Plan for greenhouse, garage on Riverhead bluff-front site draws neighbors’ ire

A request for variances to allow the construction of a detached garage, greenhouse and shed in the front yard of a Waterview Court residence met with opposition from neighbors and skepticism from the Riverhead Zoning Board of Appeals during a hearing last night at town hall.

Valentina Zubok, of Forest Hills, is seeking permission to build a two-and-a-half car garage with an attached porch and a 20-foot by 40-foot greenhouse within the front yard of his 2.59-acre bluff-front property in Riverhead.

Residents on Waterview and Louise courts questioned Zubok’s intentions for the 800-square-foot greenhouse and the detached garage, which Zubok’s architect, Charles Thomas, referred to as a mini-barn.

The home already has an attached two-car garage; the new garage would be used to store gardening equipment, such as a tractor, Thomas said. The driveway on the site, which bisects the property, would be extended to the new garage, he said.

Zubok, who was not present at the hearing, wants to build the greenhouse and garage for his own personal use, according to his architect. But neighbors questioned his intentions, due to the size of both structures.

“This is a 20 feet by 40 feet greenhouse. This is a commercial structure,” Waterview Court resident Sherry Patterson said. “This is not something that belongs in someone’s front yard — 20 by 40 is huge,” she said.

The zoning code allows a greenhouse of a maximum size of 500 square feet in a rear yard, Patterson noted.

She also expressed concern that the garage might be used as a residence, if not by Zubok then by a future owner.

“The reason this house has such a small backyard is by choice. They chose to locate the house closer to the bluff which is why they have such a large front yard,” Patterson said.

Neighbors Deborah and Matthew Sforza of Louise Court, whose property abuts Zubok’s said they are “vehemently opposed” to the proposed structures, which they fear will “dramatically decrease” their property’s value.

“We will have full view of this commercial-size greenhouse from every window of our residence,” Deborah Sforza said.

Sforza said she is also concerned about light pollution from potential lighting within the greenhouse, as well as sun reflection and pesticide use.

Zubok already has a fenced area with about 18 raised garden beds, plus a shed and a gazebo in the front yard, the Sforzas said.

“If these are approved, he will have 2,403 square feet accessory structures in his front yard,” Deborah Sforza said.

Zubok did not obtain variances or permits for the shed and gazebo that have already been built, Thomas acknowledged. The current application includes a request to maintain those structures.

“Why insult everybody? That’s like a slap in the face,” ZBA chairman Fred McLaughlin told Thomas, who said he could not explain why his client had the shed and gazebo placed on site prior to gaining approvals.

“Bad attitude,” McLaughlin said.

The size of the proposed greenhouse is “a little excessive, to say the least,” the chairman said.

“It’s for his sole use. When you have an opportunity to meet him, you will see he’s not a commercial grower. He has no intentions of growing commercially,” Thomas said.

“At least that’s what he’s telling you,” member Leroy Barnes said.

The hearing was adjourned till March 27.

The chairman admonished the applicant for not being present last night.

“If he’s so interested he’d better show up,” McLaughlin warned.