTRO: Can I ask you something? If we -- you know what people have -- the first floor we are just asking for 40 feet and then just go up and then down to the ground level with the patio and then reset the house (inaudible) and have a porch on top of that, that will not interfere -- MEMBER DINIZIO: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's correct. If that's 40 feet back from the bulkhead. MEMBER DINIZIO: No, you can't -- they're talking about canceling the second story -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, that's not what they were saying -- MS. MASTRO: (Inaudible). 176 177 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You're correct. That's fine. If that is the wall of your house and it's 40 feet from that bulkhead, the deck is recessed into your MS. MASTRO: MEMBER DINIZIO: be the same. Okay. MS. MASTRO: so I can speak to the MEMBER DINIZIO: the second story -- MR. roof. That's fine. That's what I am asking. Okay. The roof line will then. That is what I am asking. Just architect. What's the measurement for MASTRO: It would be an enclosed porch MS. MASTRO: MEMBER DINIZIO: MS. MASTRO: It story would be reset right here. (inaudible). MEMBER DINIZIO: So 40 feet? MS. MASTRO: 40 feet. MEMBER DINIZIO: The 40 feet. You can do whatever you want -- MS. That is what I am asking. She just wants to keep the sliders and I don't know. You better draw it then. is right here. The second The house is roof line would go to MASTRO: BOARD MEMBER: front looking the same with her 178 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 everything. MS. MASTRO: That is what I am asking. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: As long as you understand that what the Board requested of you and apparently (inaudible) favorable light, we will still have to deliberate, is a setback from your structure, I don't care what structure. If it's raised or attached, whether you call it a porch or not. The wall, whether it's 18 inches off the ground or 35 feet off the ground, that has to be 40 feet from that bulkhead. MS. MASTRO: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You can do whatever you want, if you're saying you want to leave it because of the way it looks like and you don't want to mess with the septic system, that is fine with us. My reason for suggesting of taking the front porch off was so that you could have the option of having the rear deck and the rear second story deck. And so as far as I am concerned -- you proposed 34 feet from the bulkhead, as you just submitted it, the Board can grant 40 feet and then you can make a decision to redesign after -- MEMBER DINIZIO: You grant alternate relief? January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 179 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, when you grant alternate relief, the Board requires the submission of your final design showing that alternative relief in whatever way you decide, you are going to give us the plans. We're going to stamp that it's finally approved and attach our decision to it. Send it to the Building Department and then that is what they will give you a building permit for. Now, if you gave us a (inaudible) plans and we granted you alternative relief they said this granted you. MS. MASTRO: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: that, the process that the just described. MS. MASTRO: is not what the Board So in order to avoid Board follows as I Just so I understand because I to be the one. Once you have the 40 that does not You have to have a don't want feet and the steps coming out, count as the structure -- MEMBER DINIZIO: Right. certain amount of steps to go down. MS. MASTRO: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That is not going to 25 count. 180 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MEMBER DINIZIO: It won't be the full length, I can tell you that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The steps are not going to expand the whole length of your house. MS. MASTRO: (Inaudible). (Stepped away from microphone.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: If you have a whole series of doors, obviously what you proposed is the best solution, which would be to walk out to a deck. You don't of steps. MS. MASTRO: want to have three little sets That's right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So the problem is, you're going to have to decide what's important and how to do it. And that is why I was suggesting if it was my house, I want to be on the water and my back yard, the water side, looking at the view and enjoying it. MS. MASTRO: That is (inaudible) on the south side, I am completely covered. We have no view on that side. Our neighbor to the south side, if we go any more, I am totally covered by him. (Inaudible). This is where we have it. MEMBER DINIZIO: That's what you're entitled 25 to. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Given the size of the other setback and the new construction (inaudible) environmental impact and the options that you have. It's a reasonable compromise. We're willing to work with you and you're willing to work with us. And what I am saying, it is not up to us on how you want to decide your house. We're offering some options for you to think about, as long as you are conforming to the 40 foot egress out to the water or a conforming egress to the front yard. So I mean, we can close this hearing and make a determination of alternative relief and then you can have time to think about these things, work it out. Get your plans and you can submit them to us, as long as it is 40 feet and conforming with the steps and all of that. We stamp that it's final and then you're good to go. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: What about the side yards? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, we had talked about the stairs and the side yards potentially being moved to another location, possibly a bilco door and stairs (inaudible) putting in a just a storm door type. It's wider and deeper than what 181 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 182 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the stairs are. I can live with what you're proposing, I think. We do have at least 12 foot clearances on the sides. I mean, I can live with that because you have a bigger side yard. I think what we actually talked about is centering it a little more on the lot. We talked about that. I think it has improved. It was worth it for the record, that we did talk about the location of the stairs and the side yards. So anybody have any questions or comments? Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: As long as the applicant understands that 40 feet -- MS. MASTRO: I misunderstood last time when I was here and then since talking with the architect, I am a little nervous. I'm sorry. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: It's okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Are we clear now? MS. MASTRO: Yes, I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Any other comments or questions? Certainly there is no one in the audience, or wait there is somebody there? Did you want to speak on -- SPEAKER: (Inaudible). CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anything else 25 from the Board? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals (No response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing none, I will make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Seconded by Gerry. All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) (Whereupon, the public hearings for January 6, 2011 concluded.) 183 January 6, 2011 - Zoning Board of Appeals 184 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 I, Jessica DiLallo, certify that the foregoing transcript of tape recorded Public Hearings was prepared using required electronic transcription equipment and is a true and accurate record of the Hearings. ' ~s ~1 ca ~iLa~ -- Jessica DiLallo Court Reporter PO Box 984 Holbrook, New York 11741 Date: February 13, 2011