ZBA June 16th 2020 Minutes

Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.

Roll Call:

Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling	Present
Richard Hermance	Present
Kelleigh Mckenzie	Present
Michael Camargo	Present
Gary Jacobson	Present
Councilman John Hughes	Present
Brisa Casas, Clerk	Present

Minutes:

Motion made by Michael Camargo, seconded by Richard Hermance, to accept the minutes from January 21st 2020.

Roll Vote: Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling – Yes, Michael Camargo – Yes, Richard Hermance – Yes, Gary Jacobson –Yes, Kelleigh Mckenzie –Yes

Motion Carried.

Public Hearing:

#2020-1-Area Variance
SBL:70.9-2-3
Location: 106 Bruceville Road
Applicant: Jed Tucker

Jed Tucker is present on behalf of this application.

The following is discussed about this application:

• The applicant proposes a conversion of an existing garage into an apartment.
• The property currently has a principal dwelling and a cottage.
• The conversion would result in the parcel having a total of three dwellings.
• His parcel is approximately 1.5 acres.
• No referral to the Ulster County Planning Board is required.
• Jed submitted more information to support his requested variance. He provided pictures of the property, a revised Site Plan, information on surrounding properties that had similar acreage to his parcel and multiple dwellings, a letter with statements regarding the cottage: the cottage has an existing tenant living in it, is not suitable for his mother because the bedroom is upstairs. The proposed apartment in the garage will have a bedroom for her on the first floor for easy access. He also responds to some of the criteria questions.

Motion made by Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling, seconded by Richard Hermance, to open the public hearing at 7:07pm

Roll Vote: Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling – Yes, Michael Camargo – Yes, Richard Hermance – Yes, Gary Jacobson –Yes, Kelleigh Mckenzie –Yes

Motion Carried.

Public Comment

No public comment.

Motion made by Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling, seconded by Kelleigh Mckenzie, to close the public hearing at 7:26pm

Roll Vote: Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling – Yes, Michael Camargo – Yes, Richard Hermance – Yes, Gary Jacobson –Yes, Kelleigh Mckenzie –Yes

Motion Carried.

#2019-2-Use Variance- Tommy Dog Food Truck
SBL: 70.12-3-11
Location: Route 32
Applicant: Thomas Hayes

Thomas Hayes is not present.

The following is discussed about this application:

• Mr. Hayes has operated a food truck on this parcel for many years, he is not proposing to change the existing conditions in any way. He is thinking about his future retirement plans and if he decides to sell his business he would like to have the proper paperwork to show a potential buyer that the use is allowed.
• There will be no changes therefore this Use Variance request will not alter the character of the neighborhood.
• According to the referral matrix – no referral to the Ulster County Planning Board is required on vacant land within 500 feet of a State/County road when no changes to the parcel are proposed.

Motion made by Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling, seconded by Michael Camargo, to open the public hearing at 7:30pm

Roll Vote: Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling – Yes, Michael Camargo – Yes, Richard Hermance – Yes, Gary Jacobson –Yes, Kelleigh Mckenzie –Yes

Motion Carried.

Public Comment

• Allison Yarme and Paul Friberg are in favor of this application.
• David Toder is in favor of this application.

Motion made by Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling, seconded by Richard Hermance, to close the public hearing at 7:35pm

Roll Vote: Chairwoman Ann Houghtaling – Yes, Michael Camargo – Yes, Richard Hermance – Yes, Gary Jacobson –Yes, Kelleigh Mckenzie –Yes

Motion Carried.

Old Business:

#2019-3-Area Variance
SBL: 70.4-3-9
Location: 70 Cereus Way
Applicant: Allison Yarme and Paul Friberg

Allison Yarme and Paul Friberg are present on behalf of this application.

The following is discussed about this application:

• The application request is to expand an existing garage into a two car garage with an office on the second level.
• The garage will not meet setbacks from the side property line.
• The existing garage is currently being used as an office and not as a garage. The applicants would like to park their cars in the garage during the winter months but still need a space for a home office.
• This expansion/conversion of the garage will help them accomplish both without much change to the overall character of the property.
• They are unable to expand the garage in another area of the property because of utilities, leach field and slope/grade of the land.
• The new proposed structure will have a height increase to accommodate the office.
• Another property on Cereus Way has a two story garage.
• 8-foot setback is requested, 30 feet is required in the zoning district.
• It is important to note that the existing garage already does not meet the current zoning setbacks and was previously granted an Area Variance for it.
• The driveway and the garage already exist on the property.
• The parcel was purchased with the garage already existing on it.