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NORTH SALEM, N.Y. Plans for improvements to Purdys' popular new restaurant, Farmer and the Fish, recently were presented to the North Salem Planning Board.
Citing a 1995 site map, the most recent to have been filed with the town, Viktor Solarik of VKS Architects explained how the site has since been altered by subsequent owners and how the current owner, Edward Taylor, plans to expand the parking area. Solarik also touched on parking for the disabled and alterations to an existing extension, constructed by a previous owner.
Board members were especially concerned about parking.
"People are parking across the street, and it is exceptionally dangerous," said board member Gary Jacobi. "Route 22 has very short sight lines at that point."
Board President Cynthia Curtis added that the property across the street belongs to New York City and is leased to the North Salem school district. "The agreement can be cut off at any time, so you can't count on using it indefinitely," she said.
The board agreed that the restaurant's proposed 37-space plan is probably below, but close to, the number required by code. Solarik said he would study it further, though the position of the septic field makes expansion difficult.
The new parking plan reserves one space for the disabled, accessible to the entry for the disabled via a pressure-treated wood walkway. Planning consultant Will Agresta pointed out that the code calls for one space for the disabled for every 25 regular spaces, so an additional space is required.
"And you've got to consider drainage," Curtis said. "I noticed in a recent rainstorm there was a lot of mud there."
Exterior lighting was also discussed.
"We want it to be low to the ground," Curtis said, "and down-lit. And the lights should be turned off as early as possible."
As for alterations to the existing addition, Solarik said, "We're renovating the inside, putting in new windows and some skylights. It'll be used as a farm market stand."
Since the addition is a relatively recent structure, Solarik said alterations are not subject to approval by the Historic Preservation Committee, which controls a 10-foot margin on three sides and all of the building's front area.
"Bring us an amended plan and also consult with the HPC, although I think you're OK," Curtis said. "Remember to mark the new drainage on the site plan."
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