Moran Trust Plans for Rain

    The Thomas Moran Trust is fine-tuning a site plan for the restoration of the artist’s house and studio on Main Street in East Hampton, a National Historic Landmark.

    The trust began the public phase of its $4.5 million fund-raising campaign this year. It has raised approximately the same amount since its inception in 2007, according to its first newsletter, The Studio, published on Sept. 18. Most recently, the trust received a $500,000 gift from the Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Foundation.

    On Sept. 19, the East Hampton Village Design Review Board discussed some of the nuts and bolts of the restoration. Dunn Engineering Associates, consultants to the village, weighed in on drainage plans and a lighting scheme for the property, which is in the Main Street historic district.

    Due to driveway improvements, as well as paving additional walkways and parking areas, the firm suggested that all water runoff be contained onsite, rather than be allowed to take its natural path toward Main Street, and potentially Town Pond. Although there is a state-maintained drainage basin at the front of the site, the firm said it strongly suspects water there drains into Town Pond. The existing driveway, in its original location, will not be moved, but “should be brought up to state standards at a minimum,” said the firm.

    Stephen Tilly, an architect for the Moran Trust, has submitted drainage plans and is currently working on groundwater drainage calculations. Were the Moran Trust to add paved connections between Main Street and the property, a permit from the New York State Department of Transportation could be required, according to the document. Steven Tekulsky, an attorney for the trust, said no such work will be done.

    Dunn Engineering praised the proposed lighting scheme, which will blend with the surrounding residential area, as well as the stormwater pollution plan for capturing rainwater on the roof with “state-of-the-art” leaders, gutters, and dry wells.