'Everyone Forgot' Historic District
When the East Hampton Village Design Review Board meets Wednesday at 7 p.m., it will consider one already-constructed house, and another whose foundation is already in, both constructed in the East Hampton Village Historic District.
The problem? Thomas J. Lawrence, the village building code enforcement officer, inadvertently issued building permits for the properties - two lots on Sarah's Way, off David's Lane, in the developer Barry Brown's Hedgerow subdivision - without referring the matters to the Review Board.
"Everyone [involved] knew it was in the historic district - and forgot it," said Mr. Lawrence, who realized his error during last week's board discussion about the village's historic districts. Construction on all such sites requires Review Board approval, reflected in a "certificate of appropriateness."
Takes The Blame
Mr. Lawrence issued the first permit, number 8114, on July 2 for a 9,000-square-foot traditional, two-story shingled residence, which Mr. Brown, of Barry Brown Construction of East Hampton, is building at 6 Sarah's Way, and plans to live in.
"Mr. Brown has been so cooperative generally and in upholding the decision by the East Hampton Village Planning Board to protect the hedgerow," said Mr. Lawrence, whom village officials credit with taking great care with his work.
For his part, Mr. Brown wanted "the blame put on me," explaining that Mr. Lawrence was very conscientious about his job. Marvin Hyman, the East Hampton attorney, John Laffey of East Hampton, the architect, and Mr. Brown all overlooked the Review Board review, the builder admitted.
Approval Expected
He added that the preliminary copy of covenants and restrictions approved by the Village Planning Board outlined that "the lots within the proposed subdivision are subject to the provisions of Chapter 31 of the Village Code, Preservation of Historic Areas" - but the final document did not.
By last Thursday, Mr. Brown had filed the appropriate applications at Village Hall. Robert Hefner, the village's consultant on historic matters, subsequently looked them over and is expected to recommend Review Board approval, including for 14 Sarah's Way, where the foundation has been poured.
That permit, number 8164, was issued on Oct. 16, for a 6,000-square-foot house Mr. Brown is building on speculation. Ernie Schifferstein of Sag Harbor is the architect of that house.
Seven Lots To Develop
One of the 10 lots in the subdivision has been sold, Mr. Brown told The Star yesterday, adding that he plans to develop the remaining seven.
The Hedgerow subdivision process went on for more than three years, while several lawsuits were filed and resolved. One is still on appeal, though no restraining orders are in effect to hold up construction.
"We've been focusing on the legal problems," said Mr. Brown, "but everybody has been trying to do the right thing."
The Design Review Board meets at Village Hall.