HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA Minutes 1997-10-08 FINAL
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1997
7: 00 P.M.
By direction of the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be
held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Ithaca on Wednesday, October 8, 1997, in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca
Street, (FIRST Floor, REAR Entrance, WEST Side), Ithaca, N.Y., COMMENCING AT 7:00 P. M. , on the following matters:
APPEAL of Mike and Ann Elmo, Appellants, requesting variances from Article V, Sections 18, 21 and 23 and Article XIII,
Sections 57, 68, and 69 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted to maintain two residential buildings on a
parcel of land, with parking located in the front yard at 139 East King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 44-2-2,
Residence District R-30. Said Ordinance prohibits two residential buildings on a parcel and restricts parking to the rear yard
only. Said lot is also less than 200 feet deep. The second building, if approved, will have a 25 foot east side yard setback (40
feet required).
APPEAL of Cornell University Plantations, Appellant, Nancy Ostman, Agent, requesting variances from the requirements of
• Article V, Sections 21 and 23 , Article VIII, Section 44 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, and Section 280A of New
York State Town Law, to be permitted to create, by subdivision, a parcel of land that does not front on a Town, County, or
State highway, located by Lick Brook, off of Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No, 35- 1 -7.2, Residential District R-30
and a Light industrial Zone.
APPEAL of Jim Brown, dba AAA Cleaning Service, Appellant, requesting a variance from Article IV, Section 12 of the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted to operate a janitorial service with outside employees from a residence
located at 117B Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 58-2-39. 11 , Residence District R- 15 . Said Ordinance provides
for limited home occupations, but without outside employees.
Said Zoning Board of Appeals will at said time, 7 :00 p.m., and said place, hear all persons in support of such matters or
objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual or hearing impairments or other
special needs, as appropriate, will be provided with assistance, as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must
make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing.
Andrew S. Frost
Director of Building and Zoning
273 - 1783
Dated: September 29, 1997
Publish : October 3 , 1997
•
APPEALons
f Cornell University
Plantatio , Appellant,
Nancy Ostman, Agent, re
questing variances Irom the
requirements of Article V,
Sections 21 and 23 Article
VIII, Section 44 of the Town
of Ithaca Zoningg Ordinance,
and section 280A of New
York State Town Law, to be
dermittby sub-
visi ne a to
oarcel of land that
does not front on a Town,
County or State highway, Io-
cot ed 6y Lick Brook, off of
Elmira Road Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 35- 1 -7. 21
Residential District R-30 and
a Li ht Industrial Zone.
APPEAL of Jim Brown, dba
AAA Cleaning Service ,
Appellant, requesting vari-
ance from Article IV, Sea ction
12 of the Town of Ithaca
Zoning Ordinance, to be
permitted to operate a janito-
rial service with outside
employees from a residence
located at 1178 Honness
lane, Town of Ithaca Tax par.
cel No. 58.2.39. 11 , Resi-
dence District R- 15 . Said Or-
dinance provides for limited
home occupations, but with-
out outside empployees.
TOWN OF N BOARD OF pA pEA� Peals w II aoningsa d time, f7 00
NOTICE OF PUBLIC P- .0 and said place, hear
• HEARINGS all persons in support of such
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER matters or objections thereto.
Sr 1997 Persons may appear by
B direction P.M* airman agent or in person .
y Individuals with visual or
of the Zoningg Board of Ap- hearing impairments su other
GIVEN thaaeals tlPublic Hearings P eC1�r "eels, as ypro-
will be held by the Zoning nate will b a providenecessary,aw yh
assistance,
Board of Appeals of the Town upon request. Persons desir-
O Ithaca 01997,Wednesdayirt such assistance requ request make
October 8
Hall, 126 East Seneca Street, 48 hours prior to th time of
(FIRST Floor, REAR Entrance, the public hearing ,
West Side , Ithaca, N. Y. Andrew S. Frost
COMMENCING AT 7:O0 Director of Building and Zon-
P.M. on the following matters: in APPEAL of Mike and Ann 273- 1783
Elmo, Appellants, requesting October 3 , 1997
variances From Article V, Sec-
tions 18, 21 and 23 and
Article XIII Sections 57, 681
and 69 of the Town of Ithaca
Zoning Ordinance, to be
permitted to maintain two
residential buildings on a
larcel of land, with parking
ocated in the front yard . at
139 East King Road, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 44-2-2;
Residence District R-30. Said
Ordinance Prohibits two resi-
dential buildings on a parcel
and restricts Forking to the
rear yard only. Said lot is
also less n
e .
The second building t if aapp-
Proved, will
asst sie yard vsetback (40
feet required).
•
FIUD
TOWN of ITHACA
TOWN OF ITHACA
LCiekZONING BOARD OF APPEALSWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1997 � u
The following appeals were heard by the board as follows :
APPEAL of Mike and Ann Elmo, Appellant, requesting variances from Article V, Section 18, 21 , and
23 and Article XIII , Sections 57, 68, and 69 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted
to maintain two residential buildings on a parcel of land, with parking located in the front yard at
139 East King Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 44-2-2, Residence District R-30. Said
Ordinance prohibits two residential buildings on a parcel and restricts parking to the rear yard
only. Said lot is also less than 200 feet deep. The second building, if approved , will have a 25 foot
east side yard setback (40 feet required ).
GRANTED
APPEAL of Cornell University Plantations, Appellant, requesting variances from the requirements
of Article V, Section 21 and 23, Article VIII , Section 44 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, and
Section 280A of New York State Town Law, to be permitted to create, by subdivision, a parcel of
land that does not front on a Town , County, or State highway, located by Lick Brook, off of Elmira
Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 35-1 -7. 2, Residence District R-30 and a Light Industrial Zone.
GRANTED
APPEAL of Jim Brown, dba AAA Cleaning Service, Appellant, requesting a variance from Article IV,
Section 12 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted to operate a janitorial service
with outside employees from a residence located at 117B Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 58-2-39. 11 , Residence District RA5, Said Ordinance provides for limited home
occupations, but without outside employees .
ADJOURNED TO THE NEXT MEETING
aa �
TOWN OF ITHACA R, Aj
C' � Nr�\ � c� ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
ie
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8. 1997
PRESENT: Chairman David Stotz , Harry Ellsworth , Ronald Krantz, Andrew Frost, Director of Building
and Zoning ; John Barney , Attorney of the Town .
OTHERS : Victoria Anagnost, Ann Elmo , Michael Elmo , Jane Hammond , Marie Layer, Ann Ward ,
Evan Racine-Johnson , Tom Overbaugh , Bob Boehlecke , Jim Brown , Nancy Ostman , Shirley Egan ,
Chairman David Stotz called the meeting to order at 7 : 07 p. m . , stating that all posting , publication,
and notification of the public hearing had been completed and the same were in order.
The first appeal to be heard by the board was as follows :
APPEAL of Mike and Ann Elmo , Appellant, requesting variances from Article V, Section 18,
21 , and 23 and Article XIII , Sections 57, 68, and 69 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance,
to be permitted to maintain two residential buildings on a parcel of land , with parking
located in the front yard at 139 East King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 4444,
Residence District R-30 . Said Ordinance prohibits two residential buildings on a parcel and
restricts parking to the rear yard only. Said lot is also less than 200 feet deep. The second
building, if approved , will have a 25 foot east side yard setback (40 feet required ).
Director of Building and Zoning Andrew Frost said the Town- of Ithaca Zoning Ordinances states
that if a building lot is not the full dimensions as required by current zoning , it is limited to a single family
residence . Section 57 of the Zoning- Ordinance states any undersized building lot can be built upon as
long as it is nothing more than a single family residence . Mr. Elmo's building lot is less than 200 feet
deep and is a non-conforming lot size . Therefore , it is limited- to a single family residence unless a
variance is granted from Section 57 for the second building . The Zoning Ordinance for Section 68 states
that they could only have one residential building on a parcel . If the garage is converted into a
residential building that would be two buildings , so the Elmos would need a variance . The Zoning
Ordinance further states that two family residence would need to have parking in the rear yard . One or
two family residence could have parking in the front, such as this scenario as two separate single family
residence . The Zoning Ordinance requires parking in the back yard , and this is not part of the appeal .
Mike Elmo , 139 East King Road , said when he purchased the house it was a duplex. When he
remodeled the house he kept it as a duplex. A few years ago he built a one story garage , and took over
the whole house instead of using it as a duplex. His daughter graduated from high school last spring ,
and she asked if she could turn the upstairs to the garage into an apartment. This would allow her to be
home , but yet be away from home by having her own place and freedom . Mr. Elmo said he contacted
the Town 's Zoning Department to make everything were legal . At first the Zoning Department said he
could not construct an apartment in the upstairs of the garage , but he could connect the garage to the
house . If he did that he would be compliance . Mr. Elmo had submitted a list of reasons why to keep the
two buildings separate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for review.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said when he first heard this request the focus was on the
fact that there would be two separate buildings , and one way to avoid seeking a variance from Section
68 was to connect the garage and the house . Therefore , it would be a two family residential building . If
that was done Mr. Elmo would still have the side yard setback deficiency . A garage could be up to 15
feet to a side setback. Once there is a residence in a R-30 zone there needs to be a 40 foot setback, so
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 2
would still be the need for a side yard variance . Some of this conversation may be a surprise to the
Elmos because he has not completed his discussions with them .
Harry Ellsworth asked Mr. Elmo if he had a connection from the house to the garage , would he
have a covered sidewalk.
Mr. Elmo said he does not know. He would do what ever needs to be done to comply.
Chairman Stotz asked what does the connection mean , an enclosed structure .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost responded , yes . In the past this Board has had people do a
roof connector, but the Board also wanted walls as well . The Board is not looking for just a roof covering
such as a breezeway , but walls as well . It would need to developed as one building .
Mr. Elmo said in order to do that would require footers , and he would need to remove his patio . It
would be a lot more cost effective to use the building structure as is .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if the apartment would be used for his daughter.
Mr. Elmo responded , yes .
Mr. Ellsworth asked Mr. Elmo what happens to the apartment when his daughter leaves .
Mr. Elmo said his son wants the apartment when his daughter moves out.
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if his intentions were for family members use this space only.
Mr. Elmo responded , yes .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said if this Board considers granting Mr. Elmo' s variance ,
but having a condition that is only limited to family members-, that when the children leave whatever
investment was made in the apartment would be lost because Mr. Elmo would not be able to sell or rent
that apartment.
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if his primary reason for doing this apartment would be to
accommodate his daughter.
Mr. Elmo responded , yes . At first his daughter was going to move to California, but now she
wants to stay home with more freedom . The bedrooms are upstairs where the rest of the family is . His
daughter is older than his son and she can stay out later, which causes friction . His intent right now is to
accommodate his daughter's wishes . Mr. Elmo said he had tenants before , but right now they enjoy the
privacy of not having tenants . Mr. Elmo said no matter how he looks at it there will be an expense to him ,
whether she stays in the house or he has to pay for an apartment.
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if the exterior of the garage would remain the same .
Mr. Elmo responded , yes . He would only be working on the inside .
• Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if the apartment would have a bedroom , kitchen , and a bathroom .
Mr. Elmo responded , yes , along with a fairly good size living room .
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8. 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 3
Ronald Krantz asked if there were four different variances this Board needs to consider.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost responded , yes . The issue of parking in the front yard ,
having two residential buildings on the parcel , having two units on an undersize parcel , and the setbacks
of the buildings . The Attorney for the Town could explain whether or not this Board needs to deal with a
variance from Section 18 .
Chairman Stotz opened the public hearing .
Ann Elmo , 139 East King Road , presented the Zoning Board of Appeals with a photograph of the
parking area . Ms . Elmo said they black topped a very large area because her son likes to roller blade .
The large area would accommodate four cars for parking with two cars in the garage .
Chairman Stotz closed the public hearing .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said he was not sure whether this appeal needs a variance
from Section 23 .
Mr. Ellsworth asked Mr. Elmo if his neighbors to the east were aware of the 25 foot setback.
Mr. Elmo said there are two empty lots between his property and the next house .
Chairman Stotz said there is a lot of open space across the street.
Mr. Elmo said there is a house across the street, but it is down the road a little ways . There are
hardly any neighbors close by .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if he has spoken with his neighbors , and has he had any
objections .
Mr. Elmo said one , the one that is usually vocal to the whole area , and he is sure everyone is
aware of it.
Chairman Stotz asked if anyone has objected to this appeal .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said he had not received any phone calls or letters in
regards to this appeal .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo what does it mean to him if he cannot construct the apartment.
Mr. Elmo said he would save a lot of money .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if he would rent an apartment for his daughter somewhere else .
Mr. Elmo responded , no , she would need to rent her own apartment. He may help his daughter
along the way.
Ms . Elmo said their daughter' s intention is to get a part-time job and take some college courses.
• If she could keep her rent down by living at home , it would enable her to do that. If she needs to pay for
an apartment she would not be able to take any courses .
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 4
Mr. Krantz asked Mr. Elmo if it would be financial hardship for the family, including his daughter, if
• he was not allowed to construct the apartment.
Mr. Elmo responded , no . If he had to connect the two buildings it would be twice as much money.
Ms . Elmo said it would be a real hardship for their daughter because then she would not be
allowed to work part-time and go to school .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if it would be a big expense for him to connect the buildings .
Mr. Elmo responded , yes .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if he could afford that.
Mr. Elmo said he was not sure . He would need to talk to a bank.
Mr. Ellsworth asked Mr. Elmo what is the distance between the house and the garage for the
connector.
Mr. Elmo said it would be approximately 24 feet.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said if this apartment did not have any cooking units for the
kitchen , this would be considered an accessory building where Mr. Elmo would not need a variance . The
Zoning Board of Appeals should consider whether or not to allow Mr. Elmo to put a kitchen in this
building . The Zoning Ordinance does not allow a dwelling unit by definition , but absent a kitchen if it is
not a dwelling unit, he does not see where the Ordinance would restrict how one would uses an
accessory building .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo if his son would be moving into the apartment after his daughter
moves out, and what would be the time frame involved .
Mr. Elmo responded , yes , but his son has two years of school left. It may be approximately three
years before his son could move into the apartment.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked Mr. Elmo if he has considered that if his daughter
moves out of the apartment and he needs to remove the stove , sink, and refrigerator.
Mr. Elmo responded , yes .
Attorney Barney said if the Board considers to grant the variance as long as the hardship is
indicated as family related , then it could be tied together. The problem is that for the use variance , it
should be unique to the property not to the people who are occupying the property.
Mr. Ellsworth said this appeal is unique because there are four different components to it.
Chairman Stotz asked if the variance is granted , would it pass on with any new property owner.
Attorney Barney responded , yes , but this Board could limit the variance. This Board needs to find
• a hardship before granting any variance .
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 219 1998
PAGE 5
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
• Chairman Stotz said the Planning Staff recommends a negative determination of environmental
significance .
MOTION made by Harry Ellsworth , seconded by Ronald Krantz:
RESOLVED, that this Board makes a negative determination of environmental significance for
Mike and Ann Elmo at 139 East King Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 44-2-2 , Residence
District R-30 , based upon the review by the Planning Staff of September 24 , 1997.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows :
AYES - Stotz, Ellsworth , Krantz.
NAYS - None .
The motion was carried unanimously .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said he did a field inspection several years ago to verify Mr.
Elmo eliminating the second unit. Since it is an undersized lot and perhaps legally non-conforming when
he had the second unit, and that he has been rid of the second unit for more than a year Mr. Elmo has
no particular right to put a second unit back in the main dwelling unit. If Mr. Elmo was to seek a variance
from the Zoning Board of Appeals to have a second unit in the main house it would be a considerable
cost with the sufficient ceiling height and lack of proper fire separations . If Mr. Elmo had to create a
second unit in the main house it would be from an expense standpoint worse than being able to add the
apartment to the garage where there is less of a fire safety risk.
Mr. Elmo said he is not interested in renting it out. He is happy with the existing dwelling unit.
Chairman Stotz said the Zoning Board of Appeals is trying to establish financial hardship .
Mr. Elmo said if he does not do anything there would not be financial hardship . If he was to
connect the two buildings together, then it would be more costly than to just remodel the garage . He
would have to dig up the patio and put footers in . He would need to have an enclosed building that he
would need to run heat through otherwise it would crack and fall apart.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said Mr. Elmo would still need an area variance if the
buildings were not connected .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Elmo what would be his best guess estimate when the last child would
be moving out of that apartment.
Mr. Elmo responded , five to six years .
MOTION made by Ronald Krantz , seconded by Harry Ellsworth :
RESOLVED, that this Board grants the appeal of Mike and Ann Elmo of 139 East King Road ,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 44-2-2 , Residence District R-30 , from Article V , Section 18 , 21 ,
• and 23 , and Article VIII , Section 57 , 68 , and 69 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , to be
permitted to maintain two residential buildings a parcel of land with parking located in the front
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 6
yard . It is understood that the Ordinance would allow parking in front yard , and that the lot is not
• of proper size based on the following conditions:
1 . That the second residence to be vacated in eight years from the variance date to convert
back to a single family dwelling unit;
2 . That connecting the house and the garage would create a large additional expense the
Elmo family will have difficulty raising the funds for;
3 . That the unit be created under a building permit that certifies a legal dwelling ;
4 . That an R-30 zone , two units are permitted if they are in the same building ;
5 . That the construction to link the two units would create a undesirable arrangement for the
long tubular like structure connecting the two buildings ;
6 . That the proposed appeal does not alter the traffic aspects with no significant increase in
traffic;
7 . That the garage is located towards the rear of the property, and there is no visible impacts
for people off the property;
8 . That the variance be limited to period of time that the Elmo own the property, and if the
property is sold the variance would be terminated .
s9 . That the second unit only be occupied by a child of the Elmos .
A vote on the motion resulted as follows :
AYES - Stotz, Ellsworth , Krantz.
NAYS - None.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The second appeal to be heard by the Board was as follows :
APPEAL of Cornell University Plantations, Appellant, requesting variances from the
requirements of Article V, Section 21 and 23, Article VIII, Section 44 of the Town of Ithaca
Zoning Ordinance, and Section 280A of New York State Town Law, to be permitted to
create, by subdivision, a parcel of land that does not front on a Town, County, or State
highway, located by Lick Brook, off of Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35A -7. 2,
Residence District R-30 and a Light Industrial Zone,
Nancy Ostman , Cornell Plantations , said they have a gift of land coming to the Plantations as
natural area from John Babcock. The gift of land would be approximately 30 acres . Ms . Ostman pointed
out on enlarged map the whole Babcock property . Ms . Ostman pointed out the section of land that is in
the Town of Newfield and the sections in the Town of Ithaca . Ms . Ostman said the northern piece of the
property is the land Mr. Babcock is giving Cornell University. The land is adjacent to the Finger Lakes
• Land Trust Natural Area . The entire Babcock parcel does not have any road frontage at this time , and if
this subdivision is approved there will be two pieces of land without road frontage . Currently there is a
gravel access road that leads to the railroad tracks that crosses Tom Overbaugh 's property that would
TOWN OF ITH_ ACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8. 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 7
provide access to the Babcock property. It would be an access road . It is not an open road frontage.
. Ms . Ostman said this proposal is to change the access road along the northern boundary to the railroad
crossing , and back to John Babcock's property that he would be giving to Cornell University . It also
includes the fact that the natural area would not have any building permitted on this land . It would be
used for educational purposes , and would only need pedestrian access .
Chairman Stotz asked if there would be any parking .
Ms . Ostman said there is road off the highway with parking on the northern boundary of Tom
Overbaugh' s property.
Chairman Stotz asked if Cornell 's intention was to leave this property forever wild .
Ms . Ostman responded , yes .
Chairman Stotz asked if there would be any improvements on this property.
Ms . Ostman responded , no . This would be added to the language of the deed for subdivision
approval .
Chairman Stotz asked how does the Finger Lakes Land Trust figure into this proposal .
Ms . Ostman stated that the Finger Lakes Land Trust only figures into this proposal that the entire
Lick Brook area has always been regarded as an important natural area . The northern part of this is
protected as a natural area , and their access is by foot only . There is no building on the Finger Lakes
Land Trust either.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked if the Finger Lakes Trail goes through that property.
Ms . Ostman responded , yes , the Finger Lakes Trail comes in along the northern edge of Tom
Overbaugh 's property, and swings across the Babcock property.
Chairman Stotz asked where the gorge is located .
Ms . Ostman pointed out on an enlarged map where the gorge is located . Ms . Ostman said the
Finger Lakes Land Trust owNs the north side of Lick Brook, John Babcock owns the south side of Lick
Brook, and the Thayers own the property to east.
Chairman Stotz opened the public hearing . With no one present to be heard , Chairman Stotz
closed the public hearing .
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Chairman Stotz said the Environmental Assessment states "the character of the subject land ,
including its physical characteristics , ownership patterns of surrounding land uses , and the constraints to
development imposed by said characteristics , as well as the proposed deed restrictions limiting its uses ,
limit the extent of any precedence related to requests for similar type zoning variances elsewhere in the
Town of Ithaca . A negative determination of environmental significance is recommended for the action
as proposed . "
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 8
MOTION made by Ronald Krantz , seconded by Harry Ellsworth :
• RESOLVED, that this Board makes a negative determination of environmental significance for
Cornell University Plantations for a piece of land located by Lick Road , off of Elmira Road , Town
of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 35- 1 -7 . 2 , Residence District R-30 , based upon the review by the
Planning Department of September 25 , 1997 .
A vote on the motion resulted as follows :
AYES - Stotz, Ellsworth , Krantz.
NAYS - None .
The motion was carried unanimously.
MOTION made by Harry Ellsworth , seconded by Ronald Krantz:
RESOLVED, that this Board grants the variance of Cornell University Plantations from the
requirements of Article V, Sections 21 and 23 , and Article VIII , Section 44 of the Town of Ithaca
Zoning Ordinance , and Section 280A of New York State Town Law, to be permitted to create a
subdivision for the area known by Lick Brook, off of Elmira Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No .
35- 1 -7 . 2 , Residence District R-30 , based that there is no road frontage to this property or any
buildings are located on this property , subject to the following conditions :
1 . That this appeal be subject to the same conditions of the Planning Board subdivision
approval , and
2 . That there be no building permit issued for any structure on this property until access is
provided as to Section 280A of the Town Law.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows :
AYES - Stotz, Ellsworth , Krantz.
NAYS - None .
The motion was carried unanimously.
The last appeal to be heard by the board was as follows :
APPEAL of Jim Brown, dba AAA Cleaning Service, Appellant, requesting a variance from
Article IV, Section 12 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted to operate a
janitorial service with outside employees from a residence located at 117B Honness Lane,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 58-2-39. 11 , Residence District R-15. Said Ordinance provides
for limited home occupations, but without outside employees.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost stated that the Zoning Department first became aware of
this property with the cleaning business in 1991 . At that time, the Zoning Department determined , based
on the information supplied , that Mr. Brown was maintaining an office in his house where he resided of
approximately 100 square feet inside the residential building . Mr. Frost said the Zoning Department was
• informed that he had a plant on Ellis Hollow Road where the rest of the business took place . This was
determined to be in the line with a home occupation . It was just Mr. Brown with no employees .
Approximately two months ago , the Zoning Department received a compliant from a neighbor on
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 9
Honness Lane about Mr. Brown ' s property. The cleaning business was being conducted from Mr.
• Brown 's house , and sounded like it was more than it was in 1991 . Mr. Frost said the Zoning Department
visited the property and talked with Mr. Brown . It was determined that the operation on Honness Lane
had expanded beyond what was determined in 1991 .
James Brown , 117B Honness Lane , said Honness Lane is the greatest neighborhood in the Town
of Ithaca , and he does not want to do anything to disturb it or disturb his good neighbors . At the
beginning of the summer, he realized his business had grown so much larger than he could imagine . At
that time , he went looking for a piece of land to buy. He found a one acre piece of commercial property
where he would like to build his office and warehouse . During the summer he had so much work that he
had employees coming to his home five or six days a week. Mr. Brown said he had 15 to 17 employees
a day, and that was a lot. It created more than what a residential place should have with the commotion.
Summer work is done now, and he would not have that type of work again until next spring . All of his
contracts for the student turnovers , which generated the extra work, has been completed . At the present
time he only has janitorial contracts that are done at night. He no longer has people coming to his home
for paychecks . He decided to mail them . Mr. Brown said he would like to have four months- to look for a
suitable place to move his business to for the winter, but at the same time he is also working with the
Town of Dryden Zoning Board to approve his building . If he cannot get the Town of Dryden Zoning
Board 's approval before winter he cannot build his building until spring , but he would still need time to
relocate his truck and supplies .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost stated that it was not entirely clear as to what has changed
between 1991 and today, whereby any property Mr. Brown owns on Ellis Hollow Road .
Mr. Brown said he had a partner at that time that owned the warehouse to do all kinds of work.
• He used to answer the phones. Three years ago he and his partner separated . They both have their
own businesses now, and he no longer has access to that warehouse . At that time , he moved
everything into his garage . Everything has been low key until this summer when things got too much for
the summer work.
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if it would have been possible to anticipate the growth in the
business , and contract the building being built during the summer.
Mr. Brown said he would have the new property (located in the Town of Dryden) totally paid off
this Friday .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if he was waiting to build the new building when the property
was paid off.
Mr. Brown responded , yes , because he could not build the building until the property was totally
paid . People do not always pay him when he does the work, they tend to take a few months to pay .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown what the four months would do for him .
Mr. Brown said it would give him the opportunity to find a place to relocate at the same time he is
builds the new building .
Mr. Ellsworth asked Mr. Brown if he means he would be renting or leasing at another location .
Mr. Brown responded , yes , just for the winter.
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8. 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 10
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if he has been looking for a location , and if he has anything in
. mind .
Mr. Brown responded , yes . All he needs is a heated garage and a small office. At the same time
he is trying to get a pole barn built on the new property.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked Mr. Brown if he has Town of Dryden's approval .
Mr. Brown responded , no , he is working on that appeal .
Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown how many employees he has at the present time .
Mr. Brown responded , 15 employees .
Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown if he had the same 15 employees during the peak summer
time .
Mr. Brown responded , yes . Once he builds his new building he would be able to hire more
employees .
Mr. Ellsworth said he lives on Honness Lane , and noticed all the activities happening , but he
figured if the adjacent neighbors did not have complaints why should he block the way. He has seen five
to seven vehicles in Mr. Brown's yard , he has seen people pouring detergent in the ditches , and he has
seen a lot of action happening there .
Mr. Brown said he has stopped all those activities .
Mr. Ellsworth said he has not seen a lot of activities recently while walking the neighborhood .
Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown how many employees he had at the peak of the summer.
Mr. Brown responded , approximately 30 employees .
Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown if all of those employees were operating out of his home.
Mr. Brown said approximately 10 to 12 employees work at night and at other locations, but he had
extra employees meeting at the home to get their job schedules for cleaning . All he has now is a
husband and wife coming to his home once a day in the morning , park their car in his driveway, and take
the yellow van .
Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown what about the other 13 employees .
Mr. Brown said the other employees have their work assignments , and he does not hardly see
them .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if he keeps all the supplies in his garage .
Mr. Brown said all the buildings are supplied with the cleaning equipment and cleaning supplies
• for that building .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if the employees ever have to pick up supplies at his home.
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8. 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 11
Mr. Brown said they have done that. He keeps spare equipment and supplies in his garage for
. the employees to use if needed .
Mr. Ellsworth said he drove by Mr. Brown 's house several months ago . The garage door was
open , and was filled with several supplies .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said he visited the property a month ago , and it was not that
bad .
Mr. Ellsworth said with less activity there must be less materials supplied there .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if delivery trucks unload materials at his home .
Mr. Brown responded , yes , but that activity has slowed a lot due to the work load decreasing .
One of his employees uses a basement to store and fill supplies . That employee meets other employees
at the P&C parking lot to resupply trucks . Mr. Brown said he has a lot of supplies in his garage right now
that he would like to move out. He would like to move this business out of his home .
Mr. Ellsworth said what bothers him is that this is a classic case of why the Town of Ithaca has
these regulations so people do not put major businesses in their homes . That is what created all- these
regulations . Mr. Brown's business has been going on for six months now, so if it is extended another
four months , it would be contrary to why these regulations were created .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said Mr. Brown was aware back in 1991 of the Town's
Regulations . Mr. Frost said he was bothered by the fact that he had gone through this six years ago with
Mr. Brown ,
Mr. Brown said at that time he was working for himself. He would climb the ladders , do the work
himself, and he and his wife were very happy.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said Mr. Brown would be in a better position if had come
before the Zoning Board of Appeals five months ago , and say that he is in a predicament.
Mr. Brown said he does not know much about these things , but he is learning quickly. He loves
the Honness Lane neighborhood . He wants to get his business out of there . He would like to buy a
house there some day , if he can find one that is vacant. Mr. Brown said by spring he should have a
building built.
Mr. Ellsworth said he would like to explain to the Zoning Board of Appeals what is happening in
the Honness Lane neighborhood . At one end of the neighborhood there is Cornell University building ,
there is a business of child care that has 50 to 70 cars a day going in and out in the middle of the street,
and there is a problem with students over populating in the neighborhood . Mr. Ellsworth said if he was to
open a big business in this area , he could point around in the neighborhood and ask why can't he do
something there because there are other businesses in the area .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said the day care is there with an approval from the Town .
Mr. Ellsworth said the traffic from the day care is unbelievable . People do not realize how much
traffic comes through there . Parents are parking across the street filling the parking lot to the
• apartments . The people who work at the day care are filling the parking spaces at the apartments . Mr.
Ellsworth said a person could ask why they were denied a commercial establishment with other
businesses in the area , but to him as a resident of the neighborhood , the road has gotten a lot busier.
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21, 1998
PAGE 12
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said he agrees with everything Mr. Ellsworth is saying , but
• he also needs to recognize that with Mitchell Street closed all summer that a lot of traffic is detoured .
Mr. Ellsworth said this business has been going on for six months or so , and if this Board grants
the appeal to continue for another four to six months it will be a year that this business would be there .
Mr. Brown said it is getting more and more less for vehicles entering his property for his business .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown , theoretically, if it is a less of a hardship for him if he does not
operate his business there .
Mr. Brown said Chairman Stotz could say that, but he would still need to move everything
somewhere else in order to keep 15 employees employed .
Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown if the Board grants this variance , what assurance does the
Board have that at the end of four months the business would be off the property.
Mr. Brown said he has to be out of there .
Attorney Barney said the business is not suppose to be there now. Attorney Barney asked Mr.
Brown what assurances and guarantees does he pledge to give the Town that the business would be
discontinued at the end of four months . Attorney Barney said Mr. Brown is in violation right now, and the
Town could start proceedings against him . If the Board chose to give the variance, there- neeos- to be
some guarantee that the business would be discontinued at this residence in four months .
Mr. Brown said he would stop all business activities within the next four months .
Chairman Stotz said at the end of four months , the Town would expect to see , with the exception
of the bookkeeping of the business , would be removed. There would not be any supplies maintained-
there , no equipment, no employees parked in the parking lot, the business truck would not be parked in
the driveway , the employees would not be- coming to the- house, etc. . There would be no aspect of that
business apparent to anyone anywhere .
Mr. Brown said he would sign anything that would guarantee that he would be stopping his
business within the next four months at Honness Lane .
Chairman Stotz opened the public hearing .
Jane Hammond , Eastwood Commons , said she is the president of the Board of Eastwood
Commons Residence Association . There are two other members of the executive board here tonight
representing the 76 owners of units and residents at Eastwood Commons . Ms . Hammond read a
statement as follows :
"We oppose the application for a variance to operate a janitorial service on Honness Lane.
Wildflower Drive , the entrance to Eastwood Commons is directly across Honness Lane from 1178, which
the activities there are of immediate interest to us . The residential character of the neighborhood is
important to us . We have restrictive covenants within Eastwood Commons to maintain it as a solely
residential community that opposes allowing others in the area to have businesses with outside
employees . The brightly painted vans parked at 117B Honness Lane are blatant signals of commercial
activities here . They would like to see this restricted . We are also concerned about the impact that this
janitorial service has on traffic on Honness Lane , a busy street with no sidewalks and narrow shoulders.
TOW_ N OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8. 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 1998
PAGE 13
There is considerable pedestrian and bicycle traffic going to and from East Hill Bike Path , which begins
higher up on Honness Lane , as well as school buses and Cornell University buses . Having employees
parking on the street has been observed , and forces walkers and bikers into this busy street. We urge
you to deny this variance so this does not continue . Thank you for your consideration . "
Victoria Anagnost, Eastwood Commons, said she is- unclear as to whether or not a variance-
passes to the next owner of a property . She believes a variance is given to the property or location , not
a person . Ms . Anagnost asked if this variance , no matter how it is constructed , to be passed onto the
next owner. Ms . Anagnost said she does not know whether Mr. Brown owns the building he lives in , she
believes it is owned by someone else. Consequently, the owner would retain some part of that variance
or have some input as to the future use of that building .
Attorney Barney said the owner has input on how the building is used. Typically, the variances go
with the property. However, the law was changed that approximately three years ago the Zoning Board
of Appeals could impose conditions including time limit variance . It used to be once a variance was
granted it was forever, but now this Board can limit them in time and duration . This appeal is asking for a
four month variance , so at the end of four months the variance would be discontinued .
Ms . Anagnost asked if the owner of the building has been notified of this appeal .
Attorney Barney said the owner should be notified .
Mr. Brown said he represents the owner, and he helps the owner rent apartments .
• Attorney Barney asked Mr. Brown who the owner of the property.
Mr. Brown said Mr. Rezaeic, who passed away recently. His wife lives in Connecticut.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked Mr. Brown if Mr. Recaeic owns three other buildings
in the neighborhood .
Mr. Brown responded , yes .
Ms . Anagnost asked if the Board find that granting a short term variance like that is more efficient
than perhaps tabling this appeal for 60 days .
Attorney Barney said the problem is that the Board is sitting here with a violation , and this Board
would like to resolve it.
Mr. Ellsworth said with all fairness to Mr. Brown , the Board should allow him a small amount of
time to move the supplies and equipment. It would not be fair to Mr. Brown to shut the door on him
immediately.
Ms . Anagnost said she wanted to make sure the variance was a separate issue from the owner of
the property and it would not be conveyed . She prefers that this variance was denied .
Mr. Ellsworth said with the holidays coming up , there would be opportunities to clean the buildings
while the students are away.
• Mr. Brown said he does not clean individual student apartments . He only cleans for landlords ,
such as fraternities .
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 14
Mr. Ellsworth said a lot of that could be taken place while the students are gone , and he could
• see another peak in his business around the holidays .
Attorney Barney said the peak time is in the summer time when the units are turned over.
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked Mr. Brown if there is a peak time in his business
during the Christmas break.
Mr. Brown said at Christmas time he has three to four fraternities to clean . He does not hire
temporary employees for that time of year. This past summer was overwhelming . It was more than he
expected .
Chairman Stotz closed the public hearing . Chairman Stotz said his only concern was that Mr.
Brown has a business that he clearly knew what the requirements were for some time , and continued to
operate his business at that location in violation of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance regulations . He
is concerned , if this Board approves this , that another business could not come along to work out of their
home on Honness Lane .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said there have been times that the Zoning Board of
Appeals granted 60 days instead of four to six months .
Mr. Ellsworth said Mr. Brown could offer lower prices because he works out of his garage instead
of renting a warehouse for the supplies or equipment. The longer the Town allows this business to be
here , the more precedence it is setting for others .
• Attorney Barney said a suggestion for this Board to consider would be to table this appeal for 30
days . In the meantime , Mr. Brown would agree to enter an appearance ticket to appear in Town Court
for an infraction because what he is doing is illegal . There is a fine up to $250 a week. Mr. Brown would
agree to pay up to $250 a week for that infraction , and this allows the Board to set a precedence that- Mr.
Brown admitted in doing something illegal , he would pay the fine in respect to it, and that would be taken
into consideration to see whether they would grant a variance for another two to three months .
Mr. Brown asked Attorney Barney if this would be a civil or a criminal thing .
Attorney Barney said it would be criminal , but a violation like a traffic ticket. It is not a
misdemeanor.
Mr. Krantz asked Attorney Barney if that was a thought that he was suggesting , it is not what this
Board is offering , because he is opposed to Attorney Barney 's offer strongly .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked Mr. Krantz if the Board should table this . appeal .
Mr. Krantz responded , no, the Board should vote on this appeal . He cannot think of a situation
that is more clear cut to vote on . He takes a lot offense on this issue here . He finds it personally
offensive that his Town Planning Board could recommend a negative environmental assessment on this
case. That is outrageous for the following reasons : detergents have been dumped , there is all kinds of
traffic problems , community plans an existing goals have been completely stepped on and pushed aside ,
there is parking problems , etc.
• Director of Building and Zoning Frost said Mr. Krantz's points are well taken . The Zoning
Ordinance does recognize some level of home occupations including doctor offices , so some things are
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8, 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 1
permitted from a commercial professional standpoint in a residential neighborhood . It does not make Mr.
Brown's business right.
Attorney Barney said if Mr. Brown had no employees this business would be perfectly legal . If Mr.
Brown had a yellow truck that he drove himself into his driveway there would be nothing illegal about
that.
Mr. Krantz said it has been illegal for years .
Attorney Barney said he is not certain on how long . The Town knows this business has been
illegal for the last several months .
Chairman Stotz said he knows Mr. Brown is trying to make a living at this , but he employs people .
If the business is closed , what happens to those employees. On the other hand , as far as he is
concerned , the hardship he might have is one that he brought on himself. Mr. Brown has not
demonstrated to him that this was a hardship that was brought upon himself.
Mr. Brown said he would have been very happy to continue doing all the cleaning work himself
and driving his own truck, but four years ago he had a very bad accident. He has very bad knees now,
and he cannot do the work himself now. He had to determine what he needed to do with his life now.
He did not know anyone in their right mind to hire him to do anything because he could barely walk. That
is why he started to get employees . It is not something that he planned from the very beginning . He was
very happy with he and his wife were doing their own thing .
• Mr. Krantz said Mr. Brown has built a good business , and he could do it from a legal place .
Mr. Brown said he would be very happy to . He realized early this summer that he needed to buy
another property for the business . He is not trying to hurt anybody. He is trying to live without hurting
anyone . When he found out his employees were dumping detergents on the lawn , he made them stop
that. He has a pump out system .
Mr. Ellsworth asked what take place if this appeal is voted down , and what would be the next step
by the Town .
Attorney Barney said an enforcement action would be taken to shut the operation down .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said that could also take several weeks or months .
Attorney Barney said if this Board denies this appeal there is a violation . The violation is passed
onto the Town Board for consideration of pursuing legal action . There needs to be Town Board authority
to take legal action .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if he needs four months to find a place to relocate .
Mr. Brown said he is not sure .
office . Director of Building and Zoning Frost said Mr. Brown should be able to rent a warehouse or an
• Mr. Brown said he cannot afford to rent something huge , so he would need to find something that
is within his budget.
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8. 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21 , 1998
PAGE 16
Mr. Ellsworth said with all the commercial buildings around Town that there needs to be
• something that he could rent or lease .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost said Mr. Brown could rent storage lockers .
Mr. Brown said he needs a heated environment for the supplies and equipment, especially since
this is the cold season .
Chairman Stotz asked Mr. Brown if he could find another place in two months .
Mr. Brown said he would try his best to find a place in two months .
Director of Building and Zoning Frost asked Attorney Barney if the Board grants the variance for
two months , and if something does not happen a fine is opposed on Mr. Brown .
Mr. Ellsworth said that would mean that Mr. Frost could go through Mr. Brown 's house to see if
any of the cleaning supplies and equipment are there .
Mr. Brown said Mr. Frost is welcomed to knock on his door at any time .
Attorney Barney said no matter what the Board does tonight, the Town could start an action for
the fine because it is a violation up until the time the Board grants a variance .
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
• Chairman Stotz said there is a potential for a negative impact on the character of the surrounding
neighborhood . The cleaning business does not fit in with the predominantly quiet residential
neighborhood the exists on Honness Lane . That the operation of business is inconsistent with the Town
of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan . The issue of precedence is mentioned as to whether or not this sets- a
precedent for granting other variances in similar nature . The hardship is self created in this appeal .
Mr. Ellsworth asked if this is a positive impact.
Attorney Barney said if this Board votes for a positive Environmental Impact, the Board does not
consider the merits of the controversy tonight. The Board would then go to a scoping session . If this a
split opinion on this issue that if this Board turns this appeal down , that he has taken a position in the
past with this Board that they do not have to consider the environmental significance . The rule is to
apply and consider the environmental significance before approving or fund an action . If this Board is
going to disapprove an action , his feeling is that this Board does not need to deal with . Attorney Barney
said assuming that there are two people that are not in favor of the variance at all . However, it takes
three to make that determination either way .
MOTION made by Ronald Krantz, seconded by Harry Ellsworth :
RESOLVED, that this Board reject the appeal of Jim Brown 's AAA Cleaning Service at 117B
Honness Lane , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No , 58-2-39. 11 , Residence District R- 15 , requesting a
variance from Article IV, Section 12 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance to be permitted to
continue to operate a janitorial service with outside employees from his residence. This
• Ordinance provides for limited home occupations , and there are approximately 15 outside
employees . Discussions have been pointed out that there are parking problems , obvious
commercial character of trucks in a residential neighborhood , that the traffic in an area without
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - OCTOBER 8 1997
APPROVED - JANUARY 21, 1998
PAGE 17
sidewalks , and that this is a business that has been in violation for some time and continues to be
• violation that upsets the neighborhood .
A vote on the motion resulted as follows :
AYES - Ellsworth , Krantz.
NAYS - Stotz.
The motion did not pass .
Chairman Stotz said the appeal will be deferred to the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting .
Chairman Stotz adjourned the meeting at 8 : 51 p . m . .
Deborah Kelley, Keyboard Specialist/Minutes Re order
G
David Stotz, Cf� irman
•
•
•
FINAL
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
WEDNESDAY , OCTOBERS. 1997
7 : 00 P. M.
By direction of the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be
held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Ithaca on Wednesday, October 8, 1997. in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca
Street, (FIRST Floor, REAR Entrance, WEST Side). Ithaca. N. Y. , COMMENCING AT 7 : 00 P . M. , on the following matters :
APPEAL of Mike and Ann Elmo, Appellants, requesting variances from Article V. Sections 18 , 21 and .23 and Article XIII.
Sections 57, 68, and 69 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted to maintain two residential buildings on a
parcel of land. with parking located in the front yard at 139 East King Road. Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 44-2-2.
Residence District R-30 . Said Ordinance prohibits two residential buildings on a parcel and restricts parking to the rear yard
only. Said lot is also less than 200 feet deep. The second building, if approved, will have a 25 foot east side yard setback (40
feet required).
• APPEAL of Cornell University Plantations, Appellant, Nance Ostman, Agent, requesting variances from the requirements of
Article V, Sections 21 and 23 , Article VIII , Section 44 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, and Section 280A of New
York State Town Law, to be permitted to create, by subdivision , a parcel of land that does not front on a Town , County, or
State highway, located by Lick Brook, off of Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35- 1 -7. 2 , Residential District R-30
and a Light Industrial Zone.
APPEAL of Jim Brown, dba AAA Cleaning Service. Appellant, requesting a variance from Article IV, Section 12 of the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance, to be permitted to operate a janitorial service with outside employees from a residence
located at 117B Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 58-2 -39 . 11 , Residence District R- 15 . Said Ordinance provides
for limited home occupations, but without outside employees.
Said Zoning Board of Appeals will at said time, 7 : 00 p. m . , and said place, hear all persons in support of such matters or
objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person . Individuals with visual or hearing impairments or other
special needs, as appropriate, will be provided with assistance. as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must
make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing.
Andrew S . Frost
Director of Building and Zoning
273 - 1783
Dated: September 29, 1997
Publish : October 3 , 1997
•
• TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Dani L . Holford, being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the Town of Ithaca Building and Zoning Department
Secretary, Tompkins County, New York : that the following notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town of
Ithaca and that said notice has been duly published in the local newspaper, The Ithaca Journal .
Notice of Public hearings to be held by the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals in Town Hall 126 East Seneca
Street, Ithaca, New York on Wednesdav, October 8 1997commencing at 7. 00 P. M .. as per attached
Location of sign board used for posting : Bulletin board, front entrance of Town Hall.
Date of posting: September 30, 1997
Date of publication : October 3, 1997
•
Dani L . Holford. Building and Zoni Department Secretary,
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK ) SS. :
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3rd day of October, 1997.
4No4ary Publi
Y � [ �t � yi✓ �. L
NOTn' Ry PUBL; G
STATE 4F NEIN YORE(
44640" 4G 1
•