August 20, 2018 - ZB

August 20, 2018

Present: Dan Welker, John Ceresoli, Brian O’Connor, Paul Adams, Jason Tardio, Bob Freunscht, Paige Swaim, Paul Jasek, Myron Wickens, Wendy Hilts, Jill Doss

Absent: Gene Dayton, Counsel Bell, Jeff Geer

Chairman Welker called the public hearing to order at 7:08 p.m. for Freunscht variance request

Freunscht – 106 Varick Drive

Mr. Freunscht explained with the placement of the new house on the lot, for which a variance was granted in 2014 no consideration was given at that time for access to the house, however with the house that is in place, there is now an issue with access with stairs from the front as the house is right at the 30-foot front yard setback. Mr. Freunscht is asking for a small porch(landing) and three steps. John Ceresoli asked why the building is set so high. Mr. Freunscht stated it was because the owners wanted a full walk out basement. Paul Jasek of 108 Varick Drive asked why this variance is necessary as a variance was given previously. The Board explained the front yard set is 30 feet. The house is right at that setback and variance wasn’t given for this issue. The Board asked Mr. Freunscht if fill was placed in the front yard there would be fewer steps required and a lesser variance needed. Mr. Jasek asked if it wouldn’t be better if the steps went off the side toward the driveway. Mr. Freunscht wanted to make the front look more aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood. The Board talked about the house setback, which is shown at 31 feet on the drawing provided. John Ceresoli asked if the grade could be brought up about 15” to reduce the number of steps -minimize the number of risers and decrease the size of the variance by approximately two feet. Mr. Freunscht stated he thought it was possible. This change would make the front yard setback approximately 25 feet. The Secretary advised that letters had been sent out to all the adjoining neighbors. She advised that a letter was received from Canaan Realty “as a neighbor abutting the property requesting an area variance for the addition of front steps, I have no objections to the request. The small adjustment will not have any detrimental effect on the character of the neighborhood and will provide a sufficient access into the new home. Thank you for your consideration. Allen Olmsted” Chairman Welker asked if anyone from the audience wished to speak for or against the requested variance. No one spoke. He then asked if the Board had any questions. No one from the Board had any questions. The public hearing was closed at 7:18 p.m.

Chairman Welker called the regular business meeting to order at 7:18 p.m.

Minutes

The Board members reviewed the minutes of July 16, 2018. Upon the motion made by Brian O’Connor, seconded by Jason Tardio, minutes of July 16, 2018 approved as written. All members present voting in favor.

Freunscht 106 Varick Drive – variance

The Board discussed the information presented this evening. Upon the motion made by Brian O’Connor, seconded by Jason Tardio, the Board moves to approve the variance request for 106 Varick Drive; with the condition that the front yard grade be raised 15” to eliminate the need for two of the planned risers on the front steps and the steps/landing cannot extend more than 7 ft from the front of the house and will be no wider than 10 feet (10’ x 5’).

Roll call:

John Ceresoli yes

Brian O’Connor yes

Jason Tardio yes

Paul Adams yes

Dan Welker yes

Motion carried.

Mr. Wickens and Ms. Hilts – 112 Laura Court

Mr. Wickens and Ms. Hilts explained that their children had moved out, and have now moved back due to some health issues for the son and financial reasons for their daughter. When the children moved back in, they brought with them a total of four dogs. The son brought a poodle, the daughter a fox terrier mix, a hound, and pit bull. The Wickens have two dogs of their own; a standard poodle and a lab. Ms. Hilts explained all the dogs have their shots, wear collars and have licenses through the Town. She noted that their backyard is fenced and that the situation is temporary in nature. She wasn’t sure the length of the temporary situation. The Board discussed the information presented. The Board set a public hearing date of September 17, 2018 at 7 p.m. to hear the matter.

Paige Swaim – 107 Roberts Street

Ms. Swaim appeared before the Board this evening to discuss her request for variance to replace a shed at her property at 107 Roberts Street. She has removed the shed that was on the property when she purchased it as it was in very bad shape. She wants to replace the shed with another shed (the smallest she could find) and put it in the same location as the original shed was. There really isn’t another location on her lot that is suitable. The Board discussed the information. The Board set a public hearing date of September 17, 2018 at 7:15 for a public hearing to hear the matter.

Planning/Zoning Dinner – September 27.

The Board spoke of the upcoming dinner/training meeting sponsored by Madison County Planning which qualifies for 3 hours of training. Dan Welker, Brian O’Connor, and Paul Adams are planning to attend. Jason Tardio will let the Secretary know.

With no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jill A. Doss

ZBA Secretary