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 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010 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, Clay Dilworth and alternate Board Member Sean Selfe. Also present was Pat Arancio-Remkus, secretary and Village Building Inspector John Woudsma. Absent were Gideon Mendelson, Barbara Slifka and Village Attorney Anthony Tohill. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MONTHLY MEETING A motion to approve the minutes from the August 16, 2010 AHRB meeting was offered by Tom White and seconded by Sean Selfe. It was unanimously approved. II. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business before the Board. III. NEW BUSINESS a. Demolitions 1. Gloria Strong 591 Parsonage Lane 908-7-2-3 Applicant proposes demolition of a two story frame dwelling with a one story addition, framed barn and a shed Chairperson Sandford noted that the Board will proceed and discuss this matter, but according to Sagaponack Village code, the AHRB can only make a decision if the demolition application has been heard by a full board. She stated that the AHRB will have to postpone this decision until the October meeting. 1
John Bennett, attorney for the new owner, asked if there will be five members at the October meeting to which Chairperson Sandford stated that is not yet known. Mr. Bennett asked if someone can make an inquiry to Village Attorney Tony Tohill, because the way he reads that section of the code is a full Board is a turn of right. He stated that often times Boards will delegate the ability for one Board member to sign off on minor items. He stated that his concern is that if there is not a full Board in October, it puts the applicant in an unfair position. He stated they would like to continue the discussion today and Eric Woodward will make his presentation. Eric Woodward, architect stated that the property is on the corner of Parsonage Lane and Town Line Road. Using the survey, he showed the Board the existing frame garage and cottage which is in a non conforming location being too close to the road. He showed the Board renderings of the new house, which will be conforming and will have the proper setbacks from the street. Chairperson Sandford asked if the house will face Parsonage Lane to which Mr. Woodward responded yes. He stated that the applicant did not want the driveway to come in from Town Line Road. He stated the larger yard is to the south of the house and the privacy for the rear yard is created by the house going around in an L shape. They also didn t want to open the yard to traffic from Town Line Road. He stated the front door opening is through the back yard. They felt it made the most sense to have the front door coming off of Parsonage rather than off of Town Line. Chairperson Sandford asked if there will be two curb cuts to which Mr. Woodward responded no. He stated it will benefit the colonial house that is next door on Town Line Road that this new house opens up on Parsonage Lane. Mr. Woodward stated there will be hip roofs and there will be walls with a little bit of a roof before the full two-story height so you will never see a wall at two stories tall. It breaks the scale down and gives a more modest appearance. He stated the house also has a stair tower that is not too elaborate. John Bennett, attorney asked Mr. Woodward if the existing property contained any elements of design or materials, etc. that represents a significant innovation in the existing house to which Mr. Woodward stated no. He stated that this is a generic cottage, which is listed on the application as a two story house.but just barely. There is a tiny staircase. Chairperson Sandford stated that it is listed as a one story house and John Woudsma stated that it is a 1 ½ story house. Mr. Woodward stated that it is really a cottage more than a house and it is a cute building, but it is not a significant architectural piece. Mr. Bennett asked Mr. Woodward if it embodies the distinguishing characteristics of the type, date and style of architecture to which Mr. Woodward responded in a very broad time. He stated it could have been built any time stylistically from 1850 1930. He stated it is generic and ordinary. 2
Mr. Bennett stated that he is trying to give the Board comfort on the standards in the code. He is trying to ask Mr. Woodward to respond to the standards in the code. He doesn t believe that this is a house that meets any of the concerns that one would have for preservation to which Chairperson Sandford directed Mr. Bennett to the minutes on the Village website. She stated the feeling of the Board is that they like the house, but Sagaponack has seven criteria in its code and this house does not seem to meet them. Mr. Bennett asked if there was some way is it fair to say the sense of the Board would be that a demolition would be ok to which Chairperson Sandford asked if anyone else on the Board would like to comment in terms of their point of view to which Tom White stated that the house was originally from Wainscott and it was on the north side of Main Street approximately where Jackie Szcepankowski s new house currently is. He stated the current location is from the 1930s. It was originally built for farm help. Historically, Main Street, Wainscott did not have much construction up until approximately the1890 s when things starting taking off. He stated that some of the interior detail, if it is still original. stair case, railing, etc., may be very similar to the style interpretation we saw on the four square house. Sometimes the interior detail may date the structure. Mr. Bennett stated that he did research this house and found no historic event or such. Tom White stated that David Osborne is the Wainscott historic authority and is very dependable. Mr. Bennett asked if he could get a sense of how the Board feels about this matter to which Tom White stated the AHRB can not give a sense without a full Board. Chairperson Sandford stated that the usual books do not deal with structures moved in the 1920 s Village Building Inspector John Woudsma stated the house was moved prior to 1957 as the Zoning code would not allow for it after 1957. Chairperson Sandford stated there are other structures, a barn or 3 car garage and a shed on the property. She stated she would like this application to be tabled until the October meeting. Chairperson Sandford asked if there were any comments on the drawings of the proposed house to which there were no comments. Chairperson Sandford asked if they will be saving any of the trees to which Mr. Woodward responded yes and stated that the house will be screened entirely. Clay Dilworth asked how high the privet hedges will be on Town Line Road to which Mr. Woodward stated they would like it to be over eye level approximately 6 8 would be desired. 3
A motion to table the application for the demolition of a one story frame dwelling, framed barn and a shed was offered by Chairperson Sandford and seconded by Tom White. It was unanimously approved. b. New Construction/Additions 1. Raphael Gonzalez 6 Sagg Road 908-1-2-33 Applicant proposes construction of a two car detached garage with storage above Craig Millenhausen, contractor, and Joseph Messina, agent, represented the applicant. Mr. Millenhausen stated that they have been before the ZBA and have been approved for a variance for the construction of the garage. Chairperson Sandford asked if the dormers are necessary as they seem like veins and it is a small lot to which Mr. Millenhausen stated the applicant collects exotic cars and will be using the upper area for storage and may possibly put a lift in the garage at a later time. Chairperson Sandford asked if the roofline of the garage is the same as the roofline of the house to which Mr. Messina responded yes. He stated the applicant likes the option of turning a two car garage into a four car garage if a lift is added. Chairperson Sandford asked if they will be removing one curb cut to which Mr. Millenhausen responded yes. He stated they are changing the driveway because they want to shield the garage from the street. They will use the driveway closest to Sagg Road and they will also be moving the landscaping. Chairperson Sandford asked if having just one curb cut will create any safety issues to which Village Building Inspector John Woudsma stated that the plantings that are encroaching into the right of way are going to be removed and the corner is going to be opened up from the corner point back 25 in each direction, which considering the odd angle of the street is going to create plenty of vision all the way around. He stated that he did not see this plan with the trees in the Village right of way, which will be moved into the property behind the property. The ZBA s decision depended upon opening up the corner clearance, re-siting the garage within 20 of this line and using screening material to shield the garage from views directly from both streets. This is already well planted. This material is going to come over here to close up this curb cut to shield the garage from this street view so looking in you will only see a parking area. Clay Dilworth noted that you will not see the dormers from the road because of the vegetation to which Mr. Messina agreed that the property is heavily vegetated and you will not see the garage from the road. Sean Selfe asked if they will be adding shutters to which Mr. Millenhausen responded they are not sure, but if they do add shutters, they will be very simple board and batten shutters. 4
Mr. Millenhausen stated that the siding and roofing will match the existing house and Sean Selfe asked if the windows and trim will be the same as the house to which Mr. Millenhausen responded yes. Chairperson Sandford noted that the casement windows should be duplicated from the house. A motion to approve the construction of a two car detached garage with storage above with casement windows matching the existing house was offered by Clay Dilworth and seconded by Sean Selfe. It was unanimously approved. c. Discussion Items 1. Under the Wind LLC 23 Gibson Lane 908-9-1-24 Applicant to discuss proposed demolition and new construction Tom Kligerman, architect represented the applicant who is proposing the demolition of the existing house and the construction of a new house. The Board viewed pictures of the existing house. Mr. Kligerman stated that the house sits 40 off of the setback and they are going before the ZBA to get a variance. He stated there is a garage and parking area. Mr. Kligerman stated that the house is a 5,600 sq. ft. 4-square style, upside down house with the kitchen, living room, master bedroom suite and office on the 2 nd Fl and the garage, four bedrooms, entrance hall, family room and a porch facing south towards the ocean on the 1 st Fl. He stated on the ocean side there will be a deck on the 2 nd fl and porches below for the bedrooms. Chairperson Sandford asked what the chimney will be to which Mr. Kligerman responded that it will be natural fieldstone. He stated that a small base around the building will be natural fieldstone as well. Tom White asked what the roof will be made of and what the pop out in the chimney was. Mr. Kligerman explained that the roof will be sawn cedar shingles, that the windows will be traditional white divided windows and that the pop-out on the chimney is a B.B.Q.. Tom White asked what the pop out on the chimney was to which Mr. Kligerman stated that it is a Bar-B-Que. Tom White stated that the AHRB prefers brick chimneys. Chairperson Sandford noted that there is a lot of white on this house and fieldstone would meld with the shingles. Mr. Kligerman stated that the muted palate will not jump out at you. Tom White asked how wide the chimneys were to which Mr. Kligerman stated they were 8 and they get skinnier as they go up. Mr. Kligerman noted that the proposed house has the same setbacks as the much larger house next door. 5
Clay Dilworth asked what color the trim was to which Mr. Kligerman stated it will be white, pale grey or left to weather. He stated that when they make a full presentation to the Board, he will bring samples of the materials they will be using. Chairperson Sandford asked what the railings will be made of to which Mr. Kligerman stated they will be painted wood. Chairperson Sandford asked if the applicant was concerned with rot to which Mr. Kligerman stated no. The applicants will maintain the house well. Melissa Reavis of Hollander Design presented the landscape plan. She stated that the finish flood elevation changes. It starts at 18 and becomes 11 in some spots. We are trying to accomplish getting from 11 to 18 by having a series of steps and decorative features such as a free standing deck and walls. We will also have space to park 4 cars. She stated that we have vegetation along the property line and there is a lot of room to put privet hedges and screening along each side. The western property line currently has privet hedges. She stated there will be blue stone walks with grass joints and stone walls and there will be stepping stones to the front walk. Ms. Reavis stated that there will be an infinity pool that is constantly flowing to which Chairperson Sandford asked if it drops into the ocean side to which Ms. Reavis responded yes. She stated the pool will be placed where the current house is. Clay Dilworth asked what vegetation is currently there now to which Ms. Reavis responded that there is beach grass and a few black pines. Chairperson Sandford asked what the purpose of the decorative walls was to which Ms. Reavis responded that the client wanted fieldstone elements within the landscape. 2. Nagel 138 Seascape Lane 908-8-1-23 Applicant to discuss proposed partial demolition of existing 2 story single family dwelling, renovation and addition to two story single family dwelling and pool house Viola Rouhani of Stelle Architects represented the applicant. John Bennett, attorney, stated that the applicants bought two lots, which are held as single and separate building lots. One lot has a house on it and the other is totally vacant. They are merging the two lots and will have the house and a pool house on the combined lot. He stated that they will be requesting a partial demolition of the existing house. 6
Chairperson Sandford asked for clarification of the applicants request for a partial demolition to which Ms. Rouhani responded that the existing house is non compliant in terms of FEMA regulations. The applicants are seeking to renovate the house and make it more compliant in terms of raising it to 2 above the base flood elevation, to comply with the height restrictions on the corner, and to put in a compliant sanitary system. They have gone through a long process already. They have a wetlands resolution, which they are waiting for the covenants to be filed, a DEC permit and a Health Department Permit. The current house is a 1½ story house, and the grade is at 6 where it is supposed to be at 14. She stated that everything they will be doing will be within the existing foot print. They are also proposing the construction of a 2 nd fl addition Chairperson Sandford asked if there is a wall around the septic system to which Ms. Rouhani responded yes. Mr. Bennett stated there was no way to get around that wall because of the required separation in the bottom of the leaching pools and the ground water. Ms. Rouhani stated they will be using wood windows and the siding will be left natural and it will eventually silver out and the lower level will have a thick concrete wall that has the required flood vents. Chairperson Sandford asked what the color of the concrete will be to which Ms. Rouhani stated that it will be a high finish architectural concrete or masonry applied plaster. It allows the house to breathe better. Chairperson Sandford asked if there will be any solar elements. Ms. Rouhani stated they will be placing solar panels on the roof. She also explained that there will be a 500 sq. ft. pool house and an above ground, saline pool attached. Chairperson Sandford asked if there will be any chimneys to which Mr. Rouhani responded yes, they will be plaster. Mr. Bennett asked if there are any red flags to which Chairperson Sandford responded not from the AHRB s perspective. 3. Change of meeting date for October meeting to Monday, October 18, 2010 @ 9:30 AM A motion to change the meeting date for October meeting to Monday, October 18, 2010 @ 9:30 AM was made by Clay Dilworth and seconded by Sean Selfe and unanimously approved. V. MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Clay Dilworth and seconded by Sean Selfe and unanimously approved. 7
Time noted: 4:40 PM VI. MOTION TO RE-OPEN MEETING A motion to re-open the meeting was made by Clay Dilworth and seconded by Tom White and unanimously approved. Paul Brennan of 198 Parsonage Lane and Melissa Osborne, realtors stated they wanted to comment about the Strong house at 591 Parsonage Lane. Mr. Brennan stated that they represent the Allardice house on Parsonage Lane. He stated they are having problems given the fact determining what can and cannot be done with older houses which is the reason they came here in reference to the demolition of the Strong house. Ms. Osborne stated that they have lowered the price and lowered the price and the house is still not selling because bidders want to know what they can do with the property. She has shared the information that the AHRB has previously given that the AHRB wants them to keep the façade of the house and the barn and you want a lot more saved, the property owners want more free reign. She stated that even in talking with different builders, who may or may not step forward, they feel that because of the property restrictions, they would prefer to go to a different property. Chairperson Sandford asked if keeping the façade of the house plus one barn is too encumbering to which Ms. Osborne stated it is also because the property has front yard setback off Parsonage Pond Road all the way back onto Osborne Court. She stated that almost ¾ s of the property has a front yard setback. Ms. Osborn stated that inside the main barn, the faded red end of the large barn is actually an addition. She asked if Ms. Allardice could demolish that part of the barn. Ms. Osborne stated that Ms. Allardice will come before the Board to get a demolition permit for the barn and the shed. She stated that it is very difficult to sell houses in Sagaponack because there is a problem with what can be done with older houses. The prospective owners want more free reign. The property is so encumbered with restrictions. Paul Brennan stated there is confusion because of the precedent that was set. The Village wants to preserve agricultural heritage, but the AHRB needs to find a way not to encumber the property so that we don t know exactly what that means in terms of being able to tear down or not tear down in terms of demolition. Chairperson Sandford stated that she can appreciate what he is saying. She stated that allowing demolition on everything would no doubt be easier. One can see that and then the buyer can decide and that would be free reign. She stated that the Village Code has seven criteria. She stated that most of the time the AHRB allows the demolition. She stated there have been very few no s that have come up against the seven criteria. Ms. Osborne stated that the code is encumbering a realtor s ability to sell houses. 8
VII. MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Clay Dilworth and seconded by Sean Selfe and unanimously approved. Time noted: 4:50 PM PATRICIA ARANCIO-REMKUS Secretary to Board 9