Staff Notes
Town of Queensbury
Zoning Board of Appeals
Community Development Department Staff Notes
Appeal No.: 5-2011
Appellant: John B. Pohl
Project Location: Off Quaker Ridge Boulevard
Meeting Date: December 21, 2011
Information requested:
Appellant has filed an appeal application relative to a November 17, 2011 Zoning Administrator
determination regarding the Town of Queensbury Sign Ordinance.
Staff comments:
Standing:
Was the appeal taken within the appropriate 60 day time frame and is the appealing party
aggrieved?
The application was signed on November 30, 2011 and filed with the Town on the same
day.
The appellant; VMJR Companies, Inc. is believed to be a party at interest in the ownership
of the Forest Enterprises Management, Inc. property, however, no documentation to that
effect has been supplied with this appeal.
If the appellant is confirmed to be a property owner of the subject property then it would appear
that the application has adequate standing for this appeal to move forward.
Merits:
The Zoning Administrator determination of November 17, 2011 identifies that the proposed
signage does not meet the requirements of the Town of Queensbury Sign Ordinance to either issue
a permit for the sign under 140-5, as there are: “…no goods or services to be advertised available
on the property at this time.” or allow it without the need for a permit under 140-3 as there is no:
“….construction, repair or renovation in progress.” at this time. Despite the appellants attempt to
clarify that the intent of the code: “…was intended to prevent overzealous developers from taking
advantage of innocent purchasers by implying that the sites were shovel ready.” the code is clear
and understandable plain language and makes no reference, anywhere, relative to their “intent”
statements.
An acceptable real estate sign offering the land for sale with acreage and contact information is and
has always been available to the appellant and the same has been discussed.
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