12-21-2016 ui m
QUEENSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
FIRST REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 2016
INDEX
Area Variance PZ 252-2016 Michael & Holly Dansbury 1.
Tax Map No. 289.10-1-31
Area Variance PZ 254-2016 Michael & Elaine Feeney 7.
Tax Map No. 252.-1-21
Area Variance PZ 255-2016 Seerena Coombes 11.
Tax Map No. 289.17-1-39 and 56
Area Variance PZ 268-2016 William E. Bergman 18.
Tax Map No. 288.16-1-29
Area Variance PZ 260-2016 Brian Olesen 22.
Tax Map No. 288.8-1-13 & 14
Area Variance PZ 266-2016 William A. Mason 31.
Tax Map No. 239.8-1-25
Sign Variance PZ 261-2016 AJ Signs 32.
Tax Map No. 302.7-1-44
Use Variance PZ 264-2016 MH Imperial Homes— Gregory T. Hewlett 35.
Tax Map No. 290.5-1-55
THESE ARE NOT OFFICIALLY ADOPTED MINUTES AND ARE SUBJECT TO BOARD AND
STAFF REVISIONS. REVISIONS WILL APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING MONTHS MINUTES
(IF ANY) AND WILL STATE SUCH APPROVAL OF SAID MINUTES.
QUEENSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
FIRST REGULAR MEETING
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DECEMBER 21, 2016
7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT
STEVEN JACKOSKI, CHAIRMAN
ROY URRICO, SECRETARY
MICHAEL MC CABE
JOHN HENKEL
RONALD KUHL
HARRISON FREER
JAMES UNDERWOOD
LAND USE PLANNER-LAURA MOORE
STENOGRAPHER-SUE HEMINGWAY
MR. JACKOSKI-Welcome, everyone. I'd like to welcome you all to the Zoning Board of
Appeals meeting for this Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 7 o'clock here in the Queensbury
Activities Center. For those of you who haven't been here in the past it's quite a simple
process. There's an agenda on the back table with some guidelines with how we conduct
ourselves. What we'll do is we'll take care of some housekeeping tonight. In this case tonight
we'll certainly do all New Business. There is no Old Business on the agenda. I will call each
applicant up to the small table here with their associated agents. Roy will be kind enough to
read everything into the record on the application. At that point we'll either ask the applicants to
offer any additional information they'd like to offer or for Board members to simply ask
questions. When there is a public hearing advertised, which on every single application this
evening there is a public hearing, we will open the public hearing. We will listen to the public
hearing from those who are here in the audience. We will ask Roy if there's been any written
comment that he's received. He'll read that into the record. We'll ask the applicants to
address the public hearing discussion, and then hopefully we'll get to a point where the Board
will be polled to see where we'd like to go with the application. Typically there's obviously a
motion at that point whether to deny or move forward or offer a postponement of the application
should the applicant wish us to do so. So, having said all that, we're going to get right into the
approval of meeting minutes for November 16, 2016. May I have a motion for approval?
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 16, 2016
MOTION TO APPROVE THE QUEENSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16, 2016, Introduced by Michael McCabe who moved for its
adoption, seconded by Roy Urrico:
Duly adopted this 21 st day of December, 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Underwood, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Freer, Mr. Henkel, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Urrico, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you. Having no other housekeeping to attend to, we're going to work
right into the New Business for this evening.
NEW BUSINESS:
AREA VARIANCE PZ 252-2016 SEQRA TYPE II MICHAEL & HOLLY DANSBURY
AGENT(S) CURTIS D. DYBAS OWNER(S) MICHAEL & HOLLY DANSBURY ZONING
WR-1A LOCATION 9 HEMLOCK ROAD — OFF GLEN LAKE ROAD APPLICANT
PROPOSES CONSTRUCTION OF A 572 SQ. FT. ATTACHED GARAGE AND A 48 SQ. FT.
KITCHEN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING 1,012 SQ. FT. (FOOTPRINT); 1,772 SQ. FT. (FLOOR
AREA) HOME. THE PROPOSED GARAGE WILL HAVE A STORAGE-LOFT AREA
ACCESSIBLE BY INTERIOR STAIRS. RELIEF REQUESTED FROM MINIMUM SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS, FAR, PERMEABILITY, AND EXPANSION OF A NONCONFORMING
STRUCTURE IN A CEA. PROJECT SUBJECT TO SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR EXPANSION
IN A CEA. PROJECT SUBJECT TO SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR EXPANSION IN A CEA.
CROSS REF BP 2000-838 RES. ALTERATIONS WARREN COUNTY PLANNING N/A
LOT SIZE 0.21 ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO. 289.10-1-31 SECTION 179-3-040; 179-13-010
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CURT DYBAS, REPRESENTING APPLICANTS, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Area Variance PZ 252-2016, Michael & Holly Dansbury, Meeting Date:
December 21, 2016 "Project Location: 9 Hemlock Road Description of Proposed Project:
Applicant proposes construction of a 572 sq. ft. attached garage and a 48 sq. ft. kitchen addition
to an existing 1,012 sq. ft. (footprint); 1,772 sq. ft. (Floor Area) home. The proposed garage will
have a storage-loft area acessible by interior stairs.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests relief from minimum setback requirements, FAR, and expansion of a
nonconforming structure in a CEA.
Section 179-3-040 establishment of districts-dimensional requirements WR zone
Proposed is a 572 sq. ft. attached garage and 48 sq. ft. kitchen addition. The garage addition is
proposed to be 6.67 ft. from the east property line where a 20 ft. setback is required. The
proposed Floor area ratio is 25.2 % where a maximum of 22% is allowed.
Section 179-13-010 Continuation —expansion of a non-conforming structure
The proposed additions to an existing not compliant are expansion of a non-conforming
structure.
Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this area variance. Minor impacts to the neighborhood may be anticipated. The applicant
has indicated the existing detached garage is to be removed and the new attached garage
moves further from the property line.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. The feasible
alternatives may be limited as the existing home is noncompliant for permeability and
setback.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief requested for setback
may be considered moderate where 6.67 ft. is proposed and the relief is for 13.33 ft. The
Floor area relief may considered minimal where 25.2 % proposed were 3.2 % in excess is
proposed
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. The project as proposed
may be considered to have minimal impact on the environmental conditions of the site or
area. The applicant has included permeable pavers.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created. The difficulty may be considered self-
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes a residential addition of a garage and kitchen. The addition is to be on
the north side of the home. The first floor area involved is the existing kitchen, a bedroom and
covered porch —where the bedroom and kitchen will be flip flopped and will be adjacent to the
new attached garage. The plans show the existing and proposed floor plan."
MR. JACKOSKI-Welcome.
MR. DYBAS-Good evening. For the record, Curt Dybas, representing Michael & Holly
Dansbury. Just about everything's been read into the record. The Dansbury's are wishing to
remodel this residence which they've owned since '99 into a more suitable year round
residence. It is year round, but very dated, and they want to create a small master bedroom on
the main floor. There's a bedroom down there now, but it's a lot smaller. As read into the
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record, they want to flip the bedroom and the kitchen so the kitchen will be adjacent to the
garage for reasons they are coming in from the garage directly into the kitchen, and a 48 square
foot addition onto the kitchen, basically to make it more usable. Other than that, within the
existing house there's no changes. There's one structural thing that has to be repaired, the 22
by 26 two car garage on the east side. There is a storage loft. The space is there to have that
storage. There is virtually no storage existing in the residence right now. It has a crawl space
basement which dates back to, I understand, you know, 1900's and it's not suitable for storage.
So they would like to have this storage loft above the garage for storage of stuff, and minimal
change to the outside of the house as far as character. No change on the lakeside at all.
There is a 2001 wastewater system was approved and installed. They currently have a well
point in the basement which they are going to replace with a new well because they just don't
have the water flow that they need. That's pretty much the project in a nutshell.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. Thank you. Are there any questions from Board members at this time
before I open the public hearing?
MR. HENKEL-Is there any way of making that, I know you're making the permeability a little bit
better there. Is there any way of stretching that even more? You're giving up, you're asking
for like about 16.4%, roughly. Is there any way of making that permeability any better than
that? I know it's limited there. You're taking out some asphalt and putting some permeable
pavers.
MR. DYBAS-If you visited the site.
MR. HENKEL-I did.
MR. DYBAS-There's quite a bit of a steep grade there. There's a lot of turning involved.
MR. HENKEL-There is.
MR. DYBAS-One of the problems with permeable pavers, they do not hold up well in the turning
on a grade. I don't have an answer for you without some more research, but my experience is
that it doesn't hold up well on slopes in turning.
MR. HENKEL-I'll agree with you on that one.
MR. JACKOSKI-Any other questions?
MR. KUHL-In this drawing you talk about 24 square foot reduction. Where is that 24 square
foot reduction?
MR. DYBAS-In what?
MR. KUHL-Well, on the overall square footage? It's being reduced by 24 square feet. Where
is that coming from?
MR. DYBAS-I don't see where?
MR. KUHL-On your site development data.
MR. DYBAS-Yes, go ahead. The porch, the existing porch that's on the north side of the
building, we're going to remove it and put in the new porch and make that 24 square feet
smaller. If you compare the 1St floor plans with the existing and the new, the dimensions I
believe are on there. You will find the 24 square feet.
MR. KUHL-Okay. Because you're shortening the porch?
MR. DYBAS-Correct.
MR. KUHL-Okay, and the outside entrance to the basement is now going to be inside the
garage?
MR. DYBAS-Correct.
MR. KUHL-Thank you.
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MR. JACKOSKI-Any other questions? We do have a public hearing scheduled this evening.
This is Area Variance Number PZ 252-2016. Is there anyone here in the audience who'd like to
address this Board concerning this application? Seeing no one, is there any written comment?
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
MR. URRICO-Yes. This says, "Hi, Laura, thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. I
also spoke with Sue Hemingway. To follow up my review of the plans you directed me to on
the Queensbury website, please note my items of interest with respect to this project are two-
fold. On Page 15, the power and utility lines coming off my property (noted on the drawings as
owned by Gordon Single, the previous owner who sold to me in 2004) are currently running
across my driveway, in my line of sight from my home, and are dangerous as they are low
hanging and running through my tree line. It is my belief that power and utility lines running to
structures on the Dansbury lot should stay along the back of their property line and tie into their
structures from the back of their lot and not across my lot. On Page 17, the septic is identified
as being potentially relocated and the wastewater field is shown on the northeast corner of the
lot. I would like to just note that my well is in a direct line behind the wastewater field and would
like to ensure the required distances remain between our water source and any wastewater or
septic discharges. My contact information is: Donald Brass 2910 Sunset Way, St. Pete
Beach, FL 33706 Please advise me of any decisions made that will impact my areas of
concern. Have a wonderful holiday. Thank you, Don Brass" And he gives his address as
2910 Sunset Way, St. Pete Beach, FL. So I'm not sure where that is in relation.
MRS. MOORE-It's a neighbor to the north of them, and I've had a couple of conversations with
him, and he now understands that it's the septic tank that's moving, not the field, and so he's
aware of that and there's not a distance issue. The Dansbury's field has already been installed.
It's just the tank issue that's being moved. In reference to the utilities, he's just asked the
architect and that neighbor if they can work on, when the utilities get taken down from the
existing garage and when they get replaced, is that we make sure, see if there's something that
we can do so it's no so low on his property. I think those were the only two items.
MR. JACKOSKI-Could you do underground utilities there and avoid those lines?
MR. DYBAS-It's my understanding that this was discussed some time ago when the Brass' built
the garage and the apartment, burying the utilities from the pole over to the Dansbury's, and I
don't know what transpired. Both neighbors get along fine, and I don't know if it was a cost
issue or what, but it's like, I've already checked. Let's forget about moving the pole. The
primary line is critical and make sure that it was secondary below primary. One possibility is
we raised the grade, raise the feed to the house, which would be the garage would be higher,
which we could raise the wire up, or feed the house from the mid-section off a secondary by the
neighbors to the west of Fasulo's are fed. That's something we'll work out.
MR. JACKOSKI-And so with the apartment this is really considered a two family house, right?
MRS. MOORE-No, not this house. That's the Brass', yes.
MR. DYBAS-There's no apartment here. And the question on the septic, Dansbury's put this
system in in '01 and the Brass' next door drilled their well like in '04 or '05, after the fact. So I
don't know distances and everything else.
MR. JACKOSKI-No other written comment, right, Roy?
MR. URRICO-No.
MR. JACKOSKI-Board members, should I just poll the Board? Okay. Anyone want to go first?
MR. MC CABE-I'll go first.
MR. JACKOSKI-Thanks, Mike.
MR. MC CABE-I took a look at it. Kind of limited options because it's a pretty small lot, house.
I actually think it's an improvement doing away with the old single garage and making it integral
to the house, and so I think it's an improvement to the neighborhood. So I'll support the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-John?
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MR. HENKEL-Yes, I also support the project. It's definitely an improvement. Permeability is
going up a little bit, which I'd like to see go a little bit more, but it's acceptable and I agree with
the project as is.
MR. JACKOSKI-Ron?
MR. KUHL-Yes. Our charge is to give minimum relief, and I'm not in favor of the project as
state with a two car garage. If you moved it to a single car garage, however, I'd be in favor of it.
So I'd be against it the way it's presented.
MR. JACKOSKI-Jim?
MR. UNDERWOOD-I think we have to keep in mind what they're proposing here, and the porch
and the kitchen addition is on the back of the house not on the Iakeshore. So it's not really
going to have a negative effect on the lake. The setbacks currently existing on the property are
going to be improved slightly from what they are. The only big issue that I have is the floor area
ratio, because we'd be exceeding it with the 25% as opposed to the 22%, and again, that's the
garage that Ron noted. The fact that the garage is a two car. I think that, you know, I would
like to hear what the rest of the Board members have to say, but I think at this time, too, the
need for a two car garage, I mean, everybody wants one, but this is a .21 acre lot, and I think
you have to keep in mind, we have to keep some kind of a handle as to the impact of extra
building above the 22% floor area ratio. So I'm going to wait to see what people say.
MR. JACKOSKI-Harrison?
MR. FREER-I'm going to wait to see what you say. I sort of take both of what my colleagues
have said and I can really go either way on this. It's not ostentatious, but it's a little lot and we
keep nickel and diming the development there. The fact that you've done it in the back is good,
because the lake, in my mind, is the most important part of that, but when we keep approving
floor area ratios for people that build on nonconforming lots, I don't think we're being true to our
charge. So I'm on the fence on this one, pardon the pun.
MR. JACKOSKI-Save me, Roy.
MR. URRICO-I'm in favor of the project. I think it succeeds in passing the balancing test.
Everything considered, it's minimal relief, even though it goes beyond the floor area ratio. It's
not by a lot. So I'd be in favor of it.
MR. JACKOSKI-So would the applicant be okay with a single car garage? And clean up the
FAR?
MR. DYBAS-A year round house with a one car garage.
MR. JACKOSKI-But it's a tiny, tiny lot.
MR. DYBAS-Part of that FAR ratio is that storage loft, too. Which is, it's a storage space. It
will always be a storage space. It's not connected to the house at all, and you've got five foot
walls and a 70 foot ridge.
MR. JACKOSKI-But that's why we've done the 22% is those storage type spaces that would
otherwise be saved with only 20%. So, I mean, we've allowed for that in the 22 that those are
just non-usable spaces. Based on the way it's designed.
MR. DYBAS-It's non-usable, but part of that storage is stuff. I mean, I'm struggling because I
agree with Jim, Harrison and Ron. So, I mean, if they had a one car or one and a half car
garage down to the 22% I'd be okay with all the other variances, but that's just my opinion. We
could take a vote and see where we go. Jim, do you want to, you said you wanted to wait until
you heard what we all said.
MR. UNDERWOOD-I don't think it would be unreasonable to lower the size of the garage down.
At the same time we have to ask ourselves how many people don't have a two car garage that
live on the water. I mean, that's pretty much a given, and I think the fact that they have those
two big trees in the front on the lakeside, I think any water coming off the roof from the garage is
going to be absorbed. I don't think it's going to have any kind of an impact. It's got a brand
new septic system in the back, too. So I guess I'd reluctantly say I would go for it, an extra floor
area ratio.
MR. JACKOSKI-Harrison?
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MR. FREER-Yes, again, I can support this, but like I said, it's really close to my threshold of
saying floor area ratio. I didn't realize what you just said, but that ameliorates my concern a
little bit. It's not living space. It's just storage space. So I could support it.
MR. JACKOSKI-So I will close the public hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
MR. JACKOSKI-And seek a motion for approval.
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from
Michael and Holly Dansbury. Applicant proposes construction of a 572 sq. ft. attached garage
and a 48 sq. ft. kitchen addition to an existing 1,012 sq. ft. (footprint); 1,772 sq. ft. (Floor Area)
home. The proposed garage will have a storage-loft area accessible by interior stairs.
The applicant requests relief from minimum setback requirements, FAR, and expansion of a
nonconforming structure in a CEA.
Section 179-3-040 establishment of districts-dimensional requirements WR zone
Proposed is a 572 sq. ft. attached garage and 48 sq. ft. kitchen addition. The garage addition is
proposed to be 6.67 ft. from the east property line where a 20 ft. setback is required. The
proposed Floor area ratio is 25.2 % where a maximum of 22% is allowed.
Section 179-13-010 Continuation —expansion of a non-conforming structure
The proposed additions to an existing not compliant are expansion of a non-conforming
structure.
SEQR Type II — no further review required;
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
1. There is not an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood nor a detriment
to nearby properties because the new garage and the exterior in the rear of the property
will actually be an improvement.
2. Feasible alternatives have been considered but are not practical because of the small
size of the property.
3. The requested variance is not substantial. The property is already nonconforming and
the requested setback is actually improving and the proposed floor area ratio increase is
not that great.
4. There is not an adverse impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the
neighborhood or district.
5. Is the alleged difficulty is, of course, self-created.
6. In addition the Board finds that the benefit to the applicant from granting the requested
variance would outweigh (approval) the resulting detriment to the health, safety and
welfare of the neighborhood or community;
7. The Board also finds that the variance request under consideration is the minimum
necessary;
8. The Board also proposes the following conditions:
a) That no external accessory structures will be allowed on this property after the re-build.
BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AREA VARIANCE
PZ 252-2016, MICHAEL AND HOLLY DANSBURY, Introduced by Michael McCabe, who
moved for its adoption, seconded by John Henkel:
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Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016 by the following vote:
MR. HENKEL-Should we put conditions on it, no more sheds or anything like that, though? I
mean, it's something.
MR. JACKOSKI-Is that reasonable, to put in a condition on the approval that there are no
additional out or accessory structures?
MR. DYBAS-That's fine.
MR. JACKOSKI-So please note that in the resolution we are going to add.
MR. MC CABE-Yes, so I'll amend my resolution to include the condition that no external sheds
will be allowed on this property after the re-build.
MR. JACKOSKI-Let's re-phrase it, not shed but accessory structures.
MR. MC CABE-Accessory structures. That's what I meant to say.
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you.
AYES: Mr. Underwood, Mr. Freer, Mr. Urrico, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Henkel
NOES: Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
MR. JACKOSKI-You're all set. Thank you very much.
AREA VARIANCE PZ 254-2016 SEQRA TYPE II MIKE AND ELAINE FEENEY AGENT(S)
DENNIS MAC ELROY OWNER(S) MICHAEL AND ELAINE FEENEY ZONING RR-5A
LOCATION LOCKHART MOUNTAIN ROAD APPLICANT PROPOSES CONSTRUCTION
OF A 2,600 SQ. FT. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON A FIVE-ACRE PARCEL WITH SITE
WORK INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OF A DRIVEWAY. THE PROJECT INCLUDES
INSTALLATION OF STORMWATER DEVICES THAT ARE LESS THAN 100 FT. FROM THE
WETLAND. PROJECT SUBJECT TO SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR HARD SURFACING AND
PROJECT WITHIN 50 FT. OF 15% SLOPES. CROSS REF N/A WARREN COUNTY
PLANNING DECEMBER 2016 ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY ALD LOT SIZE 5.64
ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO. 252.1-21 SECTION 147
DENNIS MAC ELROY, REPRESENTING APPLICANTS, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Area Variance PZ 254-2016, Mike and Elaine Feeney, Meeting Date:
December 21, 2016 "Project Location: Lockhart Mountain Road Description of Proposed
Project: Applicant proposes construction of a 2,600 sq. ft. single-family residence on a five-
acre parcel with site work including construction of a driveway.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests the following relief for installation of stormwater devices less than 100 ft.
from wetland. Parcel is located in the zone RR-5A.
Section 147-11 Stormwater Management —Supplementary additional requirements for projects
within Lake George Park
The applicant proposes stormwater infiltration devices closer than 100 ft. to the wetland. Swale
#2 is to be 37 ft. and Swale #3 is to be 38 ft. and the code requires devices to be 100 ft. or
greater from the wetland.
Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this area variance. Minor to no impacts to the neighborhood may be anticipated.
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2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. Feasible alternatives
are limited as the applicant is working with the APA to develop the access drive and meet
the APA requirements.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief may be considered
moderate relevant to the code. Swale # 2 is to be 37 ft. and relief requested is 63 ft. and
Swale #3 is to be 38 ft. and 62 ft. of relief is requested.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. The project as proposed
will have minimal impact to the neighborhood.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self created. The difficulty may be considered self-
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes the development of a 5.6 ac parcel for a 2,600 sq. ft. single family
home. The project includes the disturbance for the installation of a well, septic and an access
drive. The applicant has been working with the APA to satisfy requirements for access near the
wetland."
MR. JACKOSKI-Welcome.
MR. MAC ELROY-Thank you. I'm Dennis MacElroy with Environmental Design here with
property owner and applicant Michael Feeney. This is a project requesting a variance from
what is a stormwater regulation in the Town's Ordinance Chapter 147. What the Feeney's
would like to do is develop this lot. It was originally subdivided back in the 80's and Mike is I
think the fourth or fifth owner of that property that's never been developed. Mike would like to
build a single family residence. The nature of the lot is it comes off of Lockhart Mountain Road
and there's a low point where there are wetlands and then back up the hill to the building site,
which is about 600 feet or so off the road. The nature of that work makes it a major stormwater
project because of the length of the driveway, the amount of related disturbance. So a major
stormwater project requires a 100 foot setback from stormwater infiltration devices. We have
two as shown on the original design that fall within that setback. So we're here for that request
for that variance. I would note that as this is subject to review by the Town Engineer for the
Site Plan Review process we're also going through some comments or a comment in particular
that came from Chazen's review, made us juggle things a little bit so that the current design
actually eliminates one of those spaces, and I'd like to proceed with the variance and probably
the resolution is written just pending Chazen's ultimate judgement on what we re-submitted, but
it would only be lessened if it was, we followed that revised plan. Instead of having two basins
that fell within 100 foot we would only have one, but 1, again, in discussing this with Laura earlier
today, I felt that that would be the better way to proceed. If we end up lessening it, all the
better.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. Pretty straightforward. Any questions from Board members at this time
before I open the public hearing?
MR. HENKEL-I've got one. Why are you changing the, I didn't get a chance to walk the
property. I just looked at it from the road, but what's the reason for the change of the road, of
the driveway? You have an existing driveway and now you're changing it and putting a new
driveway in.
MR. MAC ELROY-Correct. It's really a matter of building it to a more reasonable and safe
grade. What would be there, if you simply surfaced the existing grading, you'd be dealing in,
ultimately, in slopes of 16 to 20%, and what we're proposing through our action with the APA is
to raise that grade, or raise the grade of the driveway, therefore lessening the vertical slope and
making it, softening it a little bit, and that's the desire of the property owner. It's a reasonable
stand to try to achieve 12%, and we've actually gotten some input from the local fire company
supporting that.
MR. HENKEL-It looks like you're disturbing more property that way, but understandable. I
didn't get a chance to walk it, but I looked at it from the road. It makes sense.
MR. JACKOSKI-Any other Board member questions before open the public hearing?
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MR. KUHL-Yes, Dennis, what's the APA status on this? You've got to come here first and then
go there or?
MR. MAC ELROY-Well, APA requires that we've at least made the application to the Town.
MR. KU H L-Okay.
MR. MAC ELROY-Which was done actually back in, we were in an October meeting of the
Planning Board. Through the review by Chazen it was identified that we should, because of the
stormwater design, we should require a variance. Now we're here with you and hopefully back
tomorrow with the Planning Board to complete that. To answer your question, we're still in the
process of the APA review, and I think we're closer. I think we're almost there, but I haven't got
that final word that they're in that permit writing mode.
MR. FREER-In the letter it says there's been four or five owners to this land and it's never been
developed. Has it been the wetlands problem that's prevented?
MR. MAC ELROY-1 can't really answer why the others didn't buy it and build on it, but no, it was
two owners ago, Mike being about the third, that initially had some interaction with the APA that
resulted in an enforcement action. So as to, you know, why those owners or the subsequent
didn't build, I'm not really sure.
MR. UNDERWOOD-So is the concern with the APA, is that the distance of the swales from the
actually roadway?
MR. MAC ELROY-No, APA doesn't have a concern about that. Just the Town Engineer.
MR. UNDERWOOD-The Town does, but the APA wanted an approval?
MR. MAC ELROY-No, the Town or APA?
MR. UNDERWOOD-The Town.
MR. MAC ELROY-The Town, or Chazen just simply commented that they were within the 100
foot setback that required a variance because it's a major project.
MR. UNDERWOOD-And that's just because of the length of the road, too. Right?
MR. MAC ELROY-Yes, you have to capture the runoff where it's generated.
MR. UNDERWOOD-Right, you don't want it running down the whole length of the road.
MR. MAC ELROY-Correct.
MR. JACKOSKI-There is a public hearing scheduled for this evening. Is there anyone here in
the audience who'd like to address this Board on this particular application?
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
PAUL KELLY
MR. KELLY-Good evening. My name's Paul Kelly. I'm the adjacent landowner. I just wanted
to make it known that I'm in favor of the project, and we're interested in the approval from both
the Boards and hopefully the APA is on board as well. Thank you very much.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. Thank you. Anyone else that would like to address this Board?
Seeing no one in the audience, is there any written comment?
MR. URRICO-There is no written comment.
MR. JACKOSKI-Having no written comment and after hearing the public comment, I'll poll the
Board and see what their thoughts are. I'll start with Roy.
MR. URRICO-Yes, on balance I think I'd be in favor of the project, pending the approval of the
APA.
MR. JACKOSKI-Ron?
,nay
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MR. KUHL-Yes, I'm in favor of it as is. I think it's a good project for the property.
MR. JACKOSKI-John?
MR. HENKEL-I'm all for it also.
MR. JACKOSKI-Mike?
MR. MC CABE-Sounds like the applicant has tried to satisfy the agencies and I'm impressed
that he got the neighbor to speak. So I'll support the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-Harrison?
MR. FREER-Yes, I can support the project as well, and I just want to follow on Mike in terms of
my view. Having happy neighbors is very helpful, and so I appreciate you coming out and I
think that's good for the community that folks can make that kind of input. I support the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-Jim?
MR. UNDERWOOD-Yes, the applicant has engineered this so the driveway, because the long
length of it is much less of a slope than exists, and I think that's an improvement on the
situation. I think the infiltrators make sense, too, because that captures water all the way down.
So I'd be in favor of it.
MR. JACKOSKI-I'll close the public hearing and seek a motion for approval.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
MR. KUHL-Can I make that motion, Mr. Chairman?
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you, Ron.
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from Mike
and Elaine Feeney. Applicant proposes construction of a 2,600 sq. ft. single-family residence
on a five-acre parcel with site work including construction of a driveway.
The applicant requests the following relief for installation of stormwater devices less than 100 ft.
from wetland. Parcel is located in the zone RR-5A.
Section 147-11 Stormwater Management —Supplementary additional requirements for projects
within Lake George Park
The applicant proposes stormwater infiltration devices closer than 100 ft. to the wetland. Swale
#2 is to be 37 ft. and Swale #3 is to be 38 ft. and the code requires devices to be 100ft or
greater from the wetland.
SEQR Type II — no further review required;
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
1. There is not an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood nor a detriment
to nearby properties because of the shape of this property and the length that the road is
going to have to be.
2. Feasible alternatives are strictly limited, again, because of the width of the property.
3. The requested variance is not substantial.
4. There is not an adverse impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the
neighborhood or district.
5. The alleged difficulty may be self-created.
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6. In addition the Board finds that the benefit to the applicant from granting the requested
variance would outweigh (approval) the resulting detriment to the health, safety and
welfare of the neighborhood or community;
7. The Board also finds that the variance request under consideration is the minimum
necessary;
BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AREA VARIANCE
PZ 254-2016, MIKE AND ELAINE FEENEY, Introduced by Ronald Kuhl, who moved for its
adoption, seconded by Michael McCabe:
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Henkel, Mr. Urrico, Mr. Freer, Mr. Underwood, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you. Good luck.
MR. MAC ELROY-Thanks very much.
AREA VARIANCE PZ 255-2016 SEQRA TYPE II SEREENA COOMBES AGENT(S)
RUCINSKI HALL ARCHITECTURE; ETHAN P. HALL OWNER(S) SEREENA COOMBS
ZONING WR LOCATION 108 BIRDSALL ROAD APPLICANT PROPOSES
CONSTRUCTION OF A 552 SQ. FT. SECOND FLOOR ADDITION AND A NEW 422 SQ. FT.
DECK TO AN EXISTING 1,454 SQ. FT. (FOOTPRINT); 1,934 SQ. FT. (FLOOR AREA) HOME.
ADJOINING LOTS TO BE COMBINED. EXISTING CAR PORT REQUIRES VARIANCE
REVIEW; CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING. RELIEF REQUESTED FROM MINIMUM
SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AND FOR A SECOND GARAGE (CURRENT CAR PORT). IN
ADDITION RELIEF REQUESTED FROM MAXIMUM HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS, FLOOR AREA
RATIO, AND SETBACKS FOR THE RESIDENTIAL ADDITION IN A WR-1A ZONING
DISTRICT. CROSS REF BP 2007-261 DOCK WARREN COUNTY PLANNING N/A LOT
SIZE 0.34 ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO. 289.17-1-39 AND 56 SECTION 179-3-040
ETHAN HALL, REPRESENTING APPLICANT, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Area Variance PZ 255-2016, Sereena Coombes, Meeting Date: December
21, 2016 "Project Location: 108 Birdsall Road Description of Proposed Project: Applicant
proposes construction of a 552 sq. ft. second floor addition and a new 422 sq. ft. deck to an
existing 1,454 sq. ft. (footprint); 1,934 sq. ft. (floor area) home. Adjoining lots to be combined.
Existing car port requires variance review; currently outstanding.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests relief from the following for a second garage and setbacks to the garage
(current carport). In addition relief requested from maximum height restrictions and setbacks for
the residential addition in a WR zoning district.
Section 179-3-040 Establishment of Districts—dimensional requirements WR zone
The applicant proposes a 552 sq. ft. second floor addition and a new 422 sq. ft. deck. The new
addition height is proposed to be 28 ft. 4 in. where a 28 ft. height maximum is allowed. Also the
addition is to have a front setback of 19 ft. 2in where a 30 ft. setback is required, an east side
setback of 15 ft. 1 in. where a 20 ft. setback is required, and a rear setback of 12 ft. 6 in. where
a 30 ft. setback is required. The existing carport is located is 7 ft. 1 in. where a 30 ft. setback is
required.
Section 179-5-020 —Accessory Structures—garage
An existing carport on the site was constructed prior to the current owner's purchase and the
review was not completed. The relief requested is to maintain a second garage a carport in the
current location.
Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
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In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this area variance. Minor impacts to the neighborhood may be anticipated. This is an
extension of the second story and the front deck area.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. Feasible alternatives
may be limited as the project is an addition to an existing home on a 0.18 ac parcel where
any improvements would probably require additional review.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief may be considered
moderate relevant to the code. New addition and deck is proposed to be 4 inches in excess
of the allowed height of 28 ft. relief for front setback is 10 ft. 10 in, east side is 4 ft. 11 in, and
rear 17 ft. 6 in. The carport relief on the west side is 12 ft. 11 in. Relief for maintaining a
second garage -carport.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. The project as proposed
will have minimal impact to the neighborhood.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self created. The difficulty may be considered self
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes a residential addition include an expanded 2nd floor, a main floor deck
addition and to maintain a carport. The applicant has indicated the two parcels are to be
merged as one parcel. The addition allows for the rearrangement of bedroom space. The plans
show the existing and proposed conditions of the site and home."
MR. HALL-Good evening. For the record, Ethan Hall, principle with Rucinski Hall Architecture.
With me tonight is Sereena Coombes, the homeowner. The project is some additions to the
home. There's currently a very small bedroom on the first floor that both of her boys are
sharing. The addition is to take and put that bedroom on the upper floor so that the boys have
more room. They're still going to wind up sharing a bedroom but they're keeping that there,
opening up the downstairs to more usable space for them downstairs. The addition for the roof
is over the existing deck. It's just to enclose that, keep it so that they can use it at least three
seasons, and then the deck on the main floor comes off on the front of the house and it's over
what's a landscaped area now. So it's not really changing anything there. It's just getting it up
at floor level so that they don't have to go down steps to get to it. The existing carport I believe
was done by the previous owner.
MRS. MOORE-Correct.
MR. HALL-And done without a variance. Is that correct?
MRS. MOORE-Correct.
MR. HALL-So she kind of inherited that problem and we're just trying to tidy that up, I think.
MR. JACKOSKI-So, I mean, if the lots weren't combined, that's quite an overbuild of the
property.
MR. HALL-If the lots were not combined. The lots are going to be combined. That's part of it,
and so the floor area ratio issue, I think, goes away.
MR. JACKOSKI-What are the septic system issues there?
MR. HALL-The existing septic system was put in. We've got the drawings that were done for
that. It was put in in 1999 1 believe, under a permit. We've had IBS there. They've checked
the system. They've dye tested the system and there's no issues with it. Because it's an
existing two bedroom and it's remaining a two bedroom there's no alterations required.
MR. JACKOSKI-What is the current capacity of that septic system?
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MR. HALL-It's a 1,000 gallon tank and it's an eight foot drywell in diameter, six foot deep with
stone two feet all the way around the outside.
MR. JACKOSKI-So I remember when the Merritt house was done there was a lot of controversy
over all the septic systems in that area and all the wells in that area. Have there been any well
issues? Are there any septic issues?
MR. HALL-I know that Sereena has, that her well is in front of the house, and it has a
monitoring, it's being monitored by the adjoining neighbor is that correct?
SEREENA COOMBES
DR. COOMBES-Well, Bill and Carol, via variances, were going to contest my water, and I
wasn't here for that meeting obviously, and I know that three years in a row it's been fine, and I
think we're only at the third year at this point. There hasn't been any issues with it at this point.
MR. KUHL-They had to test it what, for the first five years after that new house?
DR. COOMBES-1 think it's yearly for three years, and then every three years for an additional.
MR. JACKOSKI-Is that, again, necessary at this point?
DR. COOMBES-1 think potentially not. It's been fine for three years. Their septic is below
where my property is. Their well is actually more at risk from their septic system than mine is.
MR. JACKOSKI-I mean, could your septic system, because of its capacity, you know, I think
when we were looking at these variances and all that's going on at the Miller house, as I call it, it
was hardly ever used, but now it seems like it's getting used a lot more. So does that septic
system have the potential capacity of effecting the actual well that's on that property? It's not
100 feet away, correct?
MR. HALL-The existing septic system on this lot is not 100 feet from its own well.
MR. JACKOSKI-Correct. So you've got a compounded issue here of your well's too close to
your septic and the neighboring well's possibly too close to the well. So who knows who's
doing what at this point.
MR. HALL-And that was the reason for having it tested and under a continuous monitor.
DR. COOMBES-But I think it's reasonable that with the increased use of my property that the
Merritt's property test their water. I probably need to test my water, and if there became an
issue then we can expand the neighborhood.
MR. JACKOSKI-I mean, I don't know the home. Does it have a dishwasher and dryer? I
mean all those things are part of the current home?
DR. COOMBES-There's no dishwater, but there is washer and dryers.
MR. HALL-Washer and dryers. Currently there is a big tub in the master bedroom or in the
upstairs bedroom and that tub, as part of this project, comes out and goes away. So that, the
potential for their being a couple hundred gallons worth of water going through it is diminished.
They're all water saving fixtures that are in the facility.
MR. JACKOSKI-So you don't think that the current septic system on this particular parcel is able
to handle a three bedroom capacity?
MR. HALL-I do not.
MR. JACKOSKI-So it's a two bedroom at best.
MR. HALL-It is a two bedroom, correct, and that is now and it will remain that way. Yes.
MR. JACKOSKI-So talk to us a little bit about the combining of the lots. Because we know
there's lots of issues there. We know about the dock issue. We know about all the things that
hare happening. So combining the lots, I mean, granted, you get to do whatever you wish.
W.
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MR. HALL-There are some easements across the property from what I understand, lake right
easements, and that will remain in effect. The use of the lake rights are still being honored by
that. It's just the combination put them under one deed.
MR. JACKOSKI-So when you did all the calculations for permeability and everything, you
included all the roadways that are already there for those lots?
MR. HALL-That is correct.
MR. JACKOSKI-And the driveway that comes off of the right of way, I don't know if you call the
front of your property Birdsall Road.
MR. HALL-The front is Birdsall. That's what we're considering the front, and then we are
considering Birdsall Road as part of our permeable, impermeable. We're increasing our
permeability on the side, the west side of the existing carport. It drops off and it's completely
concrete right up to the property line. We're going to pull all that out to give water a place to go
when it comes off that roof so it doesn't run down the driveway the way it does now. It's kind of
the intent to get rid of that there and make that area more permeable.
DR. COOMBES-By putting that deck out front I don't need that patio space on the side
anymore.
MR. JACKOSKI-Do you plan on making any improvements to your benefit that actually come on
to what is known as the beach lot?
MR. HALL-No, I don't believe there's the ability for us to do that.
DR. COOMBES-1 don't believe that with combining the deeds that there's any ability to build on
there with all the setbacks.
MR. JACKOSKI-But Mr. Miller was able to create driveways and all of that stuff even though
that was beach lot property. So there's always a way. Just checking to find out if you plan on
expanding forward closer to the lake, you know, all that good stuff.
DR. COOMBES-No.
MR. JACKOSKI-Any other questions from Board members?
MR. HENKEL-There's really not a variance needed for the front setback because that's not
really a Town road. That's really done through your property.
MR. HALL-We bandied this about. Technically you're correct. However, the property line as it
stands right now does go across the front on this side or on Sereena's side of Birdsall. So we
decided to throw that in as,just to cover it.
MR. HENKEL-The Town doesn't own that.
MR. JACKOSKI-Technically 911 should have been a Marley Way address, technically. That
parcel does not front on Birdsall Road.
MR. HALL-Yes, only because Birdsall Road just.
DR. COOMBES-And I believe, from the electric company I mean I am a Marley Way, but I
believe Steve Miller changed the address to Birdsall Road address.
MR. JACKOSKI-Must have been more prestigious.
MR. HALL-Well, is Marley Way, isn't that a private right of way? I believe the sign says.
MR. JACKOSKI-The mailing address.
MR. HALL-Is it, is it maintained by the Town?
MR. JACKOSKI-No.
MR. HALL-That may be why, because Birdsall, I think, is maintained by the Town. So that may
be why they do it. I don't know.
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MR. KUHL-Ethan are you doing a whole new roof or are you just extending it out over?
MR. HALL-We're going to have to do at least part of it, and by doing the one side because of
the way the new addition fronts over the top of it, and then extending the front out over the
existing deck, we'll probably wind up doing a good share of at least that side. We may not have
to do all of the east side of the roof, but it'll depend on the color of the shingles and how closely
they match.
MR. JACKOSKI-And you have to have the carport. I mean, this Board has been typical of
second garages and second sheds and all these other things. I mean, this is crammed right on
this part of the lot.
MR. HENKEL-That would eliminate that variance on that side, too, if you made it smaller.
MR. HALL-It's very, very tough for us to take any of it away to make it smaller. I mean the
posts are right on the edge of the driveway. There's really not enough room underneath.
There's room maybe to park one car to keep it out of the weather, but it is open on all three
sides. The other thing is that part of our second floor expansion is going to use that support of
that end of the carport. So taking it away kind of takes away my support system.
MR. JACKOSKI-So it would be a three open sided carport forever, or are you going to end up
going back? Because the variance says you can build that close to the line, and so you could
easily then just go and apply for an application to close it in as a garage.
MR. HALL-Is it your intent to ever enclose it?
DR. COOMBES-No.
MR. HALL-I don't think there's ever an intent to enclose it. I think it's.
MR. HENKEL-If you enclosed the garage in the back you wouldn't be able to get to the garage
in the back, then?
MR. HALL-Correct. Well, you can get to it from Marley.
MR. JACKOSKI-Yes, Marley Way. So you'd be okay with us conditioning it that it would always
remain a carport?
DR. COOMBES-Yes.
MR. KUHL-Well, how come your drawing shows a garage, Ethan?
MR. HALL-There's an existing garage there. There's an existing garage on the back of the
property, and then the carport.
MR. KUHL-I guess I didn't see it from Birdsall.
MR. HALL-From Birdsall you really can't see it. It's in the back.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. Any other questions from Board members? I'll open the public hearing.
Is there anyone here in the audience that would like to address this board concerning this
particular application?
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
WILLIAM MERRITT
MR. MERRITT-I'm William Merritt. We're adjacent property owners. We share property lot
lines and we are in full support of the project. The required variances seem reasonable.
Thank you.
MR. JACKOSKI-Anyone else here in the audience who'd like to address the Board? Seeing no
one, is there any written comment?
MR. URRICO-Yes, there are two. "I am writing in support of the Application of Sereena
Coombes (Area Variance No. PZ 255-2016). 1 live across Marley Way from Dr. Coombes and
have lived at my current address as my primary residence since 1987. Like all areas that
involve Lake access, our neighborhood has been evolving from modest seasonal camps to
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more elaborate houses suitable for year-round use. Most, if not all, of the houses in this
neighborhood are located on substandard lots and need at least one area variance for almost
any improvements. The improvements proposed by Dr. Coombes are compatible with the
character of the neighborhood and seem like a creative way to accommodate a family that is
growing up. Granting the requested variances would not be detrimental to the neighborhood
but would likely be significantly beneficial to the Coombes family. Thank you. Sincerely, Ann
Russell" 26 Marley Way. And this one says, "We are direct neighbors of the applicant as
our property borders the Coombes property to the East. Additionally our home is situated in the
closest proximity to the Coombes home. We will not be able to attend the ZBA meeting,
however we want you to know that Ms. Coombes has shared her plans with us and based on
such, we are writing in support of her application. Kindly take our support into consideration as
Ms. Coombes works to improve her property to better fit the needs and desires of her family.
Respectfully, David and Michele DeSanto" 31 Marley Way. That's it.
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you. So I guess at this point, hearing public comment, I'll poll the
Board. I'll start with Harrison.
MR. FREER-Yes, as I just said, it's good to get feedback from the neighbors, especially when
it's positive, and I think that this is a reasonable approach. It is a small lot and it's not as close
to the lake as some of the other. Now that you've combined it with the beach lot, I can support
the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-Jim?
MR. UNDERWOOD-Yes. I'll be in support of the project also. I think what we need to keep in
mind is that the house is about 195 feet setback from the water which is, the waterfront
regulations are promulgated basically to protect the lake, and this is going to have no impact on
the lake. The size of the project is within the scope of what anybody would do that's
reasonable. It's not like way over the top and I think over height four inches is minimal. That
doesn't amount to anything.
MR. HALL-if it wasn't existing, I wouldn't be asking for it.
MR. UNDERWOOD-Almost all the setbacks that you're asking for are already currently existing
on the property. It's not like you're making up new ones or encroaching or getting in
somebody's face next door with your close proximity with your neighbors. I'd support it.
MR. JACKOSKI-Mike?
MR. MC CABE-The neighbors are happy. It's an improvement to the neighborhood, and
there's some environmental improvements. So let's not delay the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-Roy?
MR. URRICO-Yes, the support of the neighbors only serve to support my position, which is in
favor of the application.
MR. JACKOSKI-Ron?
MR. KUHL-Yes. I'd be in favor as stated.
MR. JACKOSKI-John?
MR. HENKEL-Yes, I support the project as is.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. Before I close the public hearing, are there any conditions you want to
put on? I mean, were you suggesting that you could eliminate the well testing, or do you want
to keep it open?
DR. COOMBES-1 was suggesting that we could eliminate it.
MRS. MOORE-1 think that's a condition of the Town Board. The Board of Health.
MR. JACKOSKI-I mean, we brought it up. I think we put it as part of our variances with Merritt.
Correct?
MRS. MOORE-That they test?
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MR. JACKOSKI-That they test, yes, because there was so much activity on that smaller lot. I
think we put them on as conditions of that variance. It doesn't matter at this point, right?
MRS. MOORE-Right.
MR. JACKOSKI-So I mean the Town would still have to go through, as far as septic systems,
that they approved as the Board of Health?
MRS. MOORE-Yes.
MR. FREER-I thought we were going to make it a condition of it remaining a carport?
MR. JACKOSKI-So it's okay to make it a condition that it remain a carport and not a garage or a
shed or living quarters.
MR. KUHL-Well, do we know that the carport is built to standard?
MR. JACKOSKI-I don't think it is.
MR. KUHL-Well, then how can you recommend that we approve it?
MR. HENKEL-As long as it fits the Code, as long as.
MR. KUHL-Well, that's what I'm saying, Staff, does it fit the Code?
MRS. MOORE-Yes.
MR. KUHL-So it meets standard?
MRS. MOORE-Right.
MR. KU H L-Okay.
MR. HALL-As far as the Building Code goes, it's probably over-engineered.
MR. KU H L-Okay.
MR. HALL-The entire roof system is made out of LBL material, as opposed to non-bolt
plumbing. They're 11 inch or 12 inch deep LBL members, 16 inches on center that span like 19
or 20 feet and we can even park the car on top of it and it wouldn't hurt it.
MR. JACKOSKI-Let's talk about that now. Are you suggesting that she's going to have a
parking garage?
MR. HALL-We would condition it. Absolutely.
MR. JACKOSKI-All right. I'm going to close the public hearing and seek a motion for approval.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from
Sereena Coombes. Applicant proposes construction of a 552 sq. ft. second floor addition and
a new 422 sq. ft. deck to an existing 1,454 sq. ft. (footprint); 1,934 sq. ft. (floor area) home.
Adjoining lots to be combined. Existing car port requires variance review; currently outstanding.
The applicant requests relief from the following for a second garage and setbacks to the garage
(current carport). In addition relief requested from maximum height restrictions and setbacks for
the residential addition in a WR zoning district.
Section 179-3-040 Establishment of Districts—dimensional requirements WR zone
The applicant proposes a 552 sq. ft. second floor addition and a new 422 sq. ft. The new
addition height is proposed to be 28 ft. 4 in. where a 28 ft. height maximum is allowed. Also the
addition is to have a front setback of 19 ft. 2in where a 30 ft. setback is required, an east side
setback of 15 ft. 1 in. where a 20 ft. setback is required, and a rear setback of 12 ft. 6 in where a
30 ft. setback is required. The existing carport is located is 7 ft. 1 in where a 20 ft. setback is
required.
Section 179-5-020 —Accessory Structures—garage
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An existing carport on the site was constructed prior to the current owner's purchase and the
review was not completed. The relief requested is to maintain a second garage a carport in the
current location.
SEQR Type II — no further review required;
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
1. There is not an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood nor a detriment
to nearby properties and in fact we believe this will improve the character of the
neighborhood.
2. Feasible alternatives have been considered but they're limited because of the size of the
property and the slope that it's on.
3. The requested variance is not substantial. At best it's moderate.
4. There is not an adverse impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the
neighborhood or district. In fact we think that there'll be some improvements in the
runoff.
5. Is the alleged difficulty is, of course self-created.
6. In addition the Board finds that the benefit to the applicant from granting the requested
variance would outweigh (approval) the resulting detriment to the health, safety and
welfare of the neighborhood or community;
7. The Board also finds that the variance request under consideration is the minimum
necessary;
8. The Board also proposes the following conditions:
a) That the carport will always remain an open carport.
BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AREA VARIANCE
PZ 255-2016, SEREENA COOMBES, Introduced by Michael McCabe, who moved for its
adoption, seconded by Harrison Freer:
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016 by the following vote:
MR. HENKEL-Did we add the condition that the carport will not be a garage?
MR. MC CABE-Did we decide that's what we want to do?
MR. JACKOSKI-I think so.
MR. MC CABE-Okay. I meant to say that, but I forgot. So in addition we'll condition that the
carport always remain a carport.
MRS. MOORE-And I would add to that an open carport.
MR. MC CABE-Excuse me. The carport will remain an open carport.
MRS. MOORE-A typo error that shows up in the resolution for the carport. It is a 20 foot
setback and not a 30 foot setback. So that should be corrected.
MR. JACKOSKI-So noted.
AYES: Mr. Henkel, Mr. Urrico, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Underwood, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Freer, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
MR. JACKOSKI-Good luck.
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MR. HALL-Thank you very much.
AREA VARIANCE PZ 268-2016 SEQRA TYPE 11 WILLIAM E. BERGMAN OWNER(S)
WILLIAM E. AND MICHELLE L. BERGMAN ZONING SFR-30 YRS. 1982 ZONING
LOCATION 138 EQUINOX DRIVE — COURTHOUSE ESTATES, SECTION 3 APPLICANT
PROPOSES CONSTRUCTION OF A 540 SQ. FT. POOLHOUSE AND ASSOCIATED SITE
WORK FOR A POOL. PROJECT INCLUDES NEW SEPTIC FOR POOLHOUSE AND OTHER
ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING HOME. RELIEF REQUESTED FROM MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE SIZE FOR AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AND FROM MINIMUM PROPERTY
LINE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS. CROSS REF SB 7-84; SB 7-84 MODIFICATION; BP
2006-138 SFD WARREN COUNTY PLANNING N/A LOT SIZE 0.69 ACRE(S) TAX MAP
NO. 288.16-1-29 SECTION 179-3-040
WILLIAM BERGMAN, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Area Variance PZ 268-2016, William E. Bergman, Meeting Date: December
21, 2016 "Project Location: 138 Equinox Drive — Courthouse Estates, Section 3 Description
of Proposed Project: Applicant proposes construction of a 540 sq. ft. poolhouse and
associated site work for a pool. Project includes new septic for poolhouse and other alterations
to an existing home.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests relief from the maximum allowable size for an accessory structure and
from minimum property line setback requirements.
179-3-040 Establishment of Districts —dimensional requirement —Courthouse Estates SUB
SFR30 1982 zoning/MDR zone
The applicant proposes a 540 sq. ft. pool house that is proposed to be located 13 ft. 5 in from
the rear property line where a 20 ft. is required.
179-5-020 Accessory sheds—no more than 500 sq. ft. in total on parcels less than 3 acres.
The proposed pool house is to be 540 sq. ft. where the maximum size allowed is 500 sq. ft. for
lots less than 3 acres.
Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this area variance. Minor to no impacts to the neighborhood may be anticipated.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. Feasible alternatives
may be available to reduce the building size and location.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief may be considered
minimal relevant to the code. The relief for the rear setback is proposed to be 6 ft. 7 in.
Relief requested for the pool house is 40 sq. ft. in excess.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. The project as proposed
may have minimal impact to the neighborhood.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self created. The difficulty may be considered self-
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes the construction of a 540 sq. ft. pool house. The plans show the
location of the pool house and the floor plan."
MR. JACKOSKI-Mr. Bergman, welcome.
MR. BERGMAN-Hi.
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MR. JACKOSKI-It's a very straightforward application. So I assume you just want the Board
members to ask questions.
MR. BERGMAN-Sure.
MR. KUHL-He didn't introduce himself so we don't know who he is.
MR. BERGMAN-Hi. My name's William Bergman. I'm the current property owner.
MR. KUHL-Thank you.
MR. JACKOSKI-All right. Any questions from Board members on this application?
MR. HENKEL-Yes, I do. The pool equipment building that you've got on the side here next to
the master bedroom, isn't there an A/C unit there?
MR. BERGMAN-That is a proposed pool equipment location. Since this drawing, we decided
to put the pool equipment, meaning the pumps, etc., enclosed in the pool house.
MR. HENKEL-Okay.
MR. BERGMAN-Or closer to the pool house, rather.
MR. HENKEL-Makes sense.
MR. BERGMAN-Yes. The only reason that was drawn there was the builder of the home set it
up to be there. We kind of went with it initially. We've since decided to change it.
MR. HENKEL-I was going to say it looked like there was essentially an air unit there now.
MR. BERGMAN-There is one. There is one on the side, yes.
MR. URRICO-Could we reduce the pool house to 500 feet so you don't need a variance?
MR. BERGMAN-To be honest, I was not aware of the 500 square feet, but, yes, yes we can.
MR. KUHL-Mr. Bergman, is there a septic system going out for this, or are you going to hook it
in to your existing?
MR. BERGMAN-Yes, there is a septic system for it, and it's going to be, as you look at the
drawing here, it would be to the west.
MR. KUHL-Of the swing set?
MR. BERGMAN-Correct. The flow of the land goes that way. It makes the most sense.
MR. URRICO-So if you reduce it to 500 feet, will that decrease the amount of variance you need
for the rear property line?
MR. BERGMAN-It could. It could. If we went from say 18 to 16, there's two feet there. We're
thinking about reducing the whole thing period.
MR. URRICO-Really?
MR. BERGMAN-Yes.
MR. URRICO-Okay.
MR. BERGMAN-The reason for the variance request in the back is just the size of the lot, and
what we have going on with the pool in proximity to the pool, etc. The people that live in the
back, the Crawfords, they have a large fenced structure in the back there.
MR. URRICO-That's theirs?
MR. BERGMAN-That's there's.
MR. HENKEL-That's over six feet in height.
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MR. BERGMAN-And that would actually be to the right of this a little bit. I spoke with John, of
course. I spoke with all the neighbors. He's a big fan of the project. He thinks it's actually
going to create more privacy because the back of the building is not open. It's just the back of
the building. There'll be a fence around the whole thing. There'll be landscaping in front of the
fence. So it'll be very private.
MR. JACKOSKI-Any other questions from Board members?
MR. FREER-I think why not treat it so that you don't need the variance for the size.
MR. JACKOSKI-I mean, it's 40 feet. It's splitting hairs.
MR. HENKEL-I would have no problem with the size, but I would like to see you try and keep
that setback, though, because that's quite a party house. A lot of noise there at night and it
carries and you've got neighbors, because the lots are fairly small within less than an acre. So
that would be the only concern I'd have. I have no problem with the size of the setback.
MR. KUHL-Yes, but after dusk comes we get quiet. We don't get noisy.
MR. HENKEL-It carries.
MR. JACKOSKI-I don't think it's going to matter, three feet or four feet. I could understand 75
or 100, but the neighbors have to be okay with where it's located.
MR. BERGMAN-They are.
MR. JACKOSKI-So there is a public hearing scheduled for this evening. I'll open the public
hearing. Is there anyone here in the audience who'd like to address this Board concerning this
application? Seeing no one, is there any written comment?
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
MR. URRICO-There is no written comment.
MRS. MOORE-Mr. Chairman, I can tell you I had two phone calls from neighbors that were
within the 500 feet, but they were definitely not immediate neighbors, and they just were
questioning its location and the project, and I explained it to them and they had no issues with it.
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you, Laura.
MR. HENKEL-So what are we deciding on? What's going to be the size of it?
MR. MC CABE-It sounds like we're just deciding on the setback, relief of six feet seven inches.
MR. HENKEL-So is he staying within the size of the 500 feet or is he still going to stay with the
same project size?
MR. JACKOSKI-I'm okay as presented, but it's up to you guys.
MR. URRICO-No, he's offering it, and I would like to see it reduced.
MR. BERGMAN-We could do that, to meet the 500 foot.
MR. JACKOSKI-Say 500 feet and how much farther from the back lot line are you willing to go?
MR. BERGMAN-I'd like to keep the 13 foot 5.
MR. JACKOSKI-That's fine. Okay. So we're taking off the variance associated with the extra
40 square feet and we're going to remain with all the setback variance requests. Okay.
MR. HENKEL-That's fair.
MR. JACKOSKI-Do I need to poll the whole Board, or are we okay with all that?
MR. MC CABE-I'm okay.
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MR. JACKOSKI-Have heard that, I'm going to close the public hearing and seek a motion for
approval as noted.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from
William E. Bergman. Applicant proposes construction of a 540 sq. ft. poolhouse and
associated site work for a pool. Project includes new septic for poolhouse and other alterations
to an existing home.
The applicant requests relief from the maximum allowable size for an accessory structure and
from minimum property line setback requirements.
179-3-040 Establishment of Districts —dimensional requirement —Courthouse Estates SUB
SFR30 1982 zoning/MDR zone
The applicant proposes a 540 sq. ft. pool house that is proposed to be located 13 ft. 5 in from
the rear property line where a 20 ft. is required.
179-5-020 Accessory sheds—no more than 500 sq. ft. in total on parcels less than 3 acres.
The proposed pool house is to be 540 sq. ft. where the maximum size allowed is 500 sq. ft. for
lots less than 3 acres.
SEQR Type 11 — no further review required;
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
1. There is not an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood nor a detriment
to nearby properties because this house will actually improve the situation by putting the
pool house in the backyard to the neighboring neighbor to the rear of the property.
2. Feasible alternatives have been considered. The applicant has reduced the size now to
the 500 square foot size. Still wants to keep the basic 13 feet 5 inches from the rear of
the property line setback.
3. The requested variance is not considered to be substantial. Many other properties in
Courthouse Estates also have pools with similar setbacks.
4. There is not an adverse impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the
neighborhood or district created by this project.
5. Is the alleged difficulty is not self-created.
6. In addition the Board finds that the benefit to the applicant from granting the requested
variance would outweigh (approval) the resulting detriment to the health, safety and
welfare of the neighborhood or community; All the neighbors in the immediate area of
the property are okay with the project also.
7. The Board also finds that the variance request under consideration is the minimum
necessary;
BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AREA VARIANCE
PZ 268-2016, WILLIAM E. BERGMAN, Introduced by James Underwood, who moved for its
adoption, seconded by Ronald Kuhl:
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016 by the following vote:
MR. JACKOSKI-You heard the motion as stated. You're okay with it?
MR. BERGMAN-Yes.
AYES: Mr. Freer, Mr. Henkel, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Urrico, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
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MR. JACKOSKI-Good luck.
AREA VARIANCE PZ 260-2016 SEQRA TYPE 11 BRIAN OLESEN AGENT(S) TODD
GRIMM OWNER(S) FLINTLOCK CORP. ZONING Cl LOCATION 1540 STATE ROUTE 9
APPLICANT PROPOSES RENOVATION TO EXISTING 12,000 SQ. FT. COMMERCIAL
BUILDING FOR USE AS AN INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE AND RETAIL FIREARMS
STORE. APPLICANT ALSO PROPOSES CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,200 SQ. FT. ADDITION.
RELIEF REQUESTED FROM MINIMUM FRONT, SIDES, AND REAR SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS. PROJECT SUBJECT TO SITE PLAN FOR USE AND SPECIAL USE
PERMIT. CROSS REF SP PZ 258-2016; SUP PZ 259-2016; BP 2015-375 C/O SPIRIT
HALLOWEEN; BP 2014-391 C/O SPIRIT HALLOWEEN WARREN COUNTY PLANNING
DECEMBER 2016 LOT SIZE 1.33 ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO. 288-8-1-13 & 14 SECTION
179-3-040
TODD GRIMM, REPRESENTING APPLICANT, PRESENT; BRIAN OLESEN, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Area Variance PZ 260-2016, Brian Olesen, Meeting Date: December 21,
2016 "Project Location: 1540 State Route 9 Description of Proposed Project: Applicant
proposes renovation to existing 12,000 sq. ft. commercial building for use as an indoor shooting
range and retail firearms store. Applicant also proposes construction of a 1,200 sq. ft. addition.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests relief from the minimum front, sides, and rear setback requirements in
the Commercial Intensive Zone.
179-3-040 Establishment of Districts—dimensional requirement Cl zone
The applicant proposes a 1,200 sq. ft. addition and the Front is proposed at 53.6 ft. where a 75
ft. setback is required, side yard south proposed at 6.5 ft. where 20 ft. is required and rear
setback proposed at 16.4 ft. where 25 ft. setback is required.
Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this area variance. Minor to no impacts to the neighborhood may be anticipated.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. Feasible alternatives
may be considered limited due to the location of the existing building on the site. In addition
the interior layout of the existing structure may not be conducive to an alternate
arrangement of the shooting tunnels.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief requested may be
considered moderate relevant to the code. Relief is requested for 21.4 ft. in the front yard,
13.5 ft. on the side yard, and 8.6 ft. on the rear yard.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. Minor to no impact to the
physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood may be anticipated. The applicant
has completed a special use permit addressing the criteria for noise and safety for
installation and monitoring.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self-created. The difficulty may be considered self-
created
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes the renovation of an existing building and a 1,200 sq. ft. addition for the
operation of an indoor shooting range with retail sales and training classrooms. The applicant
has provided a survey showing the addition location and the interior arrangement of the
building."
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MR. JACKOSKI-Welcome. If you could identify yourselves for the record.
MR. OLESEN-My name is Brian Olesen, the property owner.
MR. GRIMM-Todd Grimm, the agent.
MR. JACKOSKI-It's fairly straightforward. Maybe you could give us just a little bit more
information about the addition, how it encroaches and all that good stuff.
MR. GRIMM-Yes. Basically the industry standard for a pistol range is 25 yards. That would
allow NRA competitions to be held there. The Winchester Marksman Program would be able to
participate there as well. So at 25 yards is kind of critical to the project and us being able to
offer a wide range of different activities and events there. I would note that in terms of the front
and rear we're basically mirroring what's already there. The building has currently a 16.4 foot
setback on the back. The addition does maintain that 16.4 foot as well as the 53.6 front. So
those numbers aren't really changing. I understand that it's because of the addition that we
have to apply for the variance. The big number is, of course, on the southern end of the
building where that goes down to six and a half feet. We looked at different options for the
direction of fire, and that is really the only way that it can be done with that jog in the back of the
building, where it narrows down from approximately 80 and it tapers all the way down to about
40. It just really limited it, not to mention there's a drop interior, just about where that bend
occurs the elevation drops three feet from, the smaller area is about three feet higher than the
lower area. So it just didn't work in the other direction. The slope in the back is what really
killed us. It drops off very substantially, very quickly. I believe that they probably even did some
fill and what not to get the back side of that building initially stable.
MR. JACKOSKI-Have you had discussion with the neighbors to the front about?
MR. GRIMM-To the south. That's the billboard company.
MR. OLESEN-We reached out to them to a realtor. I believe it's owned by Lange Media, and
they are now subleasing to LaMarr, and they, what they'd like to do is, what was offered was to
switch properties. We have a billboard at the northern end of the property, subdivide that off,
give them a piece there, but they were not interested.
MR. JACKOSKI-So they haven't given you support for the current addition being so close to the
lot line either.
MR. OLESEN-No.
MR. JACKOSKI-Any other questions from Board members before I open the public hearing?
Having none, I'll open the public hearing at this time. Is there anyone here in the audience
who'd like to address the Board concerning this application?
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
TRACY KUEBLER
MS. KUEBLER-Hi.
MR. JACKOSKI-If you could identify yourself for the record.
MS. KUEBLER-Yes. I'm Tracy Kuebler, owner of Pirate Island Daycare which is 1571, right
kind of diagonal from the business. So my obvious reason is daycare center and shooting
range. Kind of a concern.
MR. JACKOSKI-Which is?
MS. KUEBLER-As parents maybe not wanting to bring their kids to my business because of
that.
MR. JACKOSKI-Because of the indoor?
MS. KUEBLER-Correct. That I don't think it's a good asset to the area being that it's a family
oriented vacation spot as well.
MIKE STEVENS
,..„a
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MR. STEVENS-Mike Stevens. I own the property. I own the former Leo's Lobster which we're
planning on re-opening, maybe next year. I own this piece of property and I'm telling you right
now I fully believe that you're going to have to make up your mind here whether you're going to
have a shooting range. We have a daycare center that was in operation for over 25 years and
shut down for four since Leo passed away. She's put her heart and soul and money into it.
We're scheduled to open January. The call's coming in now from the public that were going to
come there with kids, flatly say we're not bringing our kid there. They're not going to bring a kid
there with guns being fired down, a few hundred feet down the road under any condition. Sol
can plainly see where we're going to be put in between a rock and a hard place because I'm
going to lose a tenant over it, and I'm not going to be happy. So I think it's a great idea for
people to go shoot their guns, but I don't think that's the spot for it, and I ask each and every
one of you, when you go home, you talk to your significant others and ask them if you had a one
year old or two year old, if you would allow them out in that playground which is, which is within
spitting distance almost to it and let your kids play around in there while live rounds are being
fired. It's just the thought of the thing, safe or not, it's just not going to fly for the business. It's
going to kill this business, period. Thank you.
MR. JACKOSKI-Is there anyone else in the audience who'd like to address the Board
concerning this application? Seeing no one, is there any other written comment?
MR. URRICO-There is no other written comment.
MR. JACKOSKI-This has to go through Site Plan Review, correct?
MRS. MOORE-Correct. Yes, they were before the Planning Board last night for the
recommendation.
MR. JACKOSKI-They saw no significant impacts that they couldn't mitigate. Correct?
MRS. MOORE-Correct.
MR. GRIMM-1 was just wondering if we could make a few comments in regards to. Back when
I started the first process, Brian and I own the range down in Green Island. I started the
process in 2013, November. A month and a half later the tragedy at Sandy Hook happened,
and I kind of thought this is going to be the end of the project. Green Island is going to want
nothing to do with this at this point. At the first public hearing meeting about it Ellen McNulty,
the Mayor, stood up and paraphrasing just a little she said to the effect of I personally don't like
guns, but I feel it's very important for people who legally own guns to safely go and use their
firearms, and I think that kind of speaks volumes to the fact that she didn't like it, didn't like
firearms, but was willing to look past her personal, her own beliefs to kind of, you know, have an
open mind about the situation. To that, to date we have not had one single complaint. There
hasn't been one single complaint filed or issued in the Village of Green Island, either with the
police department or the Mayor's office. Additionally there is a daycare in Green Island, in a
strip mall, if I had to guess, within 100 yards of the range, and we've had no complaints from
them.
MR. OLESEN-Well, it's a totally encapsulated system, also, which is, goes through OSHA,
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms. So as far as any type of safety issue, there's
absolutely none. It's been, that building itself which I've owned for, I believe, three years, is set
up in a perfect manner, which if you look at the direction of fire, it has nothing to do with our
neighbors except as a billboard. The range in Green Island which was set up in the same way
this is, has almost three quarters of a million rounds of ammunition. So I mean as far as a
safety concern, there absolutely is none.
MR. GRIMM-One of the other concerns that I encountered when I was doing the process in
Green Island was a lady felt like this was just going to become a Wild West cowboy town with
guys walking down the street with guns slung over their shoulders and open carry. State law
prohibits all of that, and that's part of, you know, our target market, everybody shooting pistols.
It's the State law.
MR. OLESEN-They're licensed by the State.
MR. GRIMM-So in terms of people just openly displaying and flashing guns, that sort of
interaction.
MR. JACKOSKI-So you have to check licenses for people to fire them? So if they were to buy
guns at a gun show they couldn't fire them there if they didn't have licenses for them?
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MR. GRIMM-Yes. So in New York State you have to have a pistol permit issued by your
County of residence to even touch a pistol, and what we do in the process in Green Island, even
if they're' just coming as a walk in member, they're not joining as a member, we take their
driver's license and pistol permit and photocopy that. That gets stapled to their range
application so it's on file so that we know that this person is licensed by the State of New York to
carry a pistol. There aren't the same requirements for a long gun in New York State. In other
words you don't have to be licensed by the State to carry a long gun, which would be a rifle.
MR. JACKOSKI-So if people were to come and visit your facility, there could be people coming
out of their cars and into your parking lot and guns could be visible as they transport them into
the facility?
MR. OLESEN-No, that's against State law.
MR. JACKOSKI-Long guns?
MR. OLESEN-Absolutely.
MR. JACKOSKI-How would they get them into your facility?
MR. OLESEN-They have to be cased.
MR. GRIMM-Either a soft or a hard case.
MR. OLESEN-We don't allow long guns to be shot. If you're looking at the retail, which I believe
is not going to be a problem to go in there, at the retail level, guns will come in by shell trade
and they will be cased.
MR. GRIMM-This is a pistol only range. So there will be no rifles.
MR. OLESEN-Yes, no long guns come to the actual range itself.
MR. KUHL-How about the noise.
MR. OLESEN-Totally controlled.
MR. KUHL-How?
MR. GRIMM-We have ballistic foam, which basically is the same material you'd find in egg
crates, cut at pyramids to look like triangles poured horizontally generally across a two by two
sheet of it. It's glued to the walls, and what that does is it stops that reverberation, that twang
and the boom sound that you hear. It diffuses those wavelengths, and there's also going to be,
between the range and the Route 9 side of the building there'll be an additional wall
constructed, two by four, two by six, whatever the architect designs and that'll be insulated as
well. So that'll additionally.
MR. OLESEN-All the walls are poured themselves, block walls.
MR. KUHL-But this noise absorbing material, it's the entire wall, or just two foot?
MR. GRIMM-No, I'm sorry, the panels that we utilize are just two foot, but, yes, it gets the entire
wall.
MR. JACKOSKI-So can you hear anything out in your parking lot?
MR. GRIMM-To say that you can't hear anything, that would not be true, but to discern what it
is, if you were just walking by and didn't know that the facility was an indoor range, you would
have a hard time, you wouldn't recognize it as a gunshot.
MR. KUHL-What's the decibel rating?
MR. GRIMM-Well, in Green Island we couldn't exceed 86 decibels at the property line, and we
did that without an issue, and the range there is actually around 20 feet from the property line,
and the Village came down and took a sound meter.
MR. JACKOSKI-So you think parents dropping their kids off at the daycare facility will hear your
facility?
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MR. GRIMM-Across the street? No, absolutely not. We have a strip mall right next to us in
Green Island. There's never been a complaint, and there was some apprehension initially, but,
knock on wood, the facility was designed in a way which we've had no problems whatsoever,
but, you know, you're talking about a substantial cost, a substantial investment to guarantee
that.
MR. KUHL-What are your hours of operation, your intended hours of operation?
MR. GRIMM-Ten to six.
MR. KUHL-Ten a.m. to six p.m.?
MR. GRIMM-Correct.
MR. UNDERWOOD-Did you guys have this previously reviewed by the Town Board? Did they
sign off on this?
MR. GRIMM-I'm assuming, we were here last night.
MRS. MOORE-They came to the Planning Board. The discussion about the Town Board is in
reference to allowing a use. So if that's what you're looking for.
MR. UNDERWOOD-They approved it, then?
MRS. MOORE-Yes.
MR. KUHL-So it's now going to the Town Board?
MRS. MOORE-No.
MR. KUHL-They got a use approval?
MRS. MOORE-So in the Code now it says for an indoor shooting range you need to go through
Site Plan and Special Use Permits. So the applicant has already done the first part, the
Planning Board recommendation, but there's requirements under the Special Use Permit that
outline air quality, noise control and monitoring of the noise control and safety concerns. So
those are three items that were highlighted, but there's other items.
MR. JACKOSKI-But the Town didn't specifically approve this project?
MRS. MOORE-Correct.
MR. JACKOSKI-They simply modified the Code to allow this kind of project.
MRS. MOORE-That's what I'm trying to say, yes.
MR. FREER-So how many lanes are in this range?
MR. GRIMM-Seventeen.
MR. FREER-Okay. So you could get your 25 yards for almost all of them by just renovating the
building and losing that angle where you don't have the, where say on your chart, the ones
toward the bottom you could extend that and get your 25 yards without having the addition on
the backside. Right? Because you're asking us to allow for a variance to within 6.5 feet of that
property line. Right? So did you look at how many lanes you could get if you didn't have?
MR. GRIMM-In other words if you turned it from the street to the back of the property?
MR. FREER-No, to just move into retail for 14 or 13 lanes, turn your retail a little. Do you know
what I'm saying? Instead of asking for the variance, you'd lose a couple of the ones up high,
right? Because you'd back up into the wall. You could fit most of it in there
MR. GRIMM-The handicap ramp there makes that difficult, and the air lock system. You have
to basically enter the range from the side because of the way that the air, the fresh clean air
blows into the range. It comes in on that back wall.
MR. HENKEL-So what are you saying, you want them to fire to the north instead of the south?
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MR. JACKOSKI-No, he's just saying slide the lanes, just get rid of the addition and kick it all to
the left and reduce his retail space. Right?
MR. FREER-Right. But you'd lose a couple of the ones on top. Right? Because you couldn't
slide them all the way back.
MR. GRIMM-Yes, correct.
MR. OLESEN-1 see what you're saying. Exchange the buffer from the front to the rear and
come across on the, where that jog is straight back.
MR. FREER-Yes. You're shooting this way. Correct?
MR. OLESEN-Correct.
MR. FREER-Okay. So what I'm saying, if you lost the last couple of things on top, you could
slide it back, get your 25 feet and re-design your retail space. Twenty-five yards, I'm sorry, you
know, maintain your, I understand your issue with wanting to be NRA sort of licensed, you
know, qualified.
MR. JACKOSKI-Could you stagger, and I'm just going to say the first group of, I'm going to call
it the bottom seven or eight lanes, could you take those lanes and shift them to the left, thus
reducing your addition as it encroaches on the south line, so that you start your addition where
the first gray line is, where the pointer is, somewhere in that vicinity, so you have less relief.
MR. FREER-That makes sense, too.
MR. JACKOSKI-Quite frankly I think with a billboard property next door, the 16 feet, I don't know
that I care that we're that close to the property line.
MR. OLESEN-One of the things we have to be concerned with, and we've looked at this many
different ways, was air flow and air quality. Because we are tested by OSHA regularly, which
we have to, at our expense, submit the test and the only issue we have is how the building
comes at an angle in order to get correct air flow where we can give the licensing services a
guarantee. When Carey's came in and went to the building, that's the way they suggested the
layout for the absolute cleanest air quality, which, believe it or not, the air quality is actually
cleaner because this system cost $440,000. Very expensive but it's state of the art, and that's
one of the biggest things that we have to be conscious is that we're always within that realm
with OSHA.
MR. GRIMM-And two things. That area on the west that I think it might be labeled as a lounge,
that kind of created an additional buffer to the Route 9 side to help soak up noise. It's a dead
air space. Dead air space is the best noise absorbing media. In addition to the block wall with
the wood frames, insulated wall to the other side of it, and again, you have to enter the range
from one of the sides. It can't be from the rear because they have what's called a radio diffuser
which would go in like the upper corner of the building and it's a half moon shaped device that
the fresh air blows out, and so that basically creates an enter tidal wave of air coming out which
basically sweeps all of the contaminants out with it. So to put a door where you would come in
to the back at the corner there would disrupt that and there wouldn't be able to get any kind of
air flow.
MR. JACKOSKI-Do you know if the plaza down at your other facility has any kind of issues with
attracting tenants because of your business down there?
MR. GRIMM-They're full.
MR. OLESEN-Especially this property. That property is right on the roadside, on one of the
main thoroughfares in Green Island, as far as the location. This property is sunk down. That's
the reason we purchased it, it was absolutely ideal for the purpose and how it's set up. It's not
ideal as far as visibility from the road, but for my purpose, it's kind of tough to beat.
MR. GRIMM-1 think initially in the process, when it might have been John Strough when he
reached out to Sean Ward and Ellen McNulty, Sean especially was very complimentary to the
additional business that our customers were bringing to Green Island. There was an article in
the Post Star.
MR. JACKOSKI-So maybe The Loft is going to sell some more hamburgers.
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MR. KUHL-No, I mean, the concern that we have to have here is for the neighbors. I mean,
and if they have little children, they can't be upset with harsh noises.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. So, at this point, we've had public hearing. It's open. I'll poll the
Board, if you don't mind, to see where the Board's headed, and then I'll either close the public
hearing or keep the public hearing open. I'll start with Roy.
MR. URRICO-I think it's a tough situation. We're dealing with issues beyond the scope of what
the Board is tasked with. We're here to voice a judgment on the 1200 square foot addition and
the variances that it's causing. So we're tasked with trying to reduce that size in some way,
and I would really like to hear an opportunity to reduce the size of that addition in some way so
that the variance is not quite as stringent or quite as expansive as it seems to be to me. So
right now I'm wavering on saying no.
MR. JACKOSKI-Jim?
MR. UNDERWOOD-For many years in Queensbury the High School sponsored a shooting
team, you know, they had a range right down in the cellar of the school, and the only reason
that the program doesn't exist in the present time is because they had lead contamination and
had to deal with it. So they just ended the program. So I think that, you know, shooting sports
have a lot of negativity within the greater community. I think a lot of people that aren't familiar
with rifles or guns or hand guns have a real aversion to anything coming into the area, but I
think the Town Board, when they looked at this situation here, I think that they looked at the
Green Island situation, as you said, and I think there was a balancing here of whether this was
an acceptable activity. We're a summer area. There is quite a big demand for shooting
sports. We have Dunhams Bay Fish and Game Club, you know, locally, with outdoor shooting,
but we haven't had the experience of an indoor range, and I think that, you know, for our
purview here this evening is to look at the setback requirements and decide if those are
reasonable, and I think with a commercial building set below grade here, if somebody came in
and proposed the additions on this building for any other purpose, I don't think we would have a
problem approving them going forward and I think that when you guys come in for Site Plan
Review with the Planning Board I think they're the ones that are going to listen to you guys that
are in opposition to the project, and I think at that point you have to make your case. They
have to make their case and the Planning Board is going to be the ultimate decider of whether
this is allowed. As far as I'm concerned, I think that in proposing this, it's an expensive
proposition going forward, I don't think you would be doing it if you didn't think it was going to be
successful, you know, from your standpoint, but at the same time we haven't dealt with this
before so it would be up to the Planning Board to figure out whether this is okay or not. So at
this point I would be in favor of approving this.
MR. JACKOSKI-Mike?
MR. MC CABE-When I look at it, you know, if it was just a regular building, I would normally
approve these setbacks, and so I'd be in favor of the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-John?
MR. HENKEL-Yes, without really doing some research on other firing ranges around the
country, which is not really our concern, that's like Mr. Underwood was saying, that's not really
our concern, I would, again, like Mr. McCabe's saying about what we're considering here with
the setback, I have to agree with them, that's what we're considering, and I think it's needed for
this facility to work correctly. So I'd be in support of the way it is.
MR. JACKOSKI-Ron?
MR. KUHL-I think it's a good utilization of the building. My concern is the noise for your
neighbors, and again, that goes into your Site Plan Review, but for them, there should be some
way to measure your other location, too, and even if you have to take them there and show
them the noise. The noise, we can't have little children fearful, and, I mean, as presented to us,
yes, I'd be in favor of it.
MR. JACKOSKI-Harrison?
MR. FREER-Yes. So I, personally, am not a gun advocate, but in trying to do the minimum
Area Variance, my question was how I could possibly achieve it without getting closer to the
property line, but, you know, given this discussion, I agree with I think the balancing test that
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apply for us, and they're different than the Planning Board which they're going to have to take
that on. I would support the project.
MR. JACKOSKI-So, before I respond, Staff, can you tell me, the retail side of this venture, the
gun sale side of this venture, would be allowed regardless of whether or not they had the
shooting range there?
MRS. MOORE-Yes, through Site Plan Review. It's not a.
MR. JACKOSKI-Only through Site Plan Review.
MRS. MOORE-Correct.
MR. JACKOSKI-So the fear of people coming in and out, buying guns, all that other stuff, and
not necessarily being, daycare center, parents having concern of that, that retail environment
could exist regardless of what we do this evening.
MRS. MOORE-Yes.
MR. JACKOSKI-Okay. I'm in favor of the project. So, Roy, I'll go back to you because you kind
of left it up in the air.
MR. URRICO-Yes. You guys are pretty smart. So I think I could go along with it.
MR. JACKOSKI-Having polled the Board, I'll close the public hearing and seek a motion for
approval.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
MR. KUHL-I'll make that.
MR. JACKOSKI-Yes, thank you, Ron.
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from
Brian Olesen. Applicant proposes renovation to existing 12,000 sq. ft. commercial building for
use as an indoor shooting range and retail firearms store. Applicant also proposes construction
of a 1,200 sq. ft. addition.
The applicant requests relief from the minimum front, sides, and rear setback requirements in
the Commercial Intensive Zone.
179-3-040 Establishment of Districts—dimensional requirement Cl zone
The applicant proposes a 1,200 sq. ft. addition and the Front is proposed at 53.6 ft. where a 75
ft. setback is required, side yard south proposed at 6.5 ft. where 20 ft. is required and rear
setback proposed at 16.4 ft. where 25 ft. setback is required.
SEQR Type II — no further review required;
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
1. There is not an undesirable change in the character of the neighborhood nor a detriment
to nearby properties. This property is located below the road level and off in the back
and as long as the applicants are going to be putting noise diffusing materials inside it
shouldn't change the character of the neighborhood.
2. Several feasible alternatives were discussed about reducing the addition but my belief is
that if that addition is there, there should be some additional buffers on the side where
they've said they're going to allow. They're not going to move it towards the wall.
3. The requested variance is really not substantial. They're going along with the existing
property lines and they're not encroaching on any more of the offsets.
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4. There is not an adverse impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the
neighborhood or district.
5. The alleged difficulty might be deemed self-created.
6. In addition the Board finds that the benefit to the applicant from granting the requested
variance would outweigh (approval). the resulting detriment to the health, safety and
welfare of the neighborhood or community;
7. The Board also finds that the variance request under consideration is the minimum
necessary;
BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AREA VARIANCE
PZ 260-2016, BRIAN OLESEN, Introduced by Ronald Kuhl, who moved for its adoption,
seconded by Michael McCabe:
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Urrico, Mr. Henkel, Mr. Freer, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. McCabe, Mr.
Jackoski
NOES: NONE
MR. JACKOSKI-Thank you. Good luck with the Planning Board.
MR. OLESEN-Thank you very much.
MR. JACKOSKI-So we've been at this for an hour and forty minutes. Do we want to take a
break? Take a quick break. Do we want to change up the agenda and put this next one last?
DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES THE LAST HOUR OF THE MEETING WAS
UNTRANSCRIBABLE WHAT FOLLOWS IS AN OUTLINE OF THE REST OF THE MEETING
AREA VARIANCE PZ 266-2016 SEQRA TYPE II WILLIAM A. MASON AGENT(S)
WILLIAM A. MASON OWNER(S) RICHARD A. MASON ZONING WR TAX MAP NO. 10
SENECA DRIVE APPLICANT PROPOSES CONSTRUCTION OF 768 SQ. FT. SECOND
STORY ADDITION AND 56 SQ. FT. FOR TWO ENTRY LANDINGS TO AN EXISTING 768
SQ. FT. (FOOTPRINT & FLOOR AREA) HOME. RELIEF REQUESTED FOR
PERMEABILITY, FLOOR AREA RATIO, AND SETBACKS. PROJECT IS PART OF
TAKUNDEWIDE MASTER PLAN. PROJECT SUBJECT TO SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR
EXPANSION IN A CEA. CROSS REF BP 94-572 SEPTIC ALTERATION WARREN
COUNTY PLANNING DECEMBER 21, 2016 ADIRONDACK PARK AGENCY ALD LOT
SIZE 0.05 ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO. 239.8-1-25 SECTION 179-3-040; 179-13-010
WILLIAM MASON, PRESENT
(Michelle Hayward sat in for Steve Jackoski as he recused himself)
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Area Variance PZ 266-2016, William A. Mason, Meeting Date: December 21,
2016 "Project Location: 10 Seneca Drive Description of Proposed Project: Applicant
proposes construction of 768 sq. ft. second story addition and 56 sq. ft. for two entry landings to
an existing 768 sq. ft. (footprint& floor area) home.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests relief from permeability, floor area ratio, and setbacks.
179-3-040 Establishment of Districts—dimensional requirement WR zone
The applicant proposes a 768 sq. ft. second story over the existing 768 sq. ft. main floor. The
new construction includes two landing entryways where the west at 32 sq. ft. is 6.7 ft. from the
property line and the second landing at 24 sq. ft. on the south side is proposed to be 5.5 ft.
where a 10 ft. setback is required on all sides of the property. In addition relief is requested for
permeability where 64 % is proposed where 75% is required. Floor area is proposed to be 68%
based on the lot size where 22% is the maximum allowed.
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Criteria for considering an Area Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this area variance. Minor impacts to the neighborhood may be anticipated.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance. Feasible alternatives
appear limited as a result of existing conditions and nature of the variance request.
3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial. The relief requested may be
considered moderate to substantial relevant to the code. The relief for the entryway on the
west property line 3.3 ft. and on the south entryway is 4.5 ft. The permeability relief is in
excess 11 % and the floor area also in excess of 46%. In regards to the Floor area —the
applicant has explained the parcel is part of an existing HOA where a majority of the 18.7
acres is common area for the association members —in addition the master plan indicates
the 18.7 ac is to be considered during the request for a house expansion with the HOA.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. Minor impacts on the
physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood may be anticipated.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self created. The difficulty may be considered self-
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes a 2nd story addition of 768 sq. ft. and two entry landings. The project
occurs in the Takundewide cottage development off of Cleverdale Rd. In 2003 the Planning
Board adopted an MOU with Takundewide HOA outlining activities for future development. The
project is similar to other cottages on the site where the increase floor area is the proposed 2nd
floor mirroring the style of the other housing. The submission includes photos of the existing
home and the floor plans with an elevation of the proposed addition."
RESOLUTION
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from
William A. Mason.
The applicant proposes construction of 768 sq. ft. second story addition and 56 sq. ft. for two
entry landings to an existing 768 sq. ft. (footprint & floor area) home. The new construction
includes two landing entryways where the west at 32 sq. ft. is 6.7 ft. from the property line and
the second landing at 24 sq. ft. on the south side is proposed to be 5.5 ft. where a 10 ft. setback
is required on all sides of the property. In addition relief is requested for permeability where 64
% is proposed where 75% is required. Floor area is proposed to be 68% based on the lot size
where 22% is the maximum allowed. Relief requested for permeability, floor area ratio, and
setbacks. The project is located in the Takundewide cottage development.
In 2003 the Planning Board adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
Takundewide Homeowners Association (HOA) outlining activities for future development. The
project is similar to other cottages on the site where the increase floor area is the proposed 2nd
floor mirroring the style of the other housing. The Board reviewed the submission that included
photos of the existing home and the floor plans with an elevation of the proposed addition. In
regards to the Floor area — the applicant has explained the parcel is part of an existing HOA
where a majority of the 18.7 acres is common area for the association members —in addition the
master plan indicates the 18.7 ac is to be considered during the request for a house expansion
with the HOA.
SEQR Type II — no further review required;
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
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Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AREA VARIANCE
PZ 266-2016, WILLIAM A. MASON, Introduced by Ronald Kuhl, who moved for its adoption,
seconded by Harrison Freer:
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016 by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Urrico, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Henkel, Mr. Freer, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
SIGN VARIANCE PZ 261-2016 SEQRA TYPE UNLISTED AJ SIGNS AGENT(S) AJ SIGNS
OWNER(S) MICHAEL AND SUSAN KAJDASZ ZONING Cl LOCATION 156 QUAKER
ROAD (R.O.W. WARREN COUNTY DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS) APPLICANT PROPOSES
TO REPLACE EXISTING 50 SQ. FT. MONUMENT SIGN WITH A NEW 48.1 SQ. FT. SIGN
THAT IS 12.8 FT. TALL. SIGN IS TO BE PLACED IN RIGHT-OF-WAY WHERE THE OLD
SIGN WAS LOCATED WITH THE ADDITIONAL 8.4 INCHES TO BE ON OWNERS
PROPERTY. RELIEF REQUESTED FROM MINIMUM REQUIRED SETBACKS FOR SUCH
SIGN AND A SECOND SIGN. PROPOSED SIGN WILL HAVE A ZERO LOT LINE
SETBACK. CROSS REF DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS: WARREN COUNTY ROAD 254
PERMIT NO. 1617 EXPIRATION DATE 8/30/2016; BOTH 87-2016 FREESTANDING SIGN;
BOTH 88-2016 WALL SIGN WARREN COUNTY PLANNING N/A LOT SIZE 0.55
ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO. 290.5-1-55 SECTION 179-4-020
TOM WHEELER, REPRESENTING APPLICANT, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Sign Variance PZ 261-2016, AJ Signs, Meeting Date: December 21, 2016
"Project Location: 156 Quaker Road (R.O.W. Warren County Dept. of Public Works)
Description of Proposed Project: Applicant proposes to replace existing 50 sq. ft. monument
sign with a new 48.1 sq. ft. sign that is 12.8 ft. tall. Sign is to be placed in right-of-way where the
old sign was located with the additional 8.4 inches to be on owner's property.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests the following relief: Relief requested from minimum required setbacks
for such sign and a second sign. Proposed sign will have a zero lot line setback.
Section 140-Signage Cl zone
The applicant proposes to install a 48.1 sq. ft. sign that is to be located 17.4 ft. at the front
property line to the road. In addition the sign will extend 8.4 inches onto the owner's property.
The sign exceeds the 45 sq. ft. maximum allowed and does not meet the 15 ft. setback from the
front property line. The applicant has received a Warren County DPW work permit to so a new
sign cannot be any closer to the road as the current sign. Sign width total is 8.5 ft.
In addition the site has an existing sign for Key Bank and this would be a second sign on the
site.
Criteria for considering a Sign Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether an undesirable change will be produced in the character of the
neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties will be created by the granting of
this sign variance. Minimal impacts the neighborhood are anticipated. The applicant is
removing the current sign and replacing with a new sign.
2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some method,
feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than a sign variance. Feasible alternatives
may be possible to reduce the sign size and location. In regards to location the site is
adjacent to the bike bridge and the applicant expressed concern on visibility for west bound
traffic.
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3. Whether the requested sign variance is substantial. The relief requested may be
considered substantial relevant to the code. The relief for the size of sign is 3.1 sq. ft. in
excess. Relief is requested to have two signs were only one is allowed. Also requested is
the placement of the sign extending into the right of way at 17.4 ft. where relief is 14.3 ft. in
excess plus 17.6 ft. onto the row.
4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical
or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district. The project as proposed
may have minimal impact on the physical or environmental conditions of the district.
5. Whether the alleged difficulty was self created. The difficulty may be considered self
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes to update the signage on the site for St Peters Health Partners, Albany
Cardiology and CWI Day services site. The sign will is proposed to be located in the same
location as the previous sign with a larger width and monument instead of a pole. The applicant
intends to maintain the existing Key Bank sign as is. The submission shows the location of the
signage and type of signage."
RESOLUTION
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from AJ
Signs, Agent for Michael and Susan Kajdasz for a variance from Chapter 140 of the Sign
Code of The Town of Queensbury. Applicant proposes to replace existing 50 sq. ft. monument
sign with a new 48.1 sq. ft. sign that is 12.8 ft. tall. Sign is to be placed in right-of-way where the
old sign was located with the additional 8.4 inches to be on owner's property.
The applicant requests the following relief: Relief requested from minimum required setbacks
for such sign and a second sign. Proposed sign will have a zero lot line setback.
Section 140-Signage Cl zone
The applicant proposes to install a 48.1 sq. ft. sign that is to be located 17.4 ft. at the front
property line to the road. In addition the sign will extend 8.4 inches onto the owner's property.
The sign exceeds the 45 sq. ft. maximum allowed and does not meet the 15 ft. setback from the
front property line. The applicant has received a Warren County DPW work permit to so a new
sign cannot be any closer to the road as the current sign. Sign width total is 8.5 ft.
In addition the site has an existing sign for Key Bank and this would be a second sign on the
site.
SEQR Type: Unlisted
Motion regarding Sign Variance No. PZ 261-2016 AJ Signs, Agent for Michael and Susan
Kajdasz based upon the information and the analysis of the above supporting
documentation provided by the applicant, this Board finds that this will not result in any
significant adverse environmental impact. So we give it a Negative Declaration,
Introduced by Michael McCabe who moved for its adoption, seconded by Ronald Kuhl:
Duly adopted this 21St. day of December 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Urrico, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Henkel, Mr. Freer, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
A public hearing was advertised and held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016;
Upon review of the application materials, information supplied during the public hearing, and
upon consideration of the criteria specified in Section 179-14-080(A) of the Queensbury Town
Code and Chapter 267 of NYS Town Law and after discussion and deliberation, we find as
follows:
MOTION TO APPROVE SIGN VARIANCE PZ 261-2016 AJ SIGNS, AGENT FOR MICHAEL
AND SUSAN KAJDASZ, Introduced by Michael McCabe, who moved for its adoption,
seconded by John Henkel:
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A. The variance approval is valid for one (1) year from the date of approval; you may
request an extension of approval before the one (1) year time frame expires;
B. If the property is located within the Adirondack Park, the approved variance is subject to
review by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). The applicant is cautioned against taking
any action until the APA's review is completed;
C. Final approved plans in compliance with an approved variance must be submitted to the
Community Development Department before any further review by the Zoning
Administrator or Building & codes personnel'
D. Subsequent issuance of further permits, including sign permits are dependent on receipt
of these final plans;
E. Upon approval of the application; review and approval of final plans by the Community
Development Department the applicant can apply for a sign permit unless the proposed
project requires review, approval, or permit from the Town Planning Board and/or the
Adirondack Park Agency, Lake George Park Commission or other State agency or
department.
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Urrico, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Henkel, Mr. Freer, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
USE VARIANCE PZ 264-2016 SEQRA TYPE II MH IMPERIAL HOMES — GREGORY T.
HEWLETT OWNER(S) MH IMPERIAL HOMES — GREGORY T. HEWLETT ZONING MDR
LOCATION 128 SUNNYSIDE ROAD APPLICANT PROPOSES PLACEMENT OF A 16 FT.
BY 68 FT. MOBILE HOME ON PARCEL THAT IS NOT WITHIN A MOBILE HOME OVERLAY
DISTRICT. RELIEF REQUESTED FROM PLACEMENT OF A MOBILE HOME IN THE MDR
ZONING DISTRICT AND OUTSIDE OF MOBILE HOME OVERLAY ZONE. CROSS REF RC
754-2016 WARREN COUNTY PLANNING N/A LOT SIZE 055 ACRE(S) TAX MAP NO.
290.5-1-55 SECTION
GREGORY T. HEWLETT, PRESENT
STAFFINPUT
Notes from Staff, Use Variance PZ 264-2016, MH Imperial Homes — Gregory T. Hewlett,
Meeting Date: December 21, 2016 "Project Location: 128 Sunnyside Road Description of
Proposed Project: Applicant proposes placement of a 16 ft. by 68 ft. mobile home on parcel
that is not within a Mobile Home Overlay District.
Relief Required:
The applicant requests the following relief: Relief requested from placement of a mobile home in
the MDR zoning district and outside of a Mobile Home Overlay zone.
Section mobile home 179-4-020 —mobile home overlay district
The applicant proposes to place a mobile home on a parcel that is not within the mobile home
overlay district
Criteria for considering a Use Variance according to Chapter 267 of Town Law:
In making a determination, the board shall consider:
1. Whether the applicant cannot realize a reasonable return, provided that return is
substantial as demonstrated by competent financial evidence. The applicant has indicated
the property was purchase in 2004 for $38,000 and sold in 2015 for $28,000. The letter
provided by the Real Estate Sales Associate explained the average market listing is 135 days
and the property has exceeded this by four times the amount of time (540 +/- days). The site
was marketed for a 1,350 sq. ft. to-build ranch home at$211,992.
2. Whether the alleged hardship relating to the property in question is unique, and does
not apply to a substantial portion of the district or neighborhood. The applicant has
supplied information from a Real Estate Sales Associate who has suggested the site be
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marketed for a manufactured home. The Sales Associate has indicated the property has been
on the market for 17 months at a competitive price and potential buyers became disinterested
after seeing the surrounding neighborhood. Noting the neighborhood consisted of
manufactured homes and some small unimproved home that had excess wear and tear.
3. That the requested Use Variance, if granted will not alter the essential character of the
neighborhood. The applicant has indicated the surrounding neighborhood contains smaller
homes and includes a pre- existing manufactured home. The applicant has explained that
construction of a new home or placement of a modular home would exceed the market value of
the existing neighborhood. The applicant has listed the allowed uses in the zone and the
viability where most uses would not be supported by the lot size and specific residential uses
(stick built or modular) would require a higher valuation than the property worth.
4. Whether the alleged difficulty was self created. The difficulty may be considered self
created.
Staff comments:
The applicant proposes to place a 16 x 68 sq. ft. manufactured home on the site where the
previous mobile had been removed from the site. The applicant has explained the
neighborhood consists of smaller homes and granted the use variance would allow for the
placement of the mobile home on the site and associated septic and well."
RESOLUTION
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Queensbury has received an application from MH
Imperial Homes — Gregory T. Hewlett for a variance of Section(s) 179-4-020 of the Zoning Code
of The Town of Queensbury. Applicant proposes placement of a 16 ft. by 68 ft. mobile home on
parcel that is not within a Mobile Home Overlay District.
The applicant requests the following relief: Relief requested from placement of a mobile home in
the MDR zoning district and outside of a Mobile Home Overlay zone.
Section mobile home 179-4-020 —mobile home overlay district
The applicant proposes to place a mobile home on a parcel that is not within the mobile home
overlay district.
Applicant withdrew application: no further action is required by the Board.
QUEENSBURY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2017
MOTION TO APPOINT ROY URRICO FOR SECRETARY OF THE QUEENSBURY ZONING
BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE YEAR 2017, Introduced by Steve Jackoski who moved for its
adoption, seconded by Ronald Kuhl:
Duly adopted this 21St day of December 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Underwood, Mr. Henkel, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Freer, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
ABSTAINED: Mr. Urrico
MOTION TO APPOINT MICHAEL MC CABE FOR VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE QUEENSBURY
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE YEAR 2017, Introduced by Steve Jackoski who
moved for its adoption, seconded by Roy Urrico:
Duly adopted this 21 st day of December 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Mr. Underwood, Mr. Freer, Mr. Henkel, Mr. Urrico, Mr. Kuhl, Mr. Jackoski
NOES: NONE
ABSTAINED: Mr. McCabe
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
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Steven Jackoski, Chairman