July 19, 2007
Members present: Chairman Robert Goetsch, George Ianson, Glenn McKee, Bill Pittman
Members absent: Donna Charboneau, Martin Fitzgerald, Lindsay Mydlarz
Also attending: Zoning Enforcement Officer Catherine Clark
Recording Secretary Nancy Young
Call to Order
Robert Goetsch called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Nancy Young read the Public Notice, published on July 11, 2007.
Town of Hague Sewer District #2
Proposed Sewer District # 2, will extend through the Friends Point/Forest Bay area in the north and to Arcady Bay in the south. Major public utilities are not an allowed use in the OCII and RC areas, (portions of Friends Point/Forrest Bay), thus requiring a “change of use” variance.
No one spoke for or against the proposal.
No written comments were received.
The applicant is requesting a variance for a 12x15 ft. storage shed located 32.5 ft. from the shoreline. An existing 4x4 ft. shed, located 22 ft. from the shoreline will be removed if the variance is granted.
No one spoke for or against the proposal.
No written comments were received.
George Ianson moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:05 pm. Glenn McKee seconded the motion.
Vote: Carried, 4-0
Ayes: Goetsch, Ianson, McKee, Pittman
Nays: none
The regular monthly meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals began immediately at 7:05pm.
Vote: Carried, 4-0
Ayes: Goetsch, Ianson, McKee, Pittman
Nays: none
Proposed Sewer District # 2,
Robert Goetsch briefly reviewed the proposal.
Major Public Utilities Use is not an allowed use in zones OCII, TR-1R and RC. Therefore a Change of Use variance is needed for the installation of Sewer District #2.
DEC has approved the project.
The Hague Planning Board moved to recommend variance approval at their 7/9/07 meeting.
Bill Pittman moved to approve the variance request. George Ianson seconded.
Further discussion.
Can the applicant realize a reasonable return without a variance?
Comparing septic to sewer costs, it is more cost effective to install sewers.
Is the alleged hardship unique and does it apply to a substantial portion of the neighborhood or District?
It is unique and all homes in the area will be using it.
Will the requested use variance alter the essential character of the neighborhood?
Only slightly, it will be mostly underground and have a positive effect on the neighborhood.
Is the alleged hardship self created?
Yes, but for a good cause. Many lots in the area were established long ago and are undersized, unable to support a septic system. This will be a definite benefit.
Vote: Carried, 4-0
Ayes: Goetsch, Ianson, Pittman, McKee
Nays: none
The applicant is requesting a variance for a 12x15 ft. storage shed located 32.5 ft. from the shoreline. An existing 4x4 ft. shed, located 22 ft. from the shoreline will be removed if the variance is granted.
Variance issue: 160-50 B. (b) Shorelines
Discussion:
Members questioned the need for such a substantial sized building and noted that no reason was stated on the application concerning the size and its need.
Cathy Clark has spoken with Mr. Weinstein who indicated he needs the building to store kayaks and docking materials.
Ms. Clark noted the steep terrain of the property.
ZBA members discussed other options available to the applicant, such as a boathouse or a smaller storage building.
Robert Goetsch moved and Bill Pittman seconded a motion to deny the variance request.
Vote: Carried, 4-0
Ayes: Goetsch, Pittman, Ianson, McKee
Nays: none
The application was accepted and the Public Hearing was scheduled for August 23, 2007.
Other business - none
Glenn McKee moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 pm. George Ianson seconded.
Vote: Carried, 4-0
Ayes: Goetsch, McKee, Ianson, Pittman
Nays: None