Zoning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD VIRTUALLY VIA THE ZOOM APPLICATION ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020 AT 6:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Greg Mollnow, Chairperson Mr. Mark Cotch Mr. Anthony Kusaywa Ms. Mary Shanks Ms. Carolyn Dion, Alternate Member Ms. Kimberly Cardona, Alternate Member MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Joyce Baranski, Vice Chairperson ALSO PRESENT: Joseph Seman-Graves, City Planner Sharon Butler, Administrative Assistant CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 MEETING Chairperson Mollnow called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm Chairperson Mollnow; I’ll give everyone on the board a minute to review and if you have any questions feel free to speak up. Ok are there any comments or questions from the board? Ok, with none, I’ll make a motion to approve the minutes Member Cotch seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Greg Mollnow X Joyce Baranski Absent Mark Cotch X Mary Shanks X Anthony Kusaywa X Carolyn Dion X Kimberly Cardona Nonvoting member CONSIDERATION OF AREA VARIANCES AT 126 SIMMONS AVENUE: Chairperson Mollnow: Moving on to the 2nd item on the agenda; this is for an Area Variance at 126 Simmons Avenue. The applicant is looking to construct a 10’x18’ shed 4’ from the northern property line. The appeal under consideration is one for an area variance. For an area variance to be legally granted pursuant to Section 81 of the General City Law, the following issues must be considered: The benefit to the applicant if the variance is granted, as weighted against the detriment to the health, safety, and welfare of the neighborhood or community by such grant;  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 the area variance; 2. Whether the benefit sought by the applicant can be achieved by some other method feasible for the applicant to pursue, other than an area variance; 3. Whether the requested area variance is substantial; 4. Whether the proposed variance will have an adverse effect or impact on the physical or environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district; and 5. Whether the alleged difficult was self-created. Is Mr. or Mrs. Laforest on? Mr. Laforest; yes, I’m here Chairperson Mollnow; could you explain your project? I know you gave us nice drawings of what you are looking to do, but if you want to add anything. Mr. Laforest; no there’s nothing to add. We are doing exactly what is outlined in the application and the drawing submitted. We just need the approval because of not meeting the setback requirement. Chairperson Mollnow; ok, do any board members have any questions on this project? Joe anything sent in from the public? Joe Seman-Graves; no, nothing and there isn’t anyone in the chat room Chairperson Mollnow; I have one question. Is there anything on the property behind the proposed shed? Mr. Laforest; just a fence Mrs. Laforest; It’s the east side property line not the north. The neighbor’s back yard is there also Chairperson Mollnow; ok, are there any other questions from board member? Chairperson Mollnow; I’ll make a motion to approve this variance. Member Kusaywa; I’ll second it, motion passed unanimously YES NO ABSTAIN Greg Mollnow X Joyce Baranski Absent Mark Cotch X Mary Shanks X Anthony Kusaywa X Carolyn Dion X Kimberly Cardona  Nonvoting member With no other business, Chairperson Mollnow made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38PM 2nd by Member Kusaywa