TOWN OF GRANBY
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Meeting Minutes
August 19, 2015
AGENDA: Jones Public Hearing
Regular Monthly Meeting
MEMBERS: Michael French, Chairman
Peter LeoGrande
Patricia Simmons
Tom
Thompson
Dan Parkhurst - absent
ALSO PRESENT: Arthur and Jodi Jones.
* * * * * * * * * *
PUBLIC HEARING
Arthur and Jodi Jones – 2094 County Route 8, Oswego
Tax Map # 201.00-02-01.1
Chairman French opened the Hearing at 7:00 pm and asked the
applicant to explain the reason for the Area Variance request. The applicants stated that they would like to
build a 12’x26’ two story residential addition on the front of their home which
encroaches on the required front setback dimension by 12’. They explained that the existing floor plan
has always been difficult to arrange furniture in because of it being narrow
and long – the addition would essentially double the living room size as it
runs along the front of the house. The
upstairs would be used for a third bedroom for a third child, and provide an
enlarged master bedroom area. They
concluded that the addition would provide a flow and usefulness to the space
that has never been there. Chairman
French asked about the back porch size and construction suggesting that it may
be an alternate location that wouldn’t require a variance. Mr. Jones replied that the back porch is 12’
wide and built on concrete piers; he added that he isn’t willing to renovate
the existing interior because it’s in good shape and a reason why they bought
the home initially. The existing second floor layout also wouldn’t allow access
to the third bathroom without having to go through another bedroom. Member Tom Thompson asked when they purchased
the home? Art Jones stated that they
bought the house in 1998. Member
Thompson explained that in reviewing a request the Board has 5 criteria to
consider and that they must determine that a situation is an exception causing
a hardship requiring relief and not a situation of convenience or
preference. Art Jones replied that he is
a contractor and the cost of the changes to move the existing bathroom and
laundry back into what would be an addition replacing the back porch would be
double what they’ve budgeted for the two story front renovation. He would be willing to lessen the
encroachment on the front from 12’ to 6’ but can’t economically redesign what’s
already there. Mr. Jones also stated
that the road elevation is 6’ to 7’ lower than the house, which isn’t readily
seen in the photos provided; in case the Board felt that road safety was an
issue by encroaching in the front. He
also added that many homes in the neighborhood are closer than the 50’ required
- so the encroachment wouldn’t stand out or change the existing neighborhood
character. The Board Members voiced
individually that they were hesitant to approve such a large variance when it
appeared that there were other options available, although not as practical and
efficient as the one presented. The
dimensions on the site plan were also questioned for accuracy and what point
was being measured from – edge of pavement or center of road. Mr. Jones stated that the 50’ dimension was
measured from the edge of the road and that the CEO had field measured it
himself when completing the building permit.
After some discussion, the Members and Mr. Jones agreed to Table the
Hearing at 7:20 pm and reconvene another day to allow the applicant time to
provide an alternate site plan and let the Board investigate the
dimensions. An out of the box idea was
presented by the applicant to possibly cantilever the addition on the front;
and would it even need a variance since there would be no foundation. A meeting will be scheduled to continue the
review of the application when all parties are ready.
* * * * * * * * * * *
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
.
The Regular meeting was opened at 7:22 pm.
Frederick Mellini – The Public Hearing held
on May 26, 2015 that had previously been tabled for consideration of a variance
request at 1008 State Route
48, Fulton has been closed by Chairman French.
The applicants withdrew their request.
MINUTES
A motion to
approve the meeting minutes with minor corrections for May 26, 2015 was moved by Member Patricia Simmons and
seconded by Member Peter LeoGrande, all were in favor, motion carried.
With no other business before the Board a motion to
adjourn at 7:30 pm was moved by Member
Tom Thompson and seconded by Member Patricia Simmons, all were in favor, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by:
Lisa Somers,
ZBA secretary
