In East Hampton, a group of neighborhood residents have banded together in opposition to a structure that they feel will tarnish the surrounding area. They have filed an Article 78 appeal to challenge the town’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning Board’s approval of the application.

The proposed building has already been awarded LEED status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the US Green Building Council as well as a commendation from the Peconic branch of the American Institute of Architects for the design’s environmental consciousness and long-term sustainability. The proposed structure features recycled removable cedar shingles that can be rotated to mitigate the effects of weathering over time and a botanical garden on the roof to insulate the offices and absorb storm water.

The issue that opposing neighbors have with the construction of this building is its proposed location, directly across the street from the historic Sarah Lester House and Barn. This 250 year old homestead is being awarded historic designation by the Town of East Hampton and being restored using town funds. Those in opposition feel that the proposed new-age structure will be incongruous with the surrounding neighborhood. The neighbors’ lawyer feels that the Planning Board did not fully review their concerns and neglected to consider the total impact of the proposed building, specifically the Lester property, prompting the residents to file an Article 78 against the ARB and Planning Board challenging the board’s finding that there will not be any adverse affects on the neighborhood.

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