Text · page 3 of 6
2026-031 — 57 Woodcrest Drive (Applicant: Kelly Kostelny) — Garage Setback Variance (Area) • Request: Side-yard setback variance for new two-car garage with small lean-to; originally requested 20 inches to property line. Applicant agreed with neighbor to increase setback by 7 inches (approx. 27–30 inches). • Background: Old garage (approx. 80 years) removed due to structural failure; new pad placed; applicant stopped work upon code notice and filed properly. • Neighbor support: 61 Woodcrest, 53 Woodcrest (requested 7-inch reduction, now accommodated), 64 Brookside (rear neighbor). • Drainage: Gutters and planned drainage to avoid impact to neighbors. • Code Enforcement: Applicant cooperated, ceased work until variance process; recognizes new setbacks apply even when replacing old structure. • Town Attorney: No comment. • Public Comment: None. Motion: • Approve variance as requested. • Motion: Stachowski • Second: Bedient • Vote: Ayes: 5, Noes: 0 Area Variance Balancing Test (5 factors): 1. Neighborhood character/detriment: No; garage historically present in same footprint; replacement improves aesthetics and consistency. 2. Feasible alternatives: Moving to full code setback (36 inches) would be impractical given existing pad and historic footprint; requested location is most effective. 3. Substantiality: Numerically substantial (from 36" required to ~20–30"), but contextually not substantial due to longstanding footprint and minimal impact. 4. Adverse physical/environmental effects: None; structure replaces prior garage; drainage measures planned. 5. Self-created difficulty: Yes, but not determinative; necessity and prior conditions justify relief. 2026-032 — 5112 Seneca Street (Applicant: Joe Gerace) — Pavilion Height Variance (Area) • Request: Increase accessory structure height from 12 ft (code) to 16 ft midline for timber- frame pavilion with hammer beam truss (12:12 pitch), approx. 20-ft span. • Purpose: Family entertaining; open, airy design consistent with craftsman style; large, mature lot (~2 acres), rear yard placement. • Neighbor letters: 5096 Seneca Street, 5118 Seneca Street.