ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 26, 2006
I. CALL TO ORDER
Peter Stempien called the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals to order at 7:32 P. M. in the Main Meeting Room of Simsbury Town Hall. The following members were present: Ed Cosgrove, James Daley, Lou George, Thomas Horan, and Katie Martin. Also present were Howard Beach, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Lisa Arakelian, Commission Clerk, and other interested parties.
II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Chairman Stempien appointed Ed Cosgrove to serve for Joshua Storm.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE
A. 06-03 Application of David Thomas and Melanie Siena, Owners, requesting a side yard variance to construct a two-car garage, pursuant to Article 8, Section A, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations on property located at 8 Stodmor Road. R-15 Zone.
David Thomas explained that he is seeking a 5.08-foot side yard variance to enlarge an existing garage. The addition to the garage is proposed to be 36 feet deep. He also stated that, if his budget allows, he would like to construct a second-story room above the garage. Mr. Thomas further explained that his home is located on a corner lot in an R-15 zone and is, therefore, encumbered with two 35-foot front yard and two 12-foot side yard set backs.
Chairman Stempien opened the hearing to public comment.
Nancy Hendricks spoke in favor of the variance, as she is hoping to add a similar addition to her own home.
Bob Hayes, 62 Barry Lane, stated that he attended the meeting for information purposes only.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Stempien closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Ms. Martin to approve the variance based on the configuration of the lot and lack of suitable alternatives. The motion was seconded by Mr. George. Ms. Martin amended her motion to allow a 6’ x 25’, one-story addition. The amendment was seconded by Mr. George. Motion passed.
B. 06-04 Application of Jonathan P. Budlong, Owner, requesting a side yard variance to construct an addition, pursuant to Article 8, Section A, and Article 9, Section D, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations, on property located at 19 Riverside Road. R-40 Zone.
Zoning Board of Appeals
April 26, 2006
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Page 2
Jonathan Budlong distributed plans and explained that he is seeking a 6.5-foot side yard variance to expand an existing garage and add living space to a non-conforming house. He expressed his hardship to be the narrowness (size) of the lot. Mr. Beach noted that, while this home is located on the south side of Riverside Rd., lots on the north side of the same road are zoned R-15 and have the same frontage.
Chairman Stempien opened the hearing to public comment and read letters in favor of the variance from Nicole and Hans Bengard, 16 Riverside Rd., and Deborah McIneely, 15 Riverside Rd.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Stempien closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Mr. George to approve the variance in conformance with the maps and plans provided, based on the configuration and size of the lot, and the facts that the lot pre-dates zoning, and every effort has been made to minimize the amount of encroachment beyond the boundaries. The motion was seconded by Mr. Daley. Chairman Stempien and Mr. Cosgrove were opposed. Motion passed.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 22, 2006
A motion was made by Mr. Daley to approve the minutes of the March 22, 2006 meeting, as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Martin, and unanimously carried.
V. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Daley to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 P. M.
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Thomas Horan, Secretary
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