Public hearing closed on Fort Mill Road property after site visit; planning board raised historic-preservation concerns

The Rhinebeck Zoning Board of Appeals closed a public hearing on a proposed addition, pool and carport at the Fort Mill Road property (identified in the record as 30 Fort Mill Road LLC) after a site visit and an updated referral from the planning board.

Planning-board comments asked the ZBA to consider the historical character of the subject property and the nearby sister property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and to give the historic nature of the properties appropriate weight. ZBA members who conducted a site visit told the board they found the sister property had been significantly altered over time (multiple additions and dormers) and that the proposed work at the subject property is modest and will not materially change the character of the neighborhood.

Board members discussed tree roots and driveway sight lines and said they had asked the applicant to consult the highway department about potentially modifying the driveway location to improve safety. The planning board—s updated referral (letter dated Oct. 6 and Oct. 14 referenced) raised no technical objections to the requested variances for setbacks related to the addition, carport and pool.

The public hearing was closed; the board said it would prepare a resolution and expected to make a determination at or before the next meeting (within 62 days of closing, with the board typically deciding at the following meeting). The board asked the applicant to provide photos and instructions for the record and to coordinate any driveway safety review with the highway department.

Next steps: staff will post the resolution online ahead of the next meeting and the board will act on the matter within the statutory review window.