Zoning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF COHOES CITY HALL ON WEDNESDAY, May 23, 2018 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Michael Briggs, Chairperson Mr. Gary Sawyer Mr. Mark Cotch Mr. Paul Heroux MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Joyce Baranski, Vice Chairperson ALSO PRESENT: Robyn Reynolds, Deputy Director of Economic Development & Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM APRIL 24, 2018 Chairperson Briggs called the meeting to order at 6:27 pm and the consideration of April 24, 2018 meeting minutes passed unanimously after a motion by Member Heroux seconded by Member Sawyer. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski Mark Cotch X Gary Sawyer X Paul Heroux X Consideration of Area Variance for a private swimming pool at 31 McElwain Avenue Chairperson Briggs read the proposal stating that the applicant proposes constructing an above- ground A-Frame swimming pool at a two-family home located at 31 McElwain Avenue in the R- 2 residential zoning district. The proposed structure would sit 6 feet from properties on either side of 31 McElwain Avenue. The applicant has a fence around the sides and rear of the property. The applicant will be appearing in front of the Planning Board at the June meeting for consideration of a Special Use Permit for the swimming pool. According to section 285-36C private swimming pools are permitted in the Residential District (R-2) with a special use permit from the City Planning Board, but must have 10’ setbacks from the side and rear of the property. In this instance, the swimming pool would need a 4’ variance on both sides of the property. Chairperson Briggs asked if the applicant would like to speak to the Board about the project. Ms. Venable noted that the pool is 12 feet in diameter and there would be a 6 ft gap between the pool and the fence. Ms. Venable noted that there would be no environmental impact, no alteration to the terrain, no drainage or hose to the street, that it would be covered when not in use, and that it is purely recreational in nature. Chairperson Briggs stated that he had no major concerns with the proposal. Ms. Venable came and showed the Board a picture of the property and where the proposed pool would be located. Chairperson Briggs noted that a lot of the neighbors have similar pools in their backyards. Member Heroux asked Ms. Venable about the neighbors and whether they had been notified about the project. Ms. Reynolds confirmed that the neighbors within 200 ft had received the mailing and Ms. Venable confirmed that she had had conversations with her immediate neighbors about the proposed pool. Member Heroux made a motion to approve the variance. Member Cotch seconded the motion. Motion Carried. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski Mark Cotch X Gary Sawyer X Paul Heroux X Being no further business Chairperson Briggs made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. Member Heroux seconded the motion. Motion Carried. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski Mark Cotch X Gary Sawyer X Paul Heroux X