MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF SAGAPONACK IN THE TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK AND STATE OF NEW YORK A meeting of the Architectural and Historic Review Board of the Village of Sagaponack was held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 3175 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, N.Y. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Tom White with a flag salute. Present were Board Member Nick Martin, Robert Barandes, Pingree Louchheim and alternate member Meagan Ouderkirk. Also present were, Building Inspector John Woudsma and AHRB Secretary Pat Arancio Remkus. Absent were Village Attorney Anthony Tohill and Emily Aspinall. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson White asked for a motion to approve the Minutes from the August 17, 2018 AHRB meeting. A motion was offered by Meagan Ouderkirk, seconded by Nick Martin and unanimously approved. DISCUSSION & APPROVAL TO CHANGE MEETING TIME - Fourth Monday of the month @ 10:00 AM Chairperson White stated that last month the AHRB had a discussion about their meetings and this month we are altering the time on the fourth Monday. Instead of being in the afternoon when some second homeowners might not be able to attend we are switching it to 10:00 AM on the fourth Monday of the month. Chairperson White asked for a motion to approve the time change. A motion was offered by Robert Barandes, seconded by Nick Martin and was unanimously approved. DRIVEWAY GATES Ralph & Cornelia Heins 90 Farmview Drive 908-4-2-5 Applicant proposes construction of driveway gates Mario Vanegas, contractor, presented the application. Chairperson White noted that this application was previously reviewed by the Committee of Two who decided to bring the application to the full Board to discuss the location of the gates. He noted that part of the Village Code allows the Board to have an input as to the visual effect to the community and perhaps the gates would be less noticeable if they were pushed further back. Chairperson White stated that according to the code, 40 is the minimum setback for the size of this lot, but the Board is of the mind that they could be placed further back on the property since the property has shrubbery and plantings on both sides. It will not be visible from the house if it is deeper, but it will be less of an impact to the public on the street. Pingree Louchheim asked how much further back the applicant should be asked to place the gates to which Chairperson White suggested that the gates be placed 60 off of the property line. AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 1
Pingree Louchheim noted that there are only two other gates on that road and asked why they wanted gates to which Mr. Vanegas responded that want the gates for privacy and they will match the gate to the house. He noted that a house nearby has the same gates at the property line. Chairperson White explained that the proposed gates are 40 off of the property line and noted that the house is 102 from the rear property line, the garage is 85 from the rear property line and the entire rear yard is fenced into the wire fence. Chairperson White, Nick Martin and Pingree Louchheim would like the gates placed further back into the lot. Chairperson White asked if there was a consensus of 100 off of the property line to which Meagan Ouderkirk responded that she would rather there be no gate there. Pingree Louchheim asked if the AHRB could say no to this gate to which Chairperson White responded not really. Pingree Louchheim agreed with the 100 setback. Robert Barandes stated that he can only support a request not to install the gate. He noted that the code says 40 and we are asking that they be moved further back. He stated that he cannot understand how the gate creates privacy and asked why the owner wants gates to which Mr. Vanegas responded that the owner wants people to stop at the gate and not go all the way up to the house. Robert Barandes commented that he had no problem with the gates at 40. Chairperson White asked for a motion to approve the gates with a setback of 100 off of the property line. A motion was offered by Pingree Louchheim and seconded by Meagan Ouderkirk. Chairperson White was for the application and Robert Barandes abstained. OLD BUSINESS Farm WLWD LLC 21 Farm Court 908-4-2-16 Applicant proposes construction of a two story single family dwelling with attached two car garage and finished basement containing four bedrooms, 1st FL covered porches, 1st and 2nd FL unroofed decks, detached pool house and pergola Val Florio, architect, presented the application. He stated that the existing hedgerow, which is to the north of the driveway, will remain untouched and the house was shifted 14 to the south. They reduced the glass and eliminated the shutters on all four elevations. He noted that the existing house is white and the proposed house will be driftwood grey with dove white trim. In terms of the architecture, the look of this house is not to be an off of the shelf developer type building, but something more in keeping with the historic home that appears as if it has been renovated in the vernacular of the historic houses in Southampton Village that date back to the early 1800 s to 1850 s in terms of look and because this is a heavily screened in property, it will not visible from the road. Chairperson White asked if there are any particular features in the new design that were not in the old design to which Mr. Florio responded that no, less is more in terms of the look. AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 2
Chairperson White asked about the 2 nd FL porch which appears to face north to which Mr. Florio responded that those are two children s bathrooms, but detail was introduced by the designer who wanted to influence the house to be a bit more historic. Chairperson White stated that he is concerned with the lighting to which Mr. Florio responded that those are just bathrooms and there is a 4 step out. Pingree Louchheim asked if it is going to be grey with no natural shingles to which Mr. Florio responded yes. He noted that there is no arbor on the permit as depicted in renderings and asked the Board to please disregard that. Nick Martin asked if the owners considered a typical gable house to which Mr. Florio responded that they specifically requested the gambrel. He showed a photo of a gambrel house in Southampton and noted that the key thing is the steepness of the roof, both the bottom portion and the upper portion, if it is done correctly, it looks less like a mistake. He stated that key things the Board pointed out at the last presentation of a gambrel roof that he had was that the front elevation and any window integration is actually done in the form of a dormer, not as a long stretch of windows. Nick Martin asked if the front faces north to which Mr. Florio responded yes. Mr. Florio stated that he also made a reduction of the trim. Nick Martin noted that there is a hip roof to which Mr. Florio responded that the hip was to keep the proportion of the garage low. He commented that many people, when they attach the garage to the house, go two story and his thought was to keep the scale of house low slung in terms of the width. He had mentioned at the last meeting that 3/5 th of the house is one story and 2/5 th is two story. The garage ingredient is intended to look like part of the house. He noted that the site is a very heavily screened property to the north. Pingree Louchheim commented that she likes that there is only one chimney. Nick Martin asked how much taller the proposed house is than the existing to which Mr. Florio responded that the existing house is 1 ½ stories and is approximately 27 and the new house is just under the 32 maximum. He noted that the width of the house is similar. Nick Martin asked if there is a planting plan to which Mr. Florio responded that, because of the existing heavy vegetation on all four sides, they want to keep it as open as possible. The foundation will be planted, but nothing in terms of screening. There is one specimen beech tree in the back corner of the rear yard that they would like to keep and the hedges on the street are 12 15 tall and the plantings by the reserve are well over 14 tall. Chairperson White asked what the square footage was to which Mr. Florio responded that it is approximately 5,100 sq. ft. Chairperson White asked for a motion to approve the application. A motion was offered by Pingree Louchheim, seconded by Robert Barandes and unanimously approved. AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 3
NEW BUSINESS AMENDMENT/ADDITION / RENOVATION Gordon & Jennifer Cooke 181 Parsonage Pond Road 908-4-3-23 Applicant proposes conversion of a garage to recreational space Zac Clanahan of Eric Woodward Architects, presented the application. He stated that they are proposing to convert an attached garage into a mudroom, extended laundry and recreational space. Meagan Ouderkirk asked if this would then result in no garage on the property to which Mr. Clanahan responded that is correct. Mr. Clanahan stated that they will remove the two garage doors and add a glass door to the mudroom and a window in the new recreation room. Chairperson White asked for a motion to approve the application. A motion was offered by Meagan Ouderkirk, seconded by Pingree Louchheim and unanimously approved. Daniel & Aiko Decelles 176 Ericas Lane 908-10-1-18 Applicant proposes construction of a pool house and renovation of a finished basement Jason Poremba of Jason Thomas Architect presented the application. He noted that the pergola shown on the renderings is not on the application and asked that the Board disregard. Mr. Poremba stated that there are no changes to the main residence. They are proposing 727 sq. ft. of accessory gross floor area, which puts them at 3 ½ sq. ft. under the maximum allowed. He stated that in terms of the overall siting the pool house will back itself into a large planted area at the rear of the property. Robert Barandes noted that the house to the east of this property is his property. Mr. Poremba stated that this is a corner lot on the curve of Ericas Lane which is substantially screened and views of the site are limited. The overall massing of the structure is 16 tall with a hip roof that matches the main residence which reduces the overall scale and presence of the structure on the property. The materials will predominately be natural cedar with copper gutters and flashing to match the main residence. The siding will be clear 1 x 6 cedar shiplap left natural with ¼ reveal and the trim, fascia and roof will be natural clear cedar. The pool will be gunite and the related stonework around the pool will be bluestone. There is a proposed chimney that is on the façade facing the pool in granite that will match the chimney in the main structure. The finished basement of the pool house will be used for some of the pool equipment in order to eliminate some of the noise and for storage. He noted that the outdoor shower will be clear cedar and the doors and windows will be black steel and insulated. Robert Barandes noted that the setback is only 27 from the eastern property line to which Village Building Inspector stated that that area of Ericas Lane is in an R-40 Zone and they have a 20 accessory setback from the side and rear and 70 from the front. AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 4
Robert Barandes recused himself from the application in order to make comments as a neighbor to this property and sat in the audience. Michael Donnelly of Summerhill Landscape stated that all of the existing vegetation around the structure will remain and they will be planting hydrangeas and boxwoods in the northeast corner. Chairperson White commented that the pool house is place right up against the property line to which Mr. Poremba stated that they have been sensitive to the neighbors as they are placing the pool equipment in the basement and all of the plantings are to remain. Chairperson White recognized Robert Barandes, neighbor to the east at 170 Ericas Lane, to comment on the application. Mr. Barandes stated that he had an objection to the location of the pool house. He also noted that the hedges between the properties, which belong to the applicant, are not being maintained. The representation of what is there is not accurate. There are a few naked trees, which are definitely not enough coverage relative to the home. Chairperson White asked for a motion to approve the application. A motion was offered by Nick Martin, seconded by Meagan Ouderkirk and unanimously approved. NOTED: Member Robert Barandes returned to the table. OLD BUSINESS CONT D DEMOLITION Deacon David Hedges LLC 414 Hedges Lane 908-6-3-25 Applicant proposes demolition of a three story single family dwelling, 2 sheds, arbor, and 1 story framed barn Chairperson White noted that the Village Attorney was not present at today s meeting and the Board only received the site plan last week. They will need time to review it with the Village Attorney and Planner. John Hedges stated that last month a meeting was set up for this day and he has provided what the Board requested in order to get support for the ZBA. He provided concept drawings and elevations of a new dwelling that incorporates some design elements of the original house so they complement each other and the new house has its own space. We are reducing some of the square footage on the old house. We were thrown for a loop and what we were hoping to do is to get before the ZBA because that is the body that will actually recommend the variances. He asked how long they would have to wait for an AHRB recommendation for support of their ZBA application so they can get on the ZBA calendar to which Chairperson White stated that he would need to prepare the ZBA paperwork in order to get on their calendar. Mr. Hedges asked when the AHRB meeting was to which Village Secretary Pat Arancio-Remkus responded that the next AHRB meeting would be October 22 nd, but the ZBA deadline doe rhw November 9 th ZBA meeting is October 10 th. Mr. Hedges asked if that would give the AHRB sufficient time to recommend to the ZBA to which Chairperson White responded that he cannot promise that until he sits down with the Village Attorney. AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 5
Mr. Hedges asked when the Village Attorney will return to which Chairperson White responded that he will return tomorrow. Mr. Hedges asked if the application could be adjourned to a special meeting so they can consider this in depth to which Chairperson White responded that so far this has been a discussion item only and they still have the demolition paperwork submitted. It is a process we have to go through in order to get the endorsement. Mr. Hedges stated that he has a pending demolition application. The Board suggested that we come back with some ideas on how to preserve the house and we have done that. The demolition application is still hanging out there and the Board needs to make a decision on the demolition application before they even go on to the next step. We want to save the house. We have a plan to do that, but we are in limbo with the pending application. He asked what to do to which Chairperson White responded that the previous discussion of the demolition was that it was not going to pass on the hardship angle because of the value and what the asking price was. Mr. Hedges stated that they do not have a hardship application before the Board, it is a simple demolition application to which Chairperson White responded that he believed that the intent was a hardship demolition application. Robert Barandes asked what the current intention was as it appears they are considering a different route than demolition of this property. In order to seek a variance the Board needs to know what they are being asked to support. If the current intention is to terminate the demolition, this is a straight forward discussion in terms of timing in trying to accomplish the other ends you are looking for. As we receive information from the applicant, the Planner and the ZBA itself, we need time to review. Mr. Hedges asked for clear direction from the Board with respect to the status of the demolition application. He stated that how the Board decides would tell them the direction they need to go with respect to the variances. They are going down two trails right now, but no clear direction of what track they are going on. Robert Barandes stated that the applicants have never approached the Board with a totally different position relative to the premises and planning which is something that had been suggested to be looked at. He stated that the demolition is not right at the moment, certainly not for the AHRB. We have two difficulties in front of us and one of them is not going to happen. We have a proposal in front of us that looks like it has to be pursued. Mr. Hedges asked if the Board requires additional information in order to make a decision on the pending demolition application to which Nick Martin responded that the Board is awaiting for counsel and the work of the planner and rely on the machine of the protocol. We have to absorb the information in the proper manner, we have to accept the information as fed to us by the people to which Mr. Hedges responded that there are a number of people here that can provide information. John Laffey, architect, presented the existing elevations and the sketches of the proposed elevations. He noted that they are proposing to move the existing structure to the west on Hedges Lane and remove a portion of the back side. They will change the shingles on the sides to match the front of the original house and in the rear they are proposing a covered porch and installation of new windows and doors. He noted that the existing house has three stories with three bedrooms and two baths on the 2 nd FL. Robert Barandes stated that the mistake here is where we are with our actions. The next action the AHRB would be taking would be what information we would provide the ZBA relative to the variances you are AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 6
requesting. It has nothing to do with the design. It has to do solely with what we would be supporting in terms of your request, if you made same, for variances. This is why we need the information that Nick Martin was describing because until we get to that point, there is nothing we can say to which Mr. Hedges responded that the letter he submitted describes the list of variances that are necessary. Village Building Inspector John Woudsma stated that much of the information in that letter is incorrect and he will go over it with Mr. Hedges. Pingree Louchheim asked what the process would be in order for this application to go before the ZBA to which Village Secretary Pat Arancio Remkus responded that the applicants have missed the deadline for the October ZBA meeting. The next deadline for the ZBA meeting will be October 10 th. Therefore the AHRB will have one more meeting before the November ZBA meeting. Robert Barandes stated that at the point of our next meeting if the application has been made to the ZBA, we will know at that meeting what variances are being requested because they will have gone through the formal process. From the AHRB perspective in consideration of not pursuing the demolition and preserving the house, these are the variances that are being requested and what is the position of the AHRB. Chairperson White stated that there have been other historic preservations in the Village of Sagaponack and they would need to research the degree of variance for those applications. Chairperson White stated that the Board will adjourn the application noting that at this point it is pre-emptive for the Board to garner any level of support when we do not know exactly what we would be supporting. We need to be thoughtful and thorough in this. Mr. Hedges asked if the Board would be prepared to make a decision on the demolition at next month s meeting to which Robert Barandes stated that we will see what the status is of what is before us at that point in time. Mr. Hedges stated that the application for demolition is complete to which Chairperson White responded that he does not believe that is correct. Mr. Hedges asked what is still missing to which Village Secretary Pat Arancio Remkus responded that we still do not have the Satisfaction of Mortgage. Robert Barandes stated that the Board cannot answer the questions because you are putting forward a demolition request when you are asking for a variance from the ZBA. We are not prepared to make that answer. He is not sure the ZBA can review an application for variances when a demolition application is in place. Mr. Hedges stated that they will make application to the ZBA to which Robert Barandes responded that the Board will act appropriately at that time. Chairperson White asked for a motion to adjourn the application to the October 22, 2018 AHRB meeting at 10:00 AM. A motion was offered by Robert Barandes, seconded by Pingree Louchheim and unanimously approved. SELECTION OF COMMITTEE OF TWO FOR OCTOBER AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 7
Chairperson White and Emily Aspinall will be the Committee of Two for October. MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING Chairperson White asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. A motion was offered by Robert Barandes, seconded by Meagan Ouderkirk and approved unanimously. TIME NOTED: 4:25 PM PATRICIA ARANCIO-REMKUS Secretary to Board AHRB Minutes 9.24.2018 8