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, March 18, 2011 at 3175 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, N.Y. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Sandford with a flag salute. Present were Board Members Vice Chairperson Tom White, Sean Selfe, Barbara Slifka, Gideon Mendelson were in attendance and alternate Board Member Robert Barandes was in attendance in the audience. Also present was Pat Arancio- Remkus, secretary and Village Building Inspector John Woudsma. Absent was Village Attorney Anthony Tohill. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MONTHLY MEETING A motion to approve the minutes from the February 18, 2011 AHRB meeting was offered by Sean Selfe and seconded by Tom White. It was unanimously approved. II. OLD BUSINESS a. Demolitions 1. 79 Parsonage Lane LLC 79 Parsonage Lane 908-6-1-2 Applicant proposes demolition of a one story single family dwelling and shed Eric Woodward, architect noted that he previously presented this application to the AHRB. He stated that architecturally there is no significance to the design of the building. He noted that there is historic significance in the property, but they have gotten some potentially conflicting information regarding who the builder and owner were and what was placed in the history books. He stated they have been able to establish that there is a significant importance to black history and to the history of Sagaponack. He noted that he had no additional information to offer. We have established that the owner lived in that house and is described on a 1916 map with his name, but the farm land is in the name of Roesel and you had come up with census information, one which mentions farmer and one that does not. That is not truly convincing major information about it being a historic site, but perhaps there is some historic significance there. 1
We looked at alternatives to the demolition of the house and we discussed the fact that the property is too small to be subdivided. We would need ZBA approval for subdivision and there might be opposition from the neighborhood in terms of the increase in density. We considered incorporating the little cottage into a larger house and that would not work. We discussed the possibility of connecting the cottage underground to the new main house that will be built on the property, but because of the location of the house, to connect it with tunnel would not be practical. The 4 th option is to potentially relocate the house. Michael Davis stated that he has been approached by Lidz Pauyo who expressed interest in moving to the house to a piece of property that she owns in Sag Harbor Hills at 7 Gull Rock Road in Sag Harbor. We put her together with Dawn House Movers and the house can be moved. They would cut it into five pieces and reconnecting them at the new site. She has received all of the estimates for the work, both from Dawn House movers and my framer and she has retained David Saskas as the surveyor to do a topographical survey. He told her it will take approximately 2 weeks to complete the field work. She has also retained Stan from Dawn Movers and he is determining the route. It may be down Route 114 or it may be via Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike. The whole question about the move is a matter of timing because you need to get the topographical survey, then she is going to apply to the Suffolk County Health Dept. for the new house. She cannot apply for a building permit until she has the approval which can take up to six weeks. He is not sure what the turn around time at the Sag Harbor Building Dept. for them to process the application. Also Sag Harbor does not allow wide loads to go through during the day in season. It will have to be moved during the night. This means we will not be able to execute all of these things until after the season. The house will probably have to remain there until September or so. I have had a discussion with Lucius Ware about a plaque. Mr. Davis noted that we are all on the same side as that is concerned. He stated that he appreciates history of African Americans contributions and will be happy to donate a plaque to be placed on the shoulder of the road somewhere behind the boundary points of the lot. He stated that he knows that we have talked about it and he thinks if we can get together collectively and come up with appropriate wording we can proceed with that matter.. Mr. Davis stated that he has spoken with Bonnie Cannon of the African American Museum of the East End and he will donate professional quality photographs to the museum. That is basically a re-cap of what has happened over the last month. He noted that he does not want a demolition permit, but we want to be able to proceed with our plans. We can not afford to wait another six months until all of this materializes. He stated that normally when he is involved in projects where there is an existing house with a C. O. being replaced by another house he gets a letter to the Building Inspector from the owner saying that they understand that only one building can be on this lot and that no C. O. will be issued for the new dwelling until the old 2
dwelling is removed. Typically allows the homeowners to spend the summer in the existing house while the new house is being built on the same property. He would be more than prepared to submit a letter. He noted that what he is asking for is for the AHRB to consider is their recommending to the Building Dept. to allow us to proceed with our plans via our application for a building permit and to move this house as soon as it can possibly be moved. Obviously after the foundation is in.they will have to put in a new foundation for the house at new site as well I missed that particular stage. Chairperson Sandford stated that Village Clerk Treasurer Rosemarie Cary Winchell had reminded her that previously someone, who was making renovations to their main dwelling, wanted to live in another dwelling on the property. They put up a bond so the renovation of the main house could move forward. She is contacting the Village Attorney Tony Tohill to draft a resolution for us. Michael Davis stated that he did not know what the problem was. Basically if for some reason or other this house does not get moved to the property, he would offer it as a free house. If there is no other interest, house would have to come down. Chairperson Sandford noted that Village Building Inspector John Woudsma has discussed the issues around a C. O. and how that would be put into the wording of a resolution that we could propose and discuss. Village Building Inspector John Woudsma stated that the bond that would be pursued is more to give the Village the money to go to court with or to take the house down, but Tony Tohill will work that all out. It is just a matter of signing the paperwork and issuing a building permit. Chairperson Sandford stated that the AHRB would propose a resolution agreeing that before a C. O. was issued to the new project, the current house would either be moved or demolished. However, she noted that she was 99.9% confident that the house would be moved. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to adjourn this application in lieu of adoption of resolution from Village Attorney Tony Tohill. A motion was offered by Gideon Mendelson and seconded by Sean Selfe. It was unanimously approved. B. New Construction 1. Silvera Beach Properties LLC 165 Daniels Lane 908-9-2-9 Applicant proposes construction of a two story dwelling with attached two car garage, covered porch, pool house and arbor Chairperson Sandford noted that this application was discussed at some length last month. David Silvera presented a color presentation of the proposed dwelling. 3
Mr. Silvera noted that the shingles are a brownish color and roof that will also be shingled. He stated that previously there was some concern about the fascia board. He presented photos of a house to give an example of what it actually looks like. Chairperson Sandford noted that he had not made any changes to which Mr. Silvera responded that the changes he made are the following: the fascia is a 1 x 8 and the wake board behind it is a 1 x 6. The wake board is not seen. One covers the other. The trims around the windows are 12 x 4 and the bottom is just a 2 sill. It is just a piece of 2 1/3 solid pine at the top. It is not obvious. The Board again expressed concern that the trim, fascia and corbels seemed to display too much white on the structure, therefore, making it appear too bright. Mr. Silvera pointed out that some of the trim would be covered by the copper gutters and that most of the house would be cedar shingles. Chairperson Sandford noted that it does look different than the renderings submitted at last month s meeting and Sean Selfe noted that the color renderings help. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of a two story dwelling with attached two car garage, covered porch, pool house and arbor. A motion was offered by Sean Selfe and seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. C. Additions/Renovation 1. Blumberg 719 Daniels Lane 908-10-4-13 Applicant proposes color for exterior of dwelling Richard Acierno of AML Architecture presented a photo presentation of the existing condition of the house from all sides. He also showed finishes on other houses in the area. He stated that there are not many full stucco houses in the area. Mr. Acierno explained that there is a house on Daniels Lane that has a long concrete wall, which is a very imposing feature. He noted that the wall is concrete polished over with stucco. He stated that what they are proposing will be smaller and softer than that one. He showed samples of the stucco and the off white color. Barbara Slifka noted that it was a sand color and Mr. Acierno added that it will be a smooth finish. A motion to approve the color for the exterior of the dwelling was offered by Sean Selfe and seconded by Tom White. It was unanimously approved. III. NEW BUSINESS a. Additions/Renovation 1. Loren Dunlap 93 Sagg Road 4
908-2-2-10 Applicant proposes construction of an 83 sq. ft. addition Mike Walsh, Esq. represented the applicant. He stated that the addition is not visible from any other adjacent property. The lot across the street is vacant and he is the owner of the property to the south. There is a large hedge row between this property and the property to the north. Chairperson Sandford asked what part is new to which Mr. Walsh stated the little open alcove now is roofed over so rain and snow do not come in. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of an 83 sq. ft. addition. A motion was offered by Gideon Mendelson and seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. 2. Ericas Lane LLC 169 Ericas Lane 908-10-2-25 Applicant proposes construction of 1 st & 2 nd Fl addition, 1 st & 2 nd Fl renovation, 1 st Fl addition of covered porch to front and rear, conversion of existing covered porch into mud room, 2 nd Fl unroofed decks, finished basement and spa Joe Bello, architect and Ron Friedman, owner were present. Mr. Bello presented photos of the existing house to the Board and explained that this application was previously before the Board a few months ago, but they are submitting new plans from what was previously approved. They have since gone in a different direction. They decided to create an addition to the house on the right side, which gives the lot more livable space. Mr. Bello continued that in keeping with the character of the house they have matched the material, the cedar shingles and kept the roof lines in character with the house. He noted that they did some minor work in the front. They are proposing a bump out for the front entry to create more space. Chairperson Sandford asked if they ever thought about making the two sloped ridge lines the same to which Mr. Bellow responded yes, but they rejected it because it would create a bigger mass and he wanted them connected between the main body of the house and the addition. He explained that they are trying to make the house appear less imposing. Mr. Bello explained that in the rear of the structure there is an existing covered porch, which they are proposing to create a 2 nd story deck on off of the master bedroom. Gideon Mendelson asked Mr. Bellow to explain the roof line at the top of the structure as the existing structure meets the new addition. Mr. Bellow explained they matched the pitch of the existing roof line so that it would appear to be continuous. 5
Sean Selfe asked why it was necessary for the porch to be so deep to which Mr. Bello responded that when you walk into the house there is no place for a coat closet and when we bumped that first floor out, it segregates the porches on the sides. We had to bump the porch out so you can circulate to the porches without having to step down to grade and back up again. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of 1 st & 2 nd Fl addition, 1 st & 2 nd Fl renovation, 1 st Fl addition of covered porch to front and rear, conversion of existing covered porch into mud room, 2 nd Fl unroofed decks, finished basement and spa. It was offered by Barbara Slifka and seconded by Tom White. It was unanimously approved. 3. Elliott & Miriam Meisel 107 Ericas Lane 908-10-2-20 Applicant proposes construction of a 919 sq. ft. covered porch Nick Botta, architect presented photos of the existing house. He stated that they are proposing to cover the existing rear deck, which faces away from the street. He noted that they will be using the same materials for the roof and siding as are on the existing structure. Tom White asked if it will have a flat roof to which Mr. Botta responded essentially. He stated that it will have a thinner profile than the main house to make it less imposing. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of a 919 sq. ft. covered porch. It was offered by Gideon Mendelson and seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. 4. 243 Hedges Lane LLC 243 Hedges Lane 908-6-3-41 Applicant proposes construction of a 432 sq. ft. pergola Eric Woodward, architect presented the application. He stated that the property currently has a new house and the 1830 s cottage, which is being restored. He explained that the pergola will be in the rear yard along the side of the pool and will not be visible from the street. Barbara Slifka asked what the purpose of a pergola was to which Mr. Woodward responded that it will provide shade. Vines will be grown on it and it will never be an enclosed structure. Chairperson Sandford asked if it will be painted white to which Mr. Woodward responded no, it will be clear cedar. 6
Chairperson Sandford asked about the flooring under the pergola to which Mr. Woodward responded that it is the blue stone. Tom White asked what the dimensions of the pergola are to which Mr. Woodward stated that the posts are 34 x 10 and it will be 39 x 15 to the outside of the overhang. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of a 432 sq. ft. pergola. The motion was offered by Gideon Mendelson and seconded by Tom White. It was unanimously approved. 5. Unique Properites 79 Ericas Lane 908-10-2-16 Applicant proposes construction of a new 2 story dwelling Richard Perrillo, owner presented the application. He noted that they are trying to down play the visual and nothing on the house will be very white. He stated they will be using dove white on the trim to keep it simple and the cedar shingles and roof will be bleached out. They have not chosen a color yet, but it will be a natural color. Tom White asked if they will be using white cedar to which Mr. Perrillo responded yes. Mr. Perrillo noted that there are actually 4 steps on the chimney, 1 each. The total of the steps will be 4 when it is finished. Barbara Slifka asked what the square footage was to which Mr. Perrillo responded 6,001 sq. ft. Sean Selfe noted that the shutters were board and batten Chairperson Sandford asked what color the shutters will be to which Mr. Perrillo responded that they will be slightly darker than the siding. Barbara Slifka noted that it is nice that the driveway does not open up to the front of house. Sean Selfe noted that he does not like the shutters to which Mr. Perrillo responded that he simplified it with little trim and added the shutters. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of a new 2 story dwelling. The motion was offered by Tom White and Barbara Slifka seconded it. It was unanimously approved. 7
B. DEMOLITIONS 1. DAMA, LLC 239 Gibson Lane 908-9-2-46 Applicant proposes demolition of two story single family dwelling, three car garage, swimming pool and tennis court Jaquelin Robertson, architect presented the application. He stated that this is a 6.45 acre site. Barbara Slifka asked if this was the former Corzine house to which Mr. Robertson responded yes. He stated that it was built in approximately 1990. He stated that the new owner proposes to tear the house down. He stated that from the 2 nd Fl you can see over the dune, but you cannot from the 1 st Fl. The dune is both protective in that sense against storms. Barbara Slifka noted that it had terrible erosion there in the last five years to which Mr. Robertson stated that there was terrible erosion just this winter. He said previously the dune went up and sloped down and now it is cut straight down. He said that according to experts there is a better profile because it is wider and less vertical on the ocean side. When you go there you can see significant changes. Chairperson Sandford noted that there were lovely gardens there to which Mr. Robertson stated that they have lovely gardens and they will have more lovely gardens. The site gets pretty radically changed. He noted that certain trees will be saved. He explained that essentially they are trying to get it back to an even grade, to get the site back to as even a grade as possible all the way across it. It goes up slight across one area approximately 5 and the idea is to get that to line up as clear as possible. Chairperson Sandford asked if they will bring in fill to which Mr. Robertson responded no they will just be moving it around. Gideon Mendelson asked when the existing house was built to which Mr. Robertson responded that it was built in approximately 1990. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the demolition of two story single family dwelling, three car garage, swimming pool and tennis court. Barbara Slifka offered the motion and Gideon Mendelson seconded it. It was unanimously approved. 8
C. NEW CONSTRUCTION 1. DAMA, LLC 239 Gibson Lane 908-9-2-46 Applicant proposes construction of two story single family dwelling with 1 st Fl covered porches, 2 nd Fl unroofed decks, detached three car garage, detached pool house and detached tennis pavilion Jacquelin Robertson, of Cooper Robertson Architects, presented the application. He brought a study model to present to the Board. He explained that even though the model was all white, the house will be cedar shingled. He continued to explain that they propose to remove the service traffic from the private road in order to construct a parking space and a driveway. He stated that the 3 car garage will have a basement storage area. Mr. Robertson noted that the main entrance is in the middle and a low privet hedge runs all along the common driveway. He explained that they chose the location of the lot for the residence because it gave the best view in both directions. He continued to explain that they bent the boomerang shape to get as much private lawn and ocean front as possible and keep the mechanical items in terms of the cars and tennis in the back. He explained that the pool house will have storage in the basement, the tennis court will be sunken and privet hedges will frame the court yard area. He noted that there is a widow s walk on the top of the house, a ground floor covered porch and a small Jacuzzi on the 2 nd fl deck, which is where the master bedroom will be located. He explained the floor plan to the Board noting that the 1 st Fl has a solarium, which is a stretched rectangle that has windows all around so when you sit in there you can have flowers into the autumn or probably through the winter. Mr. Robertson explained that they propose to use shingles and mahogany left natural for trim around the windows, similar to the renovation to Jefferson s Monticello. Chairperson Sandford commented that this is Sagaponack. Mr. Robertson stated that in order to accommodate his client s request to be able to see the sunset, he designed the big octagonal windows which run all the way across the 2 nd Fl dining room. He explained that Ed Hollander has designed the landscape to incorporate bluestone walks and patios, flower gardens and lawns. He noted that they are going to have beach grass planted on the back side of the dune. It is the best strengthener of the dune. Barbara Slifka asked what the square footage was to which Ed Siegel of Cooper Robertson Architects responded 11,268 sq. ft. 9
Chairperson Sandford asked if the house can be seen from the beach to which Mr. Robertson responded that he was not sure. He noted that it is the same height as the existing house. Ed Siegel added that the new house will be moving 21 north from where the existing house is. Chairperson Sandford noted that the proposed home is not Sagaponack vernacular Mr. Robertson noted that it is not East End vernacular either. This house came out of the client s desire for this type of house. Chairperson Sandford asked if the shingles will be stained to which Mr. Robertson responded no, the red cedar shingles will be left to weather. The intention of the design is to install fish tale shingles at the top, which reflects an East End tradition and regular shingles on the rest. He noted that the trim of some of the windows will be mahogany, which may be painted white. As you know you now have to design windows with hurricane force winds in mind and the muttons and munions are much bigger than they used to be. Gideon Mendelson asked if the chimneys will be red brick to which Mr. Robertson responded that the chimney will not be brick coming out, they will be coming out with shingles on them. He noted that he started doing that because brick puts streaks all over the roof and it looks horrible. Chairperson Sandford asked if the roof will be red cedar left natural to which Mr. Robertson responded yes. Chairperson Sandford asked if he had any drawings that would show how much white trim there will be as there appears to be a lot of columns. Mr. Robertson responded that there are only four columns. Chairperson Sandford noted that the discussion is what we think would be more in common with Sagaponack. She noted that on the beach side there are railings and columns to which Mr. Robertson stated that that is the porch. Chairperson Sandford responded that she was aware of that, but the Board would like an impression of the amount of white. Mr. Robertson stated that the columns are square wooden columns with lamps on the side above the railing line and the porch has a railing on two sides. Gideon Mendelson asked if they are white to which Mr. Robertson responded yes. Barbara Slifka stated that she thinks it is pretty. Chairperson Sandford stated that she believes there are too many columns for Sagaponack. I don t know if it is appropriate for the Village of Sagaponack. Mr. Robertson stated that when you look at the history of houses on the East End, they change dramatically. It is not the Newport views, but it is big stuff for our part of the world. Now you are getting a whole period of modernist style houses and people going back and forth and these become a stylistically a mixed world. 10
Barbara Slifka asked what style this home is to which Mr. Robertson responded this is a Georgian Colonial house. Sean Selfe noted that the house is too formal for beachfront in Sagaponack. Chairperson Sandford stated that she prefers the back of the house to the front of the house. Mr. Robertson stated that he did a big Mediterranean house in East Hampton on East End Road. That was the first time he ever ran into a stucco and stone house with red shingles on it and shutters. It is really beautiful. You know that it is not an East Hampton shingle style house, but it doesn t look out of place in any way. Chairperson Sandford repeated that this is a Georgian Colonial house to which Mr. Robertson confirmed that it was. If you go to Virginia this is the style..chairperson Sandford stated that she knew. Mr. Robertson continued but it started.chairperson Sandford stated that is the sense of space we are all getting at. Mr. Robertson said all right.me, too. Mr. Robertson said that it is all over the United Stated. He noted that New England has Georgian houses which generally.chairperson Sandford noted that Mr. Robertson is calling it Georgian. She asked if it is not Greek Revival. Mr. Robertson said it is not Greek Revival. It is Georgian. Chairperson Sandford asked what makes it Georgian to which Mr. Robertson responded the tripod organization, the simplicity of the if you have to give it one word this would be Piedmont Georgian and you could also see it without columns. Tom White asked why it could not be done without the columns to which Mr. Robertson responded because the client wants the columns. Barbara Slifka noted that it would be less severe without the columns to which Mr. Robertson said the reason he did it this way was because his clients wanted the columns. He stated that he has never done it without the columns. Gideon Mendelson stated that it is a variation of the vernacular of this area in the Hamptons. This is such a statement especially from the front elevation with the two story high columns. You have four different styled windows in the front to which Mr. Robertson responded that that is ok because the upper windows define the house. Gideon Mendelson stated that you have octagonal you have oval you have the small window above the door, you have big moldings. There is just a whole lot more going on. What can we do to keep clients happy and to tone it down. Chairperson Sandford said that is the challenge. Chairperson Sandford asked how deep the front entry was to which Mr. Robertson responded that it is approximately 2 feet. He stated that this is not a porch. Barbara Slifka asked when you step into..to which Mr. Robertson responded that you step into the front hall. When you enter the house you can go to either side or 11
go through the middle where you can go to the ocean and each side will take you to a wing. One side is the sunroom and the other side is to the bedrooms. Chairperson Sandford stated that you really could do this front without the columns to which Mr. Robertson responded yes, if I were doing this for myself I would do it differently. Barbara Slifka asked what he would be doing if it were for himself to which Mr. Robertson responded that all of it would all change. The things that I did 15 years ago that I don t do now because when you are making a name for yourself, you put in a lot of that stuff. You want to do plans that you enjoy doing. I wouldn t do this for a lot of reasons, but I have gotten to like these and I think these would be preferred. Gideon Mendelson noted that clearly the client is looking for something grand. He suggested Mr. Robertson go back to the client and explain that the Board envisions a design more in keeping with Sagaponack, toned down. He believes the house can be significantly toned down and continue be super grand. Mr. Robertson stated that this façade is not as big as you think it is. Gideon Mendelson noted that he is not sure that is what we want on the beach. Chairperson Sandford noted that the 4 columns at the front façade are at the center of this proposal. She stated that we would consider it equally grand and elegant if it was simplified. Mr. Robertson stated that what they attempted to do was to develop a language so that all of the window systems are in proportion to one other. You had asked if I could do without that little window Gideon Mendelson stated that he sees the balance, I am seeing a lot of vocabularies and maybe you can eliminate a couple. Chairperson Sandford stated that this application should be tabled and asked that Mr. Robertson come back with revisions in line with our conversations. She also asked if he would bring photos of the shingled chimneys Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to adjourn this application until the April 15 th meeting. A motion was offered by Gideon Mendelson and seconded by Sean Selfe. It was unanimously approved. 2. Gibson Farm LLC 236 Gibson Lane 908-9-1-22.4 Applicant proposes construction of a two story single family dwelling, two car garage, unroofed decks, covered breezeway, roof decks and pergola James Merrell, architect presented the application. He noted that in the 1960 s and 1970 s, a lot of the beachfront..the houses that were built in the open fields and 12
on the beaches were modern houses. It was a famously modern experiment. He stated that the vernacular of the beachfront is historically arguably as much modern as it is traditional. Chairperson Sandford noted that was very much in harmony with the environment to which Mr. Merrell agreed. Mr. Merrell stated that what may be in keeping historically is a very nuance type of conversation which he thinks is quite interesting. He stated that he is going to argue that there is a home for this type of architecture in Sagaponack as well. He showed the elevation of a house that the AHRB had approved three years ago. They finished that house on Daniels Lane last summer. This new house, which is sort of an interpretation of that house, is our client s response after he saw that house and loved it and wanted it on his lot. We are already working off of a history of doing this type of architecture in the Village. Barbara Slifka asked if this was next door to Billy Joel s lot to which Mr. Merrell responded no, it is across the street, the second lot. It is the only lot of the Gibson Farm Subdivision that has not started construction. Mr. Merrell presented photos of model views of the house which includes both of the existing houses to either side. He stated that he would like to make a couple of notes about this because sometimes modern architecture can seem larger than it is. He stated that his clients are from Florida and have no issues with building a house which is restricted to the new FEMA regulations. One of the effects of that is we have to meet the 40 elevation as our height as opposed to 32 above grade. The houses on either side of it are much taller because they can go 32 from natural existing grade because they beat the FEMA limitations. Our natural existing grade starts at 12 under the new FEMA regulations. Chairperson Sandford asked why that is to which Mr. Merrell explained that part of the FEMA law was to give a maximum elevation of 40 above sea level. Chairperson Sandford stated that the other two houses were built before the law became effective and they were transitional. Mr. Merrell stated that everyone was running to get ahead this. He noted that two things happened: (1) the lowest allowable FEMA elevation was changed; (2) there was an elevation cap. So from 12 you could have gone up to 44 but now we are in the AE Zone. Our estimation on the house to the west is that it is about 8 higher than this house because the old FEMA elevation is at 32, which is 10 or 15 taller. Just to give you the scale of this house it is actually a lot smaller than the other houses as well. It is approximately 5400 sq. ft. Mr. Merrell presented existing views of the vegetation. He stated that this is an upside down house to capture the view from the south and the north. Chairperson Sandford asked if the landscaping is by design to which Mr. Merrell responded yes. He stated that the landscape design was prepared by Chris LaGuardia. He noted that the houses to either side are surrounded by privet hedge and we have none. The whole idea is to be sort of singled out and now it will feel like all of the open space belongs to this house. We had to be 40 out of the ground 13
by law. So we were able to lift our pool and terraces and that allowed us to be natural landscape which may be moved forward. We wanted to bring the open field into the property and make that connection. Chairperson Sandford asked what the square footage is to which Mr. Merrell responded that it is 5,202 square feet. Chairperson Sandford asked what materials they will be using to which Mr. Merrell responded that it will be natural cedar siding and trim, mahogany windows and mahogany louvered panels. Barbara Slifka asked if the panels will be movable to which Mr. Merrell responded no, they will be fixed panels. Mr. Merrell continued that the terrace will be stone in a warm light brown color Chairperson Sandford asked what the chimney will be made of to which Mr. Merrell responded that it will be stucco. He noted that it will be natural and will blend in with the color of the stone. Mr. Merrell noted that they will also have a pergola, which will be an open structure that is a shade structure along by the pool. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of a two story single family dwelling, two car garage, unroofed decks, covered breezeway, roof decks and pergola. A motion was offered by Sean Selfe and seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. 3. David Mitchell 70 Fairfield Pond Lane 908-6-2-13 Applicant proposes construction of a two story, two car garage with media room above Mark Verzosa, contractor presented the application. He stated that they are proposing construction of a two story, two-car garage with a media room and a bath on the 2 nd Fl. He noted that there is a shared driveway to the house and there is dense vegetation. He stated that this is the stainless steel house, which was built in 1985 and that the house is not visible from street. He noted that the new construction will be of the same materials as the existing house with mahogany trim, aluminum windows and a stone base that looks like river rock. He stated that they are limited by the setback and it is a very small building.only 1726 sq. ft. It is two stories and the second floor is a media room with an attached bathroom. He stated that the material palette will be mahogany for the garage door. Chairperson Sandford asked if the garage doors open vertically to which Mr. Verzosa responded that it is just one big wall and it slides horizontally. 14
He stated that in the material palette they wanted to do something that was very close to the stone that is there already. He stated that the majority of the building will be stainless steel which is a recyclable material made by Eastern Architectural Products of Pennsylvania. He stated that the upper half of the house will be dark grey and the lower half will be a lighter grey The color is called cream white. He explained that the garage can only be viewed from the back yard. Chairperson Sandford noted that it juts out to which Mr. Verzosa responded yes, just out over the existing wood wall. He stated that he had to do it that way in order to meet the set backs. He had to move the upper floor out a little bit and it creates a little bit of an awning over the walk way. Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of a two story, two car garage with media room above. A motion was offered by Barbara Slifka and seconded by/tom White. It was unanimously approved. 4. Frederick Benenson 377 Parsonage Lane 908-7-1-19 Applicant proposes construction of new exterior cellar entrance to west side of building, finished basement, renovation of 1 st & 2 nd, new un-roofed deck to west side of building Sean Webb of Form Architecture presented the application. He noted that the house is not visible from the road. The owner had just purchased the property and there are egress issues as far as windows and the basement does not have two means of egress. He stated they will be installing two French doors along the side of the structure and will create a new deck to match the existing. He explained that the existing interior steps to the basement will be moved and they will be adding another set of steps for access from the outside. He noted that it is somewhat dark in the basement so they will be adding casement windows to allow more light in. He stated they will be adding six new casement windows to the 2 nd Fl side of the dwelling on the opposite side of the house where the new French doors will be installed. They will also be adding one new casement window to the 2 nd Fl on the front left and to the front right of the structure. Two small casement windows will also be added to the 2 nd Fl left rear of the house to match the existing. He noted that the french doors will match the existing and that there will be no expansion of space. Chairperson Sandford noted that it adds balance. 15
Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to approve the construction of new exterior cellar entrance to west side of building, finished basement, renovation of 1 st & 2 nd, new un-roofed deck to west side of building. A motion was offered by Sean Selfe and seconded by Barbara Slifka. It was unanimously approved. D. AMENDMENT 1. Stuart Quan & Renee Vara 116 Gibson Lane 908-9-1-22.1 Applicant proposes amendment to existing building permit P#162 modifications of elevation and section heights Chairperson Sandford asked for a motion to adjourn this application as there was no one present to represent the application. Gideon Mendelson offered the motion and it was seconded by Sean Selfe. It was unanimously approved. V. MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tom White and seconded by Sean Selfe and unanimously approved. Time noted: 6:05 PM PATRICIA ARANCIO-REMKUS Secretary to Board 16