Informational Meeting

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF SAGAPONACK IN THE TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK A regular monthly meeting of the Architectural and Historic Review Board of the Village of Sagaponack was held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2009, at 3175 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, N.Y. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ann Sandford with a flag salute. Present were Board Members Vice Chairperson Tom White, Barbara Slifka and Ana Daniel. Also present were Village Building Inspector John Woudsma, Pat Arancio- Remkus, secretary and Village Attorney Anthony Tohill. Absent was Clay Dilworth. Informational Meeting I. 243 Hedges Lane, LLC for the demolition of 6 existing structures: 2 single family houses, 2 barns, 1 garage and 1 shed. The premises are located at 243 Hedges Lane, SCTM Chairperson Sandford announced that because of a procedural misunderstanding, the Public Hearing which was scheduled for today at 3:30 would now be an informational meeting. However, all of the comments made and notes taken will be transferred to the official Public Hearing. Chairperson Sandford noted that we had received many letters concerning this application: 22 in favor and 3 against. Chairperson Sandford also noted that because of the procedural mishap the Board would have to approve another resolution to set the Public Hearing at the AHRB s next meeting on October 16, Tom White offered a motion which was seconded by Barbara Slifka authorizing and directing to post and publish the notice to hold a Public Hearing on this application to be conducted at 3:30 PM at the Village Hall, 3175 Montauk Highway, on October 16, 2009 It was unanimously approved. Chairperson Sandford announced that there is a sign up sheet for those who would like to speak Chairperson Sandford noted that there were some factual errors that were in the press and in some of the letters that were received. She noted, as she stated in August when the Board proposed a public hearing, the code that established the 1

2 AHRB in September, 2007 gave them the authority to hold public hearings in order to inform the public and to give the public a voice. This is not a consequence of the new code from August of this year. She also clarified that the original Daniel Hedges LLC subdivision was approved by the Town of Southampton Planning Board, not by the Village of Sagaponack. She noted that this fact is important because a number of the letters that were in favor of the application, criticized the Village for not recognizing the buildings that are proposed to be demolished could have been made part of the ag reserve in the subdivision. The truth is that the Town had that opportunity, they didn t do it and it was not within our jurisdiction to do that. Chairperson Sandford then opened the informational meeting and invited public input. a. Public Comment Louis Meisel stated that he and his wife, Susan lived at 81 Wilkes Lane for 25 years. He noted that they have seen Sagaponack develop greatly in those 25 years, some good and some not so good. He stated that he drove up and down Hedges Lane and that there are 3 very significant farm houses, 2 on the north side and one farther down on the south side, which have been restored, look really terrific and do of course carry on the character of what we are here. The two that I am speaking of on the north side are closer to Sagaponack Main street, however across the street from them are some real local bungalows, 1950s style, that don t have much significance. When you go up and down Hedges Lane from one end to the other you see quite a few beautiful brand new houses, you see a lot of houses that are old and have been restored, but the two houses that are facing the road that we are discussing now are seen as an eyesore and as they become more and more rundown they look even worse. I am architecturally sensitive. Some of you may know that we have built on Montauk Urban Archaeology and we just finished up Water Mill Atelier. Both of those have won architectural awards. The one in Water Mill just won a Gold Leed Certification. We care about what the place looks like. This is just a little bit of my background in architecture. Michael Davis s houses, of the 40 or 50 that I have seen, are among the very best and most understated English Cottage designs as opposed to some of the mansions we all seem to object to. They don t have the hip roof, dutch gable standard kind of thing that some people think makes you look very rich. When the subdivision across from Wilkes Lane was done, the way it was designed, the houses over to the west side allowing them down along the row of other houses, kept them out of the view of the fields and now we have an opportunity for a Michael Davis house, which he thinks will be as good as any of the others that he ever did, to dwell on Hedges Lane and in effect screen whatever comes behind it. Of course the AHRB does not have that route and a lot to say as to what is going to go down with those six or seven houses. Here we are faced with the possibility of getting rid of what I feel is an eyesore, houses that don t particularly seem significant to Sagaponack or any other farming community and have a really wonderful good looking design, not too large house built right where Michael Davis wants to do it and no hedges along the road, basically the trees and the clumps of vegetation that are there now. Chairperson Sandford thanked Mr. Meisel and recognized Pingree Louchheim. 2

3 Pingree Louchheim of Hedges Lane stated that she is here to encourage the preservation of the 69 year old farm house on Hedges Lane. She wants to compliment Michael Davis on his letter writing campaign. Her favorite letter against the demolition was from Merrall Hildreth and his sister Mimi Hildreth who wrote that the prairie four square house was built in 1930 by their grandfather Wallace Hildreth for Percy Hedges. It goes on to say that future generations should know what our community s past was like and that house should not be demolished. Ms. Louchheim stated she wanted to give the public an example of our past and she showed a painting from 1978 by Sheri Lord of the house. She noted that these houses are visible across the field from Sheri s studio on 208 Parsonage Lane. Not much has changed in 31 years. She stated that these houses are one of the few remaining farm houses left from the time when Sagaponack was all agriculture. The question here is not so much what makes an historic house, but what makes a neighborhood. Everything is the neighborhood, all sorts of houses big ones, little ones, little lots, big lots, all sorts of sizes. All of these things make up a neighborhood. Unfortunately Sagaponack is becoming a suburb of shingled houses that could be anywhere. We are losing our sense of community. Attention must be paid to the simple four square. It belongs here and it should stay here. One of the letters stated that the house was dilapidated, decaying, rundown, unmaintained and an eyesore. Allowing the grounds to grow up around the house is just a developer s ploy to encourage demolition. Let s make it look like an abandoned house and everyone will want to tear it down. I have been talking to people looking for houses and many people are looking for unusual established houses with vines and lovely trees. A creative renovation of the house and barn would create a unique property and would be a reminder of Sagaponack s past. Our oldest son and daughter-in-law and children live happily in a four square prairie house built by Wallace Hildreth on Main Street, Sagaponack. They added on to the rear and consequently have a lovely large house. They have invited Michael Davis to come visit any time and they know that he will be inspired. Please consider this simple four square house has an important place in the character and history of Sagaponack and deny the demolition permit. David Gilmartin, attorney for Michael Davis. He stated that he thinks he has some information that would be helpful to the people who are going to comment on them and may allay some of the comments. Chairperson Sandford asked that he sign the sheet. There are two more people and then you will speak. He stated that what he has to say and what we have to present to the public. Chairperson Sandford stated that she would prefer to hear the public s comments first. She read the first name off the sheet which was Wayne Bruyn. Mr. Bruyn stated that he will defer to Mr. Gilmartin. Chairperson Sandford read off the next name which was Nancy Davis who also said she will defer to Mr. Gilmartin. Mr. Gilmartin stated that he represents 243 Hedges Lane LLC, the contract vendee on the property. Mr. Bryun and his client, the owner of the property are also here today. 3

4 As everybody already knows the property is improved with two houses. There are also two barns, a garage and a shed. We have a demolition permit to demolish all of the structures. My client appeared before this Board on August 10 th in regards to demolition permit. It was put off until there was a public hearing on this scheduled for today. The Village then went and changed the law. I have had an opportunity to review that law and as I was reading it I was reminded of a famous saying by Chief Judge Wachler that a prosecutor could indict a ham sandwich. That said this law looks to be that you can claim anything is historic. My client is here to take the Board s sentiment to heart. To that end we hired Zach Studenroth, an expert on historical, architectural structures and he is going to present information regarding both of those structures. After the last meeting and feeling the resentment of the Board towards this application, we approached the neighbors. Again there are 22 letters from people who want to see these structures demolished. After spending a lot of time with Mr. Studenroth, Michael has agreed to make every effort to relocate and rehabilitate the 1820s house, which is what we are told is the house that has the most historical and architectural significance of the ones on the lot. The moving and the rehabilitation of that house is really going to be a labor of love. It is architecture and its engineering is unsound. It has significant damage from termites and powder post beetles and it is going to have to be gutted and it is going to have to be rehabilitated at a significant cost. Moving it to relocate will be cost prohibitive because of its engineering condition. I also have today here with us Ed Hollander, landscape architect and Eric Woodward, architect. They are going to speak to our efforts to move it to a location on the lot where it will be seen by the public as you travel down Hedges Lane and it won t be enveloped by any other development on the lot. We are also attempting to talk to some people to take further steps to try and save the 1930s house and perhaps someone will take it off the lot and we are going to advertise for that before the next public hearing and hopefully we can secure its sale or donate it to someone who would take it. I ask Zach to come up and talk about the historic value of the structures on the property. Zach Studenroth stated that he is an architectural historian and he has been working in that capacity since He is presently the director of the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, but he is known as a preservationist and a consultant of architectural history before this. I also serve as the historic consultant for the Southampton Village Architectural Review Board. He is very familiar with this whole process and all of the challenges that arise pertaining to the way of preservation of historic building and site and often times in this type of work we are looking at buildings that occupy pieces of property that far exceeds their value and size and scale and nature of their design. I was there previously when Michael asked me to go and tour the site to discover that the smaller of the two buildings is really quite a gem. Some of the detailing that is surviving is interior, which is presumably outside the authority or the jurisdiction of this Board. However I would like to touch on elements that you look for to try and determine the age, the quality and the condition of the building. What is surviving in this structure are some wonderful details that would prove to be circa Notable is the stair rail that is so beautiful, numerous doors baton type doors, bedroom doors that are very simple, but beautifully made, equipped with early hardware all of which could be salvaged and re-used for the rehabilitation of the building. Perhaps what is most important, besides the age of the building, is its very charm, the fact that it survived, although renewed from the outside by way of shingle covering and roof covering, its scale and mass and that it 4

5 remains virtually intact from the early 19 th century. It is small. It is a very modest house. It is a great reminder of the scale of vernacular farm life in the 19 th century. What is also quite lovely about it is that it is a gable fronted building. It has nice presentation to street. It sits back from the street as you may expect it would. He stated he thinks aesthetically if it were to be preserved and moved to the other corner of the lot, where it should be given a proper set back for a proper rear yard and front and perhaps in front a fence to define it as a farm cottage. There are two houses on this lot and my guess is that historically there are people in this room that know far more about the history of this parcel than I. The four square has some interesting points and probably dates from the 1920 s 1930s. There isn t anything architecturally remarkable about that house. I would say that of the two, the older house is the more valuable building and even though it is in poor condition and needs substantial rehabilitation, it could be preserved on this land. He thinks that it would be a great contribution to the community and in keeping with the spirit of preservation. Ed Hollander, landscape architect stated that when he and Eric Woodward, architect started working on this it was before the idea of how do we preserve this structure and still create a home in Sagaponack that would be appropriate for this lot. When we first started working with Michael the thing that was most important was how to preserve field and the other part is there are some nice big old trees which are unusual to find in these agricultural landscapes. What we tried to do in terms of siting the new house was to make it fit in behind the existing vegetation that was there along Hedges Lane and to preserve the big old trees. He did not want to put in a formal hedge along the road and to make the new house sit behind the existing vegetation so that it was for the most part invisible from Hedges Lane. The idea is to get the house set back and get the approved set back from the road so to preserve the field and the big old apple trees along Hedges Lane, to continue that down the east side and west side of the property so as people are driving down Hedges Lane the focus is on the long distance views to the ocean. We were then approached on how to save this building. The best thing to do would be to try and place this building up in a place of its own away from these other areas. As you are driving along Hedges Lane you will have the opportunity to see this building in an open agricultural setting. We can create an area within this property where this charming house can sit in proximity of the street so that it is visible to people walking, driving, jogging up and down Hedges Lane. It still works in relation to the main house. When you come in you have a separate parking area, but to create the separate area we decided to set it in amongst an orchard setting. The new driveway would come in outside of the side of it. This building would have its own area so that it would seem to be that there is a smaller lot and a bigger lot. It becomes all part of one project, but the project will have a separate small farm house, set in its own landscape. The main house would be set back behind the dense existing vegetation supplemented with new plantings. The older structure has direct visible access out to the street. Eric Woodward, architect for the applicant, stated that he has been before the Board twice on this project and he has a new design. We have decided to listen to some of your concerns and comments and the house design which is still in the same location and has the exact same foot print, but we have modified the design. The two trees that are here exist. There is a third tree which is a larger tree, which we are hoping will also survive. 5

6 The new design has fewer windows facing the street, we moved one of the bedrooms to the other end of the house so that it doesn t face the street. We also softened the front line. The previous plan had a more English 1910 country house feature of a band of windows. We are going to a more American shingle style house with the focus on a porch which has a gable roof and decorative trim. The scale is the same. The garage wing has been set back. You can see how the roof line breaks back and the garage has been set back to allow for some screening landscaping. The tennis court would be in the back of the property and the cottage would be located between the tennis court and the street. One of the Board members had pointed out that a new house has been built at 381 Hedges Lane and asked how 243 Hedges Lane compares to that in size. Mr. Woodward provided a street view and a side view of the two houses which showed that 243 Hedges Lane is a great deal smaller. John French of 569 Hedges Lane. Mr. French noted that he came to Sagaponack in 1945 and returned almost every summer. He stated his parents bought a house on Gibson in 1956 and his mother still lives there. It was built by Wallace Hildreth. They wanted a Hildreth house. He was the best builder out here. His houses are very sound. The house being referred to in the hearing has been ignored the last couple of years, but the house is sound. It may not be unique, but that s what houses looked like 50 years ago. It is very much what the community was like. He agrees with all of the points made by Pingree Louchheim and Merrall Hildreth. Disclosure would require me to say that my daughter is married to Pingree Louchheim s son. They bought a Hildreth house on Sagg Main Street a number of years ago, very similar to this house, and built an extension off the back and if you drive down Sagg Main you can hardly see the extension from the street. That residence houses 4 year round residents and is much more than ample for a family of four. He stated he doesn t see why they can t take the 1930s house that is on this lot and do something similar to what was done on the Hildreth house that is on Sagg Main Street, keep the character of the house, and keep the character of what is the community of Sagaponack. Wayne Bruyn, attorney from Southampton Town, practiced in the field of land use for several years and represents the land owner in this project. He noted that his client is in contract with Michael Davis to sell the property. He stated he would like to offer the Board some of his services if need be in the sense that he has a long history with the Town of Southampton as well as its progress. He represented the landowner in the subdivision application. The interesting thing about this subdivision is that it was not so much designed by my client, but much more by design of community input. The project took many different shapes because of the community input. He stated that originally the lots were on the east side, there were no plans for a trail, the agricultural reserve had a different shape and there were through streets. We ended up with common driveways and landscaping. The interesting thing throughout the entire community input in the process of that subdivision, not one word was spoken of these houses. Mr Bruyan noted that he has taken a lot of interest in the history of this Village from the formation to the language of the Village s comprehensive plan to the adoption of the Village s regulations. He also stated that he followed what seems to be the recent interest in this particular property and these particular structures that occurred, in his opinion once his client came to this Board last fall to talk about the demolition and was told that the 6

7 application could not be processed until a plan to rebuild was provided, which he had no plans despite what the regulation said and so he did not proceed. Mr. Bruyn offered to give to the Board, if they were interested, the past history of this subdivision and any guidance in reviewing this application. He noted that he was unable to find any standards or any studies that might help guide the Board. He stated he understand the difficulty that the Board has to deal with and stated he would be happy to answer any questions. b. Board Comment Chairperson Sandford stated that she is an historian and as a follow up on Zach s commentary, noted that it was good news about the 1820s house. It is clear that it is not a tenant house. It was not a workers house. The land has been in the Hedges family since It is an 18 th century property of a family that was very prosperous and prominent. Thanks to the community we now have opportunities to work with it. We are not just speaking about the house but, I think, that we should feel about it being a part of the new America Republic. Sagaponack was really quite important in the early 19 th Century. All of eastern Long Island is actually more politically powerful in New York State than most of people on Long Island. The prairie style four square, this is my personal favorite here, which I like and value and I think we should call it the Percy Hedges House no matter how it ends up and the efforts that are now going to be made probably more to move it, I don t know how the rest of the Board feels, but for me it would be good to keep it in place. My next comment has to do with the illusion that we are awash with uncertainty about what is historic. The code from August has several criteria to help and guide us on defining what structures are historic and what are not historic. Chairperson Sandford noted that she feels that the Board has some basis here. She asked if anyone else had any other comments to which Michael Davis asked to speak. Michael Davis stated that he is the intended builder of this lot and he stated that he is a preservationist at heart. Before he came to this country 25 years ago, he restored an 11 th century monastery, 15 th Century farm house, and London Townhouses from the Victorian Era. When I agreed to buy this property I had no idea that there would be the demolition issue at hand here. The first thing I did was look at the historic district and they are no where near the historic district. The buildings were in some disrepair and looked to him that he was looking at an 8 lot subdivision, which would mean we would get 8 new houses. We now have a very descriptive code, restrictive of the size of house you can build, depending on the size of the lot. If you are going to make an investment in a 2.3 acre lot you need to build as much house as you possibly can in order to get a reasonable return. As soon as I was told there was an issue with regards to the historic nature of the building and changing the appearance of the neighborhood, he asked Zach Studenroth to come and have a look at the building and was pleasantly surprised that the one house was from the early 1800s and it would be a great shame to tear down because you couldn t afford to give up 1000 sq. ft of the main house because of the building restrictions of the new code. He is proposing that we try and save the building and make it a feature of the neighborhood. I am very concerned about the way Sagaponack looks. I have built over 7

8 30 houses in Sagaponack and not one of them is the same. I am not trying to build the exact same house each time and make a load of money because we know exactly what it is going to cost us and then build another one and it becomes very easy. My interest is more in the design and aesthetics and the well being of Sagaponack and am very sensitive to what is going on here. I did write a letter to the neighborhood asking for support on this permit. It is unfortunate that this 40 acre parcel was subdivided in the first place. It is what it is and we have to make the best of what we have got. My plan is to screen the houses as much as we can from the neighborhood and focus on the small house. David Gilmartin stated that the application has changed in that we are looking to move an 1820s house and make the effort to try and save the other house. He stated that they need guidance from the Board that we are going along the right track. If we are not we will be spending a lot of money going down this path if the Board is not accepting to the idea of what we are doing. We need some guidance from the Board. Chairperson Sandford stated that she would like to close the Informational meeting and move to the regular agenda. Time Noted: 4:24 PM MONTHLY MEETING I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Resolution to approve the minutes from the July 13, 2009 and the August 10, 2009 AHRB meetings. Tom White offered a motion to approve the minutes from the July 13, 2009 and August 10, 2009 AHRB meetings which was seconded by Ana Daniel and unanimously approved. II. OLD BUSINESS A. Demolitions Hedges Lane, LLC 243 Hedges Lane Applicant proposes demolition of a 2 story framed dwelling, a 1/12 story framed dwelling, detached garage, shed and two barns. Chairperson Sandford asked if any members of the Board had any comments directing those to the applicant. 8

9 Tom White stated that he feels that we would all like to see the cottage saved. It does appear from the steps that you outlined today that the applicant might be looking at a variance in which case he believed the AHRB would recommend to the ZBA the approval of the variance. Chairperson Sandford stated that tough choices and trade offs have to be made. She very much likes the idea of moving the 1820s cottage to the front of the property. She thinks is makes the whole project more interesting. It is certainly more historic and in keeping with the neighborhood and the community, but with reference to the 1930s four square house, anything that can be done, if people to talk to their friends, perhaps a landowner in Wainscott would be interested. The Board is supportive of the house being moved. Village Attorney Tohill stated that the Board appears to have a consensus that the Greek Revival move to the northwest corner is a plan that may have a level of acceptability. There is more than one concern the Board would like you to pursue. Perhaps if there is a method by which the four square can be preserved, particularly if there were a 501c3 entity if the owners were to have it appraised, the owner would then donate it to the 501c3, the donor would then absorb the expense of moving it because the owner can think about, subject to the Internal Revenue code, means that a dollar doesn t cost a dollar, then the 501c3 entity receiving and accepting the donation could credit them for deduction, which would be a nice deduction. The alternate is a variation on this theme, where property within the Village, if it were at all possible, might be identified where the owner of the property could use this structure and it would obviously require water supply, sanitary system, foundation, etc. That is another potential opportunity. These are ideas that he thinks that everybody on all sides of the equation respects these ideas and every opportunity should be explored. An ad should be placed in the local papers because there may be an interested third party who is not here today and who might not know about this. Every opportunity should be made to explore these ideas. Chairperson Sandford stated this will be the conclusion of the discussion. Village Attorney Tohill stated that let the record state that any record including all the letters that we have received as of today will be directed to October 16 th. If people are interested to write letters between now and October 16 th, those letters will also be incorporated in those records. The Public Hearing will be conducted on October 16 th and persons with an interest to make a comment even after October 16 th will have a comment period and the Board will make a resolution on that date for a period 10 days to continue the comment. 2. Stuart Quan Lot #1 of Gibson Farm Subdivision Applicant proposes revision of chimneys Jason Poremba of Francis Fleetwood stated that he is back before the Board because the Board felt the original chimneys were too ornate and so he has revised them. They have 9

10 now been simplified. He stated they have eliminated all but three corbels on top and all the detailing and the paneling on the side. We have also taken the clay pots and pushed them in, made a cover for that and reduced the overall height. He stated the finials disappear. It sits below the ridge and the chimneys now disappear. Ana Daniel offered a motion to approve the revision of the chimneys which was seconded by Tom White and unanimously approved. III. NEW BUSINESS V. SOLAR PANELS 1. Bettina Witteveen 368 Daniels Lane Applicant proposes to install solar panels on roof Ronnie Mandler of Best Energy, the solar installer, represented the applicant. He stated that the applicant has decided to go completely green, which is very rare and should be appreciated. They are going to do the pool, the domestic hot water and the electric. They are spending more in order for it to look quite nice. He stated that the panels he will be installing will be aesthetically pleasing. He provided samples of the panels for the Board. Chairperson Sandford stated the house is on the north side of Daniels Lane. She asked if this will be visible from the street to which Mr. Mandler responded yes. He stated that you will see that there will be 47 panels put on the southeast side of the house which will be for the solar PV (Photovoltaic) Electricity. He stated the panels will be placed in the middle of the roof to create one block of panels. He stated that originally there was going to be 45 panels, but there was an air vent in the middle of the roof so they moved them over and are now installing 47 so that it will look nice and square and cover the entire roof. Chairperson Sandford asked about issues of glare and issues of color. She asked if the roof then becomes black to which Mr. Mandler responded yes. Mr. Mandler stated that on the northeast side there will also be 16 panels which will be used for heating the pool. He provided the Board with samples. They are 8 black plastic panels and each one is 4 x 16. As long as we have sun, usually this system is being used between May to the end of September or sometimes October because this works from the sun heat not the sun light. The reason why we can put it on the northwest is because the sun in the summer is higher and in the winter it is lower. Because it is higher the roof can still absorb heat in summer. Mr. Mandler stated that traditionally a flat panel is used for the solar heating of domestic hot water, but the example he brought before the Board would absorb much more. He stated there is never glare because it is anti solar. The whole idea of a solar system is to absorb as much energy as they can from the sun. Mr. Mandler noted that there will be 30 panels installed which will lay parallel to the roof. 10

11 Ana Daniel asked if the rest of the roof was black to which Mr. Mandler responded no, it is cedar shingle. He stated the silver frame will go better with the cedar shingles. He stated the panels are made of tempered glass. Ana Daniel stated that it would be less conspicuous if the entire roof was black to which Village Building Inspector John Woudsma responded that the roof is pre existing. Chairperson Sandford asked if the frame and the grid were black to which Mr. Mandler responded if the frame were black it would be very obvious. We can do this in black. I don t think you want because it then pops out from the roof. Ana Daniel stated that it would be a more unified panel. This way it is going to look like a grid with the silver in between. Mr. Mandler responded yes. Chairperson Sandford stated that she would prefer if the frames were black Mr. Mandler stated that after a few years, with the anodized and weathering it might chip off where the silver is natural aluminum. He stated that the black panels gives off 14 watts per square foot and with the laminate panel it gives off 4 5 watts per square foot. Tom White asked how long it wouldl last if it were painted black as compared to the anodized to which Mr. Mandler responded that it would depend on the weather in this area and since we are so close to the ocean. He did not know. Ana Daniel stated that she is strongly in favor of green solutions. Chairperson Sandford stated that all that silver color will create a patina which will make it blend better with the black roof. Mr. Mandler agreed. Ana Daniel offered a motion to approve the installation of solar panels with silver frames on the roof and it was seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. VI. Demolitions 1. Lisa Wolfe 543 Hedges Lane Applicant proposes demolition of one story dwelling, brick patios, swimming pool, pool equipment and shed Bob Tortora, designer, represented the applicant. Ana Daniel asked if the one story dwelling was an old barn to which Mr. Tortora stated yes. He believed it was an old potato barn. He stated they love the barn, but there is a severe mold problem which is compromising their efforts to save the structure. He stated that in the mid 1980s someone did a quick renovation. It is un-insulated and has a crawl space which is just a mess. He stated the applicants tried mold prevention/remediation in the crawl space, but nothing has worked. He showed pictures 11

12 of the interior of the building where the mold continues to grow. The owners can no longer live there. He stated they originally were going to try to save some of the barn and save some of the timbers and reuse them in the building, but the materials are in very serious condition and can t be used. Mr. Tutora and the Board initially discussed the partial demolition of this barn, but upon further discussion and investigation with the Village Building Inspector John Woudsma, it was determined that due to the condition of the existing structure, demolition of the entire structure would be best. Mr. Tortora stated that he will be coming back before the Board for approval of solar panels, geo thermal heat and other green items. Ana Daniel offered a motion to approve the demolition of the entire structure, brick patios, swimming pool, pool equipment and shed which was seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. VII. New Construction/Additions 1. Lisa Wolfe 543 Hedges Lane Applicant proposes to construct a two story single family dwelling, 1 st fl Decks and two swimming pools and renovation of existing roofed structure. Bob Tortora stated that the applicant wanted to try to save part of the barn because it was originally believed that a section of the house was non conforming due to the limited width of the lot, but after further discussion and investigation with Village Building Inspector John Woudsma, it was determined that is not the case. Because the Board has given permission to demolish the entire structure, this barn can be taken down and rebuilt in its original foot print. He stated that the barn will be built on a crawl space. He stated the plan is the same as was previously presented to the Board as a discussion item at the July 10 th meeting. He stated the barn is 6 taller than what is currently there. Mr. Tortora stated they are attempting to make the barn resemble the barn next to the silo that is on the block by using antique barn siding The concept here is to make the new building look like it has always been here. Chairperson Sandford asked if this will now be new construction to which Mr. Tortora stated yes. He stated they are proposing to construct a 2 story, single family dwelling, 1 st fl decks and 2 swimming pools, one of which is a 6 wide lap pool. He stated he will be coming back before the Board at a later time for a garage, pool house and a thin shed building over the lap pool. Barbara Slifka offered a motion to approve the construction of a 2 story, single family dwelling, 1 st fl decks and 2 swimming pools, which was seconded by Ana Daniel. It was unanimously approved. 12

13 2. Steven Swanson 210 Gibson Lane Applicant proposes to renovate a barn Chris DiSunno, architect represented the owner. He stated that the property has been owned by the family for generations. He got a permit to put in a new foundation under the existing barn. They are proposing the reconstruction of the existing barn the exact size and position with the only changes being to the window. He stated the barn was originally used for horses, and the debris, etc. has deteriorated the framing of the structure. Mr. DiSunno stated they are proposing to construct a loft in the barn that they will use as office space. He stated the owners have a nursery in Southampton and there is no office there. He stated this loft will have no kitchen or bedrooms, but there will be a bathroom. There is a staircase to the loft and the loft wraps all the way around which will make it a complete 2 nd Fl. The first floor will be a garage with a staircase leading to the loft. The area will also be used as a storage area for files. Chairperson Sandford asked if the area will be heated to which Mr. DiSunno responded yes. Tom White asked if there is a balcony to which Mr. DiSunno stated yes. He stated there are fantastic views that they would like to take advantage of. He stated that the balcony will be a cantilever style because they have a nice lawn and did not want columns Mr. DiSunno stated the view from the street will be sliding barn doors. He stated that there will be glass above the garage doors with sliding barn doors Ana Daniel asked what will be visible to the public to which Mr. DiSunno responded that there are hedges around 2 sides. He stated the house can be seen but the barn is screened. The barn will match the house. He stated it currently has an asphalt roof with cedar siding. He stated they want to match the house exactly including white trim. Chris DiSunno stated that the barn will be on a slab and will have electric heating or possibly solar. Tom White offered a motion to approve the renovation of a barn which was seconded by Ana Daniel. It was unanimously approved. 3. Lisa Duryea Thayer 167 Gibson Lane Applicant proposes to construct a two-story barn/studio, and a shade structure Roger Thayer, owner, stated that they are proposing to construct a separate structure behind the house, a two-story barn/studio, to make a shop. It will be a 24 x 26, 2 story 13

14 barn. He stated that they previously took down the old garage and shed that were nonconforming. Mr. Thayer stated that they are also proposing to construct a shade structure, which is basically a roof with 4 columns. Chairperson Sandford asked if it will pick up the arches of the house to which Mr. Thayer responded yes. He stated the plans were drawn by Kitty McCoy, the same architect who drew the original plans. Mr. Thayer stated that the barn will have an open floor plan on the bottom. He stated that he will be using that area as a shop and that there will be a 2 nd fl loft. Chairperson Sandford asked if the barn will have natural shingles, white trim and the same style windows as the main house to which Mr. Thayer responded yes. Tom White asked if all the window panels open to which Roger Thayer responded that two of the panels open and two are fixed. Tom White asked if the area will be heated to which Roger Thayer responded yes, it will be gas blown or electric heat. Tom White offered a motion to approve the construction of a two-story barn/studio, and a shade structure which was seconded by Ana Daniel. It was unanimously approved. 4. Anthony Blumberg 719 Daniels Lane Applicant proposes to construct a 1 st and 2 nd Fl addition to dwelling and renovation of kitchen Dave Milazzo, contractor, represented the applicant. He stated the house is located on the ocean and that they will be bumping out the 1 st fl kitchen. He stated that they plan to enclose the existing extended roof to make this addition. The extension of the kitchen would add approximately 70 sq ft.. Mr. Milazzo stated they are proposing a total of five small extensions. Three bedrooms are being extended, one is down stairs and two are upstairs. He stated there is currently a 2 7 balcony in the 1 st Fl bedroom which is being enclosed to extend the bedroom. The 3 rd bedroom upstairs is above the current balcony. They would also like to extend the living room enclosing the existing extended roof Mr. Milazzo stated that there will be swiveling panels. He stated that currently the roof overhang gives the illusion of being far from the view. He stated that by enclosing the existing roof overhang there will be 117 sq. ft added to the 1 st Fl and 414 sq. ft added to the 2 nd Fl giving a total of 531 sq. ft. added to the living space. He stated the foot print will remain the same. 14

15 Tom White offered a motion to approve the construction of 1 st and 2 nd Fl additions to the dwelling and renovation of kitchen which was seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved/ IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS None V. RESOLUTION TO ADJOURN MEETING A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ana Daniel and seconded by Tom White and unanimously approved. Time noted: 5:35 PM PATRICIA ARANCIO-REMKUS Secretary to Board 15