DRAFT

TOWN OF SARATOGA

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES

September 26, 2005

7:30 PM

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar called the meeting to order at 7:30p.m.  

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar led the flag salute and explained the Rules of the Board.  Since two Board members were absent, Chairman Stephen Bodnar noted that alternate Robert McConnell was recognized as a voting member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the night’s business.

 

Clerk Catherine Cicero called the roll: Chairman Stephen Bodnar – present, Thomas Carringi – absent [Mr. Carringi arrived at 7:38p.m.], Barbara Faraone – present, Clifford Hanehan – absent, Joyce Waldinger – present, David Hall – present, James Burke – present, and alternate Robert McConnell – present.

 

Also present: Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway and Town Supervisor Tom Wood

 

Approval of Minutes: All board members present had read the minutes of the August 22, 2005 meeting. A motion was made by David Hall, and seconded by Robert McConnell, to accept the minutes of the August 22, 2005 meeting as written.  Chairman Stephen Bodnar – aye, David Hall – aye, James Burke – aye, Barbara Faraone – aye, Joyce Waldinger – aye, and Robert McConnell – aye.

Carried 6 – 0 

 

Order of Business:

AREA VARIANCE

 

Tom Vanyo

177 East Avenue

Saratoga Springs, NY  12866

S/B/L 157-1-19  Rural Residential

 

Applicant is seeking a lot variance of approximately 40,000 square feet, and a left side variance of 35’for property located at 265 North Broad St. in Schuylerville.  Tom Vanyo addressed the Board, stating that the property had been purchased three years ago, and many improvements had been made since then to restore the house to its original condition.  He stated that the square footage of the house was approximately 1700 square feet prior to removal of a section approximately 42x15’.  The section had been “structurally compromised” and did not conform to the original design of the building.  After the section had been removed, Mr. Vanyo stated that the shadow of a gable, the remnants of an old kitchen ell, could be seen on the house, similar to the summer kitchen at the Schuyler House.  He then gave a brief history of the house, noting that it had been rebuilt sometime between 1790-1792, and was called the Old Dutch Parsonage because it had once been situated near the Dutch Reformed Church on Bacon Hill.

 

 

 

Mr. Vanyo then described the proposed addition and its relation to the neighboring properties.  Mr. Vanyo had notified his neighbors of his proposed changes to the house; there were no objections.

 

In answer to a question by Chairman Stephen Bodnar, Mr. Vanyo said that he had no plans to put a porch or other addition on the front of the building.  The Board determined that the proposed addition would not need a lot coverage variance.

 

Proof of notice having been furnished, Chairman Stephen Bodnar opened the Public Hearing.  There were no interested parties; the Public Hearing was closed.

 

David Hall made a motion to grant the variance, noting that the setback had been 6’ and was now 10’, reducing the impingement on the neighbor’s property.  The building meets lot coverage requirements, it would improve the condition of the property, and it would bring back a piece of local history.  Joyce Waldinger seconded the motion.

Chairman Stephen Bodnar – aye , David Hall – aye, James Burke – aye, Barbara Faraone – aye, Thomas Carringi – aye, Joyce Waldinger – aye, and Robert McConnell – aye. Carried 7-0.  GRANTED

 

Barbara Faraone thanked Mr. Vanyo for his presentation and said that the photos had helped a lot.  David Hall stated that it was nice to see people “bring back old structures, rather than tearing them down and throwing them away.”

In answer to a question by Mr. Vanyo, Town Supervisor Tom Wood gave a brief summary of water rates, recently raised by the Water Commission, noting that Mr. Vanyo would be termed an outside-user for water consumption purposes.

 

Old Business: Supervisor Tom Wood reported that the Town Board had approved the demolition of Mr. Gong’s property if he did not conform to the recommendations of Town Engineer Kenneth Martin.

 

New Business: Supervisor Tom Wood reported that the ZAAC group, headed by Charlie Hanehan had met in the last month and was making some progress.  Although it would be after the first of the year before all the zoning revisions would be done, fees would definitely be increased.

There followed a brief discussion of the Saratoga Glen Hollow water progress and sewage situation around the Lake area.  Supervisor Tom Wood noted that there is pressure from the City of Saratoga Springs to use Saratoga Lake as a water source.

 

The next regular meeting will be October 24, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Chairman Stephen Bodnar made a motion to adjourn at 8:24 pm.  The motion was seconded by Barbara Faraone. Chairman Stephen Bodnar – aye , David Hall – aye, James Burke – aye, Barbara Faraone – aye, Thomas Carringi – aye, Joyce Waldinger – aye, and Robert McConnell – aye. Carried 7 – 0

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Catherine E. Cicero

ZBA Clerk

 

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