HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-06 - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK DATE
938 King Street
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6, 2012 D V I
Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
MAY - 1 2012 DD
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
AGENDA BUILDING DEPARTMENT
1) #09-583 MR. THOMAS J. MCGOWAN,JR.
Adjourned from 111112011, 1 216120 11, 113/2012, 21712012
8 Wilton Road
Legalize the above-ground swimming pool; legalize two sheds and
legalize the newly created unenclosed off-street parking
2) #11-640 AVENTURA REALTY CORP./STEVEN LINDER
Adjourned from 111112011, 121612011, 11312012,21712012
558 Westchester Avenue
Legalize the existing commercial office use
3) #12-001 66 BOWMAN AVENUE REALTY CORP.
66 Bowman Avenue
Modifications to Existing Special Use Permit and Site Modifications
BOARD: Steve Berger
Michele Fredman
Andrew Kaminsky
Joel Simon
Don Moscato, Chairman
STAFF: Michael Izzo, Building Inspector
Jennifer L. Gray, Esq., Village Counsel
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary
Mr. Donald Moscato, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the March 6, 2011 Zoning Board
of Appeals meeting. He called the meeting to order and introduced Village Staff and
Counsel. Mr. Moscato asked that individuals who speak at the podium state their names,
application, position, and nature of the variance.
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Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 1
He called for the first item on the agenda:
1 #09-583 MR. THOMAS J. MCGOWAN JR.
(Adjourned from 11/1/2011)
8 Wilton Road
Legalize the above-ground swimming pool; legalize two sheds and
legalize the newly created unenclosed off-street parking
Mr. Moscato noted that Mr. McGowan requested an adjournment due to a personal
matter. With the consensus of the Board, this matter was adjourned to the April 3,
2012 meeting.
Mr. Moscato took the next item out of order, with the consensus of the Board:
3) #12-001 66 BOWMAN AVENUE REALTY CORP.
66 Bowman Avenue
Modifications to Existing Special Use Permit and Site Modifications
Mr. Moscato requested that Village Counsel, Jennifer Gray, Esq., explain the
procedural history of this application. She noted that this application is a request
for a modification of an existing Special Use Permit and certain site modifications.
The application was referred by the Board of Trustees to the Zoning Board of
Appeals, instead of referring it first to the Planning Board, because at the time of
referral a Use Variance was requested. The Village Code contains a requirement
that when a Use Variance is requested in connection with a site plan, subdivision
or special permit application, it must be referred to the Zoning Board before the
Planning Board. Since that time and upon the applicant's submission of additional
information, the Building Inspector has determined a Use Variance is not required
because all but one of the persons operating out of the premises are non-
professionals. Since the Use Variance component of this application has been
eliminated, Attorney Gray recommended the Zoning Board refer this application
to the Planning Board to allow that Board to review the site plan for parking,
impervious surface coverage and storm water management issues prior to any
action on the requested area variances.
Mr. Moscato called for members of the public wishing to address the Board. The
owner of 11 Barber Lane, Mr. Szerejko, addressed the Board. He noted that since
the applicant expanded the parking lot and constructed the patio and fountain, his
yard has been flooding. He has done work to try and solve this problem. He put
in drains, at his own cost, and they have not worked. Mr. Szerejko believes the
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March 6,2012
Page 2
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additional impervious surface will make the situation worse. He asked for
clarification regarding the proposed plans. Mr. Moscato noted that a storm water
management plan will be reviewed by the Planning Board. He explained that the
Mr. Szerejko should appear at the Planning Board meeting to address this issue.
He also noted that all residents can review the plans by going to the Building
Department. Mr. Michael Izzo, Building Inspector, suggested that Mr. Szerejko
submit comments in writing. In addition, Mr. Izzo or Mr. Michal Nowak,
Superintendent of Public Works, can review the plans with anyone who has
questions. Mr. Moscato read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board of Appeals by 66
Bowman Avenue Realty Corp. for 1) a total impervious surface coverage variance of
2,009.32 square feet; and 2) an off-street parking variance for 12 parking spaces, in
connection with the proposed modification of an existing Special Use Permit to increase
the number of employees from seven to seventeen, legalization of an expanded parking
area and rear flagstone patio with water feature, and proposed expansion of the existing
parking area, on property located at 66 Bowman Avenue, in an R-2F zoning district on
the south side of bowman Avenue, near the intersection of Barber Place and bowman
Avenue. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map of the Village of Rye
Brook as Parcel ID # 141.27-1-24; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Appeals desires input from the Planning Board
regarding the planning considerations concerning the adequacy of the proposed
stormwater management plan and adequacy of the proposed number of off-street parking
spaces to meet the demand associated with the use of the property as a professional office
with seventeen employees;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Village Code,
Section 250-13(G)(5)(a) the Zoning Board of Appeals hereby refers this application to
the Planning Board for input on the planning considerations relevant to the requested
impervious surface coverage and off-street parking variances.
Dated: March 6, 2012
Donald Moscato, Chairman
Mr. Moscato called the roll:
Steven Berger Voting Aye
Michele Fredman Voting Aye
Andrew Kaminsky Voting Aye
Joel Simon Voting Aye
Don Moscato Voting Aye
Zoning Board of Appeals
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_JillMAR - 7 2012 VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
j ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
J rRESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by 66 Bowman Avenue
Realty Corp. for (1) a total impervious surface coverage variance of 2,009.32 square feet; and
(2) an off-street parking variance for 12 parking spaces, in connection with the proposed
1 modification of an existing Special Use Permit to increase the number of employees from 7 to
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17, legalization of an expanded parking area and rear flagstone patio with water feature, and
proposed expansion of the existing parking area, on property located at 66 Bowman Avenue,
in an R-2F zoning district on the south side of Bowman Avenue, near the intersection of
N Barber Place and Bowman Avenue. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map
of the Village of Rye Brook as Parcel ID# 141.27-1-24;and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Appeals desires input from the Planning Board
regarding the planning considerations concerning the adequacy of the proposed storm-water
management plan and adequacy of the proposed number of off-street parking spaces to meet
the demand associated with the use of the property as a professional office with 17 employees.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Village Code'5250-
13(G)(5)(a) the Zoning.Board of Appeals hereby refers this application to the Planning Board
for input on the planning considerations relevant to the requested impervious surface coverage
and off-street parking variances.
- --- Dated March 6;2012—
Mr. Don Moscato, Chairman
Mr. Moscato called the roll: .
Steven Berger Voting: `'A,,e- Nay Abstain
Michele Fredman Voting: ✓'�1ye Nay Abstain
Andrew Kaminsky Voting: ','Ape Nay Abstain
Joel Simon Voting. Zr. �jye Nay Abstain
j Din Moscato Voting: � Aye Nay Abstain
Ayes
Nays
J Abstain,
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Mr. Moscato called for the next item on the agenda:
2) #11-640 AVENTURA REALTY CORP./STEVEN LINDER
558 Westchester Avenue
Legalize the existing commercial office use
Jennifer Gray, Esq., Village Counsel, noted that the public notification sign was not
displayed. Ms. Michele Fredman noted that her term was ending, and asked about the
fairness of hearing the presentation knowing that there may be a new member on the
Board next month. It was noted that any new members appointed to the Board would be
responsible to familiarize themselves with any pending matters. Ms. Fredman suggested
adjourning the matter until the April meeting. Mr. Simon agreed and noted that there
were too many outstanding issues to hear this matter, and that it would not be fair to the
community to make a decision at this meeting without the public notification sign being
posted at the property.
Mr. Moscato stated that he had questions that needed clarification. Mr. Kaminsky noted
that he also had questions and hoped the matter would be moved forward. After
discussion regarding whether the application should be heard and/or decided that night
and with the consensus of the Board, Mr. Moscato read a resolution waiving the
requirement of the notification posting.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Section 240-40(A) requires that at least seven (7) days prior to a
Zoning Board meeting, a public notification sign shall be posted on the property which is
the subject of an application to be heard at such meeting; and
WHEREAS, Section 250-40(G) permits the Zoning Board to waive the
notification requirements set forth in Section 250-40 unless required elsewhere by county
or state law; and
WHEREAS, neither county nor state law requires an applicant to post a public
notification sign on property subject to a pending application prior to a meeting of the
Zoning Board at which such application will be heard; and
WHEREAS, the application for 558 Westchester Avenue is on the March 6, 2012
agenda of the Zoning Board, but the Applicant has not complied with Section 250-40(A)
because the public notification sign has not been placed at the subject property for the
March 6, 2012 Zoning Board meeting.
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 5
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Zoning Board of Appeals of
the Village of Rye Brook hereby waives the requirement to post a public notification sign
for the March 6, 2012 meeting of the Zoning Board for the application. of 558
Westchester Avenue.
Dated: March 6, 2012
Donald Moscato, Chairman
Mr. Moscato called the roll:
Steven Berger Voting Aye
Michele Fredman Voting Aye
Andrew Kaminsky Voting Aye
Joel Simon Voting Nay
Don Moscato Voting Aye
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 6
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March 6, 2012
MAR - 7 2012
LVILLAGE: CLERK'S OFFICEj RESOLUTION
WAIVING THE PUBLIC NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT OF
POSTING A SIGN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY
PRIOR TO A ZONING BOARD MEETING
S`�
THE VILLAGE OF RYE ONING BOARD OF APPEALS
WHEREAS, Section 240-40(A) requires that at least seven (7) days prior to a Zoning
Board meeting, a public notification sign shall be posted on the property which is the subject
of an application to be heard at such meeting; and
WHEREAS, Section 250-40(G) permits the Zoning Board to waive the notification
requirements set forth in Section 250-40 unless required elsewhere by county or state law;
and
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WHEREAS, neither county nor state law requires an applicant to post a public
notification sign on property subject to a pending application prior to a meeting of the
Zoning Board at which such application will be heard; and
WHEREAS, the application for 558 Westchester Avenue is on the March 6, 2012
agenda of the Zoning Board, but the Applicant has not complied with Section 250-40(A)
' because the public notification sign has not been placed at the subject property__for the____.____
March 6, 2012 Zoning Board meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Zoning Board of Appeals
of the Village of Rye Brook hereby waives the requirement to post a public notification sign
for the March 6, 2012 meeting of the Zoning Board for the application of 558 Westchester
Avenue.
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Leo Napior, Esq, attorney for the applicant from the firm of Friedman Harfenist Kraut
and Perlstein LLP, addressed the Board and noted that the floor plan for the building has
been changed since the application was initially submitted. One of the occupants has
been eliminated. The parking variance request included a parking study which has been
completed. The study found that the onsite parking spaces are adequate. There are seven
onsite parking spaces, and the office of F.P. Clark & Associates states that five parking
spaces are adequate based on the information presented in the applicant's study. It was
noted that the applicant is looking to legalize what has been in existence for the past
thirty years.
Mr. Simon noted that residents have previously complained about parking issues such as
cars blocking their driveways. This is a very busy street and parking in this area is dense.
Ms. Fredman noted that there are safety issues in connection with parking on Westchester
Avenue.
Mr. Steven Linder, the applicant, noted that there is no reason for his tenants or clients to
park in the street with the exception of an occasional new patient who is unaware of the
parking lot behind the home.
Attorney Napior noted that Mr. Linder is a salesman and he travels most of the day. One
of the doctors is in the office approximately eleven (11) hours per week. The parking
study shows that there is ample parking. The patients may park on Westchester Avenue
for ease. There is no indication that there is a parking lot in the rear, but people who have
visited the building before know about the parking area.
They have five professional persons in the building but four are permitted. This includes
the shared office use. Sworn statements from Dr. Jesus A. Lago and Dr. Karel L. Banks,
submitted to the Board and made part of the record, lays out the issue of the shared office
space, and the doctors have had this agreement in place for the past seven (7) years.
They have a schedule worked out and there is never any overlap. The doctors do not
have access to other rooms in the building. The applicant felt that the use of one office
suite should be considered one occupancy. There is one conference room in the building
which will be converted to a showroom for Mr. Linder's use. Access to that space will
be limited to the applicant.
Attorney Gray recommended that the interpretation issue be decided by the Board. The
request from the applicant for an interpretation deals with the language in the Zoning
Code pertaining to the maximum number of professional persons permitted to occupy the
premises. Section 250-25(c)(3) of the Code was read by Mr. Moscato. The Board has
been asked to decide whether the determination of the Building Inspector regarding
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
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Section 250-25(c)(3) should be upheld or reversed. Mr. Moscato reminded the Board
that the initial request for six professionals was reduced to five.
Attorney Gray noted that the public has had the opportunity to comment on the
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interpretation issue, but there were no members of the public in attendance at this
meeting. The meeting was noticed on the Village's website and notice was published in
the Westmore News. The public will also continue to have an opportunity to comment
on the applicant's request for a use variance and a parking variance. Mr. Moscato noted
that the public is aware of this application from prior meetings, the initial public notice
sent via mail by the applicant, the signage placed for prior meetings, and the ability to
review the meetings online. He felt comfortable moving forward with making the
determination regarding the interpretation issue.
Mr. Moscato read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by Aventura Realty
Corp./Steven Linder for a use variance to allow a total of five (5) professional person to
occupy the premises and an off-street parking variance for five (5) off-street parking
spaces, in connection with the proposed legalization of the existing commercial office
use, on property located at 558 Westchester Avenue, in an R2-F zoning district on the
south side of Westchester Avenue, approximately 110 feet from the intersection of
Division Street and Westchester Avenue. Said premises being known and designated on
the tax map of the Village of Rye Brook as Parcel ID #: 135.83-144; and
WHEREAS,the applicant has also submitted a request to the Zoning Board for an
interpretation of Zoning Code 250-25(C)(3) in regard to the Building Inspector's
determination that a use variance is required; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Board has the authority to interpret provisions of the
Zoning Code pursuant to Zoning Code 250-13(G)(1) on an appeal of a determination by
the Building Inspector; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is Type II action pursuant to the New York State
Environmental Quality Review Act and accordingly, no further environmental review is
required; and
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing regarding the application for an
interpretation of the Zoning Code was held on December 6, 2011 and March 6, 2012 at
which time all those wishing to be heard were given such opportunity.
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 9
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Zoning Board of Appeals
hereby adopts the attached Decision sustaining the Building Inspector's determination for
the reasons set forth therein.
Mr. Donald Moscato, Chairman
Dated: March 6, 2012
Mr. Moscato called the roll:
Steven Berger Voting Aye
Michele Fredman Voting Aye
Andrew Kaminsky Voting Aye
Joel Simon Voting Nay
Don Moscato Voting Aye
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 10
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VILLA.GE OF RYE BROOK
R
M A R - 7 2012
_ � J ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
V11! €'': ', i` RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by Aventura Realty
Corp./Steven Linder for a use variance to allow a total of five (5) professional person to
occupy the premises and an off-street parking variance for five (5) off-street parking spaces,
in connection with the proposed legalization of the existing commercial office use, on
property located at 558 Westchester Avenue, in an R2-F zoning district on the south side
of Westchester Avenue, approximately 110 feet from the intersection of Division Street and
Westchester Avenue. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map of the
Village of Rye Brook as Parcel ID# 135.83-1-44;and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has also submitted a request to the Zoning Board for an
interpretation of Zoning Code X250-25(C)(3) in regard to the Building Inspector's
determination that a use variance is required; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Board has the authority to interpret provisions of the
Zoning Code pursuant to Zoning Code §250-13(G)(1) on an appeal of a determination by
( ) the Building Inspector; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a Type II action pursuant to the New York State
Environmental Quality Review Act and accordingly, no further environmental review is
required; and
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing regarding the application for an
interpretation of the Zoning Code was held on December 6, 2011 and March 6, 2012 at
-- ----which--time-all-those-wishin - beto=be-heardwere- ven-such-o ottani .
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Zoning Board of Appeals
hereby adopts the attached Decision [sustaining/ the Building Inspector's
determination for the reasons set forth therein.
Dated: March 6, 2012 �,'�
NIr. Don Moscato; Chairman
1313/12/4170901"1 315112
Mr. Moscato called the roll:
Steven Berger Voting: Aye Nay Abstain
Michele Fredman Voting: -/Aye Nay Abstain
Andrew Kaminsky Voting: �` Al
e_Nay^Abstain
Joel Simon Voting: Ye Nay Abstain
Don Moscato Voting: Aye Nay Abstain
Ayes
0 Nays
Abstain
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13131121417090v1 315112
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DECISION ON APPEAL OF BUILDING INSPECTOR'S DETERMINATION
REGARDING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 558 WESTCHESTER AVENUE
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Aventura Realty Corp. ("Aventura") is the owner of an improved parcel of land
located in the R-2F Zoning District at 558 Westchester Avenue in the Village of Rye
Brook. The parcel is designated on the Town of Rye Tax Map as Section 135.83, Block
1, Lot 44 (the "Property"). The Property is presently improved with a two-family
dwelling converted to professional offices, parking lot, and related improvements.
Professional offices is a Special Permit use in the R-2F Zoning District, however, the
Village has no record of the issuance of a Special Permit for the Property.
A. History of Application
On October 13, 2010, Leonard Brandes, AICP, filed an application for a building
permit on behalf of Aventura to legalize the existing offices and parking lot. After
revised plans were submitted on November 3, 2010 and January 11, 2011, Michael Izzo,
Village of Rye Brook Building & Fire Inspector, issued a Notice of Disapproval on
February 24, 2011 denying the building permit application on the grounds that the use of
the Property by eight (8) professionals persons is in violation of Village of Rye Brook
Zoning Code ("Zoning Code") §250-25(C)(3) requiring a Use Variance, and insufficient
parking was provided. The two parking variances required were as follows: (1) pursuant
to Zoning Code §250-25(C)(3)(a) a total of 12 parking spaces are required, however
seven (7) parking spaces are proposed; and (2) pursuant to Zoning Code §250-
25(C)(3)(a) public parking for professional offices shall be from Bowman Avenue or
Westchester Avenue only, however, access to parking is provided from Division Street.
Aventura filed an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals ("ZBA") seeking
a use variance and two area variances to legalize the existing professional office use and
parking. The ZBA considered the application at its June 7, 2011, July 5, 2011 and
August 2, 2011 meetings and at its August 2, 2011 meeting voted to grant the variance
permitting access to parking to be provided from Division Street, but denied the
remaining parking variance and the use variance.
Thereafter, Aventura submitted revised plans and the Building Inspector issued a
Notice of Disapproval on August 22, 2011 denying an application for a building permit.
Since the ZBA's denial of the prior use variance application the number of proposed
professionals was reduced from eight (8) to six (6). A parking variance for 5 spaces
would also be required.
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 13
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On October 4, 2011, Aventura filed an application to the ZBA seeking a use
variance and an area variance from the parking requirements of Zoning Code §
250
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25(C)(3)(a).
Prior to Aventura's first appearance before the ZBA on the October 2011
application, Aventura submitted a request pursuant to Zoning Code §250-13(G)(1)
seeking an interpretation of Zoning Code §250-25(C)(3) which states professional offices
are permitted by Special Permit "provided that there shall not be more than two such
professional persons occupying any one dwelling." This is the matter currently before us.
The ZBA considered Aventura's request for an interpretation at December 6, 2011
and thereafter on March 6, 2012.
Section 250-25(c)(3) provides the following use is permitted by special permit in
the R-2F District:
Professional office space for use by physicians, surgeons,
dentists, attorneys, accountants, insurance agents or similar
professions, not residents of the premises, in dwellings on the
northerly and southerly side of Bowman Avenue between
South Ridge Street and the Port Chester Village boundary
line; and in dwellings on the northerly and southerly side of
Westchester Avenue between North Ridge Street and the Port
Chester Village boundary line, presently zoned R2-F,
provided that there shall not be more than two such
professional persons occupying any one dwelling, and
provided further that there shall be no hospital facilities in
connection therewith in any case. (emphasis added).
Aventura takes the position that in the event an office suite is shared by two (2) or
more professional persons and no more than one (1) professional person occupies the
office at the same time, this would not violate Section 250-25(c)(3). In other words,
more than four (4) professional persons' can be tenants of the building as long as there
are no more than four (4) professional persons physically occupying the building at any
one time. Members of the ZBA questioned the applicant and the applicant's
1 Up to four(4)professional persons are permitted to occupy this premises because the premises was
formerly a two-family dwelling and Zoning Code 5250-25(c)(3) permits up to two (2) professionals to occupy
any one dwelling.
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 14
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representative closely concerning the nature of the professional persons' occupancy of
the premises.
The legal issue posed by Aventura's request for an interpretation of Zoning Code
§250-25(C)(3) is whether such provision permits two or more professional persons to be
counted as one professional person under two scenarios: (1) if they are sharing an office
but their physical usage of the office does not overlap, or (2) if there are more than four
professional persons operating from the premises, but never more than four professionals
are physically present at the same time. The Building Inspector has determined that the
Zoning Code does not permit two or more professionals to be counted as one professional
person under either of these scenarios. Based on the record, the Board must decide
whether to uphold, reverse or modify the Building Inspector's determination.
After reviewing the applicant's submissions and after reviewing the statements
made on behalf of the applicant at the December 6, 2011 and March 6, 2012 public
hearing, and after reviewing the matter with our counsel, the ZBA determines as follows:
The ZBA discussion focused on what it means to "occupy" the premises, as set
forth in the Zoning Code. Each of the professional persons is a tenant of the premises
and as a tenant they are each deemed to be occupants. Whether they choose not to
physically occupy the premises on certain days or during certain times does not mean that
they cannot. By example, take a single-family dwelling which has five (5) people who
sleep there during the day and work at night, and another five (5) people who sleep there
at night and work during the day. The reasonable conclusion is that there are ten (10)
occupants of the single family dwelling; not that there are only five (5) occupants because
no more than five (5) are present at any given time.
To this end, the conclusion is the same whether the scenario is presented as two
people sharing an office, or whether the scenario is presented as each individual
professional having their own office but using their offices on different days such that
there are never more than four professionals present at any one time. Either way the
number of professionals occupying the premises is the same. If the professional person
has the right to occupy the premises then that professional person must be counted
individually toward the maximum number of professional persons permitted by Zoning
Code §250-25(C)(3).
In this regard, the language of the Zoning Code is unambiguous and there is no
other reasonable interpretation. The language of Section 250-25(C)(3) does not suggest
the potential for two (2) professional persons to be treated as one (1) professional person
due to intermittent or shared physical occupancy of the premises. If the legislative body
intended such a result the legislative body could have easily inserted language stating, for
example, "provided that there shall not be more than two such professional persons
Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
Page 15
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occupying any one dwelling, at any given time." Perhaps recognizing the impossibility
of enforcing such a provision, this language is absent from Section 250-25(C)(3).
As set forth above, the only issue before the ZBA at this time is whether to sustain,
reverse or modify the Building Inspector's interpretation that Section 250-25(C)(3) does
not permit two or more professional persons to be treated as one professional person
under the scenarios presented herein. We believe the Building Inspector's determination
is reasonable and supported by the clear and unambiguous language of Zoning Code
§250-25(C)(3). Accordingly,the determination of the Building Inspector is sustained.
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Dated: March 6, 2012
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Zoning Board of Appeals
Alarch 6,2012
Page 16
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Attorney Napior presented the Board with comparables for the area in support of the
application for a Use Variance. He noted that this building is operating at a loss and the
applicant hoped to have this matter move forward. Mr. Andrew Kaminsky noted that he
reviewed the financial information for the building. He felt that the building was earning
a profit. The applicant does not pay rent and this should be accounted for in the financial
information. Mr. Moscato stated that a Profit and Loss statement was presented to the
Board by the applicant. He questioned who prepared the information, noting that an audit
is certified by a CPA and a review has less detail than an audit. If it is self-reported, the
information doesn't have the weight of an audited statement. The reply was that the
information was compiled for this application.
Mr. Moscato noted that there was a lot of information in the Profit and Loss statement
that needed to be clarified. The tenant who is leaving was paying $700.00 per month.
Mr. Moscato reviewed the P&L statement. Attorney Napior stated that he could provide
copies of the leases. Mr. Moscato noted that the applicant would need to have an
accountant prepare the information. The Board needs well documented information. The
Board also needs to see cancelled checks, or statements sent to the tenants.
Mr. Moscato asked the Building Inspector to review Exhibit 4 of the applicant's
submission. Mr. Izzo reviewed the Permit to Occupy which referenced Uses Permitted at
the Discretion of the Board. Mr. Izzo explained that there is no record of the Town
Board of the Town of Rye considering or approving a Special Permit to allow
professional offices at this property prior to the issuance of the Permit to Occupy. Mr.
Izzo noted that the Certificate of Occupancy has been revoked.
Mr. Moscato summarized; what the Board is asking for is a reputable, professionally
prepared document with material line items. The Board would like to include the entire
lease in the report -- including all line items. Attorney Napior noted that it is difficult to
find comparable space.
Mr. Linder noted that one of the reasons the tenants stay there is that it is a quiet, well-
maintained building. Dr. Banks has been there 21 years. The leases will be renewed
after the application has been processed.
Attorney Gray reviewed the standard of review for the use variance.
Mr. Moscato noted that information must be presented to the Board prior to the meeting.
The Board needs this type of information in advance in order to review it.
Mr. Moscato gave the applicant notice that he would not be here for the May meeting and
Ms. Fredman's term ends in April. The public hearing will remain open and the
application will be adjourned to April P
Zoning Board of Appeals
Match 6,2012
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The February minutes were not listed on the agenda, therefore, procedurally the Board
must wait until the next meeting to review them. On a motion made by Ms. Fredman,
b and seconded by Mr. Kaminsky,the review of the minutes was adjourned.
There being no further business before the Board,the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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Zoning Board of Appeals
March 6,2012
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