Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS January 10, 2012 Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the City of Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken and it was determined that a quorum was present. PRESENT: Marc Benjamin, Chairman Joseph Jacaruso, Co-Chairman Dorothy Travers Paul Kramarewicz Henry Olender Raymond Dussault-Alternate Joe East-Alternate Peter Cuprak-Alternate ABSENT: Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Officer ALSO PRESENT: Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary Marc Benjamin presented the applications in Tianne Phoenix Curtis’s absence. The committee in January customarily elects the chairman/vice chairman but in Ms. Curtis’s absence it will be continued until the next meeting February 14, 2012. Marc Benjamin also thanked Joe East and Peter Cuprak for joining the Zoning Board of Appeals. E. COMMUNICATIONS - NONE F. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES On a motion by Travers/Kramarewicz, it was voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the October 11, 2011 regular meeting. G. OLD BUSINESS - NONE H. NEW BUSINESS: 1. V#11-20 – Request of Steven DeWick for property located at 73 Norwich Ave & owned by Michael Magliano & Rinaldo Magliano Jr. located in a General Commercial (GC) zoning district. In accordance with Sec.15.1.4 ‘Parking’ 19 spaces required, request reduction to 6; 1 of 3  Sec.12.1 ‘Schedule’ GC 20’ Rear yard required, request reduction to 2’; 25% lot coverage, request increase to 32% for the construction of a 60’x40’ addition to existing auto body business. Seated were, Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers, Paul Kramarewicz, Henry Olender, Marc Benjamin entered into the record the Exhibits A-G. Henry Olender noted that the Norwich Police Department Referral for Parking Variance was sent out on January 4, 2012 and the Zoning Officer had not received any comments. Marc Benjamin stated the applicant was present and the Board would take testimony. The Board could also move on it without a return referral from the Police Department. Speaking in favor was the applicant, Steven DeWick, owner of Ray’s Auto Radiator and Body Works, also property owners Michael & Rinaldo Jr. Magliano, 73 Norwich Avenue. Mr. DeWick stated he wants to put a 60’x40’ addition on the back of his existing building. He will be installing spray booths for waterborne paints, and there will be parking for additional 10-11 cars inside. The Federal Government will be mandating the waterborne paints by approximately 2014. Nineteen parking spaces are required; he is looking to request a decrease of six spots. The existing office trailer in the rear is being demolished. Mr. DeWick stated that the rear of the property is unusable due to a large 30’ slope to a narrow stream. Price wise it wasn’t feasible to fill it in and gain DEP approvals for activity within their jurisdiction in order to gain parking, or to relocate the addition towards the rear of property. Mr. DeWick stated the topography of the property doesn’t allow it. There being no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. As acting staff, Mark Benjamin stated for the record Alternate Raymond Dussault would be voting. Upon motion by Ray Dussault, seconded by Paul Kramarewicz, it was unanimously voted to act on V#11-20. I. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPLICATIONS 1. V#11-20 – Request of Steven DeWick for property located at 73 Norwich Ave & owned by Michael Magliano & Rinaldo Magliano Jr. located in a General Commercial (GC) zoning district. In accordance Page 2 of 3  with Sec.15.1.4 ‘Parking’ 19 spaces required, request reduction to 13 (per the applicant); Sec.12.1 ‘Schedule’ GC 20’ Rear yard required, request reduction to 2’; 25% lot coverage, request increase to 32% for the construction of a 60’x40’ addition to existing auto body business. Voting were, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers, Paul Kramarewicz, Henry Olender and Raymond Dussault Alt. With respect to receiving no comment from the Police Department, the Board stated the use entails the dropping and picking up of vehicles, non inclusive of on-street parking. The Board noted there was no opposition from abutting landowners. Marc Benjamin noted the wording of the appeal was misleading, as the applicant had stated on the record he was requesting a reduction of 6 and not a reduction of 13. Motion was made by Raymond Dussault to approve the variance, given the stated hardships that the back of the property is unusable land because of the 30’ slope to a narrow stream; and the Federal Government will be mandating the waterborne paints by approximately 2014. On a motion by Raymond Dussault, seconded by Dorothy Travers it was unanimously voted to APPROVE the variance. Dorothy Travers stated that Rays Auto Radiator and Body Works has been a Norwich business for many years and it will continue and expand in Norwich. J. OTHER MATTERS-NONE K. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Paul Kramarewicz, seconded by Raymond Dussault it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee Smith Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3