Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutB - 02 Zoning Board Minutes 10/24/2023Page 1 of 3 TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Public Hearings/Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, 24 October 2023 – 6:15 PM Town Hall Meeting Room – 3577 Terrace Road – Cortland, NY Board Members (*absent) Others Present John Finn, Chairman Bruce Weber, Planning/Zoning Officer *Thomas Bilodeau Abigail C. Albro, Board Secretary Joanne Aloi John DelVecchio, Town Attorney Bernice Potter-Masler Carlos Karam (Zoom) Applicants & Public Present Earl Stevenson, Applicant; Stephen Wilson & Gina Sikora; Sarah Thacker, Cornell University student. LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals will be held Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, to consider the following applications pursuant to the Town Code: 1. In the matter of the application of Earl Stevenson, 3121 Clute Rd., tax map # 107.00-02-02.200, for an Area Variance, per Chapter 151.12B, to allow for a house trailer for a period of more than 10 days. The above applications are on our website at www.cortlandville.org or at the office of Bruce A. Weber, Planning & Zoning Officer, Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, or call (607)423 - 7490. Persons wishing to appear at such hearings may do so in person, by Attorney, or other representatives. Communications in writing in relation thereof may be filed with the Board or at such hearing. DATED: October 11, 2023 John Finn, Chairman Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Cortlandville Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building 3577 Terrace Road Cortland, New York 13045 Public Hearings/Meeting Minutes - (T) Cortlandville ZBA 24 October 2023 Page 2 of 3 PUBLIC HEARING #1 EARL & ROSE STEVENSON APPLICANT/REPUTED OWNER – CLUTE RD. – TM #107.00-02- 02.200 – Area Variance to Allow for a House Trailer (camper on cement slab) for a Period of More Than 10 Days Chairman Finn recognized the applicant who was seeking an Area Variance to allow for a house trailer (camper on cement slab) for a period of more than 10 days. Mr. Stevenson explained that he acquired a property just down the road from his house and has been working hard to clean the property up. Mr. Stevenson stated that his desire is to put a camping trailer on the property to enjoy on the weekends during the summer. Mr. Stevenson explained that the camping trailer is self-contained with its own water tank, septic tank, battery, and lp gas(propane). Chairman Finn asked Mr. Stevenson where the camping trailer would be stored when it is not being used. Mr. Stevenson stated that he would like to pour a cement slab and leave the camping trailer there semi-permanently, only moving it to empty the tanks. Mr. Stevenson explained that during the winter he would winterize the camping trailer and leave it on the cement slab. Member Potter-Masler asked Mr. Stevenson what the size of the camping trailer would be. Mr. Stevenson answered thirty -eight feet with slide-outs. Member Aloi asked Mr. Stevenson how often he would be moving the camping trailer to empty the septic tank. Mr. Stevenson stated that he did not think the septic tank would fill up very often as the camping trailer has a large septic tank. Member Karama asked if there would be any issues with set-back. PZO Weber explained that there would be no issue, the camping trailer would be in compliance with a set-back of more than sixty feet. The Board and Mr. Stevenson discussed the camping trailer and its use of batteries, lp gas(propane), and a generator. Member Potter-Masler asked Mr. Stevenson if the camping trailer would be visible from the road. Mr. Stevenson answered, “not really.” Mr. Stevenson explained that the property dips down from the road and in the summer the leaves on the tress would block the view. At the conclusion of the Board’s discussion, Chairman Finn asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak regarding this variance request; there were, as follows: Stephen Wilson & Gina Sikora – Clute Rd. Neighbors – The neighbors spoke in favor of the applicant’s plan. They had no objection to the granting of the requested Area Variance. With everyone being heard who wished to be heard, Chairman Finn closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 p.m. DISCUSSION/DECISION At the request of Chairman Finn, Member Joanne Aloi proceeded with the required questions (balancing test) for an Area Variance; the responses given by the ZBA members, were as follows: 1. Whether an undesirable change would be produced in neighborhood character or detriment to nearby properties? Finding: No. All Board Members present agreed. 2. Can the benefits sought by applicant be achieved by other means feasible to the applicant? Finding: No. All Board Members present agreed. 3. Is the requested variance substantial? Finding: Yes – Members Aloi & Potter-Masler. No – Chair Finn & Member Karam. Public Hearings/Meeting Minutes - (T) Cortlandville ZBA 24 October 2023 Page 3 of 3 4. Would the variance have an adverse impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood? Finding: No. All Board Members present agreed. 5. Has the alleged difficulty been self-created? Finding: Yes. All Board Members present agreed. A motion was then made by Member Potter-Masler to grant the Area Variance to allow for a house trailer (camper on cement slab) for a period of more than 10 days, variance expires if property sells, or ownership is transferred. The motion was seconded by Member Karam, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Finn Nays: None Member Aloi Member Karam Absent: Member Bilodeau Member Potter-Masler Motion carried. This becomes Action #11 of 2023. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Member Potter-Masler to approve the ZBA Minutes of 25 July 2023, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Karam, with the vote recorded as follows: Ayes: Chairman Finn Nays: None Member Aloi Member Karam Absent: Member Bilodeau Member Potter-Masler Motion carried. This becomes Action #12 of 2023. ADJOURNMENT At 6:39 p.m., on a motion by Member Potter-Masler, seconded by Member Aloi, and with everyone present voting in the affirmative, the meeting was adjourned. Abigail C. Albro, Board Secretary Draft emailed to KRP, AR, Bd. Members, JD, BW, County Planning, DC & KM on 11/09/23. Approved 8/29/23.