Town of Hague Planning Board
September 6, 2007
Members present: Chairman David Swanson, Rolly Allen, John Brown, Peter Foster,
Pam Peterson, E.J. Siwek
No members were absent (one vacancy.)
Also attending: ZEO Catherine Clark, Recording Secretary Nancy Young
David Swanson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
David Swanson requested the following be added to the minutes from 8/2/2007:
Other Business – last paragraph, add the sentence:
David Swanson requested that all items for change of use come before the Board.
John Brown moved and Pam Peterson seconded a motion to approve the amended minutes.
Vote: Carried 6-0
Ayes: Swanson, Allen, Brown, Foster, Peterson, Siwek
Cathy Clark explained the applicant is requesting a variance for a deck addition to a legal non-conforming structure. At present, there is only one means of entry to the home. If approved, the deck will provide two more exits. The shoreline setback to the house is 47 ft. If approved, the proposed deck will be located 40 ft. from the shoreline. In December of 2004 the ZBA approved a similar request for a slightly larger deck. Mr. Brown was unable to complete the project in a timely fashion and that approval has expired.
Zoning issue: 160-50 B (b) Shorelines
Planning Board members reviewed the conditions of approval declared in 2004, most notably the need for a storm water plan.
Members discussed the Site Visit made at that time, noting their concern about an oil furnace exhaust located underneath the proposed deck.
Vegetative screening was suggested.
E. J. Siwek moved to approve the request, as submitted today (9/6/2007), subject to the same conditions approved in 2004. Peter Foster seconded the motion.
Further discussion:
Concern was expressed about the oil furnace exhaust and its proximity to the deck.
It was suggested that Chris Navitsky, LG Waterkeeper investigate the possibility of vegetative screening.
Vote: Carried 5-1
Ayes: Swanson, Allen, Brown, Foster, Siwek
Nays: Peterson
Hume (26.6-1-9) 34 Forest Bay Rd. N (TR-1R)
The applicant is resubmitting an application for a deck addition to a legal non-conforming house. The APA denied the original application because it lacked information, and stated the findings of fact for approval were not well documented by the Hague Zoning Board of Appeals. The new application has more detail concerning the need for a screened in porch. The ZBA approved the variance request (Alternative #1) at their August 2007 meeting.
Planning Board issue: 160-24 c. (1) (b) Development within 100 ft of any body of water
Mr. Hume explained that he provided three possible options to the ZBA, including the original. Because alternatives #2 and #3 posed more detriment to the environment, Mr. Hume feels alternative #1, the original, is still the best option. He explained his need for a screened-in porch is for safety reasons, to support the current usage and contain young children.
Cathy Clark noted the APA has stated (verbally), their willingness to work with proposed alternative #1(the plan before the Planning Board) because it is the least invasive to the property.
Planning Board members reviewed the plans. Little difference was noted between Alternative #1 and the plan they originally approved in December 2006. The original plan had the deck located 60.5 ft from the lake. The deck has been slightly reconfigured, and is now proposed to be 55 ft from the shoreline. As a result, fewer large trees will be disturbed.
Rolly Allen made a motion to approve Alternative #1, as submitted, assuming the data is correct, as there is a relatively insignificant difference from the last submission. E.J. Siwek seconded.
Vote: Carried 6-0
Ayes: Swanson, Allen, Brown, Foster, Peterson, Siwek
Nays: none
Other business
David Swanson announced that he will retire from the Planning Board after the October meeting. Planning Board members thanked him for his years of service.
Rolly Allen cited a recent article from the Lake George Mirror. He explained that builders in Bolton Landing may be required to bury power lines in the future. Could this be a Planning Board consideration when reviewing subdivisions?
Cathy Clark and Pam Peterson have been attending the LGPC Forum meetings. Under discussion are regulations pertaining to stream corridors, buffer zones, and ridge-line development. Cathy Clark raised the question concerning the enforcement of these laws once adopted.
David Swanson noted the resignation of Ticonderoga’s Assessor, and questioned the impact this might have on Hague school taxes.
Adjournment
Rolly Allen moved to adjourn at 7:50 pm. Peter Foster seconded.
Vote: Carried, 6-0
Ayes: Swanson, Allen, Brown, Foster, Peterson, Siwek
Nays: none