PB minutes 6/23/16

Town of Varick

Planning Board minutes - June 23, 2016

Board members in attendance: Rich, Linda, Hershey, Dave

Ricky McCullough (Code Enforcement Officer) also attended.

Meeting called to order

Katherine Potter of Yale Manor, was granted an area variance by the ZBA to allow 100’ setbacks at the sides and 50’ setback at the back of the Yale Manor lot. She requested a Special Use Permit to change from a Bed and Breakfast to an Inn (6‑12 bedrooms).

Neighbors of the proposed Yale Manor, Richard Serfass, and Dawn Eno expressed concerns about potential of increased violations of private property by Yale Manor guests going to its lakefront. Mr. Serfass has already had guests of current facility use his yard as a shortcut to the lake.

Yale Manor plans are for a perimeter fence to contain animals boarded there in the future. This would also force foot traffic to Yale Farm Rd. Linda explained that property violations and increased lake use are not zoning issues. Katherine Potter stated it is her intention to prevent guests, as much as possible, from any use of property not belonging to Yale Manor and to en- courage a quiet and peaceful environment.

The board determined that Yale Manor fits the definition of a small business. Hershey made a motion to grant a Special Use Permit contingent upon Yale Manor meeting other criteria listed in section 405 of the Varick Zoning Code to operate an Inn including no more than 4 Yurts. David seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Rich noted this is the kind of business we want to encourage in Varick.

Sonya Wirth wants to subdivide her property on Kings Corners Road, selling off 38.4 landlocked acres for agricultural use. She has been pursuing this objective based on information she be- lieved accurate, but which is in conflict with current subdivision code. Several suggestions were made that could resolve the matter, but would require cooperation from neighbors, or Ms. Wirth taking 1 00’ of road frontage from current parcels she owns to make it part of the 38.4 acre par- cel. Rich made a motion to request the ZBA review her subdivision request. Hershey seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Thomas has drafted a letter to concerned parties in the area highlighting the need to have plan- ning board review of any subdivision request prior to granting of any subdivision. Linda will for- ward Thomas’ letter to board members for review. We will vote on this letter first thing at our July meeting.

Hershey will ask the new owner of the army depot property, Earl Martin, to attend our next meeting.

Hershey made a motion to adjourn, David seconded. Meeting adjourned 9:10.

Respectfully submitted,

David Kidd