New Shoreham HDC approves third‑floor dormers for Estate of Lou Gaffett, asks for exhaust details

The New Shoreham Historic District Commission approved plans to add Nantucket‑style dormers to the third floor of the Estate of Lou Gaffett (Plat 6, Lot 33), but required the applicant to provide additional detail on a kitchen exhaust stack before final sign‑off.

The commission voted to approve the dormer work subject to two conditions: that the corner trim match the width of the existing trim and that the applicant provide information about the height and appearance of the exhaust stack. "I'd like to make a motion that we approve this with the following exceptions, that the trim should ... match existing as to width and that that you'll come back to us with information on the exhaust stack," said a Historic District Commission member during the meeting. The motion passed on the vote recorded at the meeting.

Applicant Thomas Martucci said the work will convert the third floor into livable space and that the project uses the same siding, windows and trim already on the building. "We are taking the Third Floor. We're putting in Nantucket style dormers on both sides ... and ... it'll be the same siding, the same windows, the same exact trim," Martucci told the commission.

Residents and nearby property owners had raised concerns at an earlier hearing, the applicant said. Martucci identified one resident, Cindy Lasser, who voiced issues related to exterior finishes and equipment that he said were not strictly HDC matters. Martucci told the commission the makeup‑air unit previously proposed will be removed: "I'm definitely not bringing in the makeup air. So the makeup air on the top's going away for sure. That, I can answer unequivocally." He also said the exhaust outlet would remain but will require a height change.

Commissioners questioned the exhaust configuration and applicable code clearances. One commission member stated that penetrations within 10 feet of a ridge must be 2.5 feet above the ridge, raising concern that the exhaust might have to extend several feet above the dormer roof. Martucci said he would explore lower‑profile options, including a mushroom‑style cap or a residential‑grade exhaust hood, and agreed to send details to Amanda, the commission staff member, for distribution: "I'd be more than happy before I do anything, to send Amanda an email that she can disseminate to you guys, and you guys could bless it."

The commission also noted that the applicant’s architect had not previously specified trim widths on the drawings; commissioners requested that the drawings be updated to show that the new trim will match existing widths to avoid another resubmission. Martucci indicated he will ask his architect to add the specification or pay for a supplemental drawing if required.

The approval recorded at the meeting applies only to the dormer design as conditioned. The commission made clear that if the applicant later proposes a tall exhaust stack that cannot be handled administratively, he should return to the commission for formal review.

Things left unresolved at the meeting included the final exhaust configuration and any required construction details that would show how the exhaust will be finished to visually integrate with the building. Martucci said he will provide the requested information to staff for administrative review or will return to the commission if the exhaust must extend above the roof in a way that the commission deems significant.