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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2004Minutes from the ZBA Meeting of May 3rd, 2004 Village of Cayuga Heights Zoning Board of Appeals Present: Peter McClelland, Joe Petrillose, Robin Cisne, Mirian Kira, Brent Cross Attendees: Justin Nachod, Johnathan Olsen, Jeffrey Harradine, all residents of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, 312 Highland Rd., Gerald Thamm, 413 Highland Rd. and Alan Biloski, 506 Highland Rd. The meeting is started at 7:05 pm. Robin Cisne explains how the meeting will be run (her son is in attendance). Jeffrey Harred, a representative from Kappa Delta Rho, is here to petition for a zoning variance to be allowed to erect a 24sf sign in front of their frat. The limit for sign size in the village is currently 6sf. He feels that the sign would not alter the neighborhood, the environment or traffic, and that it would not impact the four nearby properties. There was a theft of the sign in 1997, and they do not know how else they can identify themselves. He feels that a 6sf sign would not be suitable, and that his is not a substantial request. He does not feel that the sign will stand out, or be an oddity of the neighborhood. The frat chose to replace the sign as a fundraising project goal, so there are no funds available to purchase another sign – there are no funds forthcoming. It’s a $1500 sign, the harm would be irreparable. Jonathan Olsen, the Risk Management Chair for the frat, states that areas of the house that may place others at risk (sprinklers etc.), are up to code. Peter McClelland states: “Practical difficulties for undue hardships.” Jon – active standpoint, $ donated from alumni’s to fix the home – sign money was above and beyond. Sign should be same size as before. Marian – the sign is the same size as others in the area. Brent – the sign is an identification design. Acacia sign, Church sign (carved in stone), TEP (no sign), Lakeland Apts. Joe – sign is harsh, needs to be softer (landscaping?) Jon Olsen – we would make it aesthetically pleasing with stone garden and bushes Robin – reads a letter from the Gunn’s, who feel that the sign is an eyesore and that they hope the Village of Cayuga Heights will enforce the ordinance regulating sign size. Brent – he can’t give the history of the sign. He investigated and could find no variance for a previous sign or permit. Marian – the sign is garish – it would be better if it was toned down Jeffrey – Not sure it can be because the sign is in competition with other signs. At 7:25 the public portion of the meeting was closed. Joe would like to see landscaping, Robin is not sympathetic, Brent says that the Board does not have the ability to make it look better; the variance is only for the sign size. Peter says that they should replace the old with a new sign – he does not see anything practically difficult or unduly harmful in this. Robin feels that the prior sign fit in better and was more natural looking. Brent confirms this, saying that the last sign was not an eyesore. MOTION by Peter McClelland to deny variance. Marian abstains, she will not deny. MOTION by Joe Petrillose to grant the variance with provisions of lower sign, and add landscaping. Marian Seconds this motion. MOTION by Robin to Table the issue until Cornell comes back with a proposal to meet these requests. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. This part of the meeting is ended at 7:45. At 7:48 the meeting was reopened with an explanation of how the meeting is run. Mr. Biloski would like to relocate the south property line at 506 Highland Road 10’ north, which will result in a side yard of 12.6 ft. which is less than the 15’ required by Village of Cayuga Heights law. This will bring the other encumberances in to compliance in the future with 15’ setbacks. At 8:05 the public part of this section of the meeting was closed. MOTION by Peter McClelland to grant variance. Seconded by Marilyn All are in favor to grant the variance, MOTION GRANTED. The last part of the public portion of the meeting was opened at 8:07 pm. Gerald Thamm wants to add a one car garage to his house at 413 Highland Road, as he has no basement, very limited space, and now has 2 cars. He wants to add an additional stall onto his garage which he would put his car in. Hi is too close to the end of the street to conform with the rest of the Building. He does not want to add to the top because it will create a barn effect. It would not be attractive and would block the sun from their solar room… They would move the garage but it would cause a problem with the utility pole. At 8:15 the public portion of the meeting was closed. Robin – This would create a sizeable intrusion onto the road. Not only that but it would create a lot coverage of 13.2 % instead of the 12% required. Marian – no opinion, she used to live in that house; he is a recluse. MOTION by Marian to approve the application, there is no second so the Motion is denied. MOTION by Robin to deny the application for the addition of another garage stall. Peter seconded, and all are in favor, including Marian. Application DENIED. At 8:25 the meeting was adjourned.