Zoning Board of Appeals

City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Board of Appeals City of Cortland Monday, January 9, 2017 A regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 5:00 PM in the City Court Room at City Hall. Present: Chair Scott Steve, Commissioners Karen Leahy, Beau Harbin, and Maria Manning, Juliene Ray Absent: Commissioner Phyllis McGinley Staff: Zoning Officer Bob Rhea, Deputy Chief Bill Knickerbocker, Confidential Secretary to the Mayor Devon Rainbow Item #1 – 167 Homer Ave (Pollack) – Area Variance – (GB)  Size and number of signs Mike Stroh was present for the meeting. His business sits 60 yards back from the road. There are 2 large apartment buildings on either side of him. He currently has 2 oversized sandwich board signs placed out by the road to advertise his business due to having no road exposure. The signs do not block view from the driveway. No one was present to speak on this public hearing. A motion was made to close the public hearing by Comm. Ray and seconded by Comm. Manning Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 The Board members reviewed the test questions to determine whether the variance should be considered for granting or denial. A motion was made by Comm. Ray to approve with the condition that only 1 oversized sandwich board sign be out on display at a time. The motion was seconded by Comm. Harbin. Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Item #2 – 12 Hill St (Armideo) – Area Variance – (R2)  Lot Area and Width  Front, Rear and Side Yards  Parking Minutes of the January 9, 2017 Meeting 1  City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals No one was present to speak on behalf of this application. ZEO Bob Rhea stated there was only 1 legal parking space for this property. No one was present to speak on this public hearing. A motion was made to close the public hearing by Comm. Ray and seconded by Comm. Leahy Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 The Board members reviewed the test questions to determine whether the variance should be considered for granting or denial. A motion was by Comm. Harbin to deny the application. The motion was seconded by Comm. Ray. Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Item #3 – 24 Summit St. – Review of Area Variance decision. A motion was made by Comm. Harbin to reopen the decision/hearing on 24 Summit St. Comm. Leahy seconded it. A roll call was done for votes: Comm. Ray – Yes, Comm. Leahy – Yes, Comm. Manning – Yes, Comm. Steve – Yes, Comm. Harbin – Yes. Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Mr. Babcock and his contractor Mr. Norton were present for the meeting. The board members received new drawings that are not as originally submitted. The board previously approved a 40x60 ft. house. The owner built the current building based off a lot survey that was done in 1992. The dimensions on the survey do not match the current lot. A new survey was ordered and done today. The last meeting in September regarding this project, stated that the measurements would be from the set back of the curb as that was what was being proposed at that time. Measurements for the current placement of the building were done off the survey property lines. The old survey was never proposed at the original meeting. The siding on the building is a vertical aluminum. In September Mr. Babcock stated that the new building would resemble his current house that is down the road which is horizontal vinyl with stone along the bottom. Mr. Babcock stated he remembers stating the house would resemble his house and he changed the overhead garage door from 8ft to 10ft. This building was supposed to stay in the character of the neighborhood. Minutes of the January 9, 2017 Meeting 2  City of Cortland – Zoning Board of Appeals Michelle Mastropolo spoke regarding this project. She is the Ward 1 Alderman. She has received numerous phone calls and emails with concerns about the property. She had questions regarding the water, electricity and foundation of the garage. Carolann Davis read a letter from Shannon King regarding her concerns with the property. She lives next to the property that Mr. Babcock owns. She is currently selling her home and hopes this does not affect the resale of the homes in the area. A motion was made by Comm. Ray to table this item till the new survey is submitted and seconded by Comm. Leahy. Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Minutes Approval of November 14, 2016 minutes as amended, motion by Comm. Ray and seconded by Comm. Leahy. Approved: Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 New/Old Business Comm. Harbin questioned if the Physician’s letter that was requested from 15 Water St. was brought in. ZEO Bob Rhea stated he has not received the letter. Adjournment On the motion of Comm. Steve and Seconded by Comm. Ray, voted and carried to adjourn meeting. Approved: Ayes – 4 Nays – 0 I, SCOTT STEVE, MEMBER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE CITY OF CORTLAND, NY, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT SAID RESOLUTIONS WERE ADOPTED AT A MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE CITY OF CORTLAND, HELD ON THE 9th DAY OF JANUARY IN THE YEAR 2017. SCOTT STEVE, ZBA MEMBER Minutes of the January 9, 2017 Meeting 3