HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-11 - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
938 King Street
Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Agenda
1. 406-447 Ms. Eileen Leary
7 Wyman Street
Legalize a rear deck; rear shed, and enclosed breezeway
2. 906-443 Mr. & Mrs.Peter Messina
4 Hawthorne Avenue
Construct a 12 x 14' unheated aluminum sunroom in the rear
3. 406-437 Mr. & Mrs.Patrick Leahy
33 Argyle Road
Build a rear,wood deck
4. 406-425 Mr. & Mrs.Michael Ricci
500 Ellendale Avenue
Legalize finished basement, rear deck and shed, expand existing
driveway and steps at front
5. 906-441 Mr. & Mrs.J.Ackerman
9 Bobbie Lane
Construct a 1-1/2 story rear kitchen addition and a new rear deck
6. 406-444 Ms.June Scharf
8 Magnolia Drive
Construct a rear, two-story addition, and a second story addition
over the existing garage
7. 906-448 Cobble Creek Builders Inc.
11 Loch Lane
Perform extensive alterations to the existing dwelling, construct a
detached carport, second-story addition, front covered porch,rear
deck, and 36"high wood fence
8. # 06-449 Frank Drazka,Melissa Drazka,Henry Klein,Kip Konigsberg
44 Lincoln Avenue
Subdivide a 10' x 278.33' driveway into three separate tax lots, as
identified on the application as lots "A," "B" and"C"
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 1
9. Approval of June 6, 2006 Zoning Board Summary
BOARD: Mark Harmon, Chairman
Salvatore Crescenzi
Joseph Pellino
Ronald Rettner(arrived at 8:10 p.m.)
Michael Siegel
STAFF: Michael Izzo, Building Inspector
Mikal Nowak, Junior Engineer
Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary
Trustee Joan Feinstein, Liaison from the Board of Trustees
Mr. Harmon called the July 11, 2006 meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. He called for the first
item on the agenda:
1. # 06-447 Ms. Eileen Leary
7 Wyman Street
Legalize a rear deck; rear shed, and enclosed breezeway
John Scarlatto, the architect for the applicant, addressed the Board. He noted that
applicant was before the Board in order to legalize several items in order to obtain
a Certificate of Occupancy in connection with the sale of the home. The deck,
which is 18" off the ground, was not considered a deck until recent amendments
to the Village's Code. The deck is approximately 25% over what is allowed under
the current Village Code. In contrast, Mr. Scarlatto noted that the house is
considerably smaller than what could be built on the lot today. The Breezeway
does not require any variances, but the rear wooden shed requires setback
variances. Removing the deck, breezeway, and shed would create a considerable
financial hardship for the applicant who is now in the process of selling her home.
Mr. Scarlatto pointed out that Ms. Leary's property abuts the condos.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to be heard in support or
opposition to the application. There being no one,he turned to the Board for their
comments and questions.
Mr. Joseph Pellino asked for clarification of the required variances.
Mr. Michael Leary, the applicant's grandson, responded noting that the above-
referenced items have existed for over 45 years. The home is now being sold and
the Building Department informed the applicant that variances were required.
Mr. Leary noted that the shed was built in the 1950's, and then repaired and/or
replaced in 1951. He also noted that the deck was repaired and/or replaced in the
early 1980's.
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 2
The public portion of the meeting was closed and the Board went into
deliberation. Upon the Board's return, Mr. Harmon read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by
Ms. Eileen Leary for a 3.5' rear yard setback variance, a .6% lot coverage
variance, both in connection with the legalization of a rear deck, and a 4' rear
yard and 4.5' side yard setback variance, in connection with the legalization of a
rear shed, on property located at 7 Wyman Street, in an R-2F District, on the
south side of Wyman Street, at the intersection of Wyman Street and Ridge Street
North. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map of the Village
of Rye Brook as Section: 141.43, Block: 1, Lot 7.
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was continued on
July 11, 2006, at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such
opportunity; and
WHEREAS the Board, from the application and after viewing the
premises and neighborhood concerned, finds:
1) The deck was constructed prior to the enactment of present code
restrictions respecting decks such that it was a legal use of the
property when built; and
2) Applicant has failed to demonstrate any basis on which to grant a
variance respecting the rear shed which would require two
substantial variances of 80% or more.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the application is hereby
granted as to the deck, and denied as to the shed, on the following conditions:
1) Construction shall begin within one year of the granting of the
variance.
2) 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 Code unless the proposed
construction will not enlarge the footprint of the structure.
DATED: July 11, 2006
Mark Harmon, Chairperson
5 Ayes
0 Nays
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 3
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 4
2) 406-443 Mr. & Mrs.Peter Messina
4 Hawthorne Avenue
Construct a 12' x 14' unheated aluminum sunroom in the rear
Mr. Rand Perry of Betterliving Sunrooms of New York addressed the Board. He
began his presentation by noting that the applicant was proposing the construction
of a 12' x 14' unheated aluminum sunroom in the rear of the home. The rear yard
setback for this Zoning District is 65'. The applicant would require a variance of
36.75'. In addition, the maximum lot coverage allowed under the current Code is
12%, and the proposed construction would result in coverage of 13.26%. The
applicant required a 1.26% total lot coverage variance.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to address the Board in
support or opposition to the application. Mr. Peter Messina, applicant, noted that
the Zoning for this area was changed approximately 10-15 years ago when the
property surrounding his home was subdivided. The subject property is a smaller
lot in this Zoning District. The adjacent neighbor, whose front door is
approximately 12' from the property line was granted a variance to construct a
two-car garage just last year. It was noted that the surrounding lots are all flag
lots.
Mr. Pellino asked for additional clarification regarding the construction.
Mr. Perry stated that the sunroom was going to be a platform-based structure,
which would be anchored by footings. The sunroom would be attached to the
house and supported on the footings. The construction will be similar to a deck.
Mr. Harmon noted that the homes behind the applicant's property were
constructed after the surrounding property was subdivided. The applicant owned
their lot and the property prior to the subdivision, and did not own any of the
property that was subdivided. The fronts of the new homes ended up facing the
rear yard of the applicant's home. The area was re-zoned in connection with the
subdivision, and this property is now located in an R-15 Zone.
The public portion of the hearing was closed, and the Board went into
deliberation.
Upon the Board's return,Mr. Harmon read the following resolution:
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 5
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Messina for a 36.75' rear yard setback variance and a 1.26%
total lot coverage variance, in connection with the proposed construction of a
12' x 14' unheated aluminum sunroom in the rear, on property located at
4 Hawthorne Avenue in an R-15A District on the east side of Hawthorne Avenue,
approximately 100 feet from the intersection of Hawthorne Avenue and
Westchester Avenue. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map
of the Village of Rye Brook as Section: 135.83, Block: 1, Lot 34.
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was continued on
July 11, 2006, at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such
opportunity; and
WHEREAS the Board, from the application and after viewing the
premises and neighborhood concerned, finds:
1) This property was subject to an up-zoning by the Village following
flag lot developments to its rear and it appears that the application of
this change to this lot creates an undue hardship; and
2) The degree of variance that might have been required prior to the
change in the applicable zoning code would have been much less
substantial if it were required at all.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the application is hereby
granted on the following conditions:
1) Construction shall begin within one year of the granting of the
variance.
2) 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 Code unless the proposed
construction will not enlarge the footprint of the structure.
DATED: July 11, 2006
Mark Harmon, Chairperson
4 Ayes
1 Nay (Ronald Rettner)
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 6
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 7
3. 406-437 Mr. & Mrs.Patrick Leahy
33 Argyle Road
Build a rear, wood deck
Mr. Harmon directed that the record should note that photographs were
presented to the Board depicting the property. Mrs. Leahy addressed the
Board and reviewed the variances required for the construction of the deck, which
included rear yard setback and maximum allowable coverage. She noted that
there is a rock ledge to the rear of the property, which is a safety issue. When
they purchased the home there was a deck and it wasn't until they were in the
home and had a good look underneath the deck that they noticed the rock ledge
that lie beneath it. The original deck is being reduced in size. Mrs. Leahy noted
that this is a not only a functional issue, as the deck will allow the use of the rear
yard, it is also a safety issue.
The resident of 30 Argyle Road addressed the Board in support of the application.
She noted that the deck is truly a matter of safety for the applicants' children, and
the neighborhood children who play in this area. She felt that the rock ledge
creates a hazard that can be alleviated by the construction of a deck over the area.
Mr. Harmon turned to members of the Board for questions and comments.
Mr. Pellino noted that some of the rocks looked loose, while the rest seemed to be
connected. Mrs. Leahy noted that they had moved some rocks and found that it is
one solid, naturally connected rock. It cannot be removed and, therefore, the
existing deck will be removed and the new deck will be constructed above the
rock ledge.
Mr. Harmon noted that the purpose of the deck is to cover the rock ledge.
Mrs. Leahy pointed out that the last piece of visible rock is where the end of the
deck would be. The footings will not be constructed in the rock ledge.
It was noted that the variance required was substantial and the Board felt that
additional information was required. The applicant was offered an adjournment
to the August meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals in order to collect
supporting data for the Board. The applicant accepted the adjournment and will
return in August with additional information. Mr. Harmon noted that the applicant
would not be required to send out notification via the mailing for the next
meeting, however, the sign in the front of the home must be changed to reflect the
date of the August meeting.
Mr. Harmon called for the next item on the agenda:
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 8
4. 406-425 Mr. & Mrs.Michael Ricci
500 Ellendale Avenue
Legalize finished basement, rear deck and shed, expand existing
driveway and steps at front
Mr. John Scarlato, architect, addressed the Board. He began his presentation by
noting that the applicant was looking to legalize the shed to the rear of the
property. This shed was built years ago without a permit. In order to comply
with current Zoning, the applicants require a variance. The shed, which was
constructed on a concrete slab, would need to be demolished and replaced if no
variance was granted. Mr. Scarlato noted that the side of the applicant's home
abuts the Village's property; the highway garage. The shed acts as screening for
the applicant, and is actually constructed up against an accessory building from
the house behind it. The deck conforms, but the ramp does not conform.
Therefore the existing ramp will be removed. Two additional steps must be
constructed in order to access the rear yard (to get down to grade). The edge of
the stairs from the deck violates the setback code. It was noted that putting the
stairs to the rear of the deck would require many more stairs.
Mr. Scarlato noted that this is a two-family house and since it makes more sense
to park on the property, the applicant is proposing the expansion of the existing
driveway. The retaining wall along the driveway violates the setback. This is a
congested area and it would be a plus for everyone if the applicant is granting the
variances needed to widen the driveway. The expansion of the driveway would
make it functional. Mr. Scarlato noted that Ellendale Avenue has alternate side of
the street parking, which adds to the problems with the parking in the area.
It was noted that the Village's Code does not allow off-street parking within 25'
of the property line. It was felt that additional review of the Village's Code was
required before a decision could be made regarding expansion of the driveway.
The driveway is currently a two-lane driveway, which is non-conforming.
Expanding the driveway would increase the non-conformity. Mr. Ricci noted that
the house was not being sold, and that the topographical survey of the property
shows the existing shed.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to address the Board in
support or opposition to the application.
After a brief discussion, the consensus of the Board was that they required
additional information regarding the construction of the off-street parking spaces,
and the legalities of widening the driveway. The applicant was offered an
adjournment to the August meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The
applicant was directed to properly notice the driveway matter.
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 9
5. 906-441 Mr. & Mrs.J.Ackerman
9 Bobbie Lane
Construct a 1-1/2 story rear kitchen addition and a new rear deck
John Scarlato, architect, addressed the Board. He began his presentation by
noting that the applicants purchased this home approximately ten (10) years ago.
At the time they knew that they would eventually have to expand the very small
kitchen. The house is currently non-conforming, and the addition of the proposed
250 square feet will increase the non-conformity. It was noted that the front of
the house will not change, and that the new deck does not require a variance.
Mr. Scarlato stated that other homes in this neighborhood have constructed
additions to the rear, including the home directly behind the applicant's property.
Mr. Scarlato presented the Board with the Tax Assessor's cards, which were
made part of the record. This is a one-story addition, with no change to the roof
elevation.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to address the Board in
support or opposition to the application. There being no one, and no questions or
comments from the Board, the public portion of the meeting was closed and the
Board went into deliberation.
Upon the Board's return, Mr. Harmon read the following resolution:
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 10
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by
Mr. & Mrs. J. Ackerman for a 373 square foot gross floor area variance, in
connection with the proposed construction a 1-1/2 story rear kitchen addition and
new rear deck, on property located at 9 Bobbie Lane in an R-10 District on the
south side of Bobbie Lane, 530 feet from the intersection of Bobbie Lane and
Rockridge Drive. Said premises being known and designated on the tax map of
the Village of Rye Brook as Section: 135.5; Block: 1; Lot: 37.
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was continued on
July 11, 2006, at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such
opportunity; and
WHEREAS the Board, from the application and after viewing the
premises and neighborhood concerned, finds:
1) All of the proposed construction, only 260 square feet, will be in the
rear of the home;
2) None of the addition will be visible from the front of the home; and
3) The addition will not alter the character of the neighborhood.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the application is hereby
granted on the following conditions:
1) Construction shall begin within one year of the granting of the
variance.
2) 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 Code unless the proposed
construction will not enlarge the footprint of the structure.
DATED: July 11, 2006
Mark Harmon, Chairperson
5 Ayes
0 Nays
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 11
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 12
6. 906-444 Ms.June Scharf
8 Magnolia Drive
Construct a rear, two-story addition, and a second story addition
over the existing garage
Mr. Paul Bialowas, architect, addressed the Board. He presented the Board with a
model of the home, a small colonial, which showed the proposed construction.
He introduced Mr. Scharf, the homeowner. Mr. Bialowas began his presentation
by noting that the home is small and the applicants desperately need additional
living space. The Scharf family has three (3) boys and, currently, due to a lack of
space they use their dinning room as an office. In order to meet their needs, and
enlarge their home, a variance is required. The applicant has made every effort to
maintain the character of the home. The addition will be constructed over the
existing garage. In the rear of the home there is an existing one-story family
room, along side of which an office will be constructed. Above this new office
the applicants are proposing the construction of a modest master bathroom.
On March 60' a similar Zoning variance was granted to 7 Magnolia. The houses
are almost identical in design. The applicant has made every attempt to minimize
the size of the addition, and to ensure that there are no effects on the neighbors.
The addition will bring the square footage of the home to 3,712 square feet— an
increase of 565 square feet.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to be heard in support or
opposition to the application.
Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Eileen Valenti addressed the Board. It was noted that a
Village received a letter from the Valentis noting their objections to this
application. Mr. Valenti summarized the content of their letter. He stated that his
neighbor has every right to expand his home, however, they hoped that the
architectural plans could be modified. He pointed out that the area that concerned
them was the rear, two-story addition. It was their opinion that the second story
addition would change the character of the area. The applicants' home towers
their home. The addition of the bathroom would create an obstruction, and the
view from their bedroom and deck would now be a high wall. The distance
between 98 and 910 Magnolia is the closest distance between the homes in this
area. Mr. Valenti noted that there was more space between the applicants' home
and the adjacent neighbor on the opposite side of the home. They hoped that the
applicant would consider placing the addition in that area.
Mrs. Valenti also pointed out that there environmental issues that must be
addressed, with drainage being a major issue. When it rains, the area is filled with
mud.
Mr. Bialowas responded to the concerns expressed by the Valentis, noting that the
proposed construction is within the zoning setbacks. The plans took into
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 13
consideration impacts to the neighbors. There will only be cosmetic changes to
the front of the home. The applicant is willing to hire an engineer or landscape
architecture to try and address the existing problems.
Mr. Rettner asked if there was a way to reduce the square footage of the proposed
addition. He expressed his opinion that the addition could be designed differently
to meet the applicant's objective and respect the concerns of the neighbors.
Mr. Bialowas responded that the construction was being proposed for the most
logical area of the existing home. Mr. Pellino asked if a Plan B approach was
considered if the application was not received well. Mr. Bialowas noted that there
was no plan B.
Mr. Michael Siegel noted that everyone agrees that there are drainage issues. He
asked the applicant what steps would be taken to rectify the drainage problems.
Mr. Bialowas reiterated that a landscape architect and engineer will be retained to
make certain drainage improvements, such as the installation of drywells.
Mr. Pellino questioned whether or not a basement would be constructed below the
proposed addition. Mr. Bialowas stated that there would be a basement. It was
noted that an approved drainage plan must be submitted prior to the decision on
the variance being rendered.
The public portion of the meeting was closed, and the Board went into
deliberation. Upon the Board's return, the applicant was offered the opportunity
to adjourn the matter to a future Zoning Board meeting in order to address the
drainage issues. It was noted that this information must be submitted to the
Village for review by the Village's Engineer. This meant that this matter may not
make it back on the agenda for the August meeting, but would instead be heard at
the September meeting. Mr. Harmon reminded the applicants that the signage
must be updated with the correct date of the hearing.
7. 406-448 Cobble Creek Builders Inc.
11 Loch Lane
Perform extensive alterations to the existing dwelling,construct a
detached carport, second-story addition, front covered porch, rear
deck, and 36"high wood fence
Lori Lee Dickson, Esq., legal counsel for the applicant addressed the Board. She
noted that this application has been through the process, and has already been
before the Planning Board. A permit was granted regarding activity in the
wetland buffer and site plan approval has been granted. A variance is required to
accommodate the stairs in the front of the property, leading into the front entry.
The site plan shows the required front setback is met with the exception of the
construction of the four stairs leading to the entry of the home. The required
variance does not exceed 6'. The applicant is requesting a 5'8" in total.
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 14
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to address the application
in support or opposition. There being no one, he turned to the Board for
comments and questions. It was noted that the structure is non-conforming, and
the non-conformity is not being increased. The public portion of the hearing was
closed, and the Board went into deliberation. Upon the Board's return, Mr.
Harmon read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, application has been made to the Zoning Board by
Cobble Creek Builders Inc. for a 5.8' front yard setback variance, in connection
with a proposed extensive renovation of an existing home, on property located at
11 Loch Lane in an R-10 District on the north side of Loch Lane, 430 feet from
the intersection of Loch Lane and King Street. Said premises being known and
designated on the tax map of the Village of Rye Brook as Section: 136.21, Block:
1, Lot 4.
WHEREAS, a duly advertised public hearing was continued on
July 11, 2006, at which time all those wishing to be heard were given such
opportunity; and
WHEREAS the Board, from the application and after viewing the
premises and neighborhood concerned, finds:
1) The variance is sought only to permit the construction of front steps
and is not a substantial variance as the existing front setback for the
home is otherwise remaining;
2) It is a reasonable use of the property and will not alter the character of
the neighborhood; and
3) The Planning Board has reviewed and approved the project.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the application is hereby
granted on the following conditions:
1) Construction shall begin within one year of the granting of the
variance; and
2) 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 Code unless the proposed
construction will not enlarge the footprint of the structure.
DATED: July 11, 2006
Mark Harmon, Chairperson
5 Ayes
0 Nays
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 15
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 16
8. 406-449 Frank Drazka,Melissa Drazka,Henry Klein,Kip Konigsberg
44 Lincoln Avenue
Subdivide a 10' x 278.33' driveway into three separate tax lots, as
identified on the application as lots "A," "B" and"C"
Demetrios Adamis, Esq., of the law firm of Gioffre & Gioffre addressed the
Board as legal counsel for the applicants. He began his presentation by noting
that this proposed subdivision application was being made in order to resolve long
stand confusion regarding the 10' driveway from Lincoln Avenue. This
subdivision will clear up the uncertainties surrounding ownership for this portion
of land that services three (3) properties. Mr. Adamis noted that the matter was
before the Planning Board, and was referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals in
connection with the required variances. Rye Brook's Codes does not allow the
creation of non-conforming lots through subdivision and in order to accomplish
this subdivision/solution,variances must be granted.
In order to simplify the presentation, Mr. Adamis noted that included in the
application package was a color-coded portion of the map, which makes it easier
to follow. The lots have been designated as A, B and C. The property was
purchased by Kip Konigsberg in 1996 and, also in 1996, the Rye Brook portion of
the property was sold to Joseph Lorono, with the exception of the 10' strip. The
Tax Assessor of the Town of Rye acknowledged the subdivision of this property
in a letter dated June 24, 1996. This status was confirmed in June of 2000 on the
Rye Brook's Assessment roles where separate tax lots were created. One for the
property sold to Lorono, and one for the 10' driveway. The status was further
confirmed with a follow up letter from the Tax Assessor in June of 2000. The
Board was provided with copies of this correspondence, and a portion of the
current tax map — which was made part of the record. In July of 2000,
Mr. Konigsberg sold the Harrison portion of the Lucan property, along with a 5'
portion of the driveway to Marcie Klein. In February of 2003 a 2 '/2' portion of
the driveway was sold to the Drazkas. The 2 1'2' remaining portion of the
driveway was retained by Kip Konigsberg. There are separate tax bills for each
of these portions.
Mr. Adamis noted that according to Village regulations, the driveway is still part
of the Lorono property. The Tax Assessor has determined that there are two (2)
5' parcels of land. The County, however, shows that Marcie Klein owns a 5'
strip; a 2-1/2' strip is owned by the Drazkas, and the remaining 2 1/2' strip is owned
by Mr. Konigsberg. The purpose of the application is to address and resolve the
confusion that has been created. No physical changes are contemplated on this
small portion of each lot, which in total are approximately 2 1/2 acres each.
Ownership, deeds, future sales, and insurance coverage are all affected. This is an
unusual situation, and there is a fear of precedence setting. However, it was
Mr. Adamis' belief that this was substantially mitigated by the unique
circumstances. The Village Attorney has advised the Tax Assessor's office not to
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 17
establish any further tax lots without there being a formal subdivision approval.
He pointed out that this a revenue neutral situation. Sound planning has dictated
that this situation be cleared up.
Mr. Adamis noted that also submitted as part of the application was a table that
scheduled out the area variances being sought for this property located in an R12
Zoning District. The variances being sought are lot size, horizontal circle,
frontage, and open space. When conducting the balancing tests, each of the
elements are satisfied. There will not be any undesirable change to the
neighborhood, as no improvements will be made to this portion of land. The
entire driveway is encumbered by easement agreements by each of the owners.
This is the only practical way to clarify this situation. There are no other means
to achieve the goals of the applicants. This is the only access for the two (2)
interior homes and there will not be any additional curb cuts for 42 Lincoln
Avenue, whose access is also through this driveway. And, finally, there are no
environmental impacts to be considered. The difficulty was created by the Tax
Assessor, and the Building Department of the Town of Harrison. This issue has
been the subject of extensive study and research. Mr. Adamis noted that the
owners of the adjacent properties, who are not effected, are in support of the
application.
Mr. Harmon called for members of the public wishing to be heard in support or
opposition to the application. There being no one, he turned to the Board for
comments and questions.
Mr. Harmon noted that the Board understood that the subdivision was a practical
subdivision, but if granted there would only be one driveway. The changes made
by the Tax Assessor created these problems and, as it now stands, this is not
acceptable to the Village's Attorney. It was the contention of the Village's
Attorney that from the initial inception this constituted an improper subdivision.
The reason that this matter is before the Zoning Board of Appeals is because Rye
Brook's Code does not permit the creation of non-conforming lots. Therefore,
several area variances are required. However, the consensus of the Board was
that it was being asked to approve the creation of ridiculous, non-conforming lots.
The Board also felt that the developer created the problem by creating access to
the properties in Harrison via the portion of property in Rye Brook. The developer
and the homeowners now have a problem because the Village's Assessor and the
Village are not on the same page.
Mr. Harmon stated that he felt that the Village's Attorney should address this
matter with the Zoning Board of Appeals at a regularly scheduled meeting. This
was the consensus of the Board.
Mr. Gioffre noted that the Village Attorney did make a presentation before the
Planning Board. The end result is that the access of the road does not change; it is
only the title that changes.
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 18
Mr. Harmon noted that access is not one of the problems. The problem is a
problem that was created by the Tax Assessor and/or by the Village Attorney
being unhappy with the Tax Assessor's decision. This problem should not be
solved by creating a subdivision for property that cannot be developed. If a
variances are granted the matter returns to the Planning Board for subdivision
approval. The Code specifically requires that any lots created must meet the
minimum standard. This is an intermediate step. Since the plans do not meet the
Village's standards, the Planning Board cannot grant the subdivision approval
without the Zoning Board first approving the variances. The Zoning Board's
review must include, firsthand, a presentation from the Village's Attorney.
Bruno Gioffre, Esq. stated that this has been a journey of close to two years for
the applicants. The Village's planners will be reviewing this application. The
Planning Board will impose conditions. He felt that it was in everyone's best
interest that the application be moved forward.
Mr. Pellino noted that the Zoning Board members understand the circumstances,
however, the creation of this subdivision does not compute. It was also his
opinion that the developer put the applicants in this position.
Mr. Gioffre responded that the developer may have been the triggering element,
but the buyers believed that they purchased land with the problem resolved.
The consensus of the Board members was that this isn't the Village's problem and
that there was no reason to create this subdivision. Mr. Gioffre reminded the
Board that this was a minor application, involving a 10' strip of land.
Mr. Harmon re-stated that it was the Board's consensus that the Village Attorney
should make a formal presentation on this matter.
Trustee Joan Feinstein, liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals, stated that she
would contact the Village's Attorney and request a presentation to the Zoning
Board members at its September meeting.
9) APPROVAL OF JUNE 6,2006 ZONING BOARD SUMMARY
A request was made by the Chairman to give Board members additional time to review
the summary. Therefore, by consensus of the Board, the matter was adjourned to the
August Zoning Board meeting.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals
July 11,2006
Page 19