Town of Otsego Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes – November 18, 2008

PUBLIC HEARING
08.06 – John & Anne Hart – area variance, replacement of structure in Canadarago Lakeshore protection area – 207 Marble Road (#52.08-1-17.00)
Chairman Greg Crowell opened the public hearing at 7:07 PM, noting that no one other than the applicant and his engineer was present.  Crowell read aloud form-letters (filed) in support of the application signed by neighbors Audrey Mizener, Erwin Browne, Joseph & Angela Marotta, and David & Nancy Birdsall.  At 7:19, Crowell closed the public hearing.

 REGULAR MEETING
The monthly Town of Otsego Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting was held on this date.  Chairman Greg Crowell called the meeting to order at 7:09 PM and roll call was taken by Secretary Bill Deane.  All Board members were present: Crowell, Tony Scalici (Vice-Chairman), Bill Kitchen, and Sam Hoskins.

Chairman Crowell asked if anyone had a potential conflict with tonight’s applicant.  No one reported any conflict.

Scalici moved to approve the ZBA minutes of October 21 as written.  Hoskins seconded the motion and it was approved, 4-0.

Chairman Crowell distributed copies of the November/December 2008 issue of Talk of the Towns&Topics, the only correspondence received since the last meeting.  The board moved on to the application.

APPLICATIONS
08.06 – John & Anne Hart – area variance, replacement of structure in Canadarago Lakeshore protection area – 207 Marble Road (#52.08-1-17.00)
Applicant John Hart and engineer Hans DeWaal were present.  They noted that the seasonal dwelling would be replaced by a year-round one.  The Board again reviewed the application and supporting documents, including photographs of the property and neighboring properties.

Sam Hoskins moved to approve the variances sought: 20 feet on the north side, 17 feet on the south side, 38 feet on the east (front) side, and 47 feet from the restriction of building in the shoreline protection area.  Hoskins, with input from Chairman Crowell and Tony Scalici, said that, while the proposed project will produce a change in the neighborhood, overall it will be a positive change; that the benefit sought (an increase in living space) cannot be achieved by any other feasible method, as building upward in this case is preferable to expanding the building footprint; that, though the difficulty is self-created, and the variance sought is not minimal, most of the increased area consists of a permeable deck, rather than living space; that the proposed project is in keeping with neighboring properties; and that the proposed project produces an improvement in the property and an overall positive effect, which the Board encourages.  Scalici seconded the motion and it was approved, 4-0.

OTHER BUSINESS
Chairman Crowell noted that this might be the last ZBA meeting of the year, and the Board should discuss personnel.  Bill Kitchen said that the Town was advertising for a replacement for Anita Weber, whose term would have expired at the end of 2008.  Crowell moved to recommend that the Town Board retain Bill Deane as ZBA Secretary.  Sam Hoskins seconded the motion and it was approved, 4-0.

With no further business, at 7:30 Chairman Crowell adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Deane, Secretary