The Village of East Hills continues to debate amendments to its recently-enacted building moratorium, namely those concerning height-setback ratio and bulk regulations.

No resolution on the matter has been taken. The East Hills BOT, building experts hired by the village and local residents all are trying to come together for a reasonable compromise. One proposed amendment would repeal the definition of "Building, Height Of" and replace it with the following language: "The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed finished grade around the outside of the building to the highest point of roof for flat roofs, to the deck lines of mansard roofs, to the mean height between the eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs, and to the highest point of the roof for A-frame structures."

Another proposed amendment would define Height/Setback ratio as "a standard design to regulate the height of a building in relation to the average grade of the corresponding portion of the lot line from which it is set back. The ratio....forms an inclined plane beginning at th emean grade along the portion of the lot line from which the setback is measured and rises toward the building at the specified ratio." No part of any building, with the exception of minor architectural features such as chimney, skylights and dormer windows would be permitted to extend above the inclined plane.

"We have to do something that is a good balance in everyone's interests," said East Hills Mayor Michael R. Koblenz.

In recent months, some East Hills homeowners have expressed concern that the new codes are too restrictive, especially concerning bulk and height issues. In general, homeowners worry that the new codes may be applied so broadly that even "moderate extensions" may be impossible. Others have wondered if attic space and garages are included in the height plan.

Homeowners have defended changes to their existing homes, claiming that they have enhanced the beauty of certain East Hills neighborhoods. However, residents have also expressed appreciation to the sympathetic response the BOT has given to the problem.

In April, the East Hills BOT approved a code that placed a temporary moratorium on residential and commercial construction in the village and on additions of 25 percent or more to the floor area of existing dwellings. Enactment of the moratorium was inspired, in part, by instances of overbuilding in the village.

BOT members have charged that contractors have wanted to buy property in East Hills and then build houses "three times the sizes" as other houses in the same neighborhood. Other villages in the area, including Roslyn and parts of Roslyn Heights, have enacted their own building moratoriums in recent years.