Text · page 2 of 5
ZBA Mtg. #04 Regular Mtg. #04 May 19, 2026 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS 1. ZBA File# 08-26, QC North LLC, 3392 North Benzing Road, Zoned B-1, (Part of Farm Lot 28, Town- ship 10, Range 7, SBL # 152.18-1-1). Requests a Use Variance to construct a 10,000 square foot ac- cessory storage building supporting the Quaker Crossing Retail Center. An accessory building is to be located on the same lot as the main building. § 144-5B Terms Defined. APPEARANCE: Gerald Buchheit, Applicant Mr. Buchheit stated that he seeks to construct an accessory building behind the Quaker Crossing Plaza for the purposes of storing equipment and holiday décor used at the Plaza. These items have been stored at the Applicant’s company, Accent Strip, on Benzing Road, but he would like to have them closer to the Plaza. The property is useless otherwise- it’s a narrow strip along the power lines. Mr. Mateer stated that the Applicant is seeking a Use Variance, the granting of which requires demonstration of financial hardship should the Variance not be granted. Mr. Mateer inquired if Mr. Buchheit had any evi- dence of a financial hardship. Mr. Buchheit stated that the property in question has no other use. It is too narrow for a retail building and not enough property for parking for a retail building. Mr. Mateer and the Applicant established that the proposed building will be attractive and in keeping with the rest of the Plaza. Ms. Bowers thanked Mr. Buchheit for providing a layout diagram of what items will be housed in the pro- posed structure. Mr. Williams established that there have been no changes to the plan since the Applicant applied for the Variance. Ms. Rodo confirmed that the Applicant was not running a plow business from the proposed structure. The Chair thanked Mr. Buchheit for the layout diagram and complimented him on the project. The Chair then asked if there was anyone in the audience who would wish to speak in favor of the granting of the Variance. (Twice) NO RESPONSE The Chair then asked if there was anyone in the audience who would wish to speak against the granting of the Variance. (Twice) NO RESPONSE The Chair closed the Public Hearing. The Chair then asked if the Secretary had received any additional communication either for, or against, granting the Variance. The Secretary stated no additional communications had been received. Mr. Mateer expressed his concerns over the evidence of financial hardship required for a Use Variance. He questioned why the lot could not be developed in a different way. Mr. Buchheit stated that this is a long, skinny strip of land. There is not enough room to provide parking which would be in compliance with Town parking regulations. This is a piece of land on which a house once stood. Ms. Rodo stated that the Plaza is well maintained and it will be easier to have the necessary equipment closer. Mr. Williams commented that last winter, the snow removal equipment was out in the open behind the buildings. This project will solve that. Ms. Bowers made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Rodo, to APPROVE the USE VARIANCE, based on the fol- lowing: 1. Per Section 144-63 (E) (1) All public notices have been filed.