HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_07_12 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ZONING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK
JULY 12, 1988, IN THE COURTROOM, TOWN OFFICES
740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD
MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Negrin at 8:25 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Joel Negrin, Chairman
Thomas E. Gunther
Patrick B. Kelleher
J. Rene Simon
Arthur Wexler
Also Present: Edward M. Lieberman, Town Counsel
William E. Jakubowski, Building Inspector
Phyllis Wittner, CZMC
Richard Young, CZMC
Susan Peterson, Court Stenographer
53 Hamilton Place
Tarrytown, New York
Bonnie M. Burdick, Recording Secretary
lbw
APPLICATION No 1 - CASE 841
The Recording Secretary read the application as follows:
Application of Hory Chevrolet Inc. , appealing the decision of the
Building Inspector that the sale of new boats is neither a permitted
principal use nor accessory to the sale of automobiles, pursuant to
Section 89-28 A(5) and C(1) , or, in the alternative, requesting a use
variance pursuant to Section 89-77 B (2) to permit the sale of new
boats at the premises located at 1340 Boston Post Road and known on the
Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 410 Parcel 268.
Thomas Keane, Attorney; Thomas Hory, President; Mrs. Thomas Hory,
Vice-President; and William Weiss, General Manager; appeared on behalf
of the application.
At its meeting of June 7, 1988, the Board had issued a negative
declaration for this application under SEQR, had denied applicant's
request for a use variance and denied applicant's appeal that the sale
of boats is accessory to the sale of automobiles. In addition, the
Board had voted 2-2 on applicant's appeal that the sale of new, inboard
motor boats is a permitted principal use under 82-28 A at said meeting,
when Mr. Simon was absent. Therefore, the discussion was on this last
remaining aspect of the application. (The Public Stenographer's
transcript had been made available to Mr. Simon prior to the meeting,
and Mr. Simon indicated that he had reviewed it prior to this meeting) .
July 12, 1988
Page 2
Letters favoring the Hory application were received from six
residents: Mrs. R.J. Schaefer, Felix E. Larkin, Frederick V. Powers,
William J. O'Hara, Bruce Beringer, and Alfred J. Moccia. Mr. Keane
read Mrs. Schaefer's letter for the record. It and the other five were
made part of the permanent file for the applicationas was the report of
the CZMC opposing the application.
Carl Oddoluccia, of the audience, stated that he was a 28 year resident
and that he thought the sale of the boats at the dealership would
contribute to the congestion at the corner of Weaver Street and the
Post Road. Patricia Flint, also in attendence, stated that she would
like to see boats on the Post Road. She said that boats would show
that Larchmont is a waterfront community.
On motion by Mr. Gunther, seconded by Mr. Negrin, the following
resolutions were adopted with a vote of 3-2. Mr. Simon joined Messrs
Gunther and Negrin in voting to approve the application, while Mr.
Kelleher and Mr. Wexler voted against approval, as follows:
WHEREAS, Hory Chevrolet Inc. , has submitted an application
to the Building Inspector, together with plans to permit the
sale of new inboard motor boats; and
WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such
permit on the grounds that the plans submitted failed to
comply with the Town of Mamaroneck Zoning Ordinance with
(1110 particular reference to Section 89-28 A (5) and C (1) on the
premises located at 1340 Boston Post Road and known on the
Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 410
Parcel 268; and
WHEREAS, Hory Chevrolet Inc. submitted an application for an
interpretation under Section 89-77 B (1), or, in the
alternative, a variance to this Board on the grounds of
practical difficulty and/or unnecessary hardship for the
reasons set forth in such application; and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, reviewed the
application, referred the application to Coastal Zone
Management Commission for review and has heard all persons
interested in this application after publication of a notice
thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Board finds that the sale of new,
inboard motor boats is a permitted use under Section 89-28
(A) of the Zoning Ordinance.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following condition shall attach
to the finding:
1. The ownership of the paper street between Hory
Chevrolet Inc. , and the shopping center next door
July 12, 1988
Page 3
shall be determined and the survey filed with the
(mv, Assessor's Office of the Town of Mamaroneck; and
2. Pending such determination, the area of such paper
street shall not be used for the sale or display
of motor boats.
FURTHER RESOLVED that this decision be filed with the Town
clerk as provided in Section 267 of the Town Code; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED that the CZMC be advised in writing of this
decision and our reasons therefor as requried by the Town's
consistency law.
*****
APPLICATION NO. 2 - CASE 842
The Recording Secretary read the application as follows:
Application of Mr. John Kluge appealing the decision of the Building
Inspector that applicant is not entitled to a building permit pursuant
to Section 89-58 (A) of the Zoning Ordinance ("Undersize lots") , or, in
the alternative, requesting a variance from Section 89-30 A in order to
construct a house on a 33,415 square foot parcel where 50,000 square
feet are required in an R-50 Zone District, a variance from Section
4119 89-30 B (2) to reduce a side yard from 35.0 ft. required to 24.0 ft. ,
and a variance of Section 280-a of the Town Law and Section 89-14 of the
Zoning Laws of the Town of Mamaroneck requiring that the parcel front on
a public street on the premises located at Premium Point Road and known
on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 508 Parcel
30.
Appearing on behalf of the applicant were Geoffrey Young, attorney; his
associate, Joann Rosenstrach; William Maker, Jr. , the attorney who
represented the applicant before the Coastal Zone Management
Commission; Edward Hanington, P.E. of Edward Hanington Engineering
Consultants; and Bruce Donohue, Environmental Consultant of
Environmental Design Consulting.
Mr. Young reviewed the history of this application which had been before
the Board since April 27, 1988. The Zoning Board had declared itself
the lead agency, referred the matter to the CZMC informally and, upon
receipt of an oral report from CZMC on May 24, requested a more complete
review by CZMC. Said review had been made and will become part of the
record. To avoid conflict of interest, considering the status of
Mr. Young as a Village of Larchmont Trustee, the applicant had retained
Mr. Maker to represent him before the CZMC. Mr. Maker reviewed the
response by CZMC, with input from Mr. Donohue. They stated that the
site could maintain a foundation without piles, was adequate for a
septic system, could contain a house in compliance with the revised
July 12, 1988
Page 4
flood law and would not have a negative impact on endangered species.
Much of the rationale for these statements was that no specific plans
'to"' for a house have been made and that it would be likely that such plans
would cause review by appropriate agencies because of the site's
proximity to a Critical Environmental Area. The applicant agreed to
amend the answer to two parts of the Environmental Assessment Form -
impact on land and visual impact - from "none" to "slight to moderate".
Mr. Maker stated that a letter had been received by the Board from the
Premium Point Association - its members are the neighbors of the site -
in favor of the application.
Mr. Lieberman reviewed with the Board the steps in the SEQRA and Zoning
Board approval process. He discussed the possible implications of the
types of declarations which could be made.
Mr. Negrin responded to the concerns expressed in the CZMC's letter
point by point. He stated that the evidence did not support their
concerns about tidal wetlands, wildlife, siting and proximity to a
Critical Environmental Area and that he did not have any basis to differ
with the applicant's answers to the EAF. Mr. Negrin stated that he
disagreed with CZMC's interpretation of the request for a use variance.
He stated that the problems with the application were problems which, if
any, could be solved by adding conditions to the variance at the
discretion of the Board. Mr. Negrin stated that he was most
appreciative of CZMC's efforts and legitimate concerns. He stated that
this application is unique and that he believes a "bandwagon effect"
would not occur.
Mr. Negrin requested that Mr. Lieberman prepare a letter of response to
CZMC which the Board will review at its next meeting.
On motion of Mr. Negrin, seconded by Mr. Gunther, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that this Board determines that the identified
environmental impacts of this proposal will not be
significant.
At the suggestion of Mr. Kelleher, the Board decided to adjourn and
then to hear the rest of the agenda before resuming the discussion of
the Kluge application. The meeting was temporarily adjourned at
10:38 P. M. and re-opened at 11:00 P.M.
APPLICATION NO. 3 - CASE 846
The Recording Secretary read the application as follows:
Application of Mr. Brad Eric Scheler requesting a variance from Section
89-35 B(3) to reduce the rear yard from 25.0 ft. required to 10.5 ft. ,
1 AP
in an R-6 Zone District, for the proposed construction of a stairway
July 12, 1988
Page 5
and 3.5' x 4.0' platform on the premises located at 32 Maple Hill Drive
and known on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block
122 Parcel 430.
Mr. Scheler appeared on behalf of his application. He stated that
through an oversight on his part the notice for his application at the
last meeting had neglected to mention the stairway from the screened
porch. He stated that said stairway encroaches to the same extent that
an existing stairway does.
Mr. Jakubowski stated that this application was consistent with the
plans previously filed by Mr. Scheler.
On motion by Mr. Wexler, seconded by Mr. Gunther, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that this is a Type II Action having no significant
impact on the environment as determined by New York State or
corresponding local law, therefore requiring no further
action under SEQR.
Therefore, on motion by Mr. Simon, seconded by Mr. Gunther, the
following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, Mr. Brad Eric Scheler has submitted an application
to the Building Inspector, together with plans to construct a
stairway and a 3.5 ft. x 4.0 ft. platform with a 10.5 ft.
rear yard setback; and
WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such
permit on the grounds that the plans submitted failed to
comply with the Town of Mamaroneck Zoning Ordinance with
particular reference to Section 89-35 B (3) on the premises
located at 32 Maple Hill Drive and known on the Tax
Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 122 Parcel
430; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Scheler submitted an application for a variance
to this Board on the grounds of practical difficulty and/or
unnecessary hardship for the reasons set forth in such
application; and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, reviewed the
application and has heard all persons interested in this
application after publication of a notice thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Board finds that there are special
circumstances and/or conditions applying to the land for
which the variance is sought on the following grounds:
July 12, 1988
Page 6
1. The encroachment of this stairway is comparable to
that of a similar existing stairway.
Ilkaw
2. The variance granted is the minimum possible to
alleviate the practical difficulty detailed in the
application.
3. The granting of the variance is in harmony with the
general purposes and intent of this Ordinance and
will not be injurious to the neighborhood or
otherwise detrimental to the public welfare; and
4. The strict application of the Zoning Ordinance and
Town Code would deprive the applicants of the
reasonable use of the land and/or building and that
the variance granted by this Board will accomplish
this purpose; and
5. All affected neighbors are on record in support of
the application; and, it is,
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a variance is hereby granted and that
Section 89-35 B (3) of the Zoning Ordinance be varied and
modified so as to allow the construction of a rear deck on
the premises located at 32 Maple Hill Drive and known on the
Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 122
Parcel 430 in strict conformance with the plans filed with
this application and any conditions set forth in these
resolutions, provided that the applicants comply in all other
respects with the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code of the
Town of Mamaroneck; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aplicant shall obtain a building
permit with six months of the filing of this Resolution with
the Town Clerk and in accordance with Section 89-73 of the
Zoning Ordinance, the building permit shall be void if
construction is not started within six months and completed
within two years of the date of said permit; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this decision be filed with the Town
Clerk as provided in Section 267 of the Town Code.
APPLICATION NO. 4 - CASE 825
The Recording Secretary read the application as follows:
Application of Mr. and Mrs. Robert DiBiccari adjourned from the
meeting of June 22, 1988.
t
July 12, 1988
Page 7
Michael D. Blutrich, attorney, and Michael G. Calvi, architect,
appeared with Mr. DiBiccari in connection with the application.
This matter had been adjourned from the Board's meeting of June
22, 1988. Because of the proximity of the property to a Critical
Environmental Area, it was referred to the Coastal Zone Management
Commission which had responded to the application by letter dated
July 5, 1988.
Mr. Blutrich stated that new plans had been submitted to the Board
to address the CZMC's concern about the elevation of the deck
above sea level. The new plans for the deck indicate 14.15 feet
above sea level, where 14 feet are required by Federal
regulations.
On motion of Mr. Wexler, seconded by Mr. Simon, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that this is a Type I Action having no
significant impact on the environment as determined by
New York State or corresponding local law, therefore
requiring no further action under SEQR.
On motion of Mr. Gunther, seconded by Mr. Simon, the following
resolutions were adopted unanimously:
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Robert DiBiccari have submitted an
application to the Building Inspector, together with
plans, to construct a new front addition with a 10.9
feet front yard setback; and
WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue
such permit on the grounds that the plans submitted
failed to comply with the Town of Mamaroneck Zoning
Ordinance with particular reference to Section 89-33 B
(1) and 89-57 on the premises located at 23 Dillon Road
and known on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of
Mamroneck as Block 505 Parcel 210; and
WHEREAS, Mr.and Mrs. DiBiccari submitted an application for a
variance to this Board on the grounds of practical difficulty
and/or unnecessary hardship for the reasons set forth in such
application; and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, reviewed the
application, referred the application to the Coastal Zone
Management Commission which has responded that the proposal
would not be inconsistent with Local Waterfron Revitalization
Plan policies, and has heard all persons interested in this
application after publication of a notice thereof;
1
July 12, 1988
Page 8
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Board finds that there
al
circumstances and/or conditions applying to the land for
which the variance is sought on the following grounds:
1. This property is bisected by a right-of-way which
makes construction into other parts of the yard
impossible.
2. The front of the house is the area farthest away
from the Critical Environmental Area.
3. The variance granted is the minimum possible to
alleviate the practical difficulty detailed in the
application.
4. The granting of the variance is in harmony with the
general purposes and intent of this Ordinance and
will not be injurious to the neighborhood or
otherwise detrimental to the public welfare; and
5. The resulting front yard is similar to those of
nearby properties; and
6. The strict application of the Zoning Ordinance and
Town Code would deprive the applicants of the
reasonable use of the land and/or buildingand
that
the variance
granted by this Board will accomplish
this purpose; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following condition shall attach
to the variance:
Leaders shall be constructed on the porch to meet the
satisfaction of the Building Inspector.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a variance is hereby granted and that
Section 89-33 B (1) and 89-57 of the Zoning Ordinance be
varied and modified so as to allow the construction of a
front addition on the premises located at 23 Dillon Road and
known on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as
Block 505 Parcel 210 in strict conformance with the plans
filed with this application and any conditions set forth in
these resolutions, provided that the applicants comply in all
other respects with the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code of
the Town of Mamaroneck; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the applicant shall obtain a building
permit with six months of the filing of this Resolution with
r �
July 12, 1988
Page 9
the Town Clerk and in accordance with Section 89-73 of the
L
Zoning Ordinance, the building permit shall be void if
construction is not started within six months and completed
within two years of the date of said permit; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this decision be filed with the Town
Clerk as provided in Section 267 of the Town Code
*****
APPLICATION NO. 5 - CASE 855
The Recording Secretary read the application as follows:
Application of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kass requesting variances from
Section 89-34 B(2)(a) and Section 89-57 to reduce the side yard from
10.0 feet required to 6.7 feet, in an R-7.5 Zone District, to allow to
remain an enclosed porch, which increased the extent by which the
existing structure fails to meet the side yard requirements, on the
premises located at 44 Glenn Road and known on the Tax Assessment Map
of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 114 Parcel 520.
Mr. and Mrs. Kass appeared on behalf of their application. A front
porch had been enclosed in the 1940's. The applicants needed a
variance so that a Certificate of Occupancy could be issued in
connection with the sale of the house. Mr. Kass stated that they were
CIO not abandoning the neighborhood, - in fact, they are moving across the
street - and submitted a favorable letter from a long-time neighbor of
the house who resides at 42 Glenn Road.
On motion of Mr. Gunther, seconded by Mr. Wexler it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that this is a Type II Action having no significant
impact on the environment as determined by New York State or
corresponding local law, therefore requiring no further
action under SEQR.
On motion of Mr. Kelleher, seconded by Mr. Simon, the following
resolutions were unanimously approved:
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kass have submitted an
application to the Building Inspector, together with plans,
to allow to remain an enclosed entrance porch with a 6.7 feet
side yard setback; and
WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such
permit on the grounds that the plans submitted failed to
comply with the Town of Mamaroneck Zoning Ordinance with
particular reference to Section 89-34 B (2)(a) and Section
89-57 on the premises located at 44 Glenn Road and known on
the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamroneck as Block 114
Parcel 520; and
® WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Kass submitted an application for a
variance to this Board on the grounds of practical difficulty
July 12, 1988
Page 10
and/or unnecessary hardship for the reasons set forth in such
appication; and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, reviewed the
application and has heard all persons interested in this
application after publication of a notice thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Board finds that there are special
circumstances and/or conditions applying to the land for
which the variance is sought on the following grounds:
1. The enclosed entryway with powder room, vestibule
and closet has been in existence since the 1940's.
2. The variance granted is the minimum possible to
alleviate the practical difficulty detailed in the
application.
3. The granting of the variance is in harmony with the
general purposes and intent of this Ordinance and
will not be injurious to the neighborhood or
otherwise detrimental to the public welfare; and
4. The strict application of the Zoning Ordinance and
L Town Code would deprive the applicants of the
reasonable use of the land and/or building and that
the variance granted by this Board will accomplish
this purpose; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a variance is hereby granted and that
Section 89-34 B (2) (a) and Section 89-57 of the Zoning
Ordinance be varied and modified so as to allow to remain the
existing entrance with powder room, vestibule and closet on
the premises located at 44 Glenn Road and known on the Tax
Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 114 Parcel
520 in strict conformance with the plans filed with this
application provided that the applicants comply in all other
respects with the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code of the
Town of Mamaroneck; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the applicant shall obtain a building
permit with six months of the filing of this Resolution with
the Town Clerk and in accordance with Section 89-73 of the
Zoning Ordinance, the building permit shall be void if
construction is not started within six months and completed
within two years of the date of said permit; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this decision be filed with the Town
Clerk as provided in Section 267 of the Town Code
46 *****
July 12, 1988
Page 11
APPLICATION NO. 6 - CASE 862
*lo' The Recording Secretary read the application as follows:
Application of Mr. Carl J. Tortorella requesting variances from Section
89-20 A(1) , Section 89-34 A (1) and Section 89-66 A to respectively use
the premises as a two (2) family use where only one (1) family
dwellings are permitted; to allow two (2) dwelling units on 7,500
square feet of lot where 15,000 square feet are required and to allow
one (1) off-street parking space where two (2) 9' x 20' spaces are
required in an R-7.5 Zone District on the premises located at 11 Leafy
Lane and known on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as
Block 126 Parcel 477.
Mr. Simon announced that he was abstaining from the discussion and vote
as he knew the applicant as a friend and had done work for him.
James Capacella, attorney, appeared on behalf of the applicant. He
stated that Mr. Tortorella had helped to build the house in 1938 and
was aware that it had been used as a three-family house from the time
of said construction. Mr. Tortorella purchased the house in 1969 and
continued using it as a three-family house until a year ago. The Town
had assessed the house as a three-family house. In 1980 Mr. Tortorella
applied for a variance before this Board in order to build an
addition. At that time the Board determined that the house was a
non-conforming three-family house and denied the variance, declining to
Clir
extend the non-conformity.
Mr. Capacella stated that applicant has suffered a loss of $2500 - 3000
during the year that the building has been used as a two-family house
and has been unable to sell the house because it does not easily lend
itself to conversion to a one-family house. The house has been on the
market for more than a year. The Board requested proof of such
losses. Applicant did not produce such proof and declined the Board's
offer of an adjournment to provide such proof.
Mr. Wexler pointed out that the plans show the house as a one-family
house. Mr. Capacella agreed and stated that the Certificate of
Occupancy listed it as a one-family house, too.
Olympia Rossheim, a real estate agent, spoke in favor of the
application. She stated that Mr. Tortorella had compromised by seeking
a variance for a two-family house, that he had not made a great deal of
money from the rentals and that there was no buyer for the house as a
one-family house.
There were a large number of people in the audience interested in this
application. Several of them spoke. They were: Michael and Susan
Levine, 5 Leafy Lane; Robert Barber, 7 Leafy Lane; Jean Putnam, 10
Leafy Lane; George Gold, 8 Leafy Lane; Dr. Edwin Ladin, 2 Leafy Lane;
and Al Cadeno, 1 Leafy Lane. They were all opposed to the application
July 12, 1988
Page 12
and detailed the history of their opposition to multi-family use which
dated back to at least 1976. They stated that the street was small - 9
'taw houses - and that there were difficulties with cars, particularly for
Mr. Barber, Mr. Tortorella's next-door neighbor. Currently no members
of the Tortoralla family live in the house, and the neighbors asked
that the house be used as the one-family house it is legally supposed
to be.
Mr. Negrin informally polled the Board for their views about the
matter. The four members polled all were in opposition to granting the
variance.
In view of that determination, on motion of Mr. Gunther, seconded by
Mr. Kelleher, with Mr. Simon abstaining, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that this is a Type II Action having no significant
impact on the environment as determined by New York State or
corresponding local law, therefore requiring no further
action under SEQR.
Thereafter, on motion of Mr. Gunther, seconded by Mr. Kelleher, with
Mr. Simon abstaining, the following resolutions were unanimously
adopted:
WHEREAS, Mr. Carl J. Tortorella has submitted an application
to the Building Inspector, together with plans to
respectively use the premises as a two (2) family use, to
allow two (2) dwelling units on 7,500 square feet of lot and
to allow one (1) off-street parking space; and
WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such
permit on the grounds that the plans submitted failed to
comply with the Town of Mamaroneck Zoning Ordinance with
particular reference to Section 89-20 A (1) , Section 89-34
A(1) and Section 89-66 A on the premises located at 11 Leafy
Lane and known on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of
Mamaroneck as Block 126 Parcel 477; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tortorella submitted an application for a
variance to this Board on the grounds of practical difficulty
and/or unnecessary hardship for the reasons set forth in such
application; and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, reviewed the
application and has heard all persons interested in this
application after publication of a notice thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
r
July 12, 1988
Page 13
RESOLVED, that this Board hereby denies the application on
the following grounds:
1. No legal rights have been earned by the 50 years of
unlawful use of the structure as a multiple dwelling.
2. Special circumstances do not exist sufficiently to allow
a variance from the one (1) family district.
3. No exceptional physical conditions were described to
warrant a variance.
4. No evidence in support of the allegation of economic
hardship was offered, despite express request for
information in support of such allegation;
5. No evidence was adduced that the property could not be
used as a single family dwelling, and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this decision be filed with the Town
Clerk as provided in Section 267 of the Town Law.
*****
APPLICATION NO. 7 - CASE 863
This application was not heard because the applicants were no longer
in attendance. Due to the late hour, the matter was adjourned to the
next meeting and will be placed at the beginning of the agenda.
TEMPORARY ADJOURNMENT
The Chairman announced a brief adjournment at 12:38 A.M.
RECALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order again at 12:50 A.M. in order to resume
deliberation on Application No. 2 - Case 842 - the application of
John Kluge.
Geoffrey Young, attorney, reiterated the circumstances of this case
- two parcels being merged into one corporate name, the change of
zoning from R-35 and R-50 and the difference in possible sale prices if
the property is re-divided. Mr. Young stated that there were many
special circumstances that would not cause a precedent - 1) the time
frame with respect to the zoning change is unique; 2) Premium Point in
itself is unique and its character would not change; 3) the Premium
A Point Association is in favor of the application; 4) the application is
in harmony with the intent of the Zoning Ordinance; 5) there is no
adjoining street 6) denial of the variance will result in a financial
loss to the applicant of between $300,000 - 900,000, according to an
July 12, 1988
Page 14
appraisal submitted by the applicant; 7) open space will be maintained
in view of the fact that the new lot is bounded by open beach areas on
two sides; and 8) six of the seventeen properties in R-50 districts
are non-conforming.
Phyllis Wittner of the CZMC stated the Commission's viewpoint.
Twenty-three residents had spent three years writing the revision to
the Zoning Ordinance. One purpose of the re-zoning of certain areas
was to prevent property owners from sub-dividing their property. This
property is close to the Premium Salt Marsh which is a Critical
Environmental Area, and New York State has upheld the concept of
waterfront revitalization.
Mr. Kelleher stated that there had been a house on the property for 57
years and that he felt that the applicant was caught in a "Catch 22"
situation. The other members of the Board expressed sympathy with the
applicant's situation.
Therefore, on motion of Mr. Wexler, seconded by Mr. Simon, the
following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, Mr. John Kluge submitted an application to the Building
Inspector, together with plans to construct a house on a 33,415
square foot lot with a side yard of 24.0 feet on a non-public
street; and
1 L WHEREAS, the Building Inspector has declined to issue such permit
on the grounds that the plans submitted failed to comply with the
Town of Mamaroneck Zoning Ordinance with particular reference to
Section 89-58 A, Section 89-30 B (2) , Section 289-14 and Section
280-a of the Town Law on the premises located at Premium Point
Road and known on the Tax Assessment Map of the Town of Mamroneck
as Block 508 Parcel 30; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kluge submitted an application for a variance to
this Board on the grounds of practical difficulty and/or
unnecessary hardship for the reasons set forth in such
application; and
WHEREAS, this Board has examined the plans, reviewed the
application, referred the application to the Coastal Zone
Management Commission and received a response, and has heard
all persons interested in this application after publication
of a notice thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Board finds that there are special
circumstances and/or conditions applying to the land for
which the variance is sought on the following grounds:
I
July 12, 1988
Page 15
1. The property had been merged in 1986 in response to
a condition imposed by this Board on a previous
application for an addition which was never built.
2. Prior to said merger, the property existed as
proposed -- as two separate parcels, with houses
thereon -- for some 57 years.
3. Thus,the application before us is to restore the
status quo ante, which existed for many years.
4. The applicant will suffer a substantial financial
hardship if the application is not granted.
5. There is no feasible alternative for the applicant
to pursue, other than the variance requested, which
would avoid the financial difficulty mentioned
above.
6. In view of the above, the variance will not
adversely affect the character of the neighborhood,
which contains many parcels rendered non-conforming
by the re-zoning of the area in 1986.
7. The effect of the increased density in population
created by the probable addition of one additional
060, house as a result of this variance, will not create
an undue burden on available governmental services
and facilities -- especially since the new house,
if and when built, will merely replace a former
residence which was in existence until 1986.
8. The proposed new lot will front on Premium Point
Road, a private road which is maintained by the
Premium Point Association, which has and will
afford suitable access by emergency vehicles;
9. Many of the concerns expressed by the Coastal Zone
Management Commission are premature in that no
structure is presently proposed, and can be
addressed when a building permit is applied for.
Other concerns have been addressed in our response
to the Commission which response is made a part
hereof; and
10. The strict application of the Zoning Ordinance
would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use
of his land and/or building;
11. The variance will not be otherwise injurious to the
public health, safety and welfare for the reasons
stated above; and it is
July 12, 1988
Page 16
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a variance is hereby granted and that
Sections 89-58 A, 89-30 B (2) and 89-14 of the Zoning
Ordinance and Section 280-a of the Town Law be varied and
modified so as to allow the construction of a house on the
premises located at Premium Point Road and known on the Tax
Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 508 Parcel
30, provided that the applicants comply in all other respects
with the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code of the Town of
Mamaroneck, subject to the following conditions:
That any building permit appication which results from
the variance be referred to the Coastal Zone Management
Commission for its review; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that and in accordance with Section 89-73
of the Zoning Ordinance, the building permit shall be void if
construction is not started within six months and completed
within two years of the date of said permit; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this decision be filed with the Town
Clerk as provided in Section 267 of the Town Code.
*****
NEXT MEETING
The Board set its next meeting for Tuesday, August 16, 1988 at
8:15 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 2:13 A.M.
Bonnie M. Burdick
Recording Secretary