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Thomas Kotarski 1234 Center Street East Aurora, NY 14052 October 15, 2025 Town of Aurora Zoning Board of Appeals 575 Oakwood Avenue East Aurora, NY 14052 Dear Members of the Zoning Board, I am writing to respectfully request a variance from the current zoning regulations regarding the number of domestic animals permitted on residential properties in the Town of Aurora. My family currently keeps two goats and twelve chickens at our home on Center Street, which exceeds the town’s limit of one goat and six chickens. I would like to present two key reasons for this request: 1. Community Support and Positive Impact: Our neighbors are fully aware of and supportive of our animals. Many of them regularly visit to interact with our goats and enjoy spending time near the chickens. While our chickens are not currently producing eggs, they are expected to begin laying in the near future, and we plan to share the eggs with our neighbors once they do. The animals have become a cherished part of our neighborhood, fostering a sense of community and connection among residents. We have taken care to ensure that the animals are well-maintained, quiet, and kept in a secure, fenced area that does not interfere with neighboring properties. 2. Therapeutic Benefit for My Mother: My mother, who resides with us, is in the early stages of dementia. She spent her childhood as a World War II refugee in Venezuela, where she was raised on a small farm and cared for chickens. These animals provide her with a sense of purpose and comfort, connecting her to cherished memories from her youth. Caring for them has become her daily routine and offers her meaningful engagement while we are at work. Her mental health provider, Dr. Kristin McKenzie, supports this therapeutic activity and will be providing a letter to affirm its positive impact on her well-being. We understand and respect the town’s regulations, but we believe that our situation merits special consideration. The animals are not only a source of joy and community engagement but also play a vital role in supporting my mother’s mental health. We are committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful environment for both our animals and our neighbors.