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WEST SENECA COMMUNITY CENTER Zoning Board of Appeals 1300 Union Road Minutes #2025-11 West Seneca, NY 14224 December 3, 2025 backyard is mostly gravel and only a small patch of recently planted grass. Chairperson Hicks asked Mr. Garcia if he intends to use the front yard as a recreation area. Mr. Garcia confirmed this and reiterated his concern that cars had entered his property when turning the nearby corner. Mr. Bedient stated he understands the limitations of the backyard and asked if the Zoning Board could discuss the location of the fence. Ms. Greenan stated it is common practice for the Zoning Board to require fences to be 3' off sidewalks and could apply the same logic for this circumstance. Mr. Busse stated there is a grassy area right-of-way next to the road and Fernald Avenue is 50' wide. Mr. Bedient asked if the fence could be located a bit more off the driveway to alleviate congestion at the end of the driveway. Mr. Garcia stated that there is an existing gas line which requires the fence to be placed closer to the driveway. Mr. Busse suggested keeping the fence closer to the front of the house. Mr. Bedient asked when the fence would be installed. Mr. Garcia stated he does not think it will be during the winter months. Mr. Bedient stated he would prefer to table the application and have the applicant provide more specific details. Chairperson Hicks stated she agrees and would also like more details about the fence. Chairperson Hicks asked if a 4' fence would be adequate to contain the applicant's large dog. Mr. Garcia stated that while the dog is large, she is not agile; she is still a puppy, and they are working on training issues with a dog trainer. Chairperson Hicks stated she would like the applicant to resolve any neighbor issues and if the fence would adequately contain animals and children she is not opposed to the fence. Chairperson Hicks referred to the area variance balancing test: 1) Is there an undesirable change to the neighborhood - the applicant's side of the fence may be safe, but the neighbor's side might not be; 2) Is there an alternative – the applicant does not like the concept of using the backyard; 3) Is the request substantial – yes, and asked if a 25' projection is too much; 4) Does the variance have an impact on the environment – possibly; 5) Is this a self-created difficulty – yes, but the situation could be seen as no due to the limitations of the backyard. Motion by Bedient, seconded by Chairperson Hicks, to table the item pending receipt of additional information from the petitioner regarding the proposed fence for the January 28, 2026, meeting. Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried 2025-048 Request of Jaclyn Schneider of Green Philosophy 716 for property located at 99-101 Slade Avenue to allow construction of an additional sign (ground sign) (one sign per lot permitted). Ralph Lorigo, Attorney for the applicant, provided the following information: - Within the next few years, Slade Avenue and the properties around the building will be commercially developed - Would an undesirable change occur - no, there is no change in the character of the neighborhood and reiterated the neighborhood would eventually be commercial - There is not a feasible alternative due to the existing building design and the sign would better 13 Page 15 of 40