DRAFT

TOWN OF SARATOGA

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES

June 26, 2006

7:30 PM

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the flag salute.

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar explained the Rules of the Board. 

 

Zoning Clerk Catherine Cicero called the roll: Chairman Stephen Bodnar – present, Clifford Hanehan – present, Thomas Carringi – present, Barbara Faraone – present, Joyce Waldinger – present, Bill Moreau – present, and James Burke – present. 

Also present:  Town Supervisor Tom Wood.

 

Approval of Minutes: All board members present had read the minutes of the May 22, 2006 meeting. A motion was made by Thomas Carringi, and seconded by James Burke, to accept the minutes of the May 22, 2006 meeting as written.  Chairman Stephen Bodnar – aye, Clifford Hanehan – aye, Bill Moreau – aye, Thomas Carringi – aye, Joyce Waldinger – aye, James Burke – aye, and Barbara Faraone – aye.

Carried 7 – 0 

 

Order of Business:

AREA VARIANCE

 

Donald & Margaret Ormsby, Applicants                               #06-09

331 Rte 32

Schuylerville, NY 12871

S/B/L 182-1-53, 54, & 55 Rural

 

Applicants are seeking a variance of 100’ of road frontage in order to situate four existing dwellings each on its own lot.  The lot is constrained by a neighboring septic system.  All other setbacks and area requirements are met. 

 

James Vianna spoke on behalf of the Ormsbys, explaining the layout of the four proposed lots, which are currently on 3 deeds.  The most recent residence on the lots is 16 years old, although one residence, nearly fifty years old, burned last year and has since been rebuilt. This subdivision proposal was put before the Planning Board at the May meeting and a lot-line adjustment was granted for Lot 1, which has been conveyed to the Ormsby’s daughter.  Mr. Vianna said that no new construction is planned for any of the lots, but the daughter would like to add horses on Lot 1 and has started to put up some fencing for that purpose.  An old garage may be torn down due to its deteriorated condition.

 

Lot 4 is 2 acres in size and meets all setback requirements, but only has 100’ of road frontage due to an existing swimming pool and septic system on the neighboring property.

 

Mr. Vianna said that a similar plan to create four lots was granted by the Planning Board in 1990, but was never filed at the County level by the Ormsbys.

 

 

In response to a question from Chairman Stephen Bodnar, Mr. Vianna explained that the trails shown on the map are horse and four-wheeler trails which are not roads or driveways, and provide no access to the property.

 

It was noted that all four lots are for members of the same family.

 

Proof of notice for a Public Hearing was furnished by newspaper on June 16, 2006.  There were no interested parties; the Public Hearing was not held.

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar asked the Board members if they had any further questions.  They did not.

 

Town Supervisor Tom Wood reported that, although Town Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway  was unable to attend the meeting, he supported the request for a variance.

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar said it was his opinion that Lot 4 was the best developed of the four residences.  James Burke said that he supported the granting of the variance.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Clifford Hanehan explained that he didn’t like the size of the variance, but considered the lack of road frontage to be a hardship, and therefore would vote to grant the variance on the basis of the hardship.  He would not ask to move the neighboring septic system and swimming pool on Lot 3 in order to provide more road frontage for Lot 4.

 

Barbara Faraone made a motion to grant the variance, stating that the plan gave a clearer definition of the lots and residences.  The motion was seconded by James Burke.  Chairman Stephen Bodnar – aye, Clifford Hanehan – aye, Bill Moreau – aye, Thomas Carringi – aye, Joyce Waldinger – aye, James Burke – aye, and Barbara Faraone – aye.

Carried 7 – 0 GRANTED

 

Old Business: None

 

New Business:  Barbara Faraone led a discussion regarding the proposed new development along Brown Road and associated drainage issues.

 

 Town Supervisor Tom Wood summarized the actions taken at the last Town Board meeting for the Board.

 

The next regular meeting will be July 24, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Barbara Faraone made a motion to adjourn at 9:03 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Clifford Hanehan.  Chairman Stephen Bodnar – aye, Clifford Hanehan – aye, Bill Moreau – aye, Thomas Carringi – aye, Joyce Waldinger – aye, James Burke – aye, and Barbara Faraone – aye.

Carried 7 – 0 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Catherine E. Cicero

ZBA Clerk