Minutes Red Hook Zoning Board of Appeals
January 12, 2005

January 12, 2005 meeting called to order by
Timothy Ross, Chairman

Roll call: Members present: Jeanne Douglas, Corinne Weber, James O’Toole, Kenneth Anderson, Gordon Denegar
Members absent: Michael Mosher

Town Board Liaison: James Ross

The minutes of November 10, 2004 were reviewed . Upon motion by Corinne Weber and seconded by Kenneth Anderson, the minutes were accepted 6-0 upon roll call vote.

Planning Board minutes: Jeanne Douglas commented on a statement regarding signage in the Planning Board’s discussion of Hardscrabble Plaza. Signage has always been a problem in Red Hook and it was suggested that a memo be written to the Planning Board suggesting that a hard look be taken further along in the site plan process.

ZEO memos: No comments

Building permits were reviewed with the question being asked of the Building Inspector if a building permit is necessary for a new roof as two permits were given. Mr. Fennel told the Board that no permit was necessary but two roofers had insisted upon one being given and therefore two permits had been issued.

The Chairman presented a Notice of Intent to Serve as Lead Agency for a new science building on the main campus. No objection was voiced by the Board.

Continuation Public Hearing Appeal 04-20 Geraldine Kane application for an area variance to construct two (2) one (1) bedroom apartments of 600 sq. ft. each connected to the present tenant building. A fire in 2003 had burned to the ground a structure containing a restaurant and three apartments. The present proposal would not replace what had been lost in the fire but would help to alleviate a severe economic problem which the fire created. The applicant presented a site plan and plans for the apartments drawn by Richard Jones, LS. All setbacks meet the zoning law requirements. The Public Hearing was opened and closed as there was no one in the public audience objecting to the proposal. At the moment, two separate parcels are involved. Everything is located on the western most parcel except for the septic system. Jim O’Toole questioned the use of the second parcel for the septic system. It is Ms. Kane’s intention to have a new system dug on the western most parcel to be used by the two buildings. Gordon Denegar stated that the board of Health would control placement of the septic system. Corrine Weber stated that granting this variance would help put in place some of what was there prior to the fire. Jeanne Douglas saw no problem with the proposal. Ken Anderson stated that it was an unusual set of circumstances and had no objection. Tim Ross had a problem with the development as 2 parcels. Jeanne Douglas made a motion to grant a variance based upon the unique circumstances, loss of three apartments in the fire, will be less intensive than previous use, no objection from the public, will benefit the applicant with no detriment to the community. This was seconded by Corinne Weber and passed by the 5-1 roll call vote as follows:
James O’Toole Yes
Gordon Denegar Yes
Corinne Weber Yes
Timothy Ross No
Jeanne Douglas Yes
Kenneth Anderson Yes

Continuation Public Hearing 04-18 Anthony Gorga request for a variance to construct a 2800 square foot accessory building for a home occupation. The applicant was not present, however several neighbors were present. Mr. Ross read two letters into the record. John and Jesse Bruschini object to the proposal as does Michael Herrick. Emily Houpt, who identified herself as Chairwoman of the Traffic Committee, approved of the plan. Richard Burns, a neighbor, stated that he had owned a woodworking shop and noise does develop from the heavy machinery, a building such as is being proposed does not fit into the rural character of the road, the road cannot support the traffic which will develop and objects to the proposal. The secretary was instructed to write to the applicant advising him that this would be put on the February agenda unless word is received from him otherwise.

Review Appeal 01-05 Charles and Gladys Fasce application for a variance to the setback requirements and size requirement for a shed. A 10 x 16 wood shed on a 6 x 6 pressure treated floor has been constructed at 51 Manor Road 12 feet from the rear property line. A variance is needed for the oversize shed and an 8 ft. variance for setback. A Public Hearing will be scheduled for February 9, 2005 at 7:40

Review of Appeal 02-05 Application of Gilbert Beneway for a variance from the coverage and open space requirements of the zoning law. The applicant wants to construct an addition to the rear of an existing house at 216 Whalesback Road to accommodate a wheelchair. A shower is needed that the applicant can roll into and turn around. It was suggested that he review the ADA law for size and sketch the bathroom with those dimensions to bring back to the Board. He was also requested to determine where his septic system was so that it would not be interfered with during construction.

Discussion followed regarding the 2005 secretary. A motion was made and approved for Jeanne Douglas to continue as secretary.

As there was no further business to come before the Board, upon motion by Corinne Weber, seconded by Kenneth Anderson the meeting was adjourned.