Alpine Commons Developers elicit Slack-Jawed Response from ZBA

The December 13, 2022 Zoning Board meeting began with typical discussions with residents concerning their property improvements.

A gentleman on Kretch Circle had installed a deck, not understanding the set-back requirements. The ZBA asked that he remove 4' of the deck to lessen the variance requested by 4' -- and given that change, approved the variance for the deck.

The variance for the construction of a garage on Sylvia Drive was approved.

The public hearing for a variance requested for a pole barn on Diddell

Road was adjourned to January 10.

A discussion for a variance for a residence on Spook Hill Road was held, with the applicant looking to improve the aesthetics of their home, but requiring a variance for the set-back requirements. The public hearing is scheduled for January 10.

And then.... the developers and attorney for Alpine Common introduced their request for a variance for a 144 multifamily workforce housing complex at Alpine Commons. The variances required would be an increase from 93 (their number.. .based on their calculation, which no one was able to refute) to 144 units, an increase to 50 feet building height vs. the 35 feet currently allowed and a reduction in the number of parking spaces from 282 to 238. This complex would be behind BJs and use 8 to 9 acres of land. These would all be rental units -- and the developer would requesting funding from NY State to subsidize the development. And the attorney requested that the ZBA be the lead agency.

With a few minor questions from the attorney (the planner was not present) and the board members (four out of 5 members present) -- and basically a stunned silence. The Town Attorney did helpfully mention that he would provide the board with a link to the NY State SEQRA handbook (as he mentioned to the planning board the previous week) -- Really? Isn't that part of the basic training to be on a board making such fundamental decisions for the town? Shouldn't their copies be well-thumbed and annotated by now?