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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-13 Decisions to addition to non conforming residence in low Industrial TOWN OF GROTON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (ZBA) FINDINGS AND DETERNIINATION JACKSON VARIANCE APPLICATION The Applicants, Thomas D. and Karel C. Jackson, 118 Wood Road, Groton NY, applied for a variance to site an Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) unit that is larger than is allowed under Section 3203 (a) of the Town of Groton Land Use and Development Code. A public hearing was held on this matter by the ZBA on March 12th, 2002. The applicants provided testimony regarding the need for and purpose of the requested variance. Helpful remarks were also provided by George Senter, Town of Groton Code Enforcement Officer. The ZBA also convened on March 12th, 2002, and determined its findings and decision regarding the requested variance. Finding #I : No evidence was found or presented that the proposed variance would have a negative impact on the character of the neighborhood. Finding #2: Although options are available that are within the maximum size requirements in the Code for ECHO units, evidence was presented that they would be impractical from a structural standpoint for possible future needs of the person who is to occupy the unit. Finding #3 : Although the proposed ECHO unit exceeds the maximum size for such units in the Code, the. ZBA does not find it to be a substantial difference. Finding #4: (a) The proposed ECHO unit is exempted from SEQR requirements under Part 617.5 of NYS SEQR regulations (Type II). (b) The ZBA finds no impact on agricultural lands. (c) The ZBA finds no other significant environmental impacts from siting the proposed ECHO unit that is larger than allowed under the Groton Code. Finding #Sa The need for the requested variance was not self-created by the applicant; on the contrary, the applicant made an initial good faith effort to find an ECHO unit that did meet the Code as well as the applicant' s needs. A motion was made by L. Raymond and seconded by P. Gaines to grant the requested ECHO unit size variance based on the aforementioned findings. Roll Call vote . Lyle Raymond, Chairperson Aye John Pachai , Vice-Chairperson Aye Pat Gaines Aye Lisa McElroy Aye Steve Thane Aye Su Otted by Lyle Raymond RECMVFD MAR 1 3 ! 002 TOWN OF GRON TOWN CLERK