HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-07 - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
Village Hall,938 King Street
Rye Brook,New York
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Tuesday,February 7,2006
AGENDA
1) #05-384 (Re-apppearanced)
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Handler
14 Rockinghorse Trail
Construct a 1-�/z story garage addition, a one-story dining room addition,
a second story addition, and new front portico.
PRESENT
BOARD: Mark Harmon, Chairman
Joseph Pellino
Dorothy Roer
Excused: Salvatore Cresenzi
Absent: Ronald Rettner
STAFF: Mr. Michael Izzo,Acting Building Inspector
Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary
Mr. Harmon welcomed everyone to the February meeting of the Zoning Board of
Appeals. He noted that there was only one matter on the agenda; the application of
Mr. &Mrs. Steven Handler. It was noted that this application was originally submitted in
March of 2005.
Mr. Harmon stated that there were only three members of the Board present. In order for
the application to be approved, the applicant would require all three-yes votes. A no vote
would result in the application being denied. He offered the applicant the opportunity to
adjourn to next month's meeting when there could be five members of the Board present.
After a brief discussion, the applicant decided to move forward.
1) #05-384 (Re-apppearanced)
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Handler
14 Rockinghorse Trail
Construct a 1-'/2 story garage addition, a one-story dining room addition,
a second story addition, and new front portico.
Zoning Board of Appeals
February 7, 2006
Page I of 5
Anthony Gioffre, Esq., counsel from the firm of Cuddy & Feder, and Mr. John
Scarlatto, Jr., architect, addressed the Board as representatives for the applicants.
Mr. Gioffre began his presentation by noting that the applicants purchased this
home nine years ago. At that time they knew that they would eventually have to
expand the home to fit their needs. The proposed construction does not increase
the non-conformity. Mr. Gioffre cited a recent court case in which the decision
was that if there is no increase to the non-conformity no variances were required.
This application, however, has been referred to the Zoning Board for front yard,
side yard, and gross floor area variances. It was also noted that the change to the
Village's Code regarding gross floor area was adopted subsequent to the purchase
of this home. There have been no previous variances granted for this property.
Mr. Gioffre noted that the proposed addition does not result in a detriment to the
health, safety or welfare of the surrounding residents. In addition, it does not
adversely affect the character of the neighborhood. He also pointed out that the
application has gone through extensive review, and the applicant has made every
effort to minimize the variances required. The applicant had considered a
complete teardown, but teardowns have recently received a lot of negative
publicity. The applicant presented the Board with photographs of the existing
home, which were made part of the record. Letters of support from the most
affected neighbors were also made part of the record.
Mr. Scarlatto noted that the proposed addition was 682 square feet, and the
addition is divided across the home. There are no adverse impacts to the
environment as a result of the proposed addition.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to address the Board in
support or opposition to the application. There being no one, the public portion of
the hearing was closed and the Board went into deliberation.
When the Board returned from deliberation, Mr. Harmon read the following
resolution granting the variances:
Zoning Board of Appeals
February 7, 2006
Page 2 of 5
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board of Appeals
by Mr. & Mrs. Steven Handler for a 4' front yard setback variance, a .2' side yard
setback variance, and a 1,181 square foot gross floor area variance, in connection
with the proposed construction of a 1 '/2 story garage addition, a 1 story dining
room addition, a second-story addition, and new front portico, on property located
at 14 Rockinghorse Trail in an $-15 District on the west side of Rockinghorse
Trail, 120 feet from the intersection of Rockinghorse Trail and Country Ridge
Drive. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map of the Village
of Rye Brook as Section 129.75, Block 1, Lot 2.
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was held on June 7, 2005,
at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such opportunity; and
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was held on June 7, 2005,
at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Appeals, from the application and after
viewing the premises and neighborhood concerned, finds:
1) The front yard and side yard variances requested will not increase the
existing non-conformity,both of which are minimal; and
2) The expanded home will increase by 682 square feet, will be in
character with the surrounding neighborhood, and will not increase
significantly the front mass of the home.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the said application is
hereby granted on the following conditions:
1) No further building permits may issue respecting this property without
the consent of this Board given upon a properly noticed and heard
application in accordance with the Village's Code unless the proposed
construction will not enlarge the footprint or square footage of the
structure.
2) Construction shall begin within one year of the granting of the
variances.
DATE: February 7, 2006
Mark Harmon, Chairman
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
Zoning Board of Appeals
February 7, 2006
Page 3 of 5
Zoning Board of Appeals
February 7, 2006
Page 4 of 5
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30
p.m..
Zoning Board of Appeals
February 7, 2006
Page 5 of 5