Sagaponack Board Approves Petrello Demolition Application

The voted Friday to approve an application to demolish a dilapidated oceanfront cottage on a piece of property ceded to an oil executive by John White, a decedent of one of Sagaponack's original settling families.

The demolition approval is yet another point of conflict in between White, the owner of a once 57-acre oceanfront farm in Sagaponack, and Anthony Petrello, a Brooklyn native who made a fortune as a Texas oil man. The two parties have fought for more than 15 years concerning Petrello's bid to purchase a portion of White's Farm.

In a 4-1 vote the board approved the demolition of a 600-square-foot cottage and basketball court. Petrello seeks to replace the cottage with a 4,500-square-foot cottage and swimming pool, but the construction application vote was adjourned as necessary materials regarding zoning and environmental stipulations were not immediately available.

Additionally, there remained debate on whether the replacement cottage would be unsightly to passersby on the beach, as well as over proper building procedures that would coincide with the Coastal Erosion Hazard line.

Board member Thomas White, John White's son, recused himself from voting on the demolition application.

Community members had voiced opposition to the demolition application in the weeks leading up to the vote, claiming that the cottage was a historical site, and that demolition opens the door for new structures that threaten the quaintness of the neighborhood. 

In their resolution the board cited that, while New York State had recognized a historic district, "neither the town of Southampton nor the village of Sagaponack … established a locally corresponding … historic district."

Further, the board noted the failing conditions of the foundation and frame, making it "not suitable for mere rehabilitation."

In approving the application the AHRB determined there is no evidence to support the notion that the cottage contributes to the character of the village, nor does it contain any distinctive architectural features or historic value.

In the early 1990s John White began renting cottages to generate revenue for his farm's property taxes. However, as the property value rose White was becoming desperate, so in 1995 he sold 11 acres to Petrello and his wife, allowing the other 46 acres to remain an inheritance for his children.

The skyrocketing property value together with White overlooking a right of first-refusal clause in his contract with Petrello has led to years of legal battles.

The White farm has been in the family since 1695, and is the oldest family-owned farm plot in the Hamptons, according to a written about the feud.

A date has not been set for a vote on the construction application.