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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-07-2004Minutes from Meeting of June 7th, 2004 Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals Present: Chairwoman Robin Cisne, Joe Petrillose, Kenneth Robinson, Peter McClelland, Brent Cross. Others: Ralph Varn, Mr. and Mrs. Gunn, Jeff Woodworth, Jonathan Olsen (Risk Manager, Kappa Delta Rho), Jeffrey Harradine, Kevin Nogel, Justin Nachod, and Matthew Janiga (all residents of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity at 312 Highland Road). Chairwoman Cisne opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. Kenneth Robinson explains the Zoning Board of Appeals to all ADHOC. A variance is requested by Kappa Delta Rho to erect a 24 ft. sign outside of their fraternity. However, other residents feel that the sign is an eyesore and that the ordinance was put in place to keep such signs out of the Village of Cayuga Heights. Brent Cross researched the constancy of many other signs in the area. He found that all signs exceed 6 ft. and that all signs are within 16 sq. ft. Only one in four possess a permit. (The First Congregational Church is the only one in that area with a permit). Peter McClelland wanted to know when the original ordinance was written - (1953). The current version of the sign section was expanded in 1980. The limit is still 24 square feet. The sign at Kappa Delta Rho is 18 – 24 inches above the ground, with a wooden frame surrounding the sign. There are hedges under the sign and a dulco covering on the sign. The public portion of this meeting was closed at 7:10 pm. The history of this issue was given to Ken Robinson as he was not at the last meeting. Joe Petrillose- He feels that while most signs are around 16 ft. in size, that there are many that are more pleasing to the eyes and that this one is an eyesore. Brent Cross – Atty. Dave Tyler will agree to look into other signs that are out of compliance. Brent will certainly go after other signs within the area. Peter McClelland – The ordinance was designed so as to not have these signs in the Village of Cayuga Heights. MOVE to deny petition for variance to allow Kappa Delta Rho to erect a sign that is larger than that allowed for by Village law. Seconded by Peter McClelland. Chairwoman Cisne, Joe Petrillose, Kenneth Robinson, Peter McClelland all vote NO. MOTION FAILS 7:20 pm – Open hearing on a Mr. Ralph Varn of 509 Wycoff Road who would like to add on to his kitchen and dining room. He wants the kitchen to have access to the dining room which it currently does not, as all of the food prepared on site was catered. He would like to make the dining room 15’ by 29’, and the kitchen 15’ by 13’. There will be no increase in occupancy, (will be 33, down 7) and there will be lot coverage – the only issue is setback into the yard. The addition extends the line that is already there. The Gunn’s comment – This will not have a direct impact on them. They would like to have occupancy set. There are 24 parking spaces for 18 bedrooms, which they feel is not enough (There are 43 occupants). Parking lot occupancy should be 50% greater than the number of residents, using formula. The building can have 44 people, while the lease stated 39 people. At the May 17th meeting, the Planning Board approved 36 residents. (The Zoning Board should not worry about the actions of the Planning Board). Robin Cisne says she can not rely on Mr. Varn’s word or faith in the matter. Peter McClelland agrees that this would not be judicious. Mr. Varns states that according to code 44 people can reside there. More (sf) with architect – because once starting project more work had to be done than originally planned. Pine Tree and electricity were safety issues. The parking lot caused more trees to be taken along with water problems. They had to tap into the water main on Highland Road for water flow. The Gunns are concerned with lighting and would like the landscaping to take place that they had originally been proposed. The building size is to increase, not the occupant number. Robin Cisne and Ralph feel that this does not conform to regulations. Robin Cisne believes we need to act on the application. She thinks that Brent needs to inspect and do his job to fix the area and conform to regulations. Brent replied that he would need a complaint for immediate action, and that he will do the inspection in the fall, as there is no one there at this time. The occupancy will be 33 in the fall, which is below the 36 person maximum occupancy. Mr. Varn will revisit the Planning Board if necessary to increase the occupancy number and to enlarge the parking area. The public portion of the meeting was closed at 8:00pm. Motion by Peter McClelland MOVE to approve petition for variance as requested – a one story addition not to exceed 14’, with no additional occupancy and landscaping to be put in place. Seconded by Ken Robinson APPROVED by Robin Cisne, Joe Petrillose, Peter McClelland.