HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA-03/06/1996 HEARING r � )
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TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1996
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD OF APPEALS
The Chairman read the application and legal notice for each new hearing.
7:33 p.m. Application #4353 (A & B) - ESTATE OF LORETTA SENKO, by
Richard F. Lark, as attorney. The applicant has filed two applications
based upon the December 11, 1995 Notice of Disapproval issued by the
Building Inspector, in which applicant was denied a building permit to
construct a one-family on vacant land for the reason that lot nonconforming
in lot size and has not been held in common ownership since July 1, 1983:
Application A: An area variance is required under Section 100-25
(and 100-24) based upon a claim of practical difficulties in the event a
waiver is not granted under Section 100-26. The subject lot is shown to be
adjoining another lot in common ownership improved with a single family
dwelling on a 15,857 sq. ft. (See proposed Set-Off map dated Nov. 13,
1995, amended Feb. 12, 1996. ) Subject parcels identified as County Tax
Map Parcels No. 1000-104-4-10 and 11 Sterling Road, Nassau Farms,
Cutchogue, NY.
Application B: A waiver is requested under Section 100-26 for the
lot as created by deed dated 2/21/58 at Liber 4432 page 170, and further
deed dated 9/24/90 at Liber 11155 page 543, for parcel containing 20,297 sq.
ft. in area and 100.0 ft along the south side of Sterling Road, at Nassau
Farms, Cutchogue, identified as County Tax Map #1000-104-4-10.
CIIAIRMAN: In both A & B files I have survey dated November 13, 1995 by
Roderick Van Tuyl pc indicating the house lot which is approximately 75 by
211.88 and the lot which is the nature of this application also, which is
lot #1 which is vacant, which is 20,297 sq. ft. or 100 by 195 variable. I
have a copy of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding
properties in the area. Mr. Lark, how are you tonight?
MR. RICHARD LARK: Fine.
Chairman: So nice to see you, how are you?
MR. RICHARD LARK: OK. My name is Richard Lark, Main Road,
Cutchogue, NY. On behalf of the applicant. If I could I'd like to talk
about the application fee which is the waiver application first. If the
board grants that is won't be necessary to go onto the variance
application. The reason also is that the land that this application falls
squarely within the four criteria that are listed in the Zoning Ordinance
for a waiver. Not to be redundant because the board I think has a complete
picture in the variance application, application A as well as in application
B, but I'd .just like to cover a few of the basic facts not to reread the
application or the request for the zoning.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Thanks
MR. RICHARD LARK: Variance or the waiver, ok. The lot in question was
purchased in 1958, that's exhibit 3 as a separate lot. When lot sizes under
the zoning ordinance in the Town of Southold at that time were 12,500
square feet. Zoning hadn't gone into effect until 1957. This lot in
question which were asking for set off or the waiver merger is 20,297 sq.
ft. , and so at that time the title or merger was not an issue. In 1981 the
lot size became an issue because the zoning changed to R40 or 40,000 square
feet, and the lot size being an issue. The owner's Peter and Loretta Senko
came to yours truly, to get a separate deed transferred which was done.
You have that as exhibit 4 which was transferred to Peter Senko, and the
main reason for that was to avoid a merger. However, in 1990 Peter Senko
became extremely ill. At that time he was 76 years of age. I have his Son
here tonight who will talk about that, having lived with his father at that
time. Mr. Senko, the elder Mr. Senko became extremely worried and
preoccupied with the notion that he was going to die. He wanted
everything simplified for his wife. In fact, he wanted to avoid all types
of probate and everything, and in his confusing 14 days prior to his death,
he had a family member who was a newly admitted Attorney fix up the deed
which is exhibit 5, transferring the title back to him and his wife. Which
of course at that time, automatically merged the property, and this
transfer's what is being asked tonight in the application for a waiver.
That the board in fact, wavered as far as zoning is concerned. On the
original lot lines, that were separate lots prior to that time. I believe
situations like these must have come up and then envision, come up before
this board before, and been envisioned by the Town father's, when they
adopted 100.26 of the zoning ordinance, to allow the waiver of this legal
merger because as I said, the fact pattern of this property does fit
squarely within the four listed criteria.
1. There will be no significant increase in the density of the
neighborhood. That's obvious what you have in the site plans there.
There can be only one more house established on that lot.
2. To be granting of the waiver would recognize this lot whose size
is consistent with the majority of the lots whose also going out into Bay
avenue and if you will, Skunk Road in this neighborhood, for which the
waiver is being requested. If the lot as I said before is 200,297 sq. ft.
and the board in visiting and looking at this, it's viewed on exhibit 6, can
verify the undersized lots is the norm of the majority of lots in this
particular neighborhood.
3. The granting of the waiver will avoid economic hardship to the
heirs of Loretta Senko. It is obvious, due to the size of the lots in the
neighborhood but the merging with this vacant lot with the improved parcel
which the house is on will not add principally to it's value. The real
estate broker you see, there is an contract of sale to sell the improved
lot, and the real estate broker is here tonight also to testify that the
vacant lot added to it, will not significantly improve the value.
Exhibit 7 which is what would be proposed there, with the
setbacks off the street. It shows the location of the proposed wells and
cesspools and so on. It shows that a house can be built on this big parcel
f
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
without changing any of the contours of the land. Nor will it require any
fill. Nor will it effect the natural drain which is in the rear of the
property, and on the adjacent property. So, it's submitted that it will not
be in the environmental impact by allowing a house to be built on this. So
considering that in mind, any further adieu, I suggest to the board that
this application does fall squarely within the criteria, and if the board
has any questions I, Mr. Senko or the real estate agent can answer any
questions we will, on that particular phase of the presentation.
CHAIRMAN: When was the house built.
MR. RICHARD LARK: The house.
CHAIRMAN: Prior to 63.
MR. RICHARD LARK: Oh yes, the house on the adjacent lot was built, I
think the lot was purchased on 1952, and the house was built shortly
thereafter. The house was constructed.prior to zoning, yes.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you
MR. RICHARD LARK: There is an addition put on after zoning, with a
deck in the back. That was done later on the house itself, and I think you
have copies of the certificate of occupancy.
CHAIRMAN: Right
MR. RICHARD LARK: On the variance application.
CHAIRMAN: OK, we'll start with Mr. Villa. Mr. Villa, do you have any
questions.
MEMBER VILLA: Well, you said something about value. Do you want to put
that into the record?
MR. RICHARD LARK: OK, I was going to do that on the variance
application but I can do it here. There is a contract to sell the existing
house as it situates there on the lot next door for $115,000.00. When the,
Mrs. Senko died, Loretta Senko, died the estate appraisal for the vacant lot
was $65,000.00. The real estate agent tells me that if the vacant lot was
added to the improved lot, it would only bring up the price of about the
whole kit and caboodle to $125,000.00 as strange as that may be, because
you couldn't use it for anything if the lots were merged. So, it's fairly
clear and the broker can talk about that more in length if you want Mr.
Villa, but it's fairly clear then. You've got a $55,000.00 spread here,
based on appraisals, and what there is and outstanding valid contract to
sell the one family dwelling.
MEMBER VILLA: I just wanted the numbers, that's all.
MR. RICHARD LARK: OK, I was going to put that in if you wanted me to
go through the criteria of the variance application. Do you want to do that
now?
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Well, let's go down the line first. Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I don't have any questions.
CHAIRMAN: No questions. Mrs. Tortora.
MEMBER TORTORA: One of the things that you had said on your
application that deals with the contour, and that little dip on the property
in the back. Is that, the new building envelope would follow the lot, you
know the setback of the existing house adjacent to it, the existing house,
and I wondered if you had any problem as putting that in as a condition.
MR. RICHARD LARK: No, none whatsoever, none whatsoever.
MEMBER TORTORA: No filling.
MR. RICHARD LARK: No, that's not a problem either, because I did talk to
both Peter Senko who's here with me tonight, and the surveyor who I have
located, and he said, there would be no problem locating it. In fact, the
actual construction of the house practically from a foundation standpoint
would be very similar to the house to the West. The back yard portion, the
foundation would be mainly exposed. You would be digging into the hill if
you would. That type of thing.
MEMBER TORTORA: As long as you wouldn't have any objection to making
that a condition.
MR. RICHARD LARK: No, I said no. No they would not.
CHAIRMAN: Serge
MEMBER SERGE: No.
CHAIRMAN: Now you may continue if you wouldn't mind.
MR. RICHARD LARK: OK. Now the application A which was started and
that was really mainly on the behest of the building inspector, because he
insisted that a variance be done, because the waiver requirements were not
finalized at that time. So originally, we applied for area variance, and if
the waiver is not granted by the board which I submit. That would be the
most practical solution to this problem. Then the request is for an area
variance due to this inadvertent merger that took place when Mr. Senko
right prior to his death, did this deed. To grant an area variance as the
board is aware, the statute under the Town law 267 has been changed, and
you must take in the following criteria. The benefit to the applicant in
this case. The estate of Loretta Senko.
If you grant the variance by allowing two lots as originally
envisioned, the benefit is obvious, and there mainly economic. As I just
explained to Mr. Villa. The estate is presently under contract to sell the
original lot, which is improved by one family dwelling for the sum of
$115,000.00. , and the contract of course is contingent on the board granting
a variance. As I explained, that there was an estate appraisal for the
vacant lot, which is $65,000.00 so the economic benefit. This economic
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
benefit weighted• again the detriment to any of the health, safety or welfare
of the neighborhood. It would be for the board to determining in granting
the variance. I submit that there is no detriment considering the criteria,
five criteria set forth in the statue. Whether the first one, whether an
undesirable change will be produced in the character of the neighborhood,
or a detriment to the neighboring property, if a variance is granted. I
submit, there is no detriment by granting this variance, and permission to
build an additional house which was visually envisioned, and primarily
enjoyed by the rest of the neighborhood, which is today undersized lots.
If the variance is not granted there is no other feasible method
to grant the petitioner relief, unless of course, the board does grant a
waiver, and it's submitted that the request for an area variance is not
substantial when you consider the neighborhood. I The two lots are
undersized by the R40 or 400,000. square foot requirement, being 20,297
feet. The vacant lot and the improved lot 15,857 square feet. So when you
look at the undersized lots in the neighborhood, these two lots fit, are
very compatible with the size. Are more or less an average size considering
both Sterling Road, and the lots running on Bay avenue, because the lots
size run all over the place. But the 20,297 square foot lot is very
average, and the 15,857 is only slightly undersized when you look, when
you average a square footage of the lots.
4. It is submitted that there will be no adverse impact on the
physical or environmental conditions in this neighborhood by the allowing of
the construction of a one family dwelling on a vacant lot.
5. Sure the difficulty of this merger was a self imposed or self
created. But when you consider the circumstances of this sick elderly man
Peter Senko, without competent counsel, doing what he did. I think the
board as the statute said, although relevant it is not necessary preclude
the granting of a variance. It was written right into the statute by a
Legislature. So, I respectfully submit that in the interest of substantial
justice that a variance be granted. In other words, using the balancing
test which the statute creates by setting forth this criteria, I believe
considering all of the factors as stated in the full petition, which you
have before you, and considering the neighborhood itself. I believe it
proper for you to grant the petition for a variance.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Is there someone else that would like to speak,
either the real estate broker or Mr.Senko?
MR. PETER SENKO: Yes, I would like to say a few words.
CHAIRMAN: OK, Good evening Sir, how are you.
MR. PETER SENKO: Good evening. Good evening everyone. I'm going to
be brief. I'll tell you who I am. I'm Peter Senko, and I've lived in
Cutchogue most of my life, my young life. I'm a graduate of Southold High
School in 1964. I'm going to get right to it. This merger that occurred,
was news to my family, and only became known to us after our mother's
death. Not after my Father's death. My Mother dies, it will be two years
in September. She died in September of 1994. My Father died in 1990,
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
October 8, 1990. My mother in the period after my Father's death, failed,
and she failed quite rapidly. At one point, knowing that we would need alot
of money to take care of her, as she started to deteriorate. I hadn't a clue
that this had occurred. We always thought that that lot, was a separate
lot, a building lot. At one point I even listed it for sale, thinking in
the future I was going to need monies to take care of my Mother as she
grew progressive worse. Finally, my Mom passed away, and my brothers
and I decided that we wanted to sell her house, and I proceeded, and it was
only brought to my attention within the last year, that these lots have been
merged, and that brings me to the point that. Whatever my Dad did at the
end of his life unknown to anyone in the family. He engaged an Attorney
who is his niece in Brooklyn, and it must have been on his mind that it
would be simpler for my Mom to carry on, without going through whatever
machinations go on in real estate, that everything was hers, and put back
in her name. It was a big mistake. I'm begging your indulgence in
overlooking that, and grant this disclaimer.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Let me see, does anybody have any questions?
Any questions of this gentlemen? No, thank you so much
MR. PETER SENKO: Thank you
CHAIRMAN: Anybody else Mr. Lark?
MR. RICHARD ABATELLI: Yes, I'm Richard Abatelli from Abatelli Real
Estate. Yes, we do have a contract as Mr. Lark stated for $115,000.00, and
I am a licensed and certified appraiser for the State of New York. Although
Mr. Lark has a separate appraisal indicating what the value is, for the
lot. Either it was not merged. I can attest that this is fair value
$65,000.00 for a separate lot, and if in fact the lot were merged, the value
would be minimal above what the value of what I received in the contract
presently. A fair value of about $10,000.00 is a fair representative of
what the increase, what the improvement would be on the property behalf.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to speak in
favor of this application? Is there anybody that would like to speak
against this application? I know there is one letter in the file. You're
very welcome to use the mike if you would. If it's not an imposition. Just
state your name.
MR. WILLIAM WAGENPHASS: My name is Richard Wagenphass. I live on
Sterling Road. I take exception to Mr. Lark's categorization of the lot
being a typical size lot on Sterling Road. My lot is in excess of 60,000
square foot, three lots away. Now I'm sure you have an overall map which
indicates --. This probably shows the school ( ) on the map. There a
numerous other houses on the block, several which are larger than mine. I
don't think that the lot in question is typical at all on the block. When
you say average, although I haven't looked at every house. Is it correct
that both lots in combinations fall short of the R40, the current R40, 20
and 15.
CHAIRMAN: It looks like it to me. That is correct
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. WILLIAM WAGENPHASS: It would seem to me --. Also, is there an
indication of the wetland involved, with the pond and the birds and all that
sort of thing.
CHAIRMAN: Your welcome to make your own determination. Here's the
map.
MR. WILLIAM WAGENPHASS: No.
MEMBER TORTORA: Is it on the property in question?
MR. WILLIAM WAGENPHASS: Part of the grade, part of the water flow from
the lot into the pond. That's a very sharp picture.
MEMBER TORTORA: Do you want to take a look at it?
CHAIRMAN: It's down in the corner.
MR. WILLIAM WAGENPHASS: Where the pond shows in the lower left hand
corner.
CHAIRMAN: That's correct
MR. FRANK ANDERSON: Well, right now.
MR. WILLIAM WAGENPHASS: You're not showing the pitch.
CHAIRMAN: It's not a ( ) .
MR. FRANK ANDERSON: It's evidentially here, but it looks like it's much
deeper or more of a pond right now then what shows on the map.
MR. RICHARD WAGENPHASS: There's alot of water in there. That's all I
wanted to say.
CHAIRMAN: OK, thank you.
MR. FRANK ANDERSON: I also live on Sterling Avenue.
MR. RICHARD WAGENPHASS: He also has a lot considerably larger than
R40.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to speak
against. Sir.
MR. KENNETH POLIWODA: My name is Ken Poliwoda and I live west of that
lot that's being divided, and I find it --. They had alot to say here
tonight but alot of it was said because. It's just not right what they are
doing. They're taking a lot or a whole street of lots on this size, which
according to a lot. Let's say this size, an average size, and now they are
breaking it up into this size lot. Where actually they breaking one into
one third, and two thirds next to me. They are trying to get it as big as
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
possible so that they can get a buildable lot out of the whole deal, and
it's just not right. Especially, now that you have a wetland involved, and
a pond which is behind my house, and probably consumes half my
property. Maybe 20 feet are there's. That's a considerable grade and
there is alot of wildlife in that pond. There are ( ) , red hawks, all
kinds of frogs, all kind of animals, and so by building on this lot, I can't
see how they can't be environmentally impacted. By taking away from the
natural flow of the water in that pond. On my deed it says, that pond is
there. It's natural drinking water. It's not that. I gave a phone call to
DEC, and they came up with. That it's going to be analyzed, but as right
now that has salt water marsh. So they must be--. They figure salt water
intrusion into that pond plus, fresh water drinking water underneath. By
their laws that--. I don't know if this lot has been subdivided yet. I
don't know if that one( ) but under the salt water division,
subdivision is in the salt water territory, and it required 300 feet of new
building, unless you get a special permit. As for fresh water, it's a 100
foot boundary. It's just considered ( )fresh water. I believe the
Town has a 75 foot boundary.
CHAIRMAN: That's correct.
MR. KENNETH POLIWODA: So, therefore that would be three permits right
there they'd need if this lot was considered fresh water and salt water
parcel, and I think it's just not right what they are doing.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you. Anybody else would like to speak against. OK,
thank you. I do have one letter in the file also, that's against. Mr. Lark
anything you would like to wrap up.
MR. PETER SENKO: Right, I'd like to say a another couple of words here
regarding that pond. The area of the property first of all dries up every
Summer, and I recall the lot in back of the property that we're talking
about. It's now owned by the Marcin family, I believe it is. It used to be
owned by a family by the name of May, and I would think that half of the
back yard of the Marcin parcel came out of that runoff in the Summer. Mr.
May would go there, and dig out the dirt, and use that top soil for his
garden. He had a big, big garden in the back there. To me, it's a run
off. It dries up in Summer time, and the house that's to the West of that
lot. My goodness, I know that house and I've been in that house and if
you're talking about not doing the right thing. That house sits right on
that pond with about maybe 10 feet from the edge of that runoff. So, I
object to that, and that characterization as to what we want to do. We
would be way far away in our construction. Whereas the people objection to
this, is right on top of it. I don't quite see the logic. That's what I
want to say and I want it to be known that that dries up in Summer. There
is no question about it.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you Mr. Senko. Yes Mr. Poliwoda, could we keep this
relatively brief.
MR. KENNETH POLIWODA: Yes, I just like to rebuff that. It doesn't dry
up. It's actually, on my map of my deed it's 10 feet, two spots in that
pond so in no way it dry up. It forms a green moss which is very healthy.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Thank you, ok. Hearing no further comment I make a
motion. Anybody have any other questions before I make a motion.
MEMBER VILLA: Close the hearing
CHAIRMAN: I make a motion closing the hearing and reserving decision
until later. All in favor.
8:03 p.m. Amended Appli. No. 3649 - CHRISTOPHER CONNORS. This is
an application for a variance based upon a disapproval issued by the .
Building Inspector dated 2/8/96 for a building permit to construct
single-family dwelling with an insufficient front yard setback, Article
111A, Section 100-30A.3. , and the subject to obtaining approval from the
Southold Town Trustees and other appropriate agencies, concerning premises
known as 350 West Drive, Southold, NY; County Tax Map Parcel No.
1000-59-5-29.3
CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of a survey indicating a proposed house to be
constructed approximately 26 feet from the public road, and I have a copy
of the Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in
the area. Mr. Connors, how are. you tonight.
MR. CONNORS: Good
CHAIRMAN: Pleasure to meet you. Mrs. Connors, how are you.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Yes, I am Chris Connors and this is Eileen
Connors, my wife.
CHAIRMAN: This has been a long process.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Oh, has it ever.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: That's an understatement.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: It's been a 9 year old deal, and we hope the board
will grant us this variance so we can finally build a house that we planned
on doing about 9 years ago. I'm sure, as the. board is aware. I've been
really working with the Trustees on this application, and the DEC, and they
finally --. Together we finally, I guess, agreed on this location after
many different proposals of scaling back the house, and the location, and we
spent clot of money on this project, and an awful lot of time. I hope that
you'll see it. Be able to see it, and give us this variance.
CHAIRMAN: The establishment of placing this house in this position is
basically a --
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: To culminate the Trustees position on minimizing
the impact on the fresh water wetlands that are located on the property.
CHAIRMAN: OK, thank you for saying that. Let me just see if there are
any questions from any board members. We'll start with Mr. Doyen.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. DOYEN: No.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora.
MEMBER TORTORA: This has to ( ) in the front. How high will that
be.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Three and one half feet. There is a retaining wall
that is going to, proposed to go around the cesspool, is three and one half
feet high.
MEMBER TORTORA: So, it will be three and one half feet high, and how
high will the house be, the elevation of the house.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: The base elevation has to be about 11 feet above
mean sea level, and then from there --.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: It can't go higher than 35 feet so we're hoping to
build it within all the zoning laws.
MEMBER TORTORA: So you'll be able to put two story, and it will be 11
feet from the structure from there.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: Yes but, the property line, the property grade is
higher than, it's a little higher.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: It's three feet. It's based three feet to start
with. It's the property, and then we have to come up with an eight foot
piling, eight foot, piling is what it is, and then from there you begin to
start to level, the base level of the house.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: That's the two story house.
CHAIRMAN: So it's going to be driven piling as opposed to permanent
foundations.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Yes
CHAIRMAN: Which is still permanent but I'm just saying. I'm saying
enclosed. OK, thank you. Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I have no questions.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Villa
MEMBER VILLA: You're saying that the wall is going to be three something.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Three and one half approximately, yes.
MEMBER. VILLA: Because it say's that the top of the wall is something like
7.3 according to the map here. Elevation on the corner is 3.1, so that
would make it four foot something, and that's going to be right on your
front property line, right.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: It's on the property line.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: It's on the amount of property line. It was seven.
The property is 3 and it was 7.1 . The surveyor told me, it was 3 and one
half foot, and he is the one that proposed it, and I asked him how high or
low, and he said three and one half feet.
MEMBER VILLA: Does anybody have any records of wells being as deep as
I see this well proposed to be.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Of the 85 foot well.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: Well, we had a house on Lincoln Drive and that
was about 80 feet.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: That was about 80 feet down. We lived around the
corner from this location about 10 years , and the well there was --.
MEMBER VILLA: I see the Health Department is requiring the well to be 85
feet into ground water.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Right
MEMBER VILLA: Because it's not the 100 foot separation.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Correct
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: Correct
MEMBER VILLA: On the cesspool and I was just wondering. You're pretty
close to the Sound and I was just wondering if were going to --.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: We were closer to the Sound on Lincoln Drive.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: ( ) You know, dealing with
the various agencies, whether it be the Health Department and the Trustees,
you know. We tried to accommodate anybody the best that we can, and we
tried to coordinate. But it really wasn't that easy of a process because
you know. It took us nine years between the DEC and the Health
Department and the Trustees. But, we did whatever we possible could to
accommodate anybody so we could just get on with this project.
MEMBER VILLA: Just for the record. Out of a 20,000 square foot lot you
got 13, 500 square feet that are wetland.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Well, at the time I bought this property I
researched it with the Building Department, and unfortunately it just --.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: It did not come to light until after we purchased
it. After we had tried to start the process of trying to build a house, is
when that all came about.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: I wasn't aware. Obviously if I would had known
anything or the Building Department. All I did was ask them whether I
could build on this lot. It was checked into--.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: This lot was part of a larger parcel that was
subdivided in 1972. That was approved by the Zoning Board for to be
separate singles lots.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes that's true. I did check that. Do
you have copies of it, by the way.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: This was subject to what was issued a vacant land
seal, which was explained to me at the time by the Building Department
which means. You can build a house on this lot. In actuality, when push
comes to shove, because we've had Attorney's with VanCort and you
know. ' It says subject to on it, and other approvals and other agencies.
That's why we've been involved with the other agencies. We try to make
the best out of a bad situation.
CHAIRMAN: Anything else Bob
MEMBER VILLA: Well, I just think it's 26 feet from the road with a four
foot wall, and a house sticking up 35 feet. It's going --. The lot
shouldn't really be built on it to be perfectly truthful. I know where there
coming from, and I know the problems they've had. But, it's really a lot
that should have never been built on.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Well, if I had my choice. This wasn't really our
proposal. It was really the Trustees that told us.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: We came to this proposal based on what we were
allowed to do.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: I've never been in a bargaining position from day
one on this, and I'm just trying to follow the best that I can, all the
needs that are given to me.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: What we're asking for is to be able to bring the
house up 14 feet from what the Zoning code is.
MEMBER. VILLA: Yes, and your bringing in 500 and some yards of fill to --.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: That's for the cesspool. It's required by the
Health Department. We're bringing in the minimum. Everything on this
project really bare bones minimum. From the Health Department, from the
Trustees, we've got it down to inches, and you know it's lean as it
possibly, really that I could think of, that I could get.
MEMBER VILLA: Well, I don't know how the decision going to go, but if it
gets approved, when you build those walls, you better be sure they're
waterproof because I was part of the Health Department before, and I saw
many walls that had sewage seeping through the side of them, and it's not a
� 1
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
happy situation. So, if you're going to be living there, you better see
that that is done right.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: This project has been under a magnifying glass for
the nine years since we've been doing it. So everything we do, is going to
be strict, you know, to the letter of the law, and everything is going to
follow that, and I know I have alot of people that have been following it.
Different agencies and then making sure what I do, everything exactly
proper.
MEMBER VILLA: It's going to be a year round house.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: It's for my parents as well. They initially were
going to retire out of this house. That was, as I said it was nine years
ago. What they intend to do now, I --. It was initially a year round
house. What we're going to do with it now. It's a combination of both, my
family. I have several kids and my parents as well. You know, it's going
to be a year round house.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: We intend it to be year round.
CHAIRMAN: I can attest to the long hard road that you've had. It's
unbelievable.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: That it is
CHAIRMAN: We don't have any further questions. We'll see what emanates
from the hearing. Oh I'm sorry, go ahead.
MEMBER TORTORA: What's the total square footage of the house.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: 20,000
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: The house.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: It's about 1700, 25 feet from what we're
proposing.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: The base of the house is 25 by 40, which is 1,000
square, and we're proposing putting like, three quarters from the top. We
figured out 1725.
CHAIRMAN: Good
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: 1750 .
MEMBER TORTORA: 1750.
MRS. EILEEN CONNORS: There about.
CHAIRMAN: OIL, thank you again.
MR. CHRIS CONNORS: Thank you
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Is there anybody else that would like to speak in favor of
this. Any members of the family, no, ok. Anybody like to speak against
the application. OK, I guess that's it. We thank you for coming in. We
will address it this evening hopefully, and your welcome to stay around and
listen to the battle. So on that note I will make a motion closing the
hearing, and reserving decision until later. All in favor.
8:12 p.m. Appl. No. 4364 - B RUNO A. KAWECKI. This is an application
for a variance based upon a disapproval issued under Article 111A, Section
100-30A.4 (100-33) by the Building Inspector dated 2/14/96 for a building
permit to construct one-story accessory garage in a side yard at premises
known as 605 Knollwood Lane, Mattituck, NY; County Tax Map Parcel No.
1000-107-6-8. (Location in a rear yard with a 15-ft. setback is required. )
Jason Leonard, of Bohn Contracting as agent..
CHAIRMAN: I have a copy of a survey dated May 18, 1989 indicating this
one story frame house, and penned in on the side of this home is a 19 by 25
foot garage, which is the nature of this application. I have a copy of a
Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the
area. Who would like to be heard? How are you tonight Sir.
MR. JASON LEONARD: All right
CHAIRMAN: Could you state your name for the record.
MR. JASON LEONARD: My name is Jason Leoarard. I am a contractor for
Mr. Kawecki.
CHAIRMAN: Is this building a one story garage?
MR. JASON LEONARD: Yes
CHAIRMAN: What's the maximum height would you say?
MR. JASON LEONARD: The maximum height should be approximately 15
feet.
CHAIRMAN: Great. What kind of utilities are you planning to put in the
garage, other than electricity?
MR. JASON LEONARD: Nothing, just electric.
CHAIRMAN: OK, is there a particular reason why you chose this location,
or he chose this location.
MR. JASON LEONARD: Basically because he does not have the room in the
back yard without getting involved in more work, as far as the foundation.
CHAIRMAN: OK. We'll start I think with Mr. Villa this time, Mr. Villa.
MEMBER VILLA: No, I have no problems with this.
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Dinizio
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, me either.
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora
MEMBER TORTORA: No
CHAIRMAN: No, this is unbelievable.
MEMBER TORTORA: It's very easy tonight, I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN: I think you've got a shoe in on this one. Let's see what
happens. Mr. Doyen: You said no.
MEMBER DOYEN: No
CHAIRMAN: Any words. You don't want to ask this gentleman any
questions.
MEMBER DOYEN: It happens.
CHAIRMAN: OK, while your, -- what.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'll make a motion.
CHAIRMAN: Wait a minute. I have to go through the hearing first, all
right. Trying to cut .the chase or what. Is there anybody else that would
like to speak in favor other than this gentlemen? Anybody against? OK
Mr. Dinizio
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'll make a motion granted as applied.
CHAIRMAN: Containing the only utility is, electricity.
MEMBER DINIZIO: The only utility is electricity, right.
CHAIRMAN: I'll seconded it. All in favor.
8:17 p.m. Appl. No. 4365 - JOSEPH A. POTTGEN. This is an application
for a variance based upon a disapproval issued under Article XX111, Section
100-239.4B by the Building Inspector dated 2/8/96 for a building permit to
construct a rear deck addition within 75 feet of existing bulkhead.
Location of Property 550 Blue Marlin Drive, Southold; County Tax Map
Parcel No. 1.000-57-1-27. 50 or 52 is requested.
CHAIRMAN: I have a sketch of a survey indicating a one story frame
dwelling. The nature of this application is deck in the rear yard,
approximately 52 feet from the bulkhead. I have a copy of the Suffolk
County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the area.
Who would like to be heard? How are you tonight Sir? OK, your on.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: First I'd like to amend the application to read 51
feet, instead of, I think it reads 52 or 3.
c
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: 52.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: 52
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN : 52. I needed two more feet. The reason I'd
like to amend it, I guess from 52 to 50 because it's the one figure that I
didn't have when I submitted everything for the Building Department, and
since I submitted a scale drawing, the lady just took out the ruler and
measured so I use this, and didn't have to go back and came up with that
number, 52 feet. In actuality, when I went out to measure it, it came out
to just a couple of inches over 50 feet. There are other decks that have
been constructed in the area that range from 49 feet to 53 feet. I'm trying
right in the middle of that, either 50 or 51 feet. I know what you told me
the other day Mr. Doyen, and I pleaded my case with you. I hope you'll
hear me out before you make a decision. I just moved to Southold in
August 14, and we like the Town. It's a nice area. I believe in supporting
my Town in fact, .I had alot of work done to my house. The plumber I
hired was a Southold plumber, so I'm supporting the Town. The electrician
I hired is a Southold electrician, ( ) because I want to support my
Town. I had a new heating system put in again, by a Southold contractor.
I had air conditioning put in by a Southold contractor. I had contractors
do extensive landscaping in the Spring by a Southold contractor. So, I
believe in supporting my Town, and I hope when you review the file here.
I think I've included everything that needs to be. That you'll consider
and support me in my request to amend the ( ) . I know it doesn't
sound like alot. I'm not sure why Mr. Villa deemed it, kind of really
significant. But you know, it doesn't interfere with any of my neighbors as
far as their view. It doesn't hinder any water views on either side, and
the fact that there are four other properties really close by, because it's
not. a very big street. That, to have that street from the bulkhead or the
height water line, a new range from --. I think I have it in there. One is
48 feet, another one is 49. One is 51, there's another one 53, and I feel
like I'm kind of falling right in the middle of that. If you would grant
me this variance I'd be able to proceed with the original plans I had for
the deck.
CHAIRMAN: Now, I know you. Some of us have talked to you. Is this an
open deck?
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Yes
CHAIRMAN: Not unroofed.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN Oh, it will never be roofed. I think I included that
in my application.
CHAIRMAN: All right. We'll start with Mr. Doyen, any questions.
MEMBER DOYEN: No
CHAIRMAN: Mrs. Tortora: I was very impressed on how you documented
all of your neighbors variances as it were.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR.. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Oh, thank you.
MEMBER TORTORA: Why would this be a hardship for you, if it's not
granted?
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Well, I'm not sure how I feel because, it's just a
first appearance I've ever made for any kind of variance with the Town,
and I just want to be able to enjoy a way of life that I expected to enjoy
with guests and family. We have a large family. I don't see how it would
effect any numbers of the neighbors in any adverse way, because our other
decks that are of the same size, from 48 to 53 feet. I guess I could say
gee, I don't need a deck at all, and I would survive and I would get along,
and I would live. But I just would like to maintain the same standard of
living that some of my other neighbors enjoy who have decks too within 48
feet. Did I answer that right.
MEMBER TORTORA: You did fine.
CHAIRMAN: Are you still asking questions.
MEMBER TORTORA: Just one more. One of the things that the board is
asking for, is that we consider the minimum to grant the minimum variance,
and in this case, where you are clearly going toward the bulkhead. Would
you be opposed if we came back to the deck a little bit? Instead of 50
feet, 46 feet. Reduce the size of the deck. Could you still --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: You mean 56.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: 42
MEMBER DINIZIO: It's 52 now.
MEMBER TORTORA: Which would mean, to reduce the deck area.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: So the setback would be greater. 60 feet
setback. Is that what you mean?
MEMBER TORTORA: I'm not saying a specific number, I'm asking. You
could still use the deck and enjoy it, if it were --.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Well, I just wouldn't be able to use it to the extent
that I would have used it, if it were --
MEMBER TORTORA: It's a 1,000 square foot deck as it's proposed, correct.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: I'm sorry .
MEMBER TORTORA: A 1,000 square foot deck as proposed.
MR. JOSEPG POTTGEN: It's probably a little bit under that.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, that's what the Trustees had granted for a deck.
MEMBER TORTORA: My question was. If we came back on that which
increased the distance from the bulkhead. Instead of 1,000 foot deck, we
had an 850 foot deck. Would you still be able to enjoy it?
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Not to the extent that my neighbors are now
enjoying theirs, who are only 49, 48, 51 and 53 feet from the bulkhead. I
can't stand here and say no. I won't be able to enjoy my deck. I'd be
lying to you. I'm not going to try to pull the wool over your eyes, or try
to get cute with birds. Honest to God. I guess if I had a 10 foot deck out
there, I'd probably find a way to enjoy that. You know what I mean.
MEMBER TORTORA: OK
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: It's not a question of less enjoyment. It's a
question of, I guess. Being properly equipped to entertain as much as we
do for a large family. We do have alot of friends that we invite over, and
I guess that was my idea, and it kind of fit right into the plan that I had
for the entire house.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I just want to mention one thing. You said
your neighbors have 49 feet, 51 and 53. That's by variance from the Board
of Appeal, correct.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Or is that from --. A couple of them are
variances.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Well, I have --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I just want to clear that for the record.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Right
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: I have one here on ( ) .Pacifico and
Marieo Palebre. They have a wood deck and a pool. The pool itself is only
52 feet from the bulkhead, but the deck is only 49 feet from the bulkhead.
I measured that one myself.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That was one that got a variance. That
was 53 feet, right.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: There was another one.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: : I think it was Pacifico and then Kelly was
another one.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Kelly. That was approved for 53 feet. So we
have one at 49, and one at 53, and I'm asking for 50 or 51.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: And I think Pacifico got a side yard
variance, but at the time the bulkhead law was not in effect or something
there, so they didn't need a variance for the setback from the bulkhead.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Pacifico, that whole bunch. They were really
involved.
CHAIRMAN: Ok, we'll go on to Mr. Dinizio.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'm just somewhat confused here, about the
measurements. It's not as applied for here that you're asking for tonight.
But rather, I see 52 feet written here on this survey.
CHAIRMAN: He needs 50 feet 6 inches approximately. That's what he's
requesting.
MEMBER DINIZIO: 50 feet.
CHAIRMAN: He's asking us to modify it to 50 feet.
MEMBER DINIZIO: 6 inches.
CHAIRMAN: Around 50 feet.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Right. Now you know, I think I'm probably thinking
along the same lines as Bob. You know, I'm looking at this deck and it's
twenty two feet. In all honestly Sir, my house is that size. I just wanted
to --. You have these two jets sticking out. What the distance is of that,
and if you could just maybe square that off, would that be a problem? I
mean, I don't know if there three feet, two feet, whether they stick out. I
can't from anything here, envision what that could be, that it couldn't be
straightened out.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: This is my wife Jacqualine.
MRS. JACQUALINE POTTGEN: I've gone up and down the walk ( }
and we have checked it out, all the houses and the decks. The deck that
we're proposing is to enhance our property as well as the neighborhood, and
what your probably looking at and I think what you're talking about is.
We're going to octagon one area of the deck. Is that --.
MEMBER DINIZIO: There are two pieces that stick out.
MRS JACQUALINE POTTGEN: There's two octagons.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: It's a visually appealing way --.
MRS JACQUALINE POTTGEN: Rather than just make it straight. Just make
the two octagons on either end, I think is just going to enhance the whole
thing.
MEMBER DINIZIO: What about doing that two feet or three feet earlier than
Page 20 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MRS. JACQUALINE POTTGEN: Yes, it's a personal thing. Do I like a deck
with two octagon's rather than just a straight deck.
MEMBER DINIZIO: But what I'm saying is how about cutting three feet off
of that, or two feet 6 inches.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: If I would hold them between the 49 and the 53
feet, and kind of hold right between there, why wouldn't that be granted if
I just kind of averaging in the middle of four or five houses that are
there. That are really 48 to 53 feet. That's, I know what I'm asking for.
It's not going to --. I can't think of a single reason, hearing the
negative fashion, why it would do anything to the neighborhood, to the
neighbors, to the property because of that extra ( ) on there.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Other than the fact that, you know we have setback
laws and you know, you're asking to vary it. We try to look for the
minimal. I'm personally trying to look for something to hold on to. You
really haven't stated that you would be unhappy if we did restrict it to
anything.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: The reason I'm still standing up here trying to
plea my case if because, I'd be really disappointed. In fact, I said I
can't see at the bottom. Mr. Villa, last night I said to my wife. What
good reason could there be. I'm not disturbing anybody, anybody's
property. There is no visual objections. I can't understand why --.
MEMBER VILLA: Well, let me jump in here. The reason why --.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Everybody on the street already has a deck just
about. I think there must be one that doesn't.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, if we used that argument, then all of Southold
would have a --.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Oh no, no.
MEMBER TORTORA: Setback back from the bluff, and there are instances
when or bulkheads, and there are clearly instances when there are not other
alternatives.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Yes
MEMBER. TORTORA: And there are clearly instances when that is merited.
There are other instances when it's not. What we're all saying and I think
we're all saying the same thing. If you want to come out 22 feet, cut that
back. You don't have to come out 22 feet. You don't have to have, a 1,000
square foot deck. We want to preserve the integrity of that line and of the
law. Also, under the law we are required to grant the minimum variance
necessary. That's a New York State Law.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I for one think we're dealing in a very minute thing. I
agree with you. But I do again, if we have to argue this thing. You
know, I would like to have some indicating as to the reason why you feel
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
compelled to have a 22 foot deck, as opposed to a 20 foot deck. You know,
there is some particular reason why that extra two feet. You must have
that extra two feet. You know, I personally would feel I'd like to know
that reason so I could state that reason if I was so inclined to grant it.
If you can't come forward with that, I don't know that, looking at 1,000.
Looking at 1,000 foot deck would do that.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: I would enjoy my property and the deck the way
I could have. It would choke me but I would learn to live with it I guess.
But it would trouble me that I'm asking for 51, and there are other
properties that have been approved at 48 or 49.
MEMBER. VILLA: Let me address that. We'll address that on the basis that
I don't know when those took place. The only one that was granted since
I've been sitting on the board in that area is 53 feet, and that's what I
said to you. I'd like to stick with 53 feet, because if we go to 50, then
the next one comes in wants 48, and the next one comes in wants 45 and
they keep. Where do you stop? I said, we've had situations where people
have a 10 foot deck and you ask then to cut back four feet. They say we
can't, because we only have six foot of deck. We can't enjoy it. You're
still going to have 19 feet of deck. You're asking for a 50% relief from
the code. The code says, 75 feet. You're asking for 50. That's not a
minor variance. That's 50 0 of the code.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: Well, but Pacifico got 49 feet out on it. How did
MEMBER VILLA: Those are years back. Things change.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: I exist in the neighborhood now. What exists in
the neighborhood now are decks that are 48 or 53 feet.
MEMBER VILLA: The last one we granted was 53, and I normally would sit
up here and be arguing for the 75. I said, I would stay with 53 because
that was what we granted. Personally, I not about to vary off 53 feet.
We've got to drawer the line someplace. Yes, if you had a 10 foot deck
that's one thing. You have a 22 foot deck you're requesting.
CHAIRMAN: Could I just say something Bob? The issue of the what we
refer to as a one sided octagon is 4 feet 6 inches in actual depth, ok.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: It was supposed to be four.
CHAIRMAN: OK, if it's four. I mean, I think they're talking to reduce
that to two. I think that's what they're saying, ok or there about.
MEMBER VILLA: It's two feet from the ( ) path so I don't care
what shape it is.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
CHAIRMAN: You know, that's basically what we're. talking about. I mean,
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: I requested 52 feet so you wouldn't approve it, 50
or 51. Would you consider a 52 on my request on my original application.
CHAIRMAN: Well, we're going to recess it, and we'll kick it around and
probably. I hate to use that phrase but we will.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: You mean, research it.
CHAIRMAN: We will deliver upon it in the next hour or two. So, there is
just one more hearing and we have only one extensive decision to make, and
then it's been here since December 6 th.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: You don't mean recess Jerry, do you.
CHAIRMAN: No, I said close the hearing and recess.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Close the hearing, you said recess but ok,
you meant close the hearing and we'll continue later, ok.
MR. JOSEPH POTTGEN: OK.
CHAIRMAN: OK Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak
in favor? Anybody that would like to speak against? OK. You're very
welcome to stay, we'll be here. Hearing no further comment I make a motion
closing the hearing and reserving decision until later. All in favor.
8:35 p.m. Appl. No. 4366 - Theresa Kilduff. This is an application for a
Waiver under Section 100-26 of the Zoning Code, based upon a disapproval
issued under Section 100-30A.2 and 100-31A (1) dated 2/15/96 for a building
permit to construct a single-family dwelling on the grounds that this is one
lot (and only one dwelling is permitted per lot) . Property referred to as
Lot G on the "Map of Lots of Raymond T. Graham" shown on survey dated
March 27, 1957, and containing 20,000 sq. ft. in area is shown to be in
common ownership with Lot B, also containing 20,000. square feet. Also
referred to as part of Lot Nos. 56-59 on the "Map of Nassau Farms, County
File #1179. County Tax Map Parcel ID No. 1000-104-2-3 (shown for 30+
years on separate assessment property cards as 98-1-11 and 104-2-3.
CHAIRMAN: I have a survey produced by Roderick Van Tuyl pc dated
December 21, 1976 indicating the house parcel of property, and then I have
a copy of the Map of Raymond T. Graham indicating file lots B and G which
appears to be the lots that we are referring to here. I have a copy of the
Suffolk County Tax Map indicating this and surrounding properties in the
area. Does somebody like to be heard? How are you tonight Madam.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: I'm Theresa Kilduff.
CHAIRMAN: How are you.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: I'm fine thank you. How can I help. I think
you have all the papers that you need. This goes back to 1935 when Mr.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
Graham designated four acres from East to West. In 156 he changed them
with the approval of the Town, I guess to eight half acres.
CHAIRMAN: Yes
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: You have Van Tuyl survey at 57. In 176 I
built the house. 177 I moved in and I've been receiving tax bills which I
have somewhere, here they are, for two pieces of property, which I
assumed, all this time were two pieces. This past November when I heard
about the Resolution merging contiguous lots. I came up to find out what I
would have to do. Everybody has died off but me, and one Son in
California. How do I designate these two Pots, and I found out that they're
not two but they are one in Riverhead in Pat's office, because when Mr.
Graham registered (all be it) he had filed the 1957 survey with the Town
showing eight, half acres. He registered mine as being 400 feet instead of I
by 2 and 1 by 2 which shows on this, and I'd just like to get this
straightened out. My application for building a one family house was so I
could get to speak to you, because I had to have a disapproval to get
here. I'm not building a house. I have no inclination to, build, but I
would like to have the property filed that if I wanted to sell it, I could
use the money to pay the taxes on the house that I'm presently living in or
maybe someone down the line, Grandchild would want to build a house.
That's -- I have no plans, but I would just like to get this straightened
out. Having tax bills on tax bills with no indication that there was any
merger done. I also had Mr. Lessard. Something must have happened in
about '88, and I came up to the Building Department and said, how does it
concern me, and I was given what they call a Certificate of Occupancy for
vacant land, saying it was buildable. Also, I have something here signed
by C. Walls and Kirk Horton stating the unapproved situated on a certain
map, Nassau Farms and so forth, and it designates the B and the G. So,
that's all I have to say. That's what I assumed it was, I think.
CHAIRMAN: How much are the taxes on the vacant lot Mrs. Kilduff.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Four, oh taxes. I'll have to look it up.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: ON the vacant lot that you were paying
for, for 30 years. I think he means.
CHAIRMAN: Yes
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: The vacant lot is 255. Assessed valuation is 400.
CHAIRMAN: Ok, thank you
MRS. TIIERESA KILDUFF: Because on my house it's a different story.
That's a big one.
CHAIRMAN: Right
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: A big tax bill because we have the school taxes.
CHAIRMAN: Right
Page 24 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Because there's a house on it.
CHAIRMAN: Sure. We thank you very much and we'll see what goes --.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: I think Bob. Do you have something to say?
MR. BOB SCOTT: OK
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Scott, how are you tonight.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Good
CHAIRMAN: So nice to see you.
MR. SCOTT RUSSELL: Thank you. I think both myself and Scott Russell,
are both --.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Thank you.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Came to talk in favor of Mrs. Kilduff because there has
been an extraordinary circumstance here. She's asking about having two
tax bills assuming that there are two lots, and when, because of the
contiguous lot configuration, you know whether it's 100 by 400, whatever.
On the Tax Maps for the last 30 years, it's shown, she came up or someone
from her family came up and asked if they were single and separate, and
they would ask the Assessor's. The Assessor's by looking at the Tax Map
alone, could see that they were on two single and separate lots, and they
were not attached, and so it was extraordinary that it was misrepresented
by Real Property Services when they first mapped them, and the estate was
carried -
CHAIRMAN: What lot were you looking at. A different letter.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Different numbers.
MR. BOB SCOTT: As you could see in the application here today. You got
104-2-3.
CHAIRMAN: Right, right
MR. BOB SCOTT: And 98-1-22.
CHAIRMAN: Right
MR. BOB SCOTT: There are two different maps, separated by two different
lots.
CHAIRMAN: OK
MEMBER VILLA: That's what she was paying taxes on?
MR. BOB SCOTT: She was paying taxes on what she was supposed to be
paying taxes on, and luckily the people. The one lined where the house
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
was, she didn't own that lot, and the house was on the lot that she does
own, all right. So, --
CHAIRMAN: Fortunately, that was on the lot.
MR. BOB SCOTT: So, when she came to ask us about whether or not she
had two lots, we saw by Deed she had one lot, 100 by 400.
CHAIRMAN: Right
MEMBER VILLA: Right
MR. BOB SCOTT: All right, however because of Mr. Graham originally
going East to West and then North and South, and changing around, and
everything else, and somebody got it confused in the past. It appeared on
the Tax Map that she had it in two different location, and that they weren't
single and separate, and if we were asked if they were contiguous, and
single and separate, we would have answered to her from the Assessor's
office, that they were single and separate.
MEMBER. TORTORA: You say on the Tax Map.
MEMBER. VILLA: Because they weren't contiguous for what she was paying
for. .
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That's right.
MEMBER VILLA: She wasn't paying for the land that she owned.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Yes, but she's on this property since 1958.
MEMBER VILLA: Yes
MR. BOB SCOTT: OK
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: So she believed she was.
MR. BOB SCOTT: And she has asked in the past whether or not they were
contiguous, and single and separate, and she was told in the past by our
office, that by previous Assessors, that they were single and separate,
because looking at the Tax Map you saw two different ones.
MEMBER VILLA: Looking at the property card or the Tax map because I
have the Tax Map going back to 30 years.
MR. BOB SCOTT: OK
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: We have two separate tax cards in your
packet.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's the property card tax.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: That is not the Suffolk County Real Property Tax
Map. There is a difference.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I know but it's assessed by the same
number.
MR. BOB SCOTT: This is the Suffolk County Tax Map.
MEMBER TORTORA: Right
MR. BOB SCOTT: All right. This is the 100 by 400 lot that she owned.
CHAIRMAN: Right.
MR. BOB SCOTT: All right. This is what we portrayed on our property
tax right, to be a vacant lot.
MEMBER TORTORA: And that's in her Deed. That's the only --.
CHAIRMAN: But there is half a house on that.
Mr. BOB SCOTT: There's a house on half of that, but that's not where the
houses that we had assessed. We had her owning this piece of property
over here, but --.
MEMBER TORTORA: She knew she didn't own that piece of property.
MR. BOB SCOTT: She didn't ask that question.
CHAIRMAN: Who would .know that by Tax Map number? She doesn't have a
Tax Map in front of her.
MR. BOB SCOTT: She came into our office on several occasions, including
to me, and asked me if she had --. The question she asked was. I have
two tax bills. Are they contiguous? Are they single and separate, and by
looking at the Tax Map, we would tell her they were not contiguous, all
right. So there were continuing errors is what I'm saying, and I'm saying
she didn't have the opportunity to remedy a situation that she could have
had in 1958 or thereafter, and she could have been able to have two lots.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
MR. BOB SCOTT: So if we're talking about a hardship I think --
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Listen to Bob
CHAIRMAN: I'm listening.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWAKSKI: What he's saying is very true.
MEMBER VILLA: The assessment that she was paying for the house with
land, was for 100 by 400 foot lot.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. BOB SCOTT: And she was paying for-another lot.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Which she thought was hers.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Which she thought was hers.
MEMBER VILLA: OK, but she was paying on 100 by 400 as one lot.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Right, as described by Deed, which I think Scott has
over here.
MR. SCOTT RUSSELL: Just to clarify the roll. I'm here tonight. You're
secretary asked me to be just to clarify the facts. You know, I don't want
to be in a position of advocating either way. . I can't speak for Assessor's
that were in office long before we got here. I don't know what the
discussions were. I will tell you that, what happened was she was receiving
two tax bills for two parcels 100 by 200, 100 by 200. She took title to a
100 by 400 piece in 1958. Somewhere along the line, in around 158 that
happened to be, for some reason that one Deed was portioned off to two
parcels. The total net tax that she paid, was equivalent to what she took
by Deed in '58 which is 40,000 foot of land. But for some reason, 20,000
square foot of that land, and another 20,000 were being paid to, two
separate tax bills.
MEMBER. VILLA: Well, who was paying the taxes on the 2600 foot behind
her, that you weren't taxing.
CHAIRMAN: It was never taxed.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Nobody was paying taxes --.
MEMBER VILLA: That would have been picked up by the County.
CHAIRMAN: No, it wouldn't have.
MEMBER VILLA: Why not.
CHAIRMAN: Because there was only one Tax Map number.
MR. BOB SCOTT: That's right. But what happened was, they weren't
paying for the other two, 20,000 square feet. But somebody was paying
the taxes on the house that we had assessed. Where she had her house,
someone else was paying. We had doubled up on that particular lot, so that
it was an equal amount of assessment, there something --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It balanced out, right.
MR. BOB SCOTT: It balanced out.
MEMBER VILLA: Somebody else was paying for her, and she was paying for
someone else.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. BOB SCOTT: Someone else was paying the assessment on the land,
where we said her house was, and her house wasn't.
MEMBER TORTORA: Regardless of your error. When you look at the
property tax, you can tell that the lots are not contiguous on the numbers
#98104. She, on the other hand knows that the property contagious,
because it's in the back yard of her property.
MR. BOB SCOTT: But the thing is --.
CIAIRMAN: But she never asked that question though.
MR. BOB SCOTT: Her question was. I have two lots. I have two tax
bills. Are they single or separate?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWAKSKI: And she's saying. I'm told these are my
lots, and that I own them. She's told that.
MR BOB SCOTT: But that wasn't the question, and the thing is. That the
answer she's been receiving from me especially this time. My staff says, I
can't talk. about other assessor's in the past. But by taking a look at the
property record cards, and by taking a look at the Suffolk County Tax
Maps, which are an two different maps, distinctly separate. I told her
initially, that she didn't have one lot. She had two single and separate
lots, and she didn't have to worry about it. We found out afterwards, when
we took a look at the Deed, that she had one lot, and there had been a
huge error someplace along the line --
CHAIRMAN: That's right
MR. BOB SCOTT: Which wasn't her fault
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: She had a vacant land CO for the vacant
lot also, from the Building Department.
CHAIRMAN: That was done by the( ) .
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Which was valid at the time.
MEMBER VILLA: I'm still confused. She had a lot which was four lots
away, that wasn't hers, but she was paying taxes on it.
CHAIRMAN: That's right.
MR. BOB SCOTT: It was being assessed to her, with the house on it, and
she didn't own that lot.
MEMBER VILLA: So someone had a free ride on that for 20 years.
MR. BOB SCOTT: No) no, no. Someone else is paying for that lot as well,
but it just so happened that there was a side yard there, and they were
paying that assessment and she was paying --.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: That's what you call a double assessment
MR. BOB SCOTT: Half and half in two different places. So, it balanced
out.
MEMBER VILLA: So, she --. One lot 400 feet away was being paid for
twice.
MR. BOB SCOTT: That's right.
MEMBER VILLA: But the 200 foot lot behind her, wasn't being paid for at
all.
MR. BOB SCOTT: That could be the assumption that was being made.
MEMBER VILLA: So how come it wasn't being picked up for tax arrears?
MR. BOB SCOTT: Because this is something that just slipped through the
cracks, Bob.
CHAIRMAN: Bob, because --
MEMBER VILLA: Doesn't that have a Tax Map number. If it has a Tax Map
number, it should have been picked up for arrears. If it doesn't have a
Tax Map number it means, it's 100 by 400 foot lot.
CHAIRMAN: Let me just explain something here. Lot number three where
her house is, she was not being taxed for the backyard, which is the
nature of this application today, ok. However, --.
MEMBER VILLA: : Well, wait a minute.
CHAIRMAN: Two people were paying for the taxes on the lot 400 feet
down, which they thought proportionally that she owned.
MEMBER VILLA: I follow that. But if the lot behind her was not being
paid for, and if it was indeed a single and separate lot. It would have
been picked up for tax arrears.
CHAIRMAN: No way.
MEMBER TORTORA: It doesn't appear as a single and separate lot.
CHAIRMAN: It was one piece, like this.
MEMBER VILLA: Well all right. That's what I'm saying to you. If it
doesn't have at Tax Map number, it's 100 by 400 foot lot.
CHAIRMAN: That's right. It had one tax number, covering the entire
piece of property.
MEMBER VILLA: All right. That's what I'm saying to you.
Page 30 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER DINIZIO: Can I ask some questions?
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: I go back several assessor's. Recently I spoke
to Charlie Watts and I asked him, should I follow this up, and get this
straightened out. He said, " Terry, you own two lots. Go up and explain
it." This other business of the application of my tax bills being applied
somewhere else, has nothing to do with my two separate parcels that I want
to keep separate.
MEMBER. VILLA: Well, wait a minute. It does have something to do with it
because the way I see it in the Tax Map, you have a 100 by 400 foot lot,
and it's got one number.
MR. BOB SCOTT: OK, can I also say that --.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: That was --.
MR. BOB SCOTT: There is a further complication because she. Her 100 by
400 foot lot borders on two different streets.
CHAIRMAN: That's correct
MR.. BOB SCOTT: All right. So it could have been assumed by her, that
she had two lots that were back to back, with both with street frontage.
So that she never thought about asking any further questions since 1958.
I'm just trying. I know it's confusing. It took me a long time to figure
this one out too.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I just want to ask some questions.
MEMBER VILLA: I had been confused but the way it's been clarified to me
now. The one lot is 100 by 400 and is being paid for as one parcel.
CHAIRMAN: Jim, wants to ask a question Mrs. Kilduff.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: May I just ask you some questions Ma'am . Would you
mind?
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: All the tax stuff aside, ok.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: What appears to me is. You've gone to the Town a
number of times with two separate Tax bills.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER, DINIZIO: OK, and your assumption is that these two lots were
always separate. Is that correct?
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Have you ever improved. Have you ever put any
cesspools, built a pool or fence on that property in the rear.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: No
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Is there a house next to that property in the rear?
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: Is there a house next to your house.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: Didn't you always just assume, by the surroundings, by
looking at the map, that you had two lots. Is that correct.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: And so did everybody else because there were
eight half acres.
MEMBER DINIZIO: OK
MR.S. THERESA KILDUFF: And we all know each other, and my Tax bills
stated clearly that it was for the property on Bittersweet, and the other
one Bittersweet South with the neighbors names. Midwinter, Thompson,
Bernstein and Wheaton. That's the way we used to get Tax bills. They
would state the name of the adjacent property owner's. Somewhere along
the line, they changed. Now we have alot of numbers. I don't pay
attention to the numbers. I just pay taxes, and every year I pay two tax
bills on two parcels which comes from this map, which the Town approved
for it to be developer, and that's the eight squares in there.
MEMBER DINIZIO: One more question. You also have, I just want to get
all these facts clear.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: You also have a vacant land CO for a lot, a vacant lot.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes, on Bittersweet lane, yes.
MEMBER DINIZIO: OK. That's all I have. The rest of it --.
MRS. . THERESA KILDUFF: That's dated. I also have a survey of my lot
when I built my house on Pine Tree Road, and that shows 100 by 200 foot .
survey on the present lot I live on. It does not show the one in the back.
So they were considered separate when the Building Department gave the
builder permission to build a home on it in 1176.
CHAIRMAN: RIGHT
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: So it starts in 135 and it ends in '96. I'll be 80
in August. I'm not going to have 9 years for a decision so whatever you
say I'll be very happy to go along with. It doesn't matter. I just want it
Page 32 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town. Board of Appeals
straightened out for my heirs. I don't want grandchildren to have to come
up, asking for something. If you think it's right you'll do it. If you
don't, you'll tell me what to do. I know I have alot of work to do if it's
deemed two parcels, because under this new Resolution, I'll have to have
two deeds made up with different names. I only have one Son.
CHAIRMAN: If it's granted what you have to do is generate a second Tax
Map number through Real Tax Map Service, which is exactly what your
saying. You have to have a deed created, that they will generate another
number.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: A number.
MEMBER TORTORA: I have one question.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER TORTORA: I went around, on Bittersweet.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Oh did you. Did you get through?
MEMBER TORTORA: I tried to get to the lot. I couldn't get to the lot.
The map shows Bittersweet going into Horton Road.
MEMBER VILLA: Yes, forget it.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: But the other way, you can go in from Pine
Tree.
MEMBER TORTORA: I tried to go in from Pine .Tress, down Horton and hit
the brushes, and couldn't go any further.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: That's right. You got as far as Midwinters
house.
MEMBER TORTORA: About that far.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes
MEMBER TORTORA: And that was it. My question is, did you post the
property on Bittersweet.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: No, I posted it on mine because nobody could
get in there to see it posted.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: She asked me about that, and I said to
post it on the side that her house was, because nobody was able to get
access down the other street.
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: The way you couldn't get in, nobody goes in,
and the other people are only there for Summer. But they were notified by
mail, and I spoke to Jane McDonald on the corner house the .other day.
Page 33 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: So she meets the requirements.
MEMBER TORTORA: So the property in question was not posted.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well it is, because it's all merged as one
lot.
MEMBER TORTORA: Technically
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Technically.
MEMBER TORTORA: I just didn't want to get into a confrontation --
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: She felt she may meet the requirements.
MEMBER TORTORA: With the neighbors on the other side, because the lots
are substantially larger opposite Bittersweet, than they are --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: You gave notice to the neighbors across
the street from Bittersweet, right
MRS. THERESA KILDUFF: Yes, yes. Everybody was notified. They all
assumed that I was crazy to even be bothered with this, because what does
it matter anymore. But I think I should be doing it. That's the advise I
got all along the line. If it's two separate, keep them separate. That it
would be beneficial to myself or whatever I leave, if there is anything
left. All my dues or duties ok, whatever you say.
CHAIRMAN: OK, thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to
speak in favor? Is there anybody that would like to speak against? Any
further questions? We thank the chairperson, chairman, and the Member of
the Assessor's office come in, and explain this to us. It was a pleasure to
see you Gentlemen. I realize that it was a situation --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It was awkward.
CHAIRMAN: It was a little difficult but you did a great job. Thank you.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: In light of the fact that the Assessor's did come in and
explain and go for, I guess, certainly, you know. I don't know how you
would say it, continued by many many people in the Town, assuming
things. I would like to make a motion that we grant it as applied, in light
of the fact of the evidence that she presented.
MEMBER VILLA: Well, I think we should have a discussion.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I'm offering that motion, certainly --
CHAIRMAN: I'll second that motion, and I'll call for a vote.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Serge
MEMBER DOYEN: Aye
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Member Tortora
MEMBER TORTORA: No
CHAIRMAN: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: Aye
CHAIRMAN: Bob.
MEMBER VILLA: No.
CHAIRMAN: Do you want to record --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: The motion is three to two, and passed,
granted as applied.
Appl. 44356 - MARTIN and CHRISTINE KOSMYNKA. (Carryover from Jan.
10, 1996 and, Feb. 7, 1996) This is a request based upon the December 6,
1995 Notice of Disapproval issued by the Building Inspector, in which
applicant was denied a building permit to construct an accessory garage
building in the required front yard at less than 35 feet at 1985 Pine Tree
Road, Cutchogue; Parcel #1000-98-1-11.2. This parcel consists of a size
under 20,000 sq. ft. , and the principal front yard setback is shown under
Article XXIV, Section 100-244B. RESOLUTION adopted to postpone (as
requested by applicant, without a new date - until early Fall 1996 or
laterupon notice by applicant and re-advertisement) .
Page 35 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
DELIBERATIONS: LOUIS MOORE BACON (hearing held earlier tonight) .
Robins Island. Commencement of discussion on reading of draft Conditions
offered and prepared by . Board Secretary (after her discussions with
individual Board Members at different times) .
SECRETARY L. KOWALSKI: Jerry, do you want me to mention what I've
done first, or do you want to explain where we are? I don't mean to
interrupt you. You go ahead.
CHAIRMAN: No, you go ahead. I don't care, do it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: (For the record) I just want to mention-
that I gave all the Board Members eleven pages of a draft proposal for their
consideration tonight, and there are some findings of fact regarding the
history of the property, and there are also, three or four pages of
conditions that would cover areas that would be of concern for visual,
buffering and for height limitations, occupancy of the accessory buildings,
temporary quarters for staff and security personnel. And I want to
mention, in that draft on two pages there are two small errors. On
page 7 of the Board Members' copies, go down to letter D where it says, to
the greatest extent practicable, possible. The word "possible" should be
"practicable."
MEMBER VILLA: On what page is this?
SECRETARY: Page 7, paragraph "d".
CHAIRMAN: Practicable. I like that word. Ok, what else is there?
SECRETARY: The other is on page 9, letter "d" - I'm just mentioning these
for now and then we will talk about them. At letter "d", where it says,
right after the underscore in that paragraph, where it says "status report",
after that. "If additional time is necessary to commence any portion of the
project."
CHAIRMAN: OK.
SECRETARY: I just would ask the board if they could talk about whether
they are giving a time period to start the project. There is nothing
mentioned in there. But we can talk about that later when we get to it.
So just put a question mark there.
i
CIIAIR.MAN: The time limit is, when all approvals are --
MEMBER TORTORA: "Starts to run from the time all permits are in hand."
SECRETARY: No, I mean after that.
MEMBER DINIZIO: The issuance of a building permit.
MEMBER TORTORA: As per code.
' Page 36 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY: No, that not what I meant. I meant a time limit after they
receive all agency approvals, in order to start construction. Suppose they
get all agency approval, and five years later they still didn't do the
"Plan?"
CHAIRMAN: One year.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK, so you want to say, "start or commence
it, one year after receiving all agency approvals." Ok?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Let's discuss that.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK, we'll talk about that. OK. Then
down on "e" on the same page, page 9.
MEMBER VILLA: What page are we on.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Page 9.
CHAIRMAN: Page 9.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: When you go down to E, I crossed out,
you'll see a wavy line that says licensed by the New York State, that should
be left in.
CHAIRMAN: OK. Leave in.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Across a couple of lines up from that it
says, "Town Code" - there should be a period after Town Code, and delete,
"and licensed by the State of New York." I had it in there twice, and
there is no reason to put it in there twice. So the rest is for you,
Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN: OK. Going back to that 9-d. What were you anticipating
Jim? What word, what period of time would you rather have?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I would just like to know, just what we're
discussing. Are we saying to this person, go out and get all your
approvals, and if some reason or another they don't do it.
CHAIRMAN: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: I don't know, for whatever reason within a certain
amount of time. Is that what we're saying.
MEMBER TORTORA: What we're saying after you get your approval, you
have one year to commence construction.
MEMBER DINIZIO: OK, why are we saying one year?
MEMBER TORTORA: It's the same clause that's in the code Jim. In other
words, they could, that is renewable, isn't it.
Page 37 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well there is nothing in the code for
variances, only for special exception.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Right.
MEMBER TORTORA: Well, we could make it renewable Jim.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I'm just wondering why we're doing that. What if
the person takes two years to get financing.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well that's possible.
CHAIRMAN: What would be the shortfall if we left it out?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, that one I'm asking.
MEMBER TORTORA: Then it's an open ended permit.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, the variance --
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well I agree, I agree. It could be an open ended permit.
CHAIRMAN: Well, normally we put three years in the variance proposal, ok.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
CHAIRMAN: We normally put three years. That's the period of time that
we normally put.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: In major projects we do.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's certainly better than one year.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK, so we want to say --.
MEMBER TORTORA: Bob, what do you 'think?
MEMBER VILLA: Well I think if this project requires three years for
financing, it's in deep trouble.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I'm saying in total. - We're not supposed to assume
that. That's not our plan here. We're not supposed to say that this person
can afford to do it, so go ahead and do it. You know, we're Hooking to be
practical and certainly this plan I would want to see. I would want to see
this Island tied to this plan forever, if that's it. Let's face it. This
is the best plan that Southold is ever going to get, at this poing in time.
MEMBER VILLA: You're arguing it two ways because the person that we are
trying to put a limitation on it. In the beginning we were saying we would
give it a conditional approval. When they were saying that they wanted to
get going very quickly. You know, we've been hastening this thing so that
we can get their spade in the ground. So what's, what's the big problem.
Page 38 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY: Then leave it out. So don't put anything in on a time
limit. Trust what --.
MEMBER TORTORA: Why don't we put, one year renewable.
CHAIRMAN: There's really no reason to put anything in quite honestly.
MEMBER VILLA: If we stick to the code. The code says one year.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: The code doesn't say one year.
SECRETARY: As long as you receive a status letter every two years.
MEMBER VILLA: Why was that changed. Why was that changed to two years?
SECRETARY: It's a compromise I'm offering, because if you do every
year. A building permit is good for two years. If you do it every year,
you're asking for more updates than the Building Department would get, and
more frequent updates.
MEMBER VILLA: This is a different kind of a situation. All we're asking is
a status report, that's all.
SECRETARY: Variances are not permits though. If the project is
commenced, and they're working under that permit, then there would be no
reason to ask for a status report, because the status is on file with the
Building Department for the inspections.
MEMBER TORTORA. Do you have any objections to a status report
(directed to Kevin Law who was in the audience during the whole session)?
KEVIN LAW, ESQ. I think it would be preferable to do it every two years,
because sometimes you know, a year goes by and you know. Things
sometimes take longer than you want, to get something done, and I think we
could all sit here and think. Where did the last year go by. So, we
figured two years `would be more reasonable. We would have more things to
report to you, every two years.
MEMBER VILLA: By the same token though. If you're having a problem, it
would be nice to know why you didn't do it. We're not --.
KEVIN LAW, ESQ: If your looking for a short written status report on an
annual basis, I don't think that's objectionable.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: On the proposed plan and buildings that
are the subject of the variance. Just that portion of the plan.
KEVIN LAW ESQ: It say's on here, subject to the variance. That would be
reasonable, and to the extent that you were looking for some type of detail
status report. I just thought would make more sense every two years. But
to the extent that you're looking for a short brief report on an annual
basis. I don't think that's an unreasonable request, and I think we'll go
along with it.
page 39 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
CHAIRMAN: Two years, then.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: So we're going to say then --.
MEMBER TORTORA: Every year.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Every year.
MEMBER DINIZIO That's, that's --
MEMBER TORTORA: He has no objections. Why do you ask?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I 'll say annually.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Because I object to it. I object to the fact that we have
to subject these people to a one year--
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Every year.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Number one, who is going to say how detailed it's going
to be? Is this person supposed to come to us with something, and someone
on the board is going to say, oh no, I want to know this, and he has to go
and come back.
MEMBER TORTORA: We're leaving that --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: How about a brief if we add the word brief
in there then. Brief construction status.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Would you define brief for me in the contents of
Government?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: What would you define brief as in the Law
dictionary?
MEMBER VILLA: Would you outline what you want every two years. How
much detail do you want every two years?
MEMBER DINIZIO: I want to approve it. I want this man to stand by the
laws, and stand by the conditions, and if he doesn't, be brought up to
whatever charges need to be brought to, and taken care of accordingly.
According to the laws and rules of the Town of Southold. Not come to the
Board of Appeals that has plenty of other things to do, and issue a report
on the status that the Town Building department is supposed to be taken
care of. If it doesn't apply, if it doesn't apply to this variance, he's
supposed to inforce that, not us. After this, after we've agreed to his
concept, I don't see where we have to have any say in this.
MEMBER VILLA: Why do we have things come back to us every year,
accessary apartments and different things like that. We've granted those,
and they have come back every year for a permit.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Serge, we need your comment on this.
You're the only member left, and it will make a difference. Do you think
it's necessary to have a letter every year, or every two years?
CHAIR-MAN: ( inaudible)
MEMBER DOYEN: I think I would say, every two year.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: And Jerry you said?
CHAIRMAN: I don't really care.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Originally you said it should go out. So
does that mean you want two years, as an alternative?
CHAIRMAN: I'll go with two years.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Jim, would you go with two years.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I won't hold the project up because of this.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, no. We agreed --.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'm not satisfied with this --
MEMBER VILLA: Nobody is holding the project up.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, can we add that in.
MEMBER VILLA: It's a simple status report.
CHAIRMAN: OK, is there anything else Linda?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well actually, you mentioned that. There
is nothing else that I have to say. Everything that's underlined was added
by me, just has corrections after speaking with the Town Attorney, and my
own doings.
CHAIRMAN: Ok. Page 5, Ladies and Gentlemen. The Board determinations
conditions.
1. Height sizes, more existing proposed buildings.
A2. Boathouse 'buildings, maximum height 29 feet 6 inches.
Lane House maximum height 25 feet at 2 and one half story.
C1 Recreational building, maximum 45 feet, height 2 story's.
Caretaker's cottage 25 feet, maximum 2 story's. Family Vacation home
limited 45 feet, height maximum 2 and one half story's.
D. Garage Building with staff quarters, that's D4, height 25
feet, 2 story's. Subject to the following shall be permitted as unattached,
and to be subordinate accessory to the principal building so far as
described, and we're referring to those area's of the findings from page 6.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: On number 1 there on that page, page 6
where it say's, 11 1, a, b, c, and d".
Page 41 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Where it's kind of consolidated in one
paragraph. See where I have it underlined, where it says, the garage with
Staff quarters building.
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: With sleeping accomidations and allowable
microwave cooking.
CHAIRMAN: Yes
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Rather than a permanent kitchen facility.
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: For periodic, and it should say after that,
Vacation house staff use.
CHAIRMAN: Right, ok.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Ok, and cross out, up to the number of
months per calander year because, Mr. Bacon doesn't know how frequently
he's going to be living in his Vacation home, whether it's three days or 365
days.
CHAIRMAN: OK
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: He only needs his vacation house staff
there, when he's there. That's why we said periodic.
CHAIRMAN: I offered the rest of the conditions as a part of the findings of
this decision. If the decision is completed and we have it available, I
will make it available to the press at 10 o'clock this Friday morning. So,
you'll have plenty of time to put it in the paper, for the following week.
MEMBER VILLA: Are we going to act on this tonight or what?
CHAIRMAN: I'm going to act on this, right this second.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, let's continue.
CHAIRMAN: I'm going to put it to bed.
MEMBER VILLA: Well, you know --.
CHAIRMAN: Go ahead.
MEMBER. VILLA: We were furnished draft's, and we made changes, and
made suggestions. This was handed to us tonight. I think,we should at
least have the courtesy to reading it.
Page 42 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Well, the findings of the decision are based upon what we put
into the decision. We have maximized --.
MEMBER VILLA: What do you mean when you say we?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, my discussion.
CHAIRMAN: Myself
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, it's not Jerry. It's myself with each
individual board member, and Bob you did see this previously. I drafted
this over the last several weeks.
MEMBER VILLA: I don't want to be a bad guy, but this is such a big
project. We should at least have the courtesy of reading it before we act
on it.
CHAIRMAN: This is the 11 th draft, that we did.
MEMBER VILLA: Yes, and don't you think you should at least read it.
CHAIRMAN: You can read it, we'll read it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I thought that we could have had an
appearance earlier tonight, so that we could read. But if we need another
month to read it.
CHAIRMAN: We're not going to need another month.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Then we'll need another month to read it.
CHAIRMAN: We're not going to need another month. We'll read it after the
deliberation, 'and we'll vote on it in approximately an hour, so to speak, ok.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK. I just wanted to ask one question
here.
MEMBER TORTORA: Linda, just give ma a page on that.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It's page 7E.
CHAIRMAN: Go ahead
MEMBER TORTORA: Thank you
CHAIRMAN: E ok. All right. Going back to Connors.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I only ask that if you read and make
changes on your draft, if you would please give me your copies with your
notes on them, and I will put them in the record, so that we can come up
with a final draft again, rather than redoing it every day for the next two
weeks.
Page 43 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
CHAIRMAN: OK
MEMBER VILLA: That's my point. If there is going to be changes and
everything.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, we have five board members, and
every time we talk, there's five different things to be cahnged, and I'm
asking you to please note it on your copy, because I can't do five a day,
every time something is changed. It's impossible. I don't have a staff of
30 people.
CHAIRMAN: We will go to page 6 on, on the conditionsof the colmination
and deliberations tonight, and we'll go shot for shot. I don't care if
we're here till 2. We'll finish it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Alot of these changes were in there, that
Bob, you asked for. I don't understand what need --. I don't understand
it.
CHAIRMAN: I don't want to be here ( )in the morning, but I'll do
it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well you don't understand Linda. I made
suggestions and you went along with them. I've seen some things have been
changed after --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Do you know why it was changed?
Because some of it had to be changed because they were so unreasonable,
and that's why we're talking about it Bob, and if we can't talk about it
here at a meeting, then when do you want to talk about it, tomorrow.
MEMBER VILLA: No, I'm not saying that.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Let's talk about it now.
MEMBER VILLA: Jerry was going along and was going to approve it, and I
just felt, let's at least have a chance of reading it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: But you did have time to read it. You
know I was going to have it, when I talked to you yesterday.
MEMBER VILLA: You gave it to me at 20 after 7. .
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Jim came in twice today. Jim came in
twice yesterday. Lydia came in twice yesterday.
CHAIRMAN: We've had 11 redrafts on this. The decision is 11 pages long.
Page 44 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER VILLA: Three times today, you went into the room out there
before and made changes, while we were in here.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Ten written changes which were about ten
words.
**** seems to be an error or duplication above. Check
CHAIRMAN: OK, could we please continue. These people have been here
nine years.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: We're going to go on nine years with this
project.
CHAIRMAN: Nine years they have been here. I wanted to say on the
record, and I hope you don't mind me saying it Mr. Connors. But when I
saw you nine years ago, your hair wasn't gray, and I had alot more hair,
ok. That's what I wanted to say on the record, but I didn't say it on the
record, and I hope you don't mind me saying that to you.
Mrs. Eileen Connors: He hasn't found the same nutritionist I have.
Mr. Chris Connors: It's the hardest single thing I had to do in my life.
It really is.
CHAIRMAN: I'm sure, ok. Connor's up for deliberation.- Anybody.
Robin's Island (continued)
Chairman: 1A, B2 is the number of the cottage. The principal building,
I'm sorry. Building as a extension of use shall be subordinate accessory to
the principal building, with a living area and a single kitchen.
B1. Lane cottage building as a extension of a subordinate, and
accessory principal use for living area and single kitchen.
C7. Caretaker's cottage building as an extension with use of
subordinate accessory of principal building, and living area and single
kitchen.
D4. Garage staff quarter's building as an extension with
subordinate accessory principal building, and with sleeping accommodations
allowable, microwave cooking around the permanent kitchen facilities for
periodic vacation house staff, and guest use. We are agreeing to the word,"
and guest use".
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, which one. No, we can take guest
out, if you want.
CHAIRMAN: Guest use is out, good: OK, and so on as it's written.
2. Boathouse building shall be limited to an office lounge area
for the security personal and staff etc, as stated there.
3. C4 Agricultural maintenance compound building use, shall be
limited to periodic sleeping accomidation, and a single chaired kitchen.
facility for up to four persons. Agricultural staff in this compound only
etc. as each stated there.
Page 45 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
C. Future enlargement or expansion on non conformity containing
those building, containing extended use for accessory buildings for
habitable quarters, in addition to what was requested in this application,
shall require written notification to the Zoning Board as stated there.
D. To the greatest possible practicable, to the greatest extent
practicable.
MEMBER TORTORA: Practical, should be.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Practicable is very simular to practical, it
just --.
CHAIRMAN: The present, presently existing natural vegetated 20 foot deep
buffer, between the vacation home, and the top of the bluff, shall be
replaced only if necessary..
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, shall be maintained.
CHAIRMAN: Excuse me.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: and replaced.
CHAIRMAN: Shall be maintained and replaced.
MEMBER DINIZIO: OK
CHAIRMAN: Oh yes, I see that. And replaced only if necessary, due to
the Environmental conditions, unless otherwise determined by the Board of
Appeals, at a future date.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: On that word determine --.
CHAIRMAN: Who shall be --
MEMBER TORTORA: Linda, that's not clear.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
MEMBER TORTORA: In other words it's --. Do you mean that replaced
only due to Environmental conditions?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, if it's damaged by Environmental
conditions, yes.
MEMBERR TORTORA: Well let's say, and replaced only if it is damaged.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Only if it is damaged. Only if necessary,
due to damage.
MEMBER TORTORA: Only if necesary if it is damaged because --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: How about just putting in the word,
damaged by Environmental conditions.
Page 46 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: Exactly.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, ok. Wait a minute, if it is --.
MEMBER TORTORA: Replace only if necessary due to damage --.
CHAIRMAN: Damage
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: By
CHAIRMAN: By
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Environmental conditions.
CHAIRMAN: Good, ok. The rest is etc. ok.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That word determined.
CHAIRMAN: Oh yes, wait a minute. That word determined.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I just want to clarify it for the record.
That also means, any alternative that might be necessary, whether it's 20
years from now, or 200 years from now, you know. We - may have
alternatives based on the soil conditions. I don't know 200 years from now,
what the Island is going to look like. It may be under water I guess, you
never know. But whatever alternative, if necessary that would include any
changes, approvals, or waiver's.
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
MEMBER TORTORA: You're still referring to the bluff and the vegetated
area.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, yes
CHAIRMAN: OK
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: The board may want a deeper buffer.
There may be some circumstances involved. They may want a lesser
buffer. It depends on the circumstances at that time in the future.
MEMBER TORTORA: OK
CHAIRMAN: OK. E. The setback or the family vacation home shall be at
100 feet or more from the top of the present --
MEMBER TORTORA: At a minimum
CHAIRMAN: Yes
Page 47 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That's what 100 feet or more is. It's a
minimum.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, that's a minimum. Under bluff area's.
F. All building structure should meet or exceed Town
reguirements, and regulations for setbacks for _ bluff's and beaches as
required by appropriated Enviromental agency's Trustees, and DEC etc.
G. All fencing for the tennis court shall not exceed a total height
of 10 feet above grade, and I think we get down to. Unless a written
request for -- what's the word.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, Bob wanted occasional after dark use
of the tennis court, and the rest of it there but, I was curious. What if
the family were going to have maybe, a barbeque every Thursday, and they
wanted to have a tennis match at night? Bob, did you want him to come
back by letter for each night that they do it, or can they do several nights
in one letter?
MEMBER VILLA: Well, it's not supposed to be lighted permanently, right.
So how are they going to do this?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, the intent of it is, so that it doesn't
disturb neighbors; and Robin's Island doesn't have neighbors. The tennis
court is in the middle of the Island, so who is it going to disturb at
night. That's why it's a little bit unique.
CHAIRMAN: Leave the word occasional. That's fine.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, but do you want to say every time.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I think you've got to do something one way or the
other. You're saying occasional for after dark use, and then you're saying,
for events.
CHAIRMAN: Unless a written request for after dark use of the tennis court
in the future is requested--.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: For certain events.
CHAIRMAN: You have the word occasional, for after dark use.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Just say, for after dark use.
CHAIRMAN: Yes
MEMBER DINIZIO: My preference would be that they just come back, and
ask for a waiver.
CHIARMAN: I'd leave the whole sentence out, the whole thing.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, but if they have five barbecues in a
month, they got to come back five different times?
Page 48 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER. DINIZIO: No, I'm saying that we should just take this out, and if
they want to have lights on the tennis court --
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OH, oh
MEMBER DINIZIO Come in and prove that they need to have lights on here
and prove that --
CHAIRMAN: That's what I said.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Unless you get a variance, because they
have unique circumstances.
MEMBER DINIZIO Right
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I see what you're saying.
MEMBER TORTORA: So what are we doing?
CHAIRMAN: Take out unless. Everything from unless on.
MEMBER TORTORA: You mean that whole --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: The underscore.
CHAIRMAN: The underscore.
SECRETARY LINDA KOPWALSKI: Is that what Jerry and Jim are offering.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I just feel this is another thing where they have to come
in. If someone across the way sees the lights on, there going to go out and
check to see if this guy has a permit for that day.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, yes.
CHAIRMAN: OK, H.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Serge, Lydia, you're agreeable.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's fine
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
MEMBER VILLA: How is this going to end it.
MEMBER DINIZIO: They can come back later on. This is not going to end
it. As of now, they can't have lights on the tennis court.
MEMBER VILLA: OK
CHAIRMAN: I have no objection --.
Page 49 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: But Bob was doing that, to try and make
it possible that they could have night lighting, without filing a formal
application.
CHAIRMAN: Well, the way they can have night lighting is simply, take all
the four wheel drive, and put it on the tennis court, and leave the engins
running.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: And it's legal.
CHAIRMAN: Let's drag a generator over, ok.
MEMBER, VILLA: Don't shoot the Deer.
CHAIRMAN: Yes
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Would you prefer to have that in.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Or leave it out.
CHAIRMAN: Leave H in, it's fine.
MEMBER TORTORA: On that H.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: H, yes.
MEMBER TORTORA: Technically the family vacation home is the principal
building. The principal use is residential, correct.
CHAIRMAN: Correct, always.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
MEMBER TORTORA: Right. It says the principal. use. Vacation home is
the principal use.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK, we'll say residential after principal.
MEMBER TORTORA: Is the principal building, and the principal use,
residential?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN: So you have to put principal use.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Principal residential building and use.
CHAIRMAN: OK Principal residential and use, ok
5. Family Vacation home building as principal use, will be
permitted to be constructed, a mean height of 45 feet.
Page 50 - Verbatim Transcripts
• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: 2 A is ok, the way it is and B.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, it's fine.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Anybody else have any comments on A, B
or C.
MEMBER. TORTORA: This is the ( ) . This is what was in there
before.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, yes. These will stay the same.
CHAIRMAN: Same conditions.
MEMBER TORTORA: Let's stop off, and take action when it's jurisdiction,
it deems necessary. That deems necessary under the circumstances.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Under the circumstances would mean,
under the circumstances of the change. In other words, if the change is a
minor change that does the angle of a wall of a building, changed by a few
degrees or something. Suppose that instead of having a straight wall, they
decided to have a bay protrusion of some type. The board would decide
that it's not necessary to have a hearing on it, because it's not really
changing their plan or their purview of the whole building. You know what
I mean.
MEMBER DOYEN: Yes.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That's a minor change. Minor changes
are up to the board, whether to have a Public Hearing or
not.
MEMBER TORTORA: I must say that, the Board of Review is to require a
new Public Hearing, and take action under it's review, and take action
under it's jurisdiction.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: As it deems necessary period.
MEMBER. TORTORA: That's pretty well written in the code right now,
Linda..
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: All right. We'll take the rest of that
sentence out then.
CIAIRMAN: OK. Then we'll start with a new sentence.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Other considerations.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Nothing shall be.
MEMBER TORTORA: Read all the way down,to "parcel"
MEMBER DINIZIO: Other considerations which relate to the general --.
Page 51 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER VILLA: From where ?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Start with "Under the circumstances Bob,
to parcel". Then you start again with the word "nothing".
CHAIRMAN: OK.
B. The owner must obtain applicable agency approvals including,
to understand.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: We added Town Board there.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, ok. ( ) How does that relate?
MEMBER TORTORA: Town Board, yes.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Town Board, I understand is going to move
the Helipa.d, and I'm not sure if there is anything else. Is there anything
else, besides the Helipad? OK
CHAIRMAN: OK C. Approval is required by the Southold Planning
Board and other, in the event that the property is demed proposed, for a
subdivision. That's understandable.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Paragraph C is. I put a notation there.
I'll cross out my note there and --.
CHAIRMAN: Good
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: All right.
CHAIRMAN: So C is out, right.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: C is in.
CHAIRMAN: C is in, ok.
D. We agreed to that commence any portion of, we agreed to
that.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, OK. Commencing, that the time we
have to talk about. Are we --. What did everybody decide to do on that
paragraph, because there was --.
CHAIRMAN: In addition --
MEMBER TORTORA: In view of the fact that I'm the only female on the
board, you should let me have my way once, and give me an annual status
report. It doesn't have to be anything lengthy but just let us know how
it's coming along. I don't think that is an unreasonable request. We're
not asking for --.
CHAIRMAN: Kevin agreed to that when we asked him. So, I don't see any
problem.
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• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold 'Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: So, come on boys.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, I'm sorry. I choose to treat you equally Lydia, and
respectfully. For I have to disagree. That the Zoning Board shouldn't be
doing the Town's Building Department job
MEMBER DOYEN: Only in this way. In a formal way. I think, if you ask
them. Even if you write a letter for an annual report, because we're
interested, because we're not the Agency that inforces this document after
it passes. So therefore, we shouldn't ask them for something that we don't
have any legal imput afterwards. I think it's very nice, and I'd like to
know what happened.
CHAIRMAN: So leave the whole sentence out.
MEMBER VILLA: Can I ask a silly question? How did we get involved with
shrubs in the buffer zone, if we don't have any involvment after we've
approved this.
CHAIRMAN: They have already agreed to let us go over each phase with
the Building Inspector, and review it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It's being repetitive really.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: We're perfectly intitled to review it any time we want.
Go down to the Building Department and review it.
CHAIRMAN: How do we know their pictures will be as nice as ours.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I don't know.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Serge has suggested, you leave it out.
That whole sentence there.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I do too.
CHAIRMAN: Who needs it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Jim, Jerry you too, all right. That's three
votes. It goes out then. Your taking out that whole paragraph.
CHAIRMAN: No, if additional time is necessary.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, the first sentence Jerry, on D. Every
year construction status plan, that whole sentence.
CHAIRMAN: I thought we were on the bottom.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, we're on D.
CHAIRMAN: All of D.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That's what Serge is suggesting, and Jim
is agreeing. Lydia is with Bob, so your the sway vote
CHAIRMAN: Oh boy.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Oh boy, decisions. That's why you can --.
CHAIRMAN: Leave it in.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: What date do you want to use, Lydia?
CHAIRMAN: Two years, leave it just the way it was.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Lydia and Bob want every year.
CHAIRMAN: Then change it to every year. I don't care.
MEMBER TORTORA: What a guy.
MEMBER DINIZIO: You're a sexist. That's Jim Dinizio talking to Jerry.
MEMBER TORTORA: At least somebody is on this board, Thank God.
CHAIRMAN: This will cost you, big time Lydia.
MEMBER TORTORA: OK
MEMBER DINIZIO: You can say that again.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: But the rest of that, ok --.
CHAIRMAN: It all stays in there.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: If the additional time is necessary to
commence any portion --
CHAIRMAN: Yes, I knew you were going to bring that --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Within three years after receiving all
agency approvals--
CHAIRMAN: It should be three years because that's what everybody--.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Of the proposed plan. Does that stay in.
CHAIRMAN: Yes.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Can I ask you --.
CHAIRMAN: Commence portion of.
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Why is that going in? I'm just . curious
because if --.
CHAIRMAN: I asked to have it pulled out.
SECREATARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Oh, all right.
CHAIRMAN: I have a ( ) to have it in. Everything from "if
additional time is necessary" I had taken all that out.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK, sorry. I. had it here, so I'll cross it
Out.
CHAIRMAN: Is that all.
MEMBER TORTORA: So we're going to delete from "if additional time".
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN: All the way out.
MEMBER. TORTORA: Agreed
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Because you'rd doing it every year, and
there is not need --.
CHAIRMAN: OK, good. All of that is good. Now, lets go down to E.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Wait a minute, wait a minute. I'd just like to make,
maybe I know. I'm probably knit picking here. Maybe we could set some
criteria as to what this report, that we're going to receive every year --
CHAIRMAN: One page report.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: How about a letter.
MEMBER DINIZI0: OK
CHAIRMAN: A letter.
MEMBER DINIZIO: What is it going to contain. What are we --? What is it
going to contain?
CHAIRMAN: It is goping to say. We finished working on the Mackay
house, and we commensed construction or reconstruction of the Lane house.
MEMBER TORTORA: We hope to start such and such in five days.
CHAIRMAN: That's all.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: And there are no major place --
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: Just a brief construction, a brief. Use the word
brief, make you happy, Jim?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, again I defer, I'll say. Define for me in
Government terms, what brief means. We just sat here and watched
a lady here go through 20 years of the Town telling her, that she had two
separate lots, to the fact that she had to apply for $300.00 to get her
( )lot.
CHAIRMAN: And she did it very briefly.
MEMBER. TORTORA: And she didn't care. if she got it or not.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Actually.
MEMBER. TORTORA: I'm curious as to what this thing is going to look like.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Actually, do you know what Jim is really
saying, Lydia. How can it be brief when you're saying, of any changes. I
mean, there could be a hundred fifty minor changes.
MEMBER TORTORA: It an annual, it's an annual.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Of immaterial things. Yes, but the thing
is, it says any changes.
CHAIRMAN: Look, if we don't like what it says, we can always write and
say --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: What kind of changes do you want in the
letter. That is what I'm asking you.
CHAIRMAN: Linda, you know that we run into changes all the time with --,
and you just clearly stated one. We have a person, we make it a ten foot
setback. We know ---.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, the ones that you don't want in
there. Tell me one or two, that you don't want in there. That you're
really not interested in, cause they are so minor and so immaterial that you
don't want them in there.
CHAIRMAN: I don't care what they say over there.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: What.
MEMBER VILLA: You know, you're carrying on like a bunch of kids here.
For goodness sake. A status report I would say.
MEMBER TORTORA: That's all it is.
MEMBER VILLA: You have an Attorney here, and he's going to address
this thing, all of the items that we've gone along with. What is he asking
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
for. He's asked for six or seven different things. He's going to, say
-Mackay cottage completed.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: All right. I have an idea then. OK,
good. See where it says in writting, put period. Right after "in writing"
put period.
MEMBER VILLA That's what they are paid for. When we ask for a status
report, that's what they are going to give us.
MEMBER TORTORA: Fine, Linda.
MEMBER VILLA: Holy mackerel.
MEMBER TORTORA: We all understand. Let's move.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I don't understand.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Jim has a point, and I think it says too
much.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I really think that you guys are really just holding this
to a higher standard that needs to be, and we have people in the Town that
supposed to monitor the progress of this whole project. Just as they
monitor every project that they do and they do a very good job of it lately,
and I don't see why we should be subverting them. I'll put that in. I
agree to it. I hold up to that.
CHAIRMAN: Your not putting in there, about the Deer are you.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Well no, but I'm am going to say this. That, I think
your holding to a different standard, then your holding other residence.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Can I ask one question on D. There' s a
bottom part of that, the last sentence. Jerry, you skipped over it. That's
staying in.
CHAIRMAN: You could leave it there.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, the Board of Appeals and the
representative, reserved the right to inquire as to the status. Does that
go out?
MEMBER TORTORA: We haven't gotten to that yet.
CHAIRMAN: Yes, I actually skipped over it.: I don't care if it's in there
or. not.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Well, we just need. It either stays in or
stays out.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER TORTORA: We all agree, we all agree.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Leave it in , ok.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes
CHAIRMAN: OK, E. The new family residence is referred to as a vacation
house, shall be principal residential building, and not be leased or rented
separately from any of the accessory buildings, unless otherwise agreed to
by the Board of Appeals. The rest of it is --.
MEMBER. TORTORA: ( ) formal.
CHAIRMAN: We already did it, ok. F.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: F. Went out.
CHAIRMAN: So we're renumbering.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
MEMBER TORTORA: So G is F .
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: G is the correct letter actually, yes.
CHAIRMAN: Oh, G is correct.
MEMBER TORTORA: Where's F.
CHAIRMAN: What happened to F.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I think I already --.
MEMBER TORTORA: Oh E became --. I get it.
CHAIRMAN: Oh, ok. You're moving everything up.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes, yes.
MEMBER TORTORA: The Board of Appeals becomes E etc.
CHAIRMAN: In light of the historic use of the property, unique access
issues of the Island and the desire to see Building Department restore the
Lane house, ok. I don't have any problems with it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK
CHAIRMAN: H may be for the new ( ) showing the accessary
building. I have no problems with that. I. The existing( Jerry read to
himself) . Anybody have any problem with I?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Would that be after a hearing? When they come back
and ask us, and say to us?
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• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Well, in the status report it would be indicated that they had
chosen not to build a Vacation house so it would be an automatic reversion
back to Mackay house.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Unless the CBA determines otherwise. But
he means, is a letter ok, or do we have to have an application.
CHAIRMAN: I don't think we have to have an application.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: OK, and we'll say, designates by letter or
otherwise.
MEMBER TORTORA: Linda, when you think of that. If it does revert
back, it is a change that may require Public Hearing.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No really, because the code requires it to
revert back.
CHAIRMAN: Sure, it doesn't have to.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It's a code requirement so the ZBA
designated otherwise. I'm not sure why that's in there. I'm trying to
remember. I think there might have been another proposal maybe. Suppose
the owner didn't want the Mackay cottage to be the principal building, and
suppose another house.
CHAIRMAN: Then he would have to. If he wanted to make the Lane house.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Right
CHAIRMAN: Which is the next assumed one.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Yes
CHAIRMAN: Because I mean, it's a much more palatial building.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Would we need a public hearing for that, is
what Jim is asking.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, no. I think I'm asking, unless the ZBA designates.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Designates otherwise.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'm asking, how do we designate otherwise, if we don't
have a hearing.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Can we add in there, by letter or other --.
MEMBER TORTORA: I don't think you can do it without a public hearing.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I think you should just take it out.
CHAIRMAN: Take what out?
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBRR DINIZIO: Unless the ZBA designates otherwise.
MEMBER DOYEN: There is another possibilty.
MEMBER TORTORA: I don't think you could --. Jim, I think it could
revert back to --.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: How about if we put in there --.
MEMBER TORTORA: I don't think that --. You cannot designate another
building as a principal building without a Public Hearing.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I have an idea. How about "Unless the
code provides otherwise".
MEMBER TORTORA: What does that mean?
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That means that the Zoning Code says, if
the Lane Lodge meets all the setbacks, and heights, and everything else,
then that could be the principal building.
MEMBER TORTORA: You can't do it without a Public Hearing.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, yes you can.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: The code allows it.
CHAIRMAN: The Building Inspector can do it without a Public Hearing.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's why I'm saying --
CHAIRMAN: They did determination, and the Mackay house was the
principal house.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's why I'm saying. Why is the ZBA involved?
MEMBER DOYEN: There's another possiblilty as long as we want to knit
pick. Suppose he decides he wants another principal house, rather then the
Mackay house. Never mind any other resistant structure. Suppose he
doesn't want to do the one that's proposed here. Then what do he do.
MEMBER DINIZIO: He applies for a building permit, and gets denied or
whatever. The ZBA gives a. determination and we go from there.
MEMBER. DOYEN: OK, so then he automatically --.
MEMBER Villa: Let's- keep it to our sites available, that he can build other
houses on it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: No, he can't do it without changing the
plan, and to change the plan he has to come back.
MEMBER DOYEN: OK, so that's what I'm getting at, so.
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• Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I assume --.
MEMBER DOYEN: Are you just going to put that in too.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: They understand that if the plan changes,
they have to come back. So let me just check that.
MEMBER DOYEN: They understand it, but it's not written here.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It is. It's written in another paragraphs.
MEMBER DINIZIO: It is
MEMBER DOYEN: OK, then I stand corrected. I was just thinking,
suppose they want to change it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Exactly.
MEMBER DOYEN: They'll say, well I want to put it somewhere else.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: You understand, you have to come back if
the plans change anyway, right so --.
Mr. Kevin Law: It's not a problem.
CHAIRMAN: OK
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Are we going to take that out or just leave
it there.
CHAIRMAN: Just leave it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Just leave it, ok.
CHAIRMAN: J. Agricultural machines shall be permitted for agricultural
additional housing equipment maintains: ( ) storage, dormintory
quarters for buildings use for sleeping accommodations with shared kitchen
for overnight stays for( ) . No problem. Recreational buildings, shall
be an accessory building. OK, no problem. Owner agreed to allow Building
Inspector as authorized representative. No, that one. OK, it looks like
we're coming down to home stretch here. M.- Zoning Board of Appeals
conditions ( ) inaudible. Who wants to make the motion.
{
MEMBER VILLA: I have one silly question? You're probably going to tell
me it doesn't apply to us, or we don't have any control over it. But, in
the hearing --
CHAIRMAN: Right.
MEMBER. VILLA: Mr. Bacon agreed that he would never send any children
to the school and that's not addressed anyplace. Should that be a condition?
CHAIRMAN: It's not an issue that we have ever --.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: We would never, never agree to that.
CHAIRMAN: We were not turned down for that.
MEMBER VILLA: It was brought up at the hearing.
CHAIRMAN: Right
MEMBER VILLA: That the assurance was given.
CHAIRMAN: Right
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: Only if you're relying that, and I don't
think your relying that.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I don't think he said that.
CHAIRMAN: It's a good point Bob, but it's not an issue that really within
our purview.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It's not related to the variance.
MEMBER DOYEN: I don't get it. So what, suppose he did want to send
them, so what.
MEMBER DINIZIO: He's paying taxes, he's intitled to.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, to me that's an unreasonable condition.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: It's not germane to a height variance or
occupancy variance.
MEMBER DOYEN: Jerry, there's a question.
CHAIRMAN: Yes Jim
MR.. JIM THOMPSON: I think with respect to Mr. Villa, there was testimony
in the hearings about transport of people --.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Right.
CHAIRMAN: Right.
MR. JIM THOMPSON: To New Suffolk, and we did allege and testified that
we would be willing to forgo any obligation on the part of the Town, to
transfer children ---
CHAIRMAN: Right.
JIM THOMPSON: Or other people to the Island to the Mainland.
CHAIRMAN: That is correct, and it was assummed that there is a
possiblity that you may hire a Caretaken, that may have children.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
JIM THOMPSON: We wouldn't want to forgo the right of those people --.
CHAIRMAN: Right.
MR. JIM THOMPSON: As members of the community to attend the school.
CHAIRMAN: Right
MEMBER DOYEN: Exactly.
MR. JIM THOMPSON: But we more than certainly be willing to have
recorded, the transport issue.
CHAIRMAN: Sure
MEMBER. VILLA: I think it might be good to have it there, because the
school board is going to take you up on it.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: That's different
MEMBER. TORTORA: That's different
CHAIRMAN: The transports are different.
MEMBER TORTORA: No objection.
MEMBER VILLA: -- item. Other than that, I don't have any problems.
SECRETARY: Well, there is no objection. So where do you want to have it.
CHAIRMAN: Let's put it at the end. "The owner has agreed,"
MEMBER TORTORA: "In the event that the applicant has children,"
CHAIRMAN: No, "The employees of the applicant have children"
MEMBER TORTORA: The applicant or employees or anyone of the island has
children.
SECRETARY: No, I would say, "The owner agrees to provide
transportation,"
CHAIRMAN: ". . .For any and all. children of school age to the mainland."
Ok. Who wants to make the motion?
SECRETARY: ". . .At his own cost and expense."
CHAIRMAN: Right.
MEMBER VILLA: I'll make the motion. How's that.
CHAIRMAN: Holy -
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER, VILLA: I'll shock you out of your pants.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well Bob, I'll second it then.
SECRETARY LINDA KOWALSKI: I think he was testing us tonight
(jokingly) let us believe he wanted to go till the next meeting.
CHAIRMAN: Did you want to ask something before we vote on it?
ATTORNEY KEVIN LAW: Can I ask something about your discussion on
Condition (d) on page 7? I was confused by what you agreed to.
CHAIRMAN: Condition (d) (Chairman read outloud again) .
SECRETARY: Letter (d) where it says, "To the greatest extent practicable,
the word possible should be practicable."
MEMBER. VILLA: What page is that?
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
NOREEN, WE NEED TO CHECK TAPE STARTING ABOVE TO BE SURE THE
REST IS IN RIGHT SPOT. It seems to be on Page 35 to (?) already, so I
may have typed from wrong spot on the tape.
CHAIRMAN: Practicable. (Everyone noted in on their draft copies. )
CHAIRMAN: Ok, what else?
SECRETARY: Ok, on page 9. On (d) , I'll just mention it first and then
we can talk about it. On letter (d) . Where it says - night after the
underscore in that paragraph, where it says "status report." After that,
"if additional time is necessary to commence any portion of the project, I
just would a-sk the Board if they could talk about whether they are giving a
time period to start the project. There's nothing mentioned in there but" we
can talk about that later when we get to it. So just put a question mark
there.
CHAIRMAN: The time limit is when all approvals are --
MEMBER TORTORA: It starts to run from the time all permits. . ."
CHAIRMAN: Starts to run from the time all permits are in hand.
SECRETARY: No, I mean after that.
MEMBER DINIZIO: The issuance of a building permit.
MEMBER TORTORA: As per code.
SECRETARY: Well, no. That's not what I meant. I meant, a time limit
after they receive all agency approvals in order to start construction.
Suppose they get all agency approvals and five years later they still didn't
do the "Plan."
CHAIRMAN: One year.
MEMBER TORTORA: Yes, one year.
SECRETARY: Ok, so you want to say start or commence it one year after
receiving all agency approvals. Ok.
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Well let's discuss that a little.
SECRETARY: Ok. Let's talk about that. Ok. Down on number (e) on the
same page, page 9. When you go down to (e), I crossed out - where you
see a wavy line that says "licensed by the New York State. . .", that should
be left in.
CHAIRMAN: Ok. Leave in.
SECRETARY: And across, a couple of lines up from that it says, "Town
Code." There should be a period after Town Code and delete "and licensed
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Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
by the State of New York." I had it in there twice and there's no reason to
put it in twice.
CHAIRMAN: Ok.
SECRETARY: And so the rest is for you; Chairman.
CHAIRMAN: Ok, going back to that 9-d. What are you anticipating, Jim
(Dinizio) . What word, what period of time would you rather have?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Well, I just would like to know just how, what we are
actually discussing. Are we saying to this person, go out and get all your
approvals and if for some reason or another they don't do it, I don't know,
but for whatever reason within a certain amount of time, is that what we are
saying?
MEMBER TORTORA: No. We're saying after you get the approvals, you
have one year to commence construction.
MEMBER DINIZIO: Ok, now, why are we saying "one year?"
MEMBER. TORTORA: It's the same clause as in the code. In other words,
that could - it's renewable, isn't it Linda?
CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER VILLA: Yes.
SECRETARY.: Well, there's nothing in the code for variances on a time
limit, only for special exceptions.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's right.
MEMBER TORTORA: We can make it renewable, Jim.
MEMBER DINIZIO: I'm just wondering why we are doing that. What if the
person takes two years to get financing?
SECRETARY: Yes, you see, that is possible.
CHAIRMAN: What would be the short fall if we left it out.
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's what I'm asking.
MEMBER TORTORA: Then it's an open-ended permit.
MEMBER DINIZI0: I agreed. It could be an open-ended permit.
CHAIRMAN: Normally we put three years in a variance proposal. That's
the period that we normally put.
SECRETARY: In major projects we do.
CHAIRMAN: Yes.
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Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER DINIZIO: That's certainly better than one year.
SECRETARY: Ok. So we want to say --
MEMBER TORTORA: Bob, what do you think?
MEMBER, VILLA: Well I think if this project requires three years for
financing it's in deep trouble.
MEMBER DINIZIO: At the same time on the same token, we're not supposed
to assume that. That's not our plan here. We're not supposed to say if
this person can afford to do it, so go ahead and do it. We're looking to be
practical. And certainly this plan, I would want to see. I would want to
see this Island tied to this plan forever if that's it. Let's face it.
This is the best plan that Southold is ever going to get at this point in
time.
MEMBER VILLA: You are arguing it two ways because at first we're trying
to put a limitation on it, in the beginning we were saying we would give it
a conditional approval, and they were saying they wanted to get going
very quickly, and you know, we've been hastening this thing so they can
get their spade in the ground. So what's the big problem.
SECRETARY: Then leave it out. Then don't put anything in it for a time
limit. Trust their --
MEMBER TORTORA: I would like to see one-year renewable.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, no.
CHAIRMAN: There's really no reason to put anything in quite honestly.
SECRETARY: No there isn't.
MEMBER VILLA: If we stick to the code and the code says one year.
MEMBER DINZIO: The code doesn't say one year.
MEMBER VILLA: Well.
SECRETARY: As long as you receive a status letter every two years -
MEMBER. VILLA: Why was it changed from the two years --
SECRETARY: It's a compromise I'm offering because if you do it every
year, and a building permit is good for two years, if you do it every year
you are asking for more updates than the building department would get.
More frequent updates.
MEMBER VILLA: This is a different kind of a situation. All we're asking
for is a status report. That's all.
SECRETARY: A variance is not a permit though.
n 1
Page 67 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MEMBER VILLA: It's not tied to a building plan.
SECRETARY: If the project is commenced and they are working under that
permit, then there would be no reason to ask for a status report because
the status is on file with the building department for the inspections.
MEMBER TORTORA TO KEVIN LAW: Do you have any objections to a yearly
status report?
KEVIN LAW, ESQ: I think it would be preferable to do it every two years
because sometimes a. year goes by and it's, you know, things sometimes take
longer than you want, to get something done. And I think we could all sit
here and think "where did the last year just go by." And so we figure two
years would be more reasonable, we'd have more things to report to you
every two years.
MEMBER VILLA: By the same token though, if you're having a problem, it
would be nice to know why you didn't do it.
MR.. LAW: If you're looking for a short written status report on an annual
basis, I don't think that's objectionable.
SECRETARY: On the proposed 'Plan' and the buildings that are the subject
of the variances. Just that portion of the 'Plan.'
MR. LAW: Just those that are the subject of the variances. Yes. That
would be reasonable. And to the extent that you're looking for some type
of detailed status report, I just thought it would make more sense every two
years. But to the extent that you're looking for just a short brief report
on an annual basis, I don't think that's an unreasonable request, and I
think he may go along with it.
MEMBER TORTORA: Let's go for that. Good.
CHAIRMAN: Two years then?
MEMBER. DINIZIO: Yes.
MEMBER TORTORA: "Every. year.
MEMBER DINIZIO: No, that's--
MEMBER TORTORA: He has no objections. Why do you have objections?
MEMBER DINIZIO: Because I object to it. I object to the fact that we have
to subject: these people to a one-year, every -- number one, who is going to
say, how detailed it has to be. Is this person going to come to us with
something, and someone on the board is going to say, "Oh, no, I want to
know this." And then he's going to have to go back and--
MEMBER TORTORA: We're leaving that to the--
Page 68 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY: How about adding the word "brief" in there, "brief
construction status."
MEMBER DINIZIO: Would you define brief for me in the context of
government?
SECRETARY: What would you define brief as in the "Law" dictionary?
MEMBER VILLA: Would you outline what you want every two years, how
many details do you want for every two years?
MEMBER DINIZIO: I don't. I want to approve it, I want this man to stand
by the laws, stand by the conditions, and if he doesn't, be brought up to
whatever charges need to be brought up to, and taken care of accordingly,
according to the laws, rules of the Town of Southold. Not come to the
Board of Appeals that has plenty of other things to do, and issue a report
on the status that the Town Building Department is supposed to be taking
care of. If it doesn't apply, if it doesn't apply to this variance, he's
supposed to enforce that. Not us. We have no-- After this, after we
have agreed to his concept, I don't see where we have to have any say in
this.
MEMBER VILLA: Why do we have things back to us every year, Accessory
Apartments and different things like that? We've granted those, they've
come back to us every year for a permit.
SECRETARY: Serge, we need your comments on this. You're the only
member left and it will make a difference. Do you think it's necessary to
have a letter every year, or every two years--
CHAIRMAN: A five-year plan.
MEMBER DOYEN: I say it's reasonable every two years.
SECRETARY: And Jerry you said how many years?
CHAIRMAN: I don't really care.
SECRETARY: Originally you said it should go out, so does that mean you
want two years as an alternative?
CHAIRMAN: I'll go with two years.
SECRETARY: And, Jim, will you go with two years?
MEMBER DINIZIO: I won't hold the project up because of it, no, I'm not
satisfied with two years.
SECRETARY: No. No. Would you agree with --
MEMBER VILLA: Nobody is holding the project up. All we want is a simple
status report.
Page 69 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY: Can we add that in and go on to the next thing for now?
CHAIRMAN: Ok, it there anything else, Linda?
SECRETARY: Well, actually, you mentioned that. There's nothing else that
I have to say. Everything that is underlined was added by me just as
corrections, and just after speaking with the Town Attorney, and my own
doings. So.
CHAIRMAN: Page 5, ladies and gentlemen. "Board Determination and
Conditions. No. 1. Height, sizes, . . ." (Read draft into the read,
continued to page 6.)
SECRETARY: On number 1 there on that page, page 6, Jerry, where it
says la, b, c, and d, where it's kind of consolidated in the one
paragraph? See where I have it underlined, where it says the "garage with
staff quarters building with sleeping accommodations and allowable microwave
cooking. . ."
CHAIRMAN: Yes.
SECRETARY: Rather than a "permanent kitchen facility" for periodic, and
it should say after that, "for vacation house staff" use.
CHAIRMAN: Right.
SECRETARY: And cross out "up to number of months per calendar year"
because Mr. Bacon doesn't know how frequently he's going to be living in
his vacation home, whether it's three days, or 365 days, and he only needs
a. vacation house staff there when he is there. So that's why we said
"periodic."
CHAIRMAN: Ok. I offered the rest of the conditions as a part of the
findings of this decision. If the decision is completed and we have it
available, I will make it available to the press at 10 o'clock on Friday
morning, this Friday, so you'll have plenty of time to put it in the paper,
you know, for the following week.
MEMBER VILLA: Are we going to act on this tonight, or what?
CHAIRMAN: I'm going to act on it right this second.
MEMBER VILLA: You know, we were furnished drafts, and we made
changes and made suggestions, and it - this was handed to us tonight, I
think we should at least have the courtesy of reading it.
CHAIRMAN: Well, the findings of the decision are based upon what we put
into the decision. We have maximized --
MEMBER VILLA: What do you mean when you say "we?"
SECRETARY: Well, my discussions -
Page 70 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6., 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
CHAIRMAN: Myself.
SECRETARY: No, Jerry. It is myself with each individual board member,
and Bob you did see this previously.
MEMBER. VILLA: Yes, I did!
SECRETARY: We have been going over this the last several weeks. And I
think that --
MEMBER VILLA: I don't mean to be the bad guy, but this is such a big
project, we should at least have the courtesy of reading it before we act on
it.
CHAIRMAN: This is the eleventh draft that we did.
MEMBER VILLA: Yes. And it is draft, after draft. Don't you think we
should at: least read it?
CI-IAIR.MAN: We are. You can read it.
SECRETARY: I thought we would have had an appearance earlier by Board
Members who arrived after 7 so that we could read it together, but if we
need another month to read it --
CHAIRMAN: We are not going to need another month. We will read it after
the other deliberations and vote on it in approximately an hour, sort of
speak, ok?
SECRETARY: Ok. I just wanted to ask one question here.
MEMBER TORTORA: Could you give me a page on that?
SECRETARY: It's page 7, e.
MEMBER TORTORA: Thank you.
(Approximately an hour later, after going to another file for deliberations,
this matter reconvened - Louis Bacon project. )
CHAIRMAN: Ok, Robins Island.
SECRETARY: I only ask on your drafts if you please give me your copies
with your notes on them, and I will put them in the record so that we can
come up with another final draft again, rather than re-doing it every day
for the next weeks.
CHAIRMAN: Right.
MEMBER VILLA: Well, that's my point. If there's going to be changes in
there --
CHAIRMAN: There are no changes (only minor changes) .
Page 71 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
SECRETARY: There are five board members, and every time we have talked
there's five different things to be changed. We are asking you to note it
oil your copy (now) because I can't do it five times a day, every time
something is changed. It's impossible. We don't have a staff of 30 people.
CHAIRMAN: We will go from page 6, on, under the conditions at the
culmination of deliberations tonight, and we will go shot for shot. And I
don't care if we are here until two a.m. , we will finish it.
SECRETARY: A lot of these (minor) changes were in there, Bob, that you
asked for. I don't understand what needs to be --
MEMBER VILLA: What you don't understand, Linda, is I made suggestions
and. you went along with them, and now I've seen some of the things that
were changed after you and I had agreed to it.
SECRETARY: You know what was changed? Some of it had to be changed
because they were so unreasonable, and that's what we are talking about it,
Bob. If we can't talk about it here in a meeting, then when do you want
to talk about it? Tomorrow? Then let's talk about it now.
MEMBER VILLA: Jerry was saying all along he was going to approve it.
And I felt we should at least have a chance of reading.
SECRETARY: But you did have time to read it. You knew that I was
going to have this done because I talked to you yesterday.
MEMBER VILLA: You gave it to me 7:20 p.m. (approximate time when
members arrived) .
SECRETARY: Jim came in twice today.
CHAIRMAN: We have had 11 re-drafts on this.
SECRETARY: Lydia came in twice yesterday.
CHAIRMAN: The decision is 11 pages long.
MEMBER VILLA: If I came in three times today, you went out in the room
before and made a change while we were --
SECRETARY: By adjusting 10 words - minor words.
CHAIRMAN: Ok, could we please continue. These people have been here
nine years (Connors) .
SECRETARY: We're going to go on for nine years with this project
(jokingly) .
CHAIRMAN: I wanted to say on the record, and I hope you don't mind me
saying it, Mr. Connors, but when I saw you nine years ago, your hair
wasn't gray and I had a heck of a lot more hair. That's what I wanted to
say off the record, and I hope you don't mind me saying that.
. .-
Page 72 - Verbatim Transcripts
Regular Meeting of March 6, 1996
Southold Town Board of Appeals
MR. CONNORS: This is the hardest single thing I have ever had to do in
my whole life.
CHAIRMAN: I am sure. Ok. I open Connors for deliberations. (Silence)
Anybody?
(to be continued when time permits. Remainder of discussions were not part
of hearing, but continued as part of deliberation discussions amongst board
members only. )
The Above is a Draft Transcript - comments made at Regular Meeting and
Public hearings, as recorded by machine. (Not proofread or finalized due to
transition between employees and extensive discussions, requiring many
hours of additional typing. )
Draft Typed by Noreen Frey from tape
recordings; continue to next meeting tapes
which are also behind at this time.
i
RECEIVED AND FILED BY
THE SOUTHOLD TOWN CLERK
DATE l allllq� HOUR 1 : 15
e
&ownClerk, Town of Southold