Dan's Papers -March 27, 2009 - MORALE BOOSTER: LOCAL PROJECTS CARRY ON

With a new year at hand, with its combination of hopes and woes, there is enthusiasm locally about new business ventures that are flying in the face of the economic slowdown throughout the country. With Bridgehampton National Bank actually expanding and opening some new offices, perhaps the optimism of a few will lift morale of many on the East End.

The New BNB East Hampton branch is being built on Gingerbread Lane and Race Lane (near John Marshall Elementary School). The project, to be completed in late 2009 according to Claudia Polato, V.P. Director of Marketing, will have a drive-through and an ATM, allowing Hamptonites to get to that much needed cash even faster. (BNB is also opening new branches in Shirley and Deer Park in 2009.)

Also in East Hampton, it was announced that J. Crew is the million-dollar tenant in the former Rumrunner space at 14 Main Street. At present, large wooden boards cover the windows while the renovation carries on.

The modern office building proposed for 132 N. Main Street that got the nod from the town's Architectural Review Board late last year was approved by the Town Planning Board. Although the plan was vehemently opposed by local groups, the Board approved it 6-1.

The project's architect, Paul Masi of Bates Masi Architects, is proposing a a two-story, flat-roofed building that has "mixed architecture." In moving the controversial proposal to the Town Planning Board, the ARB reportedly cited town code, quoting: "Though the preferred and historic type of construction is wood frame ... the Review Board is not to use design review intentionally or inadvertently to prohibit or unduly restrict alternative building types, materials or methods." East Hampton attorney Jeffery Bragman represents opponents - some of whom felt the modern building wouldn't fit in with the look and feel of the neighborhood. Even though a petition against the project with 500 signatures was presented, it seems that the project's forward motion is in place.

A little farther east, in Amagansett, Randy Lerner's Italian Restaurant (formerly Gordon's) is moving forward to be ready by "the season." Work has been going on throughout the winter with beautiful front windows now installed. A deal on Astro's Pizza shop fell through. While the property is still for sale, the family plans to be operating the business throughout the season.

In Bridgehampton, the Butter Lane Barns project being proposed by developer Paul Guilden and designed by Stelle Architects of Bridgehampton is projected to be completed in 2011. The projects consist of buildings that will be sided with wood and partially dug into the earth and surrounded by a berm. In the spirit of Southampton's new Green Initiative, the structures will all have standing seam metal roofs that can be paired with solar panels. Stelle reportedly told the Southampton Planning Board, "We're trying to create a sense of ambiguity. Is it an old building or not? We're trying to recreate the old barn that was torn down when the Bridgehampton National Bank was built."

The reaction of the planning board members was mixed, ranging from board member Alma Hyman saying, "It's a wonderful layout," to Board member Blair McCaslin's comment, "Can you make them look less modern?" McClaslin reportedly added, "I don't remember any old barns looking like this." Some approval also came in the form of the reported statement "I think the architecture is refreshing," by board member Jacqui Lofaro.

Also in Bridgehampton, the former IGA and Bob's Village Market will soon be the third Citarella on the East End, the middle location between Watermill and East Hampton stores. Work is currently underway.

Concerning the gunite site on Snake Hollow Road (Country Garden Center) in Bridgehampton, last year 11 neighbors filed a lawsuit against owner David Schiavoni. They contended various noise issues and pointed out that he didn't have permission to operate the batching plant. The court threw out the noise complaint. In an interview, Schiavone's father George said he believed his son, "would prevail." David Schiavoni had reportedly long made claims that his use of the property to mix concrete, cement and other elements of gunite in a portable batching plant is a legal change of use from the chemical fertilizer manufacturer that had previously used the property. This year the town ruled Schiavoni must seek a side yard setback variance, but town officials said getting it should be routine.

This activity is a good sign of the fact that things are moving forward in spite of all the doom and gloom. Let's hope 2009 will be a great year here out east.