Dan's Papers - April 17, 2009 - SIGNS OF LIFE BURST THROUGH AGAINST ODDS

Rounding the second quarter of 2009, with its combination of hopes and woes, there is enthusiasm locally about new business ventures that are flying in the face of the nation's economic slowdown. 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. 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.

Also in East Hampton, J. Crew (the million-dollar tenant in the former Rumrunner space at 14 Main Street) is moving along with construction - the boards are even off the windows. 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 plan that has "mixed architecture," with a two-story, flat-roofed building. 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 represented 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 all systems are go. 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. 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 Lanes 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' metal roofs 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?"

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."

Also in Bridgehampton, the former Bob's Village Market will soon be the third Citarella on the East End, between the Watermill and East Hampton locations.

A gunite plant on Snake Hollow Road (Country Garden Center) in Bridgehampton, faced a lawsuit by 11 neighbors last year, who said there would be noise and that owner David Schiavoni didn't have permission to operate the plant. The court threw out the noise complaint. Schiavoni had reportedly claimed that his use of the property to mix elements of gunite is a legal change of use from the chemical fertilizer manufacturer that was there. This year the town ruled Schiavoni must seek a side yard setback variance, which town official said was routine.

This activity is a sign that things are moving forward in spite of challenges. Let's hope so.