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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-09/06/2012 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 L~CEIVED TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ~r[ ~ COUNTY OF SUFFOLK STATE OF NEW YORK 3 OF.~PPEALS ................. :_ ....................... TOWN OF SOUTHOLD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Southold Town Hall Southold, New York September 6, 2012 10:04 A.M. Board LESLIE GERARD JAMES DINIZIO, JR. - Member KENNETH SCHNEIDER - Member GEORGE HORNING - Member (Left Members Present: KANES WEISMAN Chairperson/Member GOEHRINGER - Member at 2:13 P.M.) JENNIFER ANDALORO - Assistant Town Attorney VICKI TOTH - Secretary Jessica DiLallo Court Reporter P.O. Box 984 Holbrook, New York (631)-338-1409 11741 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: Denise Gels, %6579 Margaret M. Gannon, %6587 Deborah Penney, %6484 Peconic Landing at Southold, Inc, Gloria R. Geslak, %6592 Mary R. Frausto, %6590 David Schultz, %6588 Mill Creek Partners, LLC, #6589 Constance Zahra, #6586 %6591 Page: 3-9 9-18 18-29 29-57 57-69 69-93 93-108 108-118 118-127 September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 3 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 HEARING MS. GEIS: Geis. I live at Mattituck. CHAIRPERSON before the Board because height, the code requires #6579 DENISE GEIS Again, my name is Denise 2250 Sigsbee Road, WEISMAN: Okay. You your existing that it needs be 3 feet from a rear property line, wanted to confirm that was the case. Notice of Disapproval indicated that 6 feet, and this survey was received are shed to and we The it was in our have in the Notice of setback, as written Disapproval. MS. GEIS: Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim, did you any questions? MEMBER DINIZIO: No. I just wanted to make sure that we had something in writing on that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. I believe the other shed was not on the old office August 23rd of this year, and it shows the existing shed at a 3 foot conforming -- 3.3 feet conforming side yard setback and 1.6 foot nonconforming rear yard September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 4 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 either, current one. MS. GEIS: correct. and that is now on the Everything is on it, CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It was done by John C. Ehlers. We took some critical testimony previously. I don't have an additional questions. I just wanted to confirm what we have on the survey. MS. GEIS: Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George, do you have any questions? MEMBER HORNING: No. Other than the one, seemed like we were in a bit of suspense at the last meeting, there was alleged possibility that the marker was moved. Can you comment on that? MS. GEIS: Well, the surveys are exactly the same from '77, as it was from August. So it's the both surveys. MEMBER HORNING: same place it was on The lot marker, in is that your mind, has never been moved, what you say? MS. GEIS: Oh, yes. The lot marker September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 5 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 been the same since -- yes, the lot marker has been the same. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No questions. MS. GEIS: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: This confirms that. This survey confirms that the marker is the same, the building is where you said it was? MS. GEIS: Right. MEMBER DINIZIO: And nothing has changed? MS. GEIS: Nothing has changed. MEMBER DINIZIO: Since nineteen -- whatever. MS. GEIS: '77. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The marker might have been there before then because the property was there since the 20's. So regardless of whether it is moved or not, we know exactly where that building is on that piece of property. Whether or not that marker is in the same area, doesn't make a difference, the survey confirms it. MS. GEIS: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Moreover, we September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 6 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 wanted to make sure that the Notice of Disapproval was accurate, and this survey confirms that it is, and we can proceed. Is there anyone else in the audience that application? would like to address this Please state your name? MS. MORGAN: My name is Patricia Morgan, and I live next door. I was the one that was here the last time. The -- I never saw the markers that is being measured. have mine too that agrees with Denise. However, I have the letter that I wrote May 2004, when Denise put up the fence saying that -- well, I wrote to Helen. Helen is Denise's friend, and I said although the fence is (In Audible) property line is clearly blows out middle and sits on the fence moved to Ms. but the in the my property. Please have your side. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Excuse me. Morgan, not only does this survey now show the fence legally on their property, the bottom line is, the fence is not before this Board. MS. MORGAN: There was a marker September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 7 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 there. That is what I am saying. At the end of the fence that you are looking at, the edge of the fence that I am looking at, there was a marker. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is a marker. There is a marker -- MS. MORGAN: Not at the end of the fence but at a different place. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It is irrelevant to this Board. MS. MORGAN: Irrelevant that there was a property marker that has to be moved. There was a property marker that was a foot and a half a part. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ma'am? MS. MORGAN: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We visited the site. We got what we asked for, and we really need to stick to discussions pertaining to what is before this Board. MS. MORGAN: Okay. My only problem is, when my property was measured -- it's only 48 point something rather than 50 feet, using that marker, and I have mine. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, that is September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 8 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 fine, but that is what the property line is. MS. MORGAN: It used to be 50. I would just like to submit my survey too because I -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: This is really not germane to this application. So I don't believe the Board can accept it. MS. MORGAN: Ail right. That's good. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What is germane is what is before us here, which is their property. MS. MORGAN: Fine. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: the audience? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: further questions or motion to close this decision to a MEMBER CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Anyone else in Hearing no comments, I will make a hearing and reserve later date. DINIZIO: Second. Seconded by Jim. All in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 9 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 SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING %6587 - MARGARET M. GANNON CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. This is Margaret M. Gannon, #6587. Request for variances from Article III Section 280-15{F} and Article XXIII Section 280-124, and the Building Inspector's July 10, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct garage addition with two bedrooms above and "as built" accessory shed at: 1) in the case of waterfront properties accessory buildings may be located in the front yard, provided that such accessory meets the front yard principal setback requirements as set forth by this code. Proposed location is other than the code required front or rear yard, 2) lot coverage of more than the code permitted 20%, located at: 350 MacDonalds Crossing, adjacent to Peconic Bay, Laurel. Is there someone here to represent this application? September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 name aids come do MR. FITZGERALD: Good morning. My is James Fitzgerald, and my hearing are in the shop for a tune-up. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Do you want forward? MR. FITZGERALD: I CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Why that. Come on up. Jim, we have a letter would like to. don't you of local to determination from Suffolk County, which you can have a copy of. The garage addition is to be two bedrooms above existing family dwelling toward the landward side. The "as built" shed is in a side yard, and the code permits it in the front yard. Okay. The lot coverage as proposed is 24.3%; correct? MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And the "as built" accessory shed is in the side yard, where it is permitted to be in the front yard or in the rear yard. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It looks like the existing accessory garage is to be demolished? September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 MR. FITZGERALD: Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. What would you like to tell us? MR. FITZGERALD: The main project was the demolition of the existing detached garage and in effect moving that facility to an extension of the house, which as you see, it increased the front yard setback to twenty some odd feet. And Ms. Gannon and the architect and I, think it looks a lot better from the road side that way, in addition to it being able to provide additional living space. That is really what this is all about. As a second floor, and the addition, which has two bedrooms. And I think it's so Ms. Gannon is able to support this kind of change, because this is the only way she could have gotten the additional living space. With regard to the accessory shed, it's really from the standpoint of the mutualization of the property, is in our Town or collective opinion, it's the only logical place for it. The provision in the code for being able to use a front yard is a situation such as September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 12 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 this, is nice, but it really doesn't help because I don't think anybody wants to have an accessory shed, what will now be a better looking and presented, as presented in yours. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Do you know what the existing lot coverage is on the property? MR. FITZGERALD: It's more than 20. I believe it's 22 or 21, something. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 22%, and you will be increased it by 2.3%. That is after removing the existing garage? MR. FITZGERALD: That is correct. As the project will be completed. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken, any questions? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? MEMBER HORNING: Drywell, are they on the survey? The proposed drywell? MR. FITZGERALD: No, they are not shown. One of the things, you will see that there is an existing cesspool next to -- east of the demolition site, and we are September 6, 2012 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 going to look into of abandoning that, use it for the roof drainage, or for one side of the roof drainage. MEMBER HORNING: You mentioned the possibility of moving the shed but the applicant is not in favor of moving the shed in an area that would be more obstructive to their front yard? MR. FITZGERALD: Yeah. I think those of us on this side of the bench, would agree that it would not look good in either the front yard or the rear yard. Particularly, the front yard doesn't seem like a good place for an accessory shed and particularly, Ms. Gannon was so thrilled with the result of the improvement and appearance of the property, with this proposed expansion. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me ask you a question. There is a proposed attached shed on the side of the garage, the new garage. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Why not just make that a little bit bigger and get rid of September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 14 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 small shed in the side yard? MR. FITZGERALD: Good question, I don't know. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I have to tell you looking at it, it's not terribly obtrusive. It's very small. And you still have about a ten foot side yard, which isn't bad. I just wanted to see if you had an answer to that. MR. FITZGERALD: It never came up. Actually, when we originally submitted this to the Building Department, it was to me that the accessory shed was unknown undocumented. So that this never came up at the planning stage, and if it's important -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, because it's the side, it doesn't need a building permit, but it does -- it is not in a conforming location. That obviously the -- Yes. WEISMAN: This if it's in a location, the side out when you went into MR. FITZGERALD: CHAIRPERSON to have a variance nonconforming they came does need obviously picked up on. yard, which I was just September 6, 2012 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 asking why they couldn't just make it bigger. If they did that, they would not gain that much or rather reduce your lot coverage, particularly. If you take one away and add to the other, you would probably come out the same, I would imagine. Gerry, do you have questions? the SO. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: Can you do without shed? MR. FITZGERALD: She doesn't think MEMBER DINIZIO: There is nothing there that can't go in the garage? MR. FITZGERALD: I don't really know what's in it, if anything. MEMBER DINIZIO: Simply because it's a shed, and I don't know why it wouldn't be considered, why the side yard hasn't been denied, because technically it looks like is part of the house. You have 10 foot setback there. I am pretty sure you need 15. I don't know what size it is. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It's 11,747 it September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 16 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 square feet. MEMBER DINIZIO: The other side yard is 16. So it should have been denied. Let's just see, if maybe we can eliminate that. MR. FITZGERALD: I think it's because it is there, and it is apparently has been for quite some time. You know, the old story, it doesn't make it legal, it just makes it practically speaking. Again, if we are going to have the shed at all, then we think that is where it belongs. The idea of simply eliminating it or eliminating the shed and adding to the attachment of the garage, neither of those were ever considered, because essentially this came up after the fact. And Ms. Gannon and I were in, a let's fix it and get going mode, and so we end up now with two variances, two kinds of variances needed, and here we are. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I suppose you can talk to them and say that the Board was interested in exploring the possibility of eliminating the shed altogether or locating it in what is likely to be the September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 17 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 front yard some place. See how that goes, or we can just make a determination, I guess. say MEMBER GOEHRINGER: for the record, situation occur on decision, it said that moved to a it. conforming I just wanted to we had a very similar West Road and in the the shed had to be location, or eliminate CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The bottom line is, because the garage is now going to be attached, it is going to have to go up here some place and, you know, in between the drywell and the cesspool, if they want to keep it, because it's still contributed to excess lot coverage. It would be so minimal. MEMBER DINIZIO: below 24, which is at we have granted. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You would end up the high end of what Yes . know, Jim, the Board is required grant the minimum variances that reasonably can. MR. FITZGERALD: Yes. As you by law to we September 6, 2012 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 CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So that is what this line of questioning was about, to see what we can do to make this as conforming as possible. I don't have any questions. Does anyone else have any questions? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is no one in the audience. MR. FITZGERALD: This usually happens at the end of the day. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. So hearing no further comments or questions, I will make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6484 DEBORAH PENNEY CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next September 6, 2012 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 application before the Board is for Penney, #6484. Request for variance from the condition imposed in the Zoning Board decision application #6484 dated Deborah relief MR. BRESSLER: Yes, on behalf of the applicant, Eric Bressler, of Wickham, Bressler, Gordon & Geisa, PO BOX 1424, Mattituck, New York. I would like to start by having Ms. Penney step up and address the Board in her application. We think it's a reasonable application, and we hope that you will be, after listening to Ms. Penney. MS. PENNEY: Good morning. I am Deborah Penney. I reside at 160 Sailors Needle Road, the property that we are discussing today. I am sure you have seen the letters of support from my neighbors that are really supportive in keeping the neighborhood the way it has been for many September 15, 2011. Reduction in width of the non-turf buffer. Located at: 160 Sailors Needle Road, adjacent to James Creek in Mattituck. Is someone here to represent this application? September 6, 2012 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 years, since the 40's actually. What I did, I Google Earth, just so you can see what it looks like, the way it is now. MR. BRESSLER: Let the record reflect that Ms. Penney is handing up six packets of the Google Earth photograph showing the subject property and the properties in proximity thereto. MS. PENNEY: So as you can see from that map, there is several bulkheading around the basin area where my home is, actually single bulkheading on one side. So a 20 foot buffer would just be out of place completely with the character of the neighborhood. We also have a placement of two huge drywell's on that side of the property, from our building, for any runoff that would come off of the gutters in or near around the house to protect the environment. We feel that since we already have that five foot buffer with sand underneath, that a five foot buffer would be enough to keep the environment safe, the water safe. What we would intend to do is plant in the line there to hold whatever is September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 21 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 there. Is there any other information that you need from me? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, I think you have submitted as much material previous to this hearing, as you possibly can. One thing that I am aware of, at the time, as you may recall, the reason for the non-turf buffer was a recommendation from the LWRP coordinator. I believe at that time, there was not an awareness on his part, that the dock or the boardwalk really, that you have in place, was on sand, and the (In Audible) device for any runoff into the creek. On that basis, because that can be considered technically a part of the buffer, the board on sand, I believe the Board was willing to reconsider the size of the buffer. I will say that, although I completely understand your argument about character of the neighborhood, when it comes to the LWRP and sound environmental best managing practices, the character of the neighborhood does not fall under the same kind of considerations as it is in an area variance. I just wanted the record to reflect that because these September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 22 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 laws have been upgraded, the sole purpose protecting the health of the creek, and signs say, the biggest single factor in of way to prevent runoff, no. We know that, and I know you know that, because we have had ample reason to understand that you are very sensitive to environmental conservation. So I just wanted to state that. We will see if any other Board members have questions, or if Mr. wants to make comments, that's Does the Board have any about what was submitted to us? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I don't. MEMBER DINIZIO: No. MEMBER HORNING: No. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Bressler fine. questions Would preventing runoff are non-turf buffers. Granted, we have been out to the site since you made your request, and all of us have reviewed it again. We have seen the house under construction. So I believe that we do understand that most of the other properties really just have grass. Is that the best September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 23 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 you like to make some comments? MR. BRESSLER: I think the Board is correct with their concern. You know, the issues are here, and I think by way of mitigation, the existing substantial construction of the bulkhead and the sand buffer goes a long way towards preventing the runoff. I think that the manner of the construction of this new residence with the large drywell's, also mitigate any potential environmental harm and the third item, of course, is what you mentioned, Madam Chairperson, which is the nature of Ms. Penney's use of fertilizer, pesticides, things that people normally use, she's extremely sensitive at, and minimizes the use of any substances. Now, we recognize the character of the neighborhood does not deserve the same level of consideration. Nonetheless, it is a factor that the Board can take into account. It's a long standing, well regulated nicely maintained community. We think when you take everything unbalanced, the applicant's request is a reasonable one, and strikes a September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 fair balance between the necessity environmental protection, and granting to the applicant in which she desires, and we urge to the Board to approve her application. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Any other comments or questions? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I would just like to ask Ms. Penney a question on just to reiterate some of the things she has said in her original memo dated May 29, 2012. During the hearing, with the construction on the house, I did elude to that I have grown up on a subdivision on Plymouth Bay. I have spent my better part of my life enjoying coming out of that creek and visualizing all those houses, which has nothing to do with my question, but when we went over there on the most easterly portion or northeasterly portion of the hay bales, we measured approximately nine feet from those hay bales, and I am not asking you to particularly agree with me, but I am just mentioning to the walkway. So you are looking for a reduction of the buffer from September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 25 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 20 feet landward of the hay bales, to 5 feet. So thereby having a 5 foot buffer and then the 5 foot buffer of the walkway; is that correct? MS. PENNEY: Yes, sir. It's a total of 10, which I see from my neighbor's who have had new construction, that was required by them. They were required to have a 10 foot buffer. I have some pictures of various houses, who have had new construction and bulkhead put in, single bulkhead, and they were required a 10 foot buffer. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: So there is no controversy that the walkway will continue as a buffer for as long as you own the property? MS. PENNEY: Yes. There is not going to be I do Salt minutes, in Salt runoff. myself. any change at all. Just not use any chemicals. As Lake Village, you can see to reiterate, president of from my lives we recommend to any one that Lake Village, to minimize the I feel very strongly about that September 6, 2012 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 MEMBER GOEHRINGER: At one point, you have informed your neighbor's in any new construction, they will also be required to go to the LWRP and they may have a similar process? MS. PENNEY: Yes, I have made them aware. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? MEMBER HORNING: So we have the LWRP recommending a 20 foot buffer. We have the Board of Trustees submitting a letter stating that they are not in favor of reducing the 20 foot buffer. Can you comment on that? MS. PENNEY: My only comment to that was when I originally placed my application to the Zoning Board, they were not able to get me into the meeting, before I filed my amendment with the Trustees for the change. And so the Trustees would not change anything without your approval first, and that is why they stuck with the original decision. My plan after this meeting, and whatever your decision is, to reapply for September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 27 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 the amendment of the Trustees that they take what you have to seriously, and they will look at That was the only reason why they and I know say very that again. said that at the last close meeting, it was asked about this decision, and the Trustees decision was continuing as the same because to have this meeting very clear at the I hadn't been able you yet. That was meeting. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: thing in my mind that that the very minimum, Certainly one and sand of 5 feet, part of the buffer. MR. BRESSLER: is fairly clear, is the existing board should be considered We agree. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The minimum of 5 feet at a consequence of the existing board and the sand, which is a buffer. So that is the minimum. MR. BRESSLER: I would also like to comment on what Ms. Penney said about the Trustees, the holding was around what the Zoning Board did. That was their actual holding. And we are going, depending upon with September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 what this Board does, we would go back and make a further application, if we get some sort of relief, we will go back and talk to them about the substance, rather than simply the procedure, whereby, they believed that their hands were tied. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Anything from anyone else? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to make any comments or chime in on this? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Hearing no further questions or comments from the Board, I am going to make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Seconded by Gerry. Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 I5 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution. ) HEARING %6591 SOUTHOLD, INC. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: next application before the Peconic Landing At Southold, - PECONIC LANDING AT Ail right, the Board is for Inc. This application is #6591. Request for variance from Article V Code Section 280-23( Bulk Schedule) and the Building Inspector's July 9, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit for construction of a three story apartment building addition, at; more than the maximum number of 2 1/2 stories, located at: 1500 Brecknock Road, adjacent to Long Island Sound in Greenport. Good morning. MR. Charles Cuddy, Riverhead, Landing. Bennett CUDDY: Good morning. I 455 Griffing Avenue, am New York. I represent Peconic And with me today is Randolph who is the architect from Perkins September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 Eastman, who built this building and other buildings at the site, and also Daryl Volinski, who is director of environmental services at Peconic Landing, and is also a past fire chief for Village of Greenport and is also a EMT, and well CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: ask you quickly, do you have Planning Board's comments? MR. CUDDY: Yes, I do. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: need them. MR. CUDDY: Just on Peconic Landing. preexisting units. recognized. I just want to a copy of the So you don't a little background What we have is two We have 250 existing units. There is 139 apartments and 11t cottages. We have approximately 350 people at Peconic Landing, and what we are looking to do is add 40 more units, for about 50 or 60 people. I want to tell you what type of person comes to Peconic Landing because it's important for the application. Most of the people, and I do the closings, so I know the type of person that comes. Most of the people that come to Peconic Landing, come at September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 the age of Mid 70's, 73, 74, 75. them come in their early 80's, there are a number there that 90's. It is important to note one of the things, for us at Landing, that is significant people close to the services, having a two-story building, three-story building, because the people at Peconic Landing Some of 82, 83, and are in their that because Peconic is to have the and instead of as opposed to a that allows to get to anybody who is in need of assistance, and each one of them has a bracelet that they can press if they need assistance. So having a unit that is closer, not extended out is important to us. It is also important for the people that are there, because as they age, other things become more difficult. Elevators, and they can go up and down very easily. They can also get to the part that they need -- if you look at your maps, you will see the center is adjacent to the existing apartment and this apartment. We have made the apartment right into the community center, so the people could get to -- that is the residents can September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 32 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 get to it quickly. So it's a lot easier for the service people to get to them, and to get to the heart of the building. I will point out to you, since I am talking about existing apartment building, that it is three-stories. That it is more than 30 units on the third floor. That they all have CO's. They were approved by the Town by the Building Inspector. Each of those units on the third floor has had a resident in it for ten years or more. And there have been no incidents as a result of having a third floor. I also note that the Board has on different occasions, approved the use of the third floors. One of them is judge in Cutchogue where I recognize they use the area on the third floor as a study. I know also that Sea-Tow had added to it. So I know that it is not unusual for the Board to at least consider adding a third-story. In this case, as I said, we have had a third-story for at least 10 years, and it operates completely without any problem. And I would also point out to you that the height of this building is really not much September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 different than the height of a one and half story building. The place were the trussers are, the bearing, is only 29 feet high. The height of the building in the midline of the roof is 35 feet, because it's a little over 40 feet at the peak. So we are really not a great deal different than a normal building would be. As I have said to you, I think there is really very little impact in the community. Certainly the interior of this building is really 144 acres, it's not going to hurt anybody in the surrounding neighborhood. There is also no environmental impact. We have stayed away from the wetlands, which are at our site. So I don't know that there can be any environmental consequence to this at all. I would point out to you again, that the alternative to the two-story building, which extends out -- which would extend virtually out into the back of some of the cottages, and we are trying to avoid that, in keeping at least 40 feet back from those cottages, but they still are close. But we are trying to not go into the cottages. So it becomes September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 important to us to keep the building just the way it is at a three-story level. I am aware too of the yield question that was posed to the Planning Board. I have looked at the yield. I have looked at it with an engineer. I can absolutely tell this Board that I have done the calculations, that there is no question that we have a proper yield. We are going to add 40 apartment units. We are going to add 16 dementia or memory care units. We are going to add 17 skilled nursing homes. That will fit -- all of that will fit in the yield. There is no question that it does. If necessary, I can get the Board the calculations, but we will -- the yield map as requested by the Planning Board. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: They needed it anyway. MR. CUDDY: They needed it for the site plan. Again, Rudolph Bennett is here. He can answer any question about the architecture. I would ask Daryl just to assure you, besides the sprinklers that we have to have in the third floor, that there September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 35 1 2 $ 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 wonft be a problem with any fire or emergency incidents happening at the site. MR. VOLINSKI: Daryl Volinski, 35 Washington Avenue, in Greenport. I work Peconic Landing and represent Peconic Landing, but also a past fire chief of Greenport Fire Department. I was on the original construction of Peconic Landing at the time. I wasn't working for them at the time, but back in that area of time, we talked about having specific roads that can hold the equipment. So me being involved with this project, is making sure that we for and hallways and access, I have been running through the problems and making sure that this is not a problem for the building, and making sure that safety comes first at can get the fire trucks into the locations that we need. To have the access roads that we need to have for the building to take care of the emergency situations. Also, in the past, noting being an EMT at being at Peconic Landing, noticed some of the situations that we had with the original building, such as the size of the elevators September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 36 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 Peconic Landing. So I just wanted to sure that you all are aware that I am working through these plans with the architects and changing things and making sure it is safe and secure for our residences to be easy access and getting them out, okay. Thank you. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: generation system if the MR. VOLINSKI: For Is there a lights fail? this unit here? make backup looking at the Diesel. I think we gas situation We were were also also. At this going to be emergency only. lights. It's not going to generated emergency MEMBER GOEHRINGER: runs on -- MR. VOLINSKI: looking at diesel. like the other side lighting at this Basic hallway be fully is, just time. Your generator MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Is there one for this unit and is there one planned for Peconic Landing? MR. VOLINSKI: There is one for the secondary units, which is assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. The other one is just September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 37 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 time, it's just going to be diesel. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: How does this building, apart from what you just eluded to, change from the original one, which the most easterly building, story building, is that half story's? MR. VOLINSKI: this for you. MR. CUDDY: That essentially the The same height stories. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: half story's as written really -- MR. CUDDY: Three story MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The has an underground garage in it? MR. CUDDY: Yes, and so will this one. It will essentially be the same building. MEMBER the the two and actually two and Charles can answer building is same side of this building. and the same number of So that two and on the site plan building. second one GOEHRINGER: Thank you. MEMBER HORNING: Mr. Cuddy, when two and half story building put up? half is was September 6, 2012 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 MR. CUDDY: The buildings were constructed in 2000-2001 and they were opened in April 2002. lived in since April MEMBER HORNING: And they have been 2002. I am curious why you need a variance for a three-story? MR. CUDDY: I think when the Building Department saw the plans, they believed that it currently was a two and a half story building. It has always been the same. There is no difference in the plans, and I think'that they test it, they approved it. It was built, and I think after it was built, they believed it could become a concern as a three-story building, but they approved the plans and they gave CO's for each one of those units. There was never a change. It didn't come in any different than when it was built. And it was -- there was probably some instances on both sides, and probably, but the architect who was not Perkins Eastman, that time and by the Building Department too. They looked at it. They thought it was appropriate and at some time and they decided that it was built and September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 39 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 it was built CO's for it. properly, and they gave the MEMBER GOEHRINGER: At that time, Mr. Cuddy, what occurred was, the difference between commercial and residential. And so the determination was made -- this is just on my part, I think I was Chairperson of the Zoning Board at the time, that commercial was completely different than residential. And based upon all of the issues that were really taken care by the presentation all and perspectives, the Building Inspector felt it was within his purview. I think it was Mr. Forrester at the time, who is no longer with the Town. MR. CUDDY: I think the CO's will show, Mr. Verity signed most of the CO's. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: That was some was a do you time later. Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken, have any comments or questions? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: I always knew that pretty historic building. How it got September 6, 2012 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 there, it's beyond me. There are considerations, from what Daryl touched on, he didn't go with the Rescue Department side and it looks like you are going to add another 83 people, is that right? You have 40 and then you have 17 -- MR. CUDDY: There are three different buildings really being constructed. is the apartment building and then There there is the joint building, but is two different functions. One of them is the skilled nursing and one of the memory care. Those are not three-story buildings. about about have that, MEMBER DINIZIO: I am not worried three-story building. I am worried the amount of people you are going to there. MR. CUDDY: I think Daryl can address and you are right, he didn't. It has not been a problem as far as concerned. Initially it was. worked out different people get notified Daryl, can tell well right now? we are We have situations to see in a different manner. you that worked out quite September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 41 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MEMBER DINIZIO: Do you have an agreement with the Greenport Fire Department? MR. CUDDY: Yes. He can address that. MEMBER DINIZIO: I would like to hear a big thing. Daryl Volinski. Yeah, we have been in contact with the Chief's and the fire department and Rescue Squad. We worked out some of the locations where we that because that is MR. VOLINSKI: are going to be picking up patients or wherever coming out of the buildings, you know locations and other. I know you are concerned with how many people we are adding. You know, in the overall theme, I have talked to the Chief's about it. We are working with out our pur system to be better. The put system is our notification system. To get the residents -- one is to cut down on our false alarms throughout the building, such as just for transports, and other situations, which are what mostly small of the calls that happen. We worked out an agreement with a local rescue -- not September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 42 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 a rescue but a transport ambulance to take these residents on -- you know, just for their check-up to the hospital, instead of the rescue. So we have worked out some of the glitches in the beginning. We were getting a lot of calls that weren't emergencies. We have worked out that situations with the Chief's. We discussed a secondary ambulance that we hire, that comes and just picks up our residents and brings them to the hospital or for check-up's and not feeling well, and not just calling ambulance to stretch them out. We work that out very well with Pete Manwaring, on the back and forth communications. We have been working out with the chief's during emergency situations. We bring people from the outside into our area and help the outside community. We have opened up our communications, because the communications back then when the first Peconic Landing was opened and I was involved in it, there was no communication. We didn't know how many people were going to hit our emergency situation. Right now, I think we have cut September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 43 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 back on our calls that we have had at Peconic Landing. They are more of emergency situations. We have educated our nurses on the floor, not to call the ambulance for a transport. Unfortunately we are just going to get some of them. We get them in the community, you know, the people are at the door and ready with their baggage. The bottom line is, we are cutting back. We are trying to be more forward in getting our residents to the hospital on a non-emergency basis and using our own transport, our vans. We have wheelchairs and things like that. We are not totally on the 911 system. We really strive forward to try and bring about a good communication with fire departments. One is, I communicate directly with the Chief's now, if I am on the property, of course I am not there 24 hours. It feels like I am, but I am not. What we do, we communicate with them. We tell them what we have and we tell them what we need. If I am there, which reduces the stress, I am EMT during the day, I am one more EMT on the property, that they can role without getting September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 44 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 the amount of people that they need, because I can work that out with them. I can go on the ambulance with them. So we have worked out a good communication. We have worked out a good plan. We are partners with the Chief's and the Board of Wardens and we have been in contact with them. MEMBER DINIZIO: Is any of this in writing? MR. VOLINSKI: No, we don't have it in writing. Not at all at this time. It's an ongoing communication. What would you like in writing, an agreement with them? MEMBER DINIZIO: You have set up some policies and you know, most of the Board members will tell you, I like things in writing. You know, if we know how that works out -- you know, you might not be there tomorrow. You can be somewhere else. Then they are no longer with that EMT on that property and we are back to, you know, not being able to roll the truck until three guys are there, and where are we after that? So I know that it has been a learning curve. It has been ten years and it should be now a September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 45 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 policy that is written down, that you know, you are going to commit to this and the Greenport Fire Department commits to something also. MR. VOLINSKI: Okay. MEMBER DINIZIO: I think you just need to sit down and write what you just described -- MR. VOLINSKI: We have sat down, but we did not put anything in writing. We can sit down -- MEMBER DINIZIO: I am not talking about a legal agreement. I am talking about a policy. You know, later on, we can say we have been following this policy for twenty years and now it is changing. What is the problem? MR. VOLINSKI: Right. Understood. I think that is a good idea and I take that as a good thing. We will go back and I will discuss with the three chief's that are there and the captain of the Rescue Squad and sit down and discuss and come up with an SOP of some sort, a procedure that we can put in writing, which is a good thing. Like September 6, 2012 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 you said -- MEMBER DINIZIO: Have you anticipate just how many more calls are going to be there, now that you are having more people on the property? You know, how many did you have last year? MR. VOLINSKI: When I was Chief -- I could be guessing, I don't have the documents in front of me. I think it was 100-150. Most of them are rescue calls. Some of them are ambulance situations. When I know, I am jumping around here, when I took on Peconic Landing as the director of environmental services, we were getting calls for false alarms, and what the situation was, the bulbs (sic) were causing the false alarms inside the system. So we clean in twice a year now and we cut that in half. I know that for fact. We have cut the calls for the fire department being there, in half at least. Ambulance calls, we are trying to cut those down due to using outside sources, such as the private ambulances and that is working out very well. We are cutting back on some of those September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 47 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 calls. I don't have those numbers in front of me because I am not the Chief any more. I don't know the count, but as I think last year, they break it down, we are about 160 and 74 over there. What So you were at 160. now? I couldn't give you the top of my head. I would calculations. I would hope or so -- rise I don't know. I number right off the MEMBER DINIZIO: do you anticipate MR. VOLINSKI: that number off have to do some that it would stay more slightly but not much. couldn't give you that top of my head. MEMBER DINIZIO: Peconic Landing over there I see the van there. I see a lot of at the hospital. see if MR. VOLINSKI: They transport. MEMBER DINIZIO: I would just like to you can have something now just to kind of ancipitate what -- part record, here is what it is. Here are going to add. You know, it's be this much more. MR. VOLINSKI: I think that of the is what we going to can be September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 48 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 done with a warden. Maybe set up a meeting, you know with myself and Bob, and we will sit down and discuss with the wardens and the Chief's, and you know, maybe we will come up with something we think is going to happen. We go from year to year, and some type of graph and see what we have been doing. I do see -- I can't give you the numbers, but we do see stress going there, like it was in the past, and rehab. Like I said, I think we have cut down at least 50% of the calls down to the We can come up with some sit down with them. MEMBER DINIZIO: you can pretty much fire department. calculations and You know, I think justify or get the paperwork, at least consider this is not going to be a big addition to it. MR. VOLINSKI: That's not a problem. Like I said, I am in communications with the Chief's all the time. MEMBER DINIZIO: I might be correct about the yield, only 40 additional apartment units and 16 dementia units. Are they people that are going to stay they, or September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 49 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 are they people that have been -- MR. CUDDY: Those people are ultimately from the complex itself. Initially you can have some outsiders. This is being built for people that are there. I just want to address, it's not going to change whether we have a three-story building or a two-story building. Those people are still going to be. We are really just trying to talk about the three-story because we think it's significant that they can get services quicker and have them serviced quicker. The State of New York, the life care counsel, consist of the insurance department, which is now a new term, and the Health Department and the Attorney General's office. Every application that is made to expand, and just as our original was, has to go through and it is now going through that process. They have to be satisfied that we can supply services to those people. It's a really rigorous long term thing. It's going to take months and months to finish that. So the Health Department look over exactly what September 6, 2012 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 we are doing and they have to be satisfied that we can service these people properly with a hospital with in-house facilities that we have. I will point this out to you, and you may be aware of this, the skilled nursing facility at Peconic Landing is one of the top 15 in the entire country. It has no deficiencies. It's an unusual event. This is something very special and I am proud of it. In Newsweek article, it list all of the homes. We are in the top 15 out of 4,000. So they do a good job, and I think they will continue to do a good job and the Health Department is going to make sure that we can take care of your concerns, and we will too. MEMBER DINIZIO: Again, I agree with all of that. I understand all of that. I am glad that you are successful. Success means more use, okay. It means more on, this particular case, more calls no matter how you look at it. The Health Department can say all they want that the fire department can handle it, but when you got fire department members at 60 years old, and September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 receives four calls a day, that is going to be a problem later on down the road. Now, know. the where do we want to future. of the That's you are and good thing. go from there? I don't one know what you are planning for You are, no doubt in my mind, best facilities on Long Island. all I keep hearing is how successful success breeds use. That is a I have no problem with that. If we are going to stand up and say this is what we do now, I just want to see it. MR. CUDDY: That's fine. MEMBER DINIZIO: Later on. Now, I still have not gotten an answer to this, hopefully I can get an answer. If 40 units in the three-story building that is before us, are there are 16 additional beds in that? MR. CUDDY: Yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: cottage story 39 and where you can't live they go to the dementia MR. CUDDY: It's MEMBER DINIZIO: So you can live you get to the point in cottage story 39, room. different. Now a new person I in a September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 52 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 goes into 39. MR. CUDDY: That's correct. MEMBER DINIZIO: So that's an additional 16 people. And the 17, is the same thing? MR. CUDDY: That's right. MEMBER DINIZIO: They are coming from wherever and they are going into the skilled nursing? MR. CUDDY: Yes. back? MEMBER DINIZIO: Now, they may go MR. CUDDY: It's possible. MEMBER DINIZIO: With dementia, could probably going to be living tell you do 20 years, and you are there. So actually it's MR. CUDDY: 73 is the number. Let me you how that works. Peconic Landing is 144 acres. 50 of those acres are set aside. 12 of them are in what is called the R-80 District, as opposed to the Hamlet Density. The Hamlet Density gives you an 1/4 of an acre. 38 of the acres are scene easement acres, that have been prescribed for the September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 53 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 site. It is up front towards the ocean towards the sound, excuse me. Some of it is back where the old (In Audible) used to be. It is sort of a small pond. If you subtract the 50, which I just talked about, you get 90 acres. If you take that times four, you get 396. We have 250 existing apartments and cottages, we have 26 assisted care and 44 skilled nursing homes. If you take all of those and adding these, and I will give you a little caveat in a second. If you add them altogether, you will still come under 396, but when the Town set up the nursing facility, they said 5 of an acre, not a 1/4 of an acre. And when you take the acres, each acre is only 40,000. We have 43, 5. We have at least 10 or 15 acres right now that are unused, even with this new yield, and we have gone through that half a dozen times. So it works. That is what I will show you if you are interested in the yield plan. There is no question that it works. We have done it. I can sort of recite it from memory at this point. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: This September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 54 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 application has to have approval from the Site Plan -- MR. CUDDY: Yes. And they are very much -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I am pleased at what you are proposing. I think Peconic Landing is a necessity out here. It is for many of the community at large here. Perkins Eastman, I know very well. I have worked with them as a graduate student. Having said that, I think Jim is right, that the density that you are proposing is well into the third-story, whether you consider the possibility of emergency services. I think it is thoroughly addressed and I think if we can have some description of that policy, the density will be changed, even if it a third-story. MR. CUDDY: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I think that if we can get that information, I would like even though it's really not our jurisdiction, to have the yield calculations. And since there is a possibility of submitting some Peconic September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 55 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Landing policy, which goes infrastructure in place and the accommodate the impact on local to the ability to emergency services, we need it in order determination. MR. CUDDY: Okay. MEMBER HORNING: are talking about is of units or acreage; per an then we should have that. I think to make an informed MR. CUDDY: Yes. acre. MEMBER HORNING: The yield that you based upon the number is that right? You get four units And Jim was mentioning rescue trucks and things. have 250 existing units -- MR. CUDDY: That's right. occupy MEMBER HORNING: each unit? How many people You MR. CUDDY: The total population is around 360-375. It's like 1 and 1/2 if you were doing it on mathematically. There are some units with one person and some have two. More one's than two's. It just works out that way. There are people that come in sometimes as couples. One dies and the September 6, 2012 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 other stays for the rest of their life. MEMBER HORNING: A person can come in as a couple and one in a dementia ward and the other -- MR. CUDDY: That's correct. MEMBER HORNING: someone else in the other unit -- You are not putting CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Sure. MEMBER DINIZIO: My concern is that if you just give us a hard number, I don't need the calculations. Just so that when the written decision is issued, we know that we are not exceeding. MR. CUDDY: Fine. MEMBER DINIZIO: And the other one is to have that procedure down and have that part of the record. MR. CUDDY: If I were to give you a statement from Young & Young to show you the MR. CUDDY: That's right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Is there anyone in audience that would like to address this application? MEMBER DINIZIO: Can I just add something? September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 57 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 yield, would that be satisfactory? MEMBER DINIZIO: Yes. Just a number. MR. CUDDY: What they did was that every skilled nursing facility is 8,000 square feet. That is what they said. MEMBER DINIZIO: Okay. MR. CUDDY: Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: comments or questions? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: am going to make a motion to Any other Hearing none, close this hearing, subject to receipt of, one, an emergency management policy from Peconic Landing and two, is a yield calculation. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Seconded by Gerry. Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) I September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1t 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 HEARING #6592 - GLORIA R. GESLAK CHAIRPERSON application before R. Geslak, #6592. Waiver of WEISMAN: The next the Board is for Gloria This is a request for a Merger under Article II, Section 280-10A, to unmerge land identified as SCTM#1000-98-5-11, based on the Building Inspector's July 11, 2012 Notice of Disapproval, which states a nonconforming lot shall merge with an adjacent conforming or nonconforming lot which has been held in common ownership until the total lot size conforms to the current bulk schedule, minimum 40,000 square feet in this R-40 Residential Zone District, this lot is merged with lot 1000-98-5-12, located at: 215 & 125 Robinson Lane, corner Indian Lane in Peconic. Pat, do you have any more green cards, we have 3 out of the 6? MS. MOORE: No. We haven't gotten Neck any. Today's mail comes around two. So if I get any more, I will give them to you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Please proceed. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 MS. MOORE: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MS. MOORE: Patricia of the owner Ms. Gloria Geslak, and the purchasers, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It just happens that they just walked in. Gloria to the right, and then the owners of the property. Linda is one of the contract Good morning. Good morning. Moore on behalf vendee with her husband. Going with respect -- you have the written application. What I did was, I also put together my outline, which I will submit to the Board, just so you can have it for the record. What I did was, I attached the map, because I was driving down that street, I thought that there was a vacant lot on the opposite corner, and when I checked with the Assessor's, it appears that every property is developed on Robinson Lane. Just as a point of fact. The properties are shown on what is on a map of Peconic Bay Oak, which was filed with the Suffolk County Clerk in October 18, 1961 as file number #3434. These two lots were separate and distinct lots, and because it appears on the Peconic September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 Bay Oak subdivision, it is one of the exempt properties that is grandfathered in since 1997. So up until 1997, these parcels could have been developed without any issues or merger. Gloria Geslak, the owner, received the property from Rosemarie Gigglio Living Trust. That was her mother's trust. They were the original owners of the property, John and Rosemary Gigglio who purchased the property from the Smith, Henry Smith who developed the subdivision. The deed from the beginning when Mr. Smith transferred the property to Mr. & Mrs. Gigglio, described the parcels as Lot's %14 & #15 on the filed subdivision map. At the community, as I said, all the homes developed and it is consistent neighborhood. basic lot on the corner, treated and maintained on Robinson's Lane are a very straightforward This particular has always been as a separate When we go through the Waiver of Merger, we have set forth, but as I go residential lot. standards of the all of the standards through, I just pointing out the valiant points, with respect to this application. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 All the lots are Robinson's Lane are very similarly in size. This particular vacant lot on the corner is slightly larger, because it's a corner lot. And it can be developed. We did provide you with a survey and they showed the building envelope with the front yard setbacks that are applicable from Indian Neck Road and Robinson Lane. It provides for a very comfortable building envelope and certainly adequate for the Smith's plan. You will also see that the Geslak home is very modest. It's a 30x30x36 building envelope, and it's pretty close to the southerly property line. So the property visually, it looks very big, because of the separation between the property. The Geslak's when she put the property on the market, it was at that point, apparent, that a merger occurs. Until that time, she was not aware of it and certainly her family was not aware of it. And it was put on the market with the brokers, until my client came along and put the application or we did the single and separate search and realized that that September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 merger had occurred. Ms. Geslak is here. She is a young woman. The property is very modern. She just did not have all the wear with all to make this application and the expenses of this application, so the Smith's as part of this negotiation said that they would pay for this application, Waiver of Merger, which the contract is subject to getting a building permit. From this point, we will then get Health Department approval, which will then be a simple process. This is a grandfathered parcel as far as the Health Department is concerned. We just have to show them the proposed location of the sanitary system, which would be a normal standard, four bedroom house sanitary system, and there is public water both on Indian Neck Road and Robinson Lane. So it is a very straightforward from this point forward, shall we hope that you will approve this waiver. The waiver will maintain, for the most part, the character of the neighborhood. That is not in your Waiver of Merger application, but it is something that is always in mind. It is interesting that, September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 63 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 if this lot were merged, to be unmerged, you have which becomes that has been Waiver of Merger actually and not permitted the Geslak's home, nonconforming. So the house constructed and in place, the creates the creation of a nonconformity on the improved parcel. So that is something to keep in mind. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: In which way, the side yard? MS. MOORE: Front. The side yard is 27. The front yard is a 50 foot setback based on one acre side parcel, and it is 37.5, with the existing house. The entire community has developed with the standard setback applicable a 1/2 acre parcel. That is pretty much it. The Waiver of Merger, this one is relatively straightforward. The lot is like a everybody through this MEMBER Ms. Gestak is the still wooded. It really does look separate buildable lot. It took by surprise that we have to go process. SCHNEIDER: Do you need daughter of Rosemary Gigglio? MS. MOORE: Yes, she is. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 that on the record? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You just because we don't have any know what, documentation. MS. MOORE: That's fine. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We can swear you in under oath, and then you can testify, that you are in deed the daughter. Can you just state your name for me? MS. GESLAK: Gloria Geslak. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Would you your right hand and repeat please raise after me? MS. I, Gloria Geslak. GESLAK: I, Gloria Geslak. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Am the daughter MS. GESLAK: Am the daughter of -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Rosemary Gigglio. MS. GESLAK: Rosemary Gigglio. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And inherited the dwelling as a consequence of that relationship. MS. GESLAK: And inherited the dwelling as a consequence of that September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 65 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 relationship. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Is there anything else that you would like to tell us? why the MS. GESLAK: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: you have an attorney. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: names are different in I guess that is Thank you. Sometimes when the family and we don't relationship, that -- MS. the have the affidavit affirming that we just like to make sure understand. MOORE: I CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: relationship. Ken, any other MEMBER SCHNEIDER: The nature of questions? No further questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER HORNING: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: We have established George? September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 66 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that the property hasn't changed hands out of the family, why are they before us? MS. MOORE: Because it was two properties in the same name, and that is the only reason. The Waiver of Merger gives them the right to keep it in the family, but it should be in two separate names. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Was this merger upon death? MS. MOORE: No. In the beginning, it was acquired as I said, Lot %13 and #14 on the subdivision map, and it was in the wife and the husbands name. Then when the husband passed away, it went into the trust, and the trust was Rosemary. Rosemary was the ultimate -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MS. MOORE: Recipient. MEMBER DINIZIO: I am Recipient? not following that. MS. MOORE: I have to pull out the Waiver of Merger Law, but it's interpreted from at least the Building Department, when you have those properties that have -- they have been put in the same name, you have to September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 67 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 go through the process of Waiver of even though it has been transferred family. That's the interpretation. want to come up with an alternative that would be great. The only ones to come here for a Waiver of Merger, it is a situation like this, where many, many generations, acquisitions of the Merger from the If you theory, that had where property, typically from the original developer, and it was put in the same name because nobody thought any differently. It was the grandfathers subdivision. MEMBER DINIZIO: I thought that would take care of all of that, when showing that the lot never changed hands. Both lots have really never changed hands out of the family? MS. MOORE: Right. MEMBER DINIZIO: It is that case? MS. MOORE: It is that case, yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: So why is it before us again? MS. MOORE: Because you taken an application in the past where the property -- because the property was placed in the September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 68 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 same name, you have accepted the application. The Building Department sent the application saying you need a Waiver of Merger. You can't just do it by way of a deed. That is just the way it was written. Maybe it was not intended that way. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It would have been merged because it's husband and wife, both lots, whether living or deceased, it would have merged when the merger law took effect, because it was the same name. MS. MOORE: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: According to these facts, they were purchased, John and Rosemary purchased this in 19637 MS. MOORE: Correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So the Waiver of Merger was in effect -- not in effect. MS. MOORE: Not in effect, correct. It was grandfathered in '97. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And after '97, living or deceased, it would have been merged. This is deeded over by a trust to the surviving daughter. MS. MOORE: Yes. September 6, 2012 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 HORNING: when John think died? MS. MOORE: CHAIRPERSON we have it. Any (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON In 1997, is that No, he died later. WEISMAN: Ail right. other questions? WEISMAN: Is there anyone would like to address in the audience that this application? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: further comments, I will make close the hearing and reserve later date. MEMBER DINIZIO: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. Hearing no a motion to decision to a favor? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6590 - MARY R. FRAUSTO Applicant requests a Special September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 70 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 Exception under Article III, Section 280-13B(13) . The Applicant is the owner requesting authorization to establish an Accessory Apartment in an accessory structure, requests variance from Section 280-13B(13) (a) total square footage of more than the maximum livable floor area of 750 square feet, at: 1425 Bay Avenue, adjacent to Marion Lake. Please state your name? Heard. MR. HEARD: Peter CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. Let me just clarify one thing, first off, the original Notice of Disapproval, indicated nonconforming square footage, however, I know you have a copy of the Building Department's calculations of livable floor area, which is determined to be 712 square feet, which would make it conforming. MR. HEARD: Yes, I am aware of that. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So that is really not going to be heard, even though the original notice has that stated. Ail right, tell us what you would like us to know about the application. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 71 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 tl 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 MR. HEARD: This property was owned by Dr. Jeffrey Williams from Southold. The existing certificate of occupancy refers to the structures here, a single family dwelling with a seasonal cottage. I think the Board is aware, if not, I think you would be by that letter, that both of the structures on the property have been rented for many years, as owned by Dr. Williams. In 2006, as of the divorce settlement, former Ms. Williams, now Ms. Frausto became the owner of this property. From the time she became owner, her intention was always to make the primary residence structure closer to the lake, the rear structure. As the last five years have gone by, she does not have the means to renovate and make the place livable for her. So her son, also Dr. Jeffrey Williams, who is agreeing to finance her endeavors here. Aside from a good feeling and helping out his mother, I am sure he would want to recover some of his money, therefore the idea is that we would request permission from this Board, to make this front structure to a legal rental September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 72 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 accessory building. And then the rear structure would be her primary residence. I I neighbor here or if would have concerns There is a lot of is making these renovations result in a conforming property as much as possible. So now do you want me to detail those intentions, as well, or just answer questions that you have? What would you like? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me point out, right now the cottage has a Pre-CO as a seasonal cottage. Just so the record is clear, and that you understand, should you go ahead with this request and should the Board grant this request for an accessory know that if I was a was on the Board, I about this property. things to be nonconforming according to the survey. The intent is to make this property conform as much as possible. This is really the first step in getting permission to use this structure as not just as seasonal cottage, but as a rental accessory building. The next step, would be to submit plans for renovations of the structures. The purpose September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 73 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 apartment in an accessory would be habitable year round either a member of the family structure, which and rented to or someone eligible through affordable housing registry, while the principal dwelling is occupied by either Ms. Frausto or the accessory apartment, either way, it doesn't matter which unit, you will be losing your Pre-CO as a seasonal cottage. That is going to happen. Are you aware of that? MR. HEARD: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Now, at site inspection, it became pretty clear that the existing principal building is going to be a demolition and a new house that will be more conforming and up to code? MR. HEARD: That's right. Right now, that structure -- this predated Mr. Williams owning it. You know, it was a typical cottage with additions, and additions over years, and you can see just from the footprint, it's a funny little thing. It has a partial foundation, partially on post. It doesn't conform to any setbacks. The intention would be to completely remove that September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 74 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 and rebuild it in a conforming way. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And also the accessory building which is dilapidated in between -- MR. HEARD: On the survey, it shows the front structure, which is referred to a one-story frame house, behind it is a garage and then a principal dwelling closer to the lake and a metal shed on the property shed. Currently the metal shed is gone, it doesn't exist. And the garage between the two structures, we would be intending to completely remove that as well. Interestingly, since the visit of the Board to the property, I did have Mr. Metzer calculate the lot coverage and amazingly even with the structures, it's under allowable coverage. So we would bring it well under allowable lot coverage, if granted, what they intend to do. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: As you are aware and your client is aware, this Special Exception Permit is not transferable to another owner. MR. HEARD: I am not aware of that, September 6, 2012 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 but I will make them aware of that. In other words, if he were to sell it, they would have to go through the same process? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Correct. MR. HEARD: I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Now, it's fairly unusual for the Board to grant an accessory apartment where there is no principal dwelling. So the way in which that is possible, is that you would need to -- because you propose this first, rather than knocking down and building a principal dwelling first, having the applicant reside there and then propose for a Special Exception, and then for the accessory apartment. Since you are doing it in the opposite way, we would have to condition, should we grant an accessory apartment, that approval based upon the existence of a principal dwelling and the occupancy of it by the landlord. MR. HEARD: Understood. That either one would be the primary residence? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Either one, but need both of them there, so in order to we September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 76 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 grant it, in this particular order, would have to be a condition. MR. HEARD: Understand. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: The not be a primary residence? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It could. It doesn't matter. The law allows the -- since it's the owner, to live in either unit. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Right. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The that cottage could principal MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I just want you to know, Mr. Heard, that this is a significant condition. This is not a temporary. You either are, or you are not. there is a letter from Mary Frausto, a signed letter, indicating her intention to make it her primary residence. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: After I thought about it further, I realized that everything would be null and void if she didn't live there. dwelling is still the dwelling. MR. HEARD: If I may, in the application although it is not a sworn affidavit, which you have pointed out to me, September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 77 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 And if Exception becomes gone. MR. HEARD: living there understand. words, you are not, it doesn't exist. MR. HEARD: Yes. I understand. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: The Special null and void. It's just If the owner is not as a primary residence, I CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So in other if you go ahead and do this, this is granted and you occur, it would owner/occupied, go ahead and the have to remain until the principal is rebuilt and occupied. You can't renting it out. MR. HEARD: I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We just renovations dwelling start want to flush out all the issues little unorthodox. because this is a MEMBER HORNING: Leslie, is any one living in the principal dwelling? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: No, it's not habitable really. The other question to you, just want you to enter into the record your opinion as a builder, on what you can September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 78 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 save and what is the extent of the renovations and the repairs of in-place and in-kind that need to be made on the existing seasonal cottage to turn it into a code compliant accessory apartment? MR. HEARD: Yes. It looks pretty bad from the outside. Structurally, it's surprisingly sound. The framing, the roof framing, even the support structure is pretty sound. So a lot of it is cosmetic. It's ratty. It's non insulated or totally insulated. The wiring is not up to date. would like to put a real true crawl space. I would like to lift the house and put a crawl space foundation under it. Right now, like the rear structure, it has a partial foundation and posts. It's open to animals to get under the floor structure. So it's pretty sound structurally but needs a lot of cosmetic new siding, insulation, CHAIRPERSON MR. HEARD: windows, work. So the intention would be new wiring, new wall boards, new and new roofing. WEISMAN: New windows? Yes, I would push for new energy efficient windows. The September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 79 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 4 5 windows are not broken. A couple of them were taken out and boarded over. The ones that exist are not broken, they are just ugly. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: And a heating system? MR. HEARD: Yes. There is a -- it's probably not functional. While it has been called a "Seasonal Cottage," am I correct in understanding that seasonal cottage means that you don't have heat? Is that what seasonal cottage means? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: It means its occupancy is seasonal. In other words, itTs not a year round rental. MR. HEARD: Well, it heating system in it round residents. letter and it has had a does have year long as she has been there, which has been for a very long, that seasonal cottage had been renting out primarily to transient males. You have a copy of it. MR. HEARD: Yes. She sent one to me. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have a from the neighbor indicating that as September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 80 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 have had no conversation with her, but she sent me a copy. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: She has no objection to it remaining as a rental. As long as it's a one family. MR. HEARD: Surely. I would too. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Clearly, that is what will happen with an accessory apartment. MR. HEARD: Those terms would be regulated by all the restrictions in place for a legal rented accessory it. MR. HEARD: Maybe since you all don't have a copy, I can just read it. "I am the neighbor at 1405 Bay Avenue. And I would like the zoning to be changed so that the property will be maintained. I don't object to the rental of the property. I speak for Jean Ruggiero and myself, Edwin J. Braun. Thank you." So again, they don't object to structure. The same with the other letter there they gave you. He says the same thing. He has no objections for the use. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We don't have September 6, 2012 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 the renting of it. They just want it done right, which I am with 100%. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Now, one of the things that is required under the Special Exception Permit, is sufficient parking onsite. There is going to be two for the dwelling and one for the apartment? MR. HEARD: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And I don't know that we have -- we have it on the survey. MR. HEARD: I might mention that the removal of that garage is going to make it even easier. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, of course. So that's in place. We have basic support from both neighbor's. Approval is an upgrade. I think we have flushed out the issues. So let's see if the Board has any questions. Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Other than fact that you relay that information the doctor and his mother, that the the to both September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 82 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 information that we have told you about the occupancy, I don't have any particular issues, other than you understand that your client is trading a seasonal CO or a year round accessory apartment - MR. HEARD: Yes. And so that I am here, let's say, I don't know how they are going to work out there situation. Mother-son, who gets money. He gets the rent, how it will go. Let's say he wants to buy it from her or how would they legally work it out through you that it would equal out as a purchase. He would have to -- as the new owner, he would then have to request the same Special Exception as we are requesting for Mary Frausto at this time, as the new owner? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: And he would have to live in the house. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: That's right. It would have to be a primary residence. It can't be a seasonal principal dwelling. The idea was that the Town Board approve this code change, was to promote affordable rental units to existing structures with September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 83 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 conditions. market rate, money for to age in So that they were not open just increasing density and the owner, but allowing families place. Allowing someone on the affordable registry to afford a rental. Just because we don't have very, very many in the town, so there are restrictions. MR. HEARD: Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We now have, to help the public and the property owners, placed in all of our decisions with a Special Exception type of permit that it is not transferable. It helps for the people to see it in the decision. Just so long your client understands. For the record, why did you decide to go ahead with the apartment first, rather than the dwelling first? MR. HEARD: I would like to submit a building permit for the entire project. So I would like to make a survey showing the whole thing. Do it at one time. My -- when you look at this property, you say nothing here conforms. You know, I would imagine that any one in the Building Department September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 84 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 would look at this, and say, rejection right away, because nothing conforms. And, I am -- we are asking for a complete demolition of the rear house. Not just the renovation. So you knock something down, you lose it. You can't just rebuild it. We want -- I guess, they are asking for the most that they can get out of this property, and it seems to me that it makes sense to get its usage first, then renovate. If we don't give them this, they are going to have to think, will they make it just one structure on the property. We will let it sit there as it has. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I just want to go back on one thing first, just so you are aware of it. We have seen situations, where people still reside and have an apartment in New York City, but their permanent residence is out here. You understand what I am saying? And they come out all the time. They spend six months out here and then they spend four months in the city. So those are the situations that are okay. As long as they spending six months out of the year, if September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 85 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 there was a transfer and you were referring to that. MR. HEARD: Is that what the line is, six months? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Primarily. I am not sure. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I am not sure. What I am saying, is that we have seen these situations before. MEMBER HORNING: Or where you are registered to vote? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Where you are your license is, registered to vote, where and so on and so forth. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: A lot of people live here all the time that they go to Florida for a short time -- MR. HEARD: Sure. Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Some people have a second dwelling. MR. HEARD: But it's primary? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: This is the primary. It's a legal residence and one that is occupied. You know, not rented out or vacant for most of the time. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 86 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. HEARD: I got ya. MEMBER HORNING: Leslie, a couple of details? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER HORNING: It's Suffolk County Water Authority? can I cover Sure. serviced by MR. HEARD: It sure is. MEMBER HORNING: And the septic, I noticed there is nothing on -- MR. HEARD: Yes. I in the midst of that right now. I have been in touch with Dr. Williams, the previous owner, and he has shown me records of hiring Peconic Cesspool. They have always maintained the septic system there, and that they put in a new system for both structures in '91 and one in '94. I have been in contact with Peconic Cesspool and they do not have those records. So I am working on having someone come from Peconic Bay and have to dig it up and document what is there. So that we can put it on the survey or building permit application. This is also a concern of the DEC, understandably, and in fact, I am meeting with one of their field biologists September 6, 2012 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 there tomorrow afternoon, and they are going to flag the wetlands and see what we can see about the septic, but I do know, and I have no reason to think he is lying. He keeps meticulous records on his property of all his expenses, there is a separate system for each of these houses, dwellings, structures, whatever you want to call them. The one by the street is behind it. It's in the area of the garage or the driveway area. And the other one for the main dwelling is behind it, closer to the bluff. So we are going to see how that -- you know, if it was done in '94, that is not decades and decades ago. So it would have to be approved. We would have to document it and that is what I am working on now. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, all of this is going to have to conform to Chapter 236 anyway. The upgrade to drainage code and stormwater. MR. HEARD: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We will leave that to the Building Department to sort that out. Is it your intention to build a September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 88 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 conforming dwelling? The idea that you would not be coming back to this Board for additional variances? MR. HEARD: No, I don't want -- not don't like you. No. We want to take rebuild it to a way that it side yards, conforms to lot that I this done, and conforms. The coverage. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The side yard setbacks -- MR. HEARD: Yes. The DEC is very aware of this property. They know this property well, and in my conversations with Mr. Lewis there, he feels that, as far as construction, because it's so high and so step above the wetlands. They are not too much worried. The only think they are concerned about is the septic. The construction, they are not worried. And he every way. Get rid of the garage and so -- I would think in the end, if everything that is approved, the only thing that would not conform is this little front cottage, as it said it would be pretty easy, pending septic. Yes, we would make it conform in September 6, 2012 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 sits, which we would renovate in place. That is too close to the property. It would not conform, and it already exist there. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Any other questions before the Board? MEMBER DINIZIO: Just so we can make a decision, if you can maybe upgrade that survey and renovate that metal building and there? the garage, and take it off of MR. HEARD: Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What Jim is requesting, and is a good idea, is to update the survey with the proposed conforming building envelope, lets say, for the seasonal dwelling. To show what it would look like, and to get rid of whatever you propose to get rid of, and label it as seasonal dwelling and proposed accessory apartment in accessory structure. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Have you spoken to the Building Department and what you plan to do with the proposed accessory apartment to renovate it and raise it and all of that? MR. HEARD: No. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I suggest you September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 90 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 l0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 perhaps know what with that, difficult. allowed up without -- MR. what about to the Building discuss that with them. I don't degree of demolition is involved percentage wise, which may be Right now, I believe you are to about 75% demolition HEARD: I am trying to understand the demolition? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: The Building Department's demolition, I would suggest that you speak to them about what you want to do. MR. HEARD: Okay. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Department I have talked about this, because I wanted to see what options existed with the Pre-CO versus a seasonal cottage, and they did not seem concerned about the proposed renovations. That is kind of why I asked you what you thought you could retain and to make sure that it really wasn't going to be a demolition, that you can do framing that you can keep in place. MR. HEARD: I would like to -- you know, try and keep the floor, floor framing. September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 91 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Ail of the structure -- like I said, I don't know legally when you say renovation, and rebuild, so I don't know exactly what they mean, so I am hesitant to use them, but I can see it more as cosmetic and efficient as a renovation than a structure itself. Replace the windows, I don't see us -- I don't know. I don't imagine them saying let's open walls because that is the rental. So I don't imagine them saying let's spend a lot of money on it. Other than making it habitable. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, the worst that can happen, and I don't have any reason that it would, the worst that can happen is a Stop Work Order, because you exceeded the scope of what you are allowed to do, and that would be a Building Department call and there would have to be inspections and -- MR. HEARD: I understand, just to educate on what is the renovation and what is the line. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, I think that is a good idea. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I would suggest September 6, 2012 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 that you talk to the Building Department and so you don't have to come back for another variance. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Exactly. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: When you say you planned to put a crawl space underneath it, that might effect the degree of rehabilitation or whatever the Building Department and how they determine that, and which I think is a great idea to do that, but -- I would just be frank with them in what you want to do with that cottage. MR. HEARD: Sure. I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Anything else from the Board? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Hearing no further comments or questions, I am going to make a motion to close this subject to receipt of a survey showing the proposed project, labeled appropriately with whatever you are going to demolish, and what will be gone from there, and if you can, will you state how many drywetl's or septics and its location. Primarily, we want to see a September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 93 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 conforming building envelope and have a better sense of the proposed titled project on the property. MR. HEARD: I understand. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: And as soon as we get that information, we will have 62 days in which to render a decision, approximately starting from when we get. MR. HEARD: That's fine. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The sooner you can get it to us, the sooner we can start. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Seconded by Gerry. Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) ******************************************** HEARING %6588 - DAVID P. SCHULTZ CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application is for David P. Schultz, #6588. September 6, 2012 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 Request for variances from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's May 30, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application for building permit to construct additions and alterations to existing single family dwelling at 1) less than the minimum side yard setback of 10 feet, 2) less than the combined side yard setbacks of 25 feet, 3) lot coverage more than the code permitted 20%, located at: 2745 Wickham Avenue, corner of Grand Avenue, adjacent to Long Creek, Mattituck. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Good afternoon. MR. HERMANN: Good afternoon. Rob Hermann from En Consultants. I am here on behalf of the applicant of David Schultz. David is also here in the audience. He is the audience, and Mark Schwartz is the architect of the project, who is also here. The applicants are proposing to raise, renovate, alter and expand an existing one story dwelling on the site, with a footprint of a little more than 1100 square feet, and attach deck. Really for the purpose of enlarging the kitchen and adding a laundry September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 95 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 room and a study and enabling the two bedrooms, which will be relocated upstairs. These goals can not be achieved without some expansion of the existing dwelling, and due to the existing nonconforming location of the existing dwelling, any expansion here, upward or outward, would require a variance. That is why we are before the Board today. Specifically, the Schultz's propose to raise their existing one-story dwelling 16 inches to conform to the required flood elevation of FEMA, and (In Audible) required by New York State Residential Code, ultimately achieving an elevation for a first floor of 10 1/2 feet, where a minimum of 10 would effectively be required. They are to add a second story addition over the existing first story and also construct a two-story addition in the location that is currently occupied an unenclosed and attached deck. As I mentioned, Mark Schwartz is here and he can speak in more detail, if the Board has any questions on construction methodology, but generally the house is to be lifted. Two sources of block will be added to the September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 existing foundation. A new foundation will be -- go beneath the proposed two-story addition, which again is going in place of the existing deck. The house will then be brought back down to a basement filled and capped with a concrete slab, new block and flood vents added, and then the existing roof is to be ripped off and the new addition constructed. At the end of the project, is a preexisting nonconforming coverage of 1,680 square feet or 23 1/2% of the lot area. The wetlands, 23x20 square feet, the 1700 square feet or 23.8%. Basically increasing lot coverage by a few tenths of a percent. Because the existing dwelling footprint sits just 2 1/2 feet from the side property line nearest, Wickham Avenue, where 10 feet is required, and because the existing total side yard will decrease by 4.2 feet, from 20.9 to 16.7 feet, where 25 feet is required, as the Board read in the opening. It is worth pointing out, that the presence will increase by 20 square feet, even though the footprint of the proposed two-story addition September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 97 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 actually smaller, slightly smaller than the footprint of the existing deck at about 20 square feet. The proposed 6x10 porch, will extend outside the existing footprint of the existing dwelling, as does the existing stoop and steps, but of course, the porch constitutes as lot coverage, whereas the existing stoop and step, do not. So with respect to the decrease total side yard, the proposed porch is actually located likely farther from the side property line then the existing stoop, but the porch establishes the principal setback, whereas, again, the existing stoop and steps do not. The point is, while as the proposed finished dwelling will of course stand taller and larger, as a two-story dwelling, compared to the existing dwelling, it will not create any notable expansion to the overall structural of the footprint property of the proposed, perhaps the most significant alteration that we offer in support of our application and our position is to request the relief granted without adverse impact on the adjoining properties or character of the September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 98 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 neighborhood, is that the neighboring factors potentially effected by the addition of a second-story, consist of an undeveloped vegetative right-of-way that or Grand Avenue. The public northeast. It should have been adjoins Wickham is to the demonstrated in the photos stated with the application and also, if any and all of you have visited the site, the dwelling is barely visible from the roadway, which is a fascinating roadway as opposed to a (In Audible) street, for pedestrian traffic and passerby. There is also no dwelling or potential for any dwelling in the near or adjacent to where the existing and proposed dwelling are located. Therefore, we would argue that none of the usual potential impacts to the neighboring property owners or community that might potentially be created by adding a second story to a dwelling already located so close to the property, for a roadway would exist here, which makes it arguably unique in that regard. With respect to the environmental impacts of the project, although we will result in a net 20% square September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 99 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 foot increase of lot coverage as defined by Chapter 280, the proposed dwelling expansion will occur entirely within the the existing structural areas. increase in ground coverage by surfaces, and wetland setbacks. the proposed structure will have additional impact wetlands or water to the existing. increase both groundwater and surface quality as a result of the increase separation distance between the sanitary system and Long Creek and will improve treatment of onsite septic as a result of the sanitary system relocation and upgrade that there is proposed. The volume of roof runoff will arguable be decreased as a result of the installation of the drainage and installation of gutters, leaders any footprint and Thus neither impervious Therefore, no on the adjacent tidal with the Town, as compared The project will however water established a naturally 10 foot wide of 450 square foot non-turf buffer adjacent to the tidal wetlands. That will decrease the drywell's that is currently lacking at the property. And there is also to be September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 100 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 volume of potential water runoff to Long Creek and improve the quality of runoff by replacing potential fertilizers to lawn areas with native vegetation. As noted, earlier in my presentation, it will also result in the same structure achieving FEMA compliance with respect to the required flood elevations as a result of the first floor being raised 16 inches. The environmental impact of the project, we argue therefore be an improvement of the site with respect to the protection and enhancement of the tidal wetland and improvement of flood protection. We also argue in our application that the difficulty we are proposing to the expansion of the existing dwelling here without getting the variance relief is not self created due to the preexisting nonconforming location of the existing dwelling. I should note that we have in hand a town DEC wetlands permit from the Trustees, who most recently amended their approval to reflect the proposed raising of the house 16 inches. That that was not included in the original design September 6, 2012 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 project, and at one time, it was contemplated whether we would seek relief from the New York State DEC Board, but Mr. Schultz and Mr. Schwartz and I, all thought it was prudent to actually raise the structure than seeking the relief. We also have a New York State tidal wetlands permit from the DEC and approval of the upward and relocation of the sanitary system from the Suffolk County Department of Health. Therefore, we are here seeking your approval of the project and the relief that is requested so that Mr. Schultz can then hopefully and finally move on to seek a building permit for the projet, if you see fit. Again, Mr. Schultz and Mr. Schwartz are here if you have any questions, an I can take any questions that the Board may have. Thank you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: There is one thing that I would like you to address, and Mr. Schultz to address, the impact on the adjacent one-story frame house that is on the property that is very, very close to the property line? September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 102 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 l0 I1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. HERMANN: Yeah, there is the house that is on the other side -- which actually according to our survey contacts our property line or either overshoots it by a tenth of a foot. Basically, if you are on that property depending on how you would define your impact, basically to the northeast would be towards that right-of-way into the roadway, where as to the other direction would be to the Long Creek. So with respect to the potential for any view shed to change as a result of the addition of the second floor, we would argue that there would be none because Mr. Schultz is on the -- what I would call the right side of the creek. Again, the structure will actually move ever so slightly farther from that house with the removal of the stoop and steps, but with the addition of the porch, it's a modest porch. It is proposed at 6 square feet by 10. We have discussed the possibility of making it smaller, but six feet wide is about as small as we could go. Six feet deep, I would say. There should really not be any adverse impact to that September 6, 2012 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 other dwelling. I don't know -- I know they were noticed, I don't know if the Board received any input from that neighbor. We have in contact. WEISMAN: residence MR. any -- not been CHAIRPERSON HERMANN: That's the only CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I'm sorry, you will have to come up and state your name for the record. MR. SCHULTZ: Hello. My name is David Schultz. I am the property owner. I have lived at this location for 34 years. It went by very quickly. And I bought property at about the same time as my neighbor, Dr. Arabi (phonetic) and his bought that property. And we neighbors all this time well. I have talked to project. I have talked about it. about it. the property actually for building. rebuild the lawn next my wife have been and have lived quite them about this to them at length I have talked about the plans They are going to let us cross We will to his house when its David, do you have September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 104 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 done. Quite frankly, I have offered to buy that house for many, many years and their circumstances because it was tied to the old marina, they didn't want to do that. So I am sort of stuck with this. They would be very supportive of this project. Thank you. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Mr. Schultz, who has the right of way over that right-of-way? MR. SCHULTZ: It's basically, I think it was set up when they built the subdivision across the street. My attorney tried to figure out who owns it, and it's very vague. Apparently in talking with other residents who have been around for quite awhile including my Dick Brandy, my plumber. The only person he knows who used to go down there is a fellow who lives in He would come back and go the city. swimming every day. Most people don't know it's there. I don't know of any traffic that has happened. I think most people use the Grand Avenue bridge to get to the creek. In other words, there are several people and we tried to contact as many people as we September 6, 2012 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 have, checking about one came back? and none MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MR. SCHULTZ: Sure. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: green cards. of them know. Thank you. I am just I think all MR. HERMANN: Yeah, I am not sure which. I don't know if we received it back from the Assessor's Office -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have. MR. HERMANN: Okay. We had one to Christine Smith -- MR. SCHULTZ: She just recently purchased a home across the street. MR. HERMANN: That is the one that looks like -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay, well if it comes in -- MR. HERMANN: We always after the hearing, one way or another forward it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let's see if the Board has questions. Ken, do you? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No, I don't have any questions at this time. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? but September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 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 have a there? MR. my deed. width? get MEMBER HORNING: Does the applicant right to the right-of-way that is SCHULTZ: It does not appear on MEMBER HORNING: And what is the MR. SCHULTZ: 8 feet. It's tough to around. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry? MEMBER GOEBRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON any questions. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Jim? MEMBER DINIZIO: No. WEISMAN: I don't MEMBER have be a GOEHRINGER: I have one more. You said that the Schultz's were going to live in the house during construction? MR. HERMANN: I did? No, that not be right. MR. SCHULTZ: No, we do not stay there. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Is this winter project? MR. SCHULTZ: I am working more would plan to going to September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 107 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 towards early spring. I do not -- considering there is an existing building that I am going to put some element into, don't want it exposed to the weather element. In effort to preserve that, we will start in the spring time as early as can. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: MR. SCHULTZ: It will impact on the environment as CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Thank you. have less well. Is there to address in the audience that wishes application? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: the Board? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: no further questions Any more from Okay. or comments, I make a motion to close this hearing reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. we anyone this Hearing will and favor? September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 108 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 HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6589 - MILL CREEK PARTNERS, LLC CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application before the Board is for Mill Creek Partners, LLC. Request for Special Exception per Article XIII Section 280-55(B) 1 to operate a restaurant in a Marine II (MII) District. Located at: 64300 Route 25, adjacent to Southold Bay, in Greenport. Before we get started, Nancy, do you have a copy of the Planning Board's comments? MS. STEELMAN: I don't directly. I was at their work session. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me give you a copy so you have one and also Suffolk County local determination. Would you like to proceed? MS. STEELMAN: Yes. Nancy Steelman, from Samuels & Steelman Architects. I am here to answer any questions that the Board might have. This is as much as we know, September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 109 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 unofficially. This building has been used as a restaurant anywhere from 30 to 50 years. We have CO's based on 1982 and we have a card of information that stated it was a restaurant back to 1980, but in talking to a lot of the local folks around here, people heard it being there for years. We currently have a building permit right now for construction of a restaurant. That was renewed at the time the new owners purchased the property. Construction is proceeding for that. We are also into our site plan approval. We have seen the Trustees, DOT and a variety of other agencies for a restaurant. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I'm sorry, I am just asking, we have an internal policy now in our office, where Special Exception permits would be forwarded to (In Audible) not just the Planning Board or site plan, but to also the fire marshal's. We have determined that occasionally with Special Exception Permits, the use or change of use in occupancy may require a change in the classification of occupancy, which has to be September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 110 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 looked at. So we tend to be forwarding these things prior to a public hearing. This one didn't go over. It's the same occupancy and use that has been in existence without the Special Exception Permit. I doubt there would be any issues. MS. STEELMAN: I think that has probably already happened. The Planning Board already has sent out our drawings to a fire series of agencies, and I know that the marshal's was one of them. So they have already looked at it. should CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail right. MS. STEELMAN: On that point, you also know that as per New York State Building Code, Zone, anything certificate. one the of the it's a any occupancy with an A2 over 100 occupants requires a CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. There is interesting thing here, we all know from previous application about the leasing adjacent property for parking, that 20 year lease. I would like to -- you know, Special Exception Permits include appropriate parking. I don't know if the September 6, 2012 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 Board has really addressed the situation, the parking is approved for the Special if Exception Permit, but not in propitiatory because it's not on the subject property. Can you address that for us? What I am wondering is, you do realize that a Special Exception Permit is not transferable to another owner, however, beyond that, what do you do at the end of 20 years? The lease that you submitted indicated that the owner would be requesting that all improvements be abandoned and that all be returned back. So what happens 20 years from now? It is just something that we need to permit. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: statement on that? MS. STEELMAN: Yes. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Exception that we actually the nightclub in Mattituck. address on this Can I make a The only Special ever reversed was During the period of that lease, during the Special Exception, gratuitously, Mr. Granshaw who owned the property next door allowed the nightclub to park there. He then September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 112 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 subsequently -- it was either a yearly lease or every six months, and he then subsequently just said that's it. You did too much damage to my property. I am not in any way eluding to that being the case here. That was one of the grounds that we used for terminating the Special Exception. So I mean, you can probably put a term on the Special Exception and renew it every five years. MS. STEELMAN: Right. MR. BURGER: Eugene Burger, I am one of the owners of the property. So I think that -- going though something like this, you grant the Special Exception for the life of the lease and if we take title to the property prior to that, the Special Exception lives, because that is our intention. We are already in the process. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes. I think what you need to do is come back and request a condition be removed from the Special Exception Permit. In other words, if the condition is based upon the 20 year duration of your current lease and you have acquired September 6, 2012 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 25 the the property prior to that, you have the right to come back and request that the Board remove the condition. MS. ANDALORO: Nancy, I have not seen lease specifically. Normally when you enter into a lease agreement, there are instances where the lease would not last years, if default. wanted to so you may want lease, 20 years 2O one of the parties were to If the adjacent property owner sell the property to someone else, to say for the length of the or sooner. MR. BURGER: That stuff is already written into the lease. This is for 20 years with the property. It is already written in the lease. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Let me see if I have it with this application. It's probably with the old application. MS. ANDALORO: I don't think it says anything about it. Talk to your attorney, if you violate your lease agreement, or somebody wants to terminate it, all they have to do is give you notice. So I don't know if you have executed the lease. You September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 114 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 may want to talk to your lawyer about it. MR. BURGER: It was already asked. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: We have a copy of it from the other variance application. The point is, the Board has to figure out a way, a legal way to proceed with granting this but subject to the appropriate parking, and should that change, the life of the lease or the termination of the lease. MEMBER DINIZIO: My thought on that, we write the decision, we write it based on a certain amount of parking. And should that parking no longer be Special Exception is -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: available, the Either way you word it -- MEMBER DINIZIO: You know, making sure you have 120 whatever, which was going to be my question. That I need to have that number. What number do you have for parking? lease? MR. BURGER: For the marina? MS. STEELMAN: We have 124. MEMBER DINIZIO: That's with the September 6, 2012 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 MS. property. Nancy. MS. STEELMAN: With the lease. MEMBER DINIZIO: What is it without? STEELMAN: About 50 on the MEMBER GOEHRINGER: It shows 111, MS. STEELMAN: Right, 111. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So it's 111 parking spaces with the lease; correct? MR. BURGER: Correct. MEMBER DINIZIO: What is the total? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: 111. MEMBER DINIZIO: So we can all agree on that now? MS. STEELMAN: I just wanted to say that we have added a little bit of additional parking. Now we are at 124. We relocated the boat yard, as you recall that. The Planning Board requested that we change that slightly and we have additional parking spaces. That is why there is a difference in the numbers. MEMBER DINIZIO: Let me ask you this What is the minimum amount of parking need for those uses on that property. way. you September 6, 2012 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 22 23 24 25 MS. STEELMAN: 110. MEMBER DINIZIO: il0. So that's what we have to do. If you decrease that number, you no longer have a Special Exception. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So it's 110 parking spaces for marina and restaurant? MS. STEELMAN: That's correct. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. MEMBER DINIZIO: And it's 50 for the marina and 60 for the restaurant? MS. STEELMAN: And that should be on the site plan that you have in front of you. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, it is. That was my only real question. It just had to do with the technicality of the parking on the premises, which you have addressed in the variance application. Okay. Jim, any further questions? MEMBER DINIZIO: Yes. There is two actually. One, can you get me a copy of the green marina initiative? MS. STEELMAN: Yes. MEMBER DINIZIO: Certainly, you mentioned that in your application. So I want to see that. And there was a variance September 6, 2012 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 issued in variance been met met? MS. STEELMAN: regarding the deck and westerly property line. MEMBER DINIZIO: that? MS. STEELMAN: Yes. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: the site plan. MS. STEELMAN: site plan. 2009, have the conditions of that or are they going to be That primarily was some trees on the So you addressed That is part of CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I don't have any questions either. There is no one else in the audience. Hearing no further MEMBER SCHNEIDER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: You? MS. STEELMAN: No. I have. MEMBER DINIZIO: That is all CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Gerry? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: George? MEMBER HORNING: No. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ken? That is part of the September 6, 2012 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 comments to to green or questions, I will make a motion close this hearing and reserve decision a later date, subject to receipt of the marina initiative documentation. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER HORNING: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) HEARING #6586 - CONSTANCE ZAHRA CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The next application is for Constance Zahra, #6586. Request for variances from Article XXIII Section 280-124 and the Building Inspector's June 14, 2012 Notice of Disapproval based on an application demolition of reconstruction of family dwelling: required minimum feet, 2) for building permit for "as built" deck addition and same to existing single 1) less than the code rear yard setback of 35 lot coverage at more than the code September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 119 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 required 20%; located at: 2085 Bray Avenue in Laurel. Is there anyone here to address this application? Please state your name for the record. MR. MILNER: My name is Fred Milner, contractor. Hopefully I will be doing the job. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. MR. MILNER: Basically that deck has been there for 30 years and unfortunately there was no building permit for it. It's in total disrepair. It needs to be taken down. It needs footings, brackets. The whole nine yards to bring it up to New York State Building Code, and like I said, it's not a very big deck. It's only 16x20. We are looking to just take it down and rebuild it as it is. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So the existing lot coverage with the as built deck is 25% and you are not proposing to change -- MR. MILNER: We would like to keep it in the same footprint. You know, once the furniture goes back on that deck, it's going to get awfully small. It's really not that September 6, 2012 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 big of a deck. It's just too small of a building lot. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: So we are looking at a rear side yard of 22.8 feet, and the code requires 35 feet. And lot coverage is 25% and the maximum is 20%. Pardon? be no here out there member MR. MILNER: Basically, there would deck, if I take it back like 8 feet. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Okay. Well, is one of the issues. We have all been to see it, by the way. MR. MILNER: You have? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Each Board individually goes out to inspect every site of every application before us. So we have seen where it is located, from the neighbor's and all of that. However, your existing survey is quite old. It does not show the deck or the setbacks. MR. MILNER: We do have a I believe shows the deck. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: The site plan, this one? MR. MILNER: That came from the survey that September 6, 2012 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 designer, I think. The homeowner does have a survey that shows the deck and there is also a shed on the back corner of the property. I thought that the Town had a copy of that? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: What we have is this. Hand. This survey is dated 1979. MR. MILNER: That was done by Michael engineer or surveyor to corroborate the setbacks. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: We do have a copy of a survey from 1979. This does not show the deck. This does not show the shed. So this Board will require either a new survey or a new site plan stamped by a professional. MR. MILNER: CHAIRPERSON Professional surveyor? WEISMAN: Yes. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Professional surveyor or an engineer that would verify the calculations. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Yes, that is what we have. It is not stamped, because only an architect who has a license or an September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 122 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 t0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. MILNER: here is stamped by CHAIRPERSON stamp on ours. MR. MILNER: CHAIRPERSON is stamped by James (In MEMBER SCHNEIDER: This site plan right a professional engineer. WEISMAN: We don't have a same one that we have in CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I copy. I am fine that this CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: care of that issue. Gerry, do questions about it? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Yes. to ask questions bought Hill? Can I bring it up? WEISMAN: Sure. This one Audible). And that is the our copy? Yes. don't need a is stamped. So that took you have any of you and Ms. Ms. Zahra, you and your this house in 19797 MS. ZAHRA: That's MEMBER GOEHRINGER: are I just want Zahra. husband correct. From Mr. & Mrs. MS. ZAHRA: That's correct. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Mr. & Mrs. Hill both friends of mine. Mr. Hill has September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 123 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 passed makes it she is. they lived away, but Mrs. Hill MS. ZAHRA: Okay. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: your concern. I hadn't there. large ranch house okay. So your lot without the things, storage building. is still living. Not that that I am very happy that been on the property since I realized that this is a on a relatively small lot, coverage is over even meaning the deck and the You know, I understand the nature of your need for a new deck, I was unaware of the fact that your lot coverage exceeded the 20%, even without and are requesting. I am just those things. The house is very deep. You don't realize how deep it is, until you actually walk into it. The depth of the house, I am just making that as a statement. The lot is small. It can further create a problem, the back property line skews, you know, from one side to the other. So the one side is 122.23 and the south side is 105.01, which creates a further nonconformity for the proposed deck. The existing deck and the proposed deck that you reading that into September 6, 2012 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 the record. MR. MILNER: So is that considered a nonconforming building lot? CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Not the building lot, if there no deck, there would be a conforming rear yard, because the closest point is 22.8, that 15 foot deep. So 15 feet from that, you would have a conforming lot. So no, the issue is not -- is certainly not -- the question is, the Board is required by law to grant the minimum variance reasonably possible, okay. So we have 25% lot coverage and 22.8 rear yard setback. Can the deck be slightly reduced to decrease the lot coverage and to increase the rear yard setback to make it a little bit more conforming. That is something that the Board would entertain. MR. MILNER: Increase it to 15 feet deep and -- CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, a 12x15 is the deck is not tiny by any means. That going to give you a few more feet to rear yard setback, 25.8, almost 26 feet. don't know if it will reduce the lot September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 125 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 coverage to be honest with you. It will bring it down a little bit. What does the Board think? MEMBER GOEHRINGER: I personally don't have a problem with it as it exist in that particular situation and where the property skews, which is a real hardship to be honest with you. Based upon creating a greater nonconformity of the deck, than you are absolutely correct on the basis of the square footage. It's not going to reduce it insignificantly. MR. MILNER: When you put a table with an umbrella and chairs that seat six and some lawn chairs, it becomes tight. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, it is something that we have to explore. We can't just let that go. The deck is not visible at all from the street, and it's pretty well enclosed. It is a wider and shallower lot in the back. Member Goehringer is right, it's not listed here but you can see at the farthest point, what that setback is to the property line. The closest is 22.8 but when you get to the opposite corner, it increases September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 126 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 somewhat. So that makes it lesser. Jim, do you have comments or questions? MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, if the lot was squarer, I think nothing can be built on the lot behind it. I shouldn't say that. I don't have any trouble with it the way that it is. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail right. Ken? MEMBER SCHNEIDER: I don't have problem with it. If it were squarer, might have the benefit of another 800 odd square feet of lot. MR. MILNER: It has been there years. 30 years and thing. A lot true. any they some for 30 You can't see the MEMBER SCHNEIDER: neighbor's. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, the record has to explore the option fully. MR. MILNER: They have been there for they just want to do the right of people wouldn't do it. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Well, it's It's much better to have it legalized September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 127 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 and have a CO on it. Any other comments or questions from the Board? (No Response.) CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: I don't think there is anyone else in the audience. Hearing no further questions or comments, I will make a motion to close this hearing and reserve decision to a later date. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Second. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Ail in favor? MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye. MEMBER GOEHRINGER: Aye. MEMBER SCHNEIDER: Aye. CHAIRPERSON WEISMAN: Aye. (See Minutes for Resolution.) (Whereupon, the public hearings for September 6, 2012 concluded.) September 6, 2012 Zoning Board of Appeals 128 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 C E R T I F I C A T I O N 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 i g n a t u r e ~' [~'~ _!~J/~_~~~_~_ _ Jessica DiLallo Jessica DiLallo Court Reporter PO Box 984 Holbrook, New York 11741 Date: September 17, 2012