Pine Plains Planning Board Sets Public Hearing for “Sky and Celery”

Brooklyn architect Brent Buck and architectural designer Naomi Steinhagen presented updated plans to the Pine Plains Planning Board on Nov. 13 for transforming the historic grange building at 3007 Church St. into a bookstore café. The meeting addressed ongoing considerations, including lighting, septic systems, landscaping, curb cuts, and the addition of a front porch. 

Contractor Doug Weaver, who is overseeing septic compliance for the project, has stated he intends to submit a formal plan to the Dutchess County Department of Health next week. Given the known duration of health department processing, Planning Board members urged that the submission move forward as swiftly as possible. Initially, the owners anticipated using standard all-electric kitchen appliances on the lower level, but the health department has since required commercial-grade appliances.

While the architects initially believed they wouldn’t need special permissions for roadway access due to existing curb cuts along Church and Pine Streets, they were informed they must consult with Pine Plains Highway Superintendent for approval of the Pine Street driveway’s use for delivery and waste removal. The board noted that this driveway would involve greater traffic than its recent use.

To address aesthetic and practical concerns, the revised plan includes a 6-foot slatted wooden fence to enclose the dumpster and mechanicals. Exterior lighting will feature warm tones and operate only during business hours. The single sign for the business will be a simple wooden plaque above the center door, reading “Sky and Celery,” inspired by a line in Denis Johnson’s National Book Award-winning collection The Largesse of the Sea Maiden.

Planning Board member Ethan DiMaria voiced reservations about the proposed front porch, while other board members acknowledged the necessity of the porch for accessibility and the planned ramp. DiMaria also raised questions regarding the possibility of painting the building a historically accurate color other than its traditional white; alternative colors are currently under consideration.

A public meeting to review the plans is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, at which both the owners and the architectural team are expected to be in attendance.