Hopatcong board approves variances for Lakeside Boulevard property; owner agrees to end boathouse residential use

The Hopatcong Land Use Board on a recorded vote approved variance relief for 303 Lakeside Boulevard (Block 30501, Lot 2), permitting a proposed three-bedroom home and a two-car garage at the lakefront property while the applicant agreed to stop using an existing boathouse as a residence.

The applicant’s attorney, Daniel Banks, told the board the boathouse has been present since at least the 1950s and that the client intends to limit the boathouse to nonresidential, accessory uses: “I believe we’ve established proof that the boathouse has existed since prior to institution of the ordinances prohibiting the boathouse,” Banks said. The applicant, Mike Paxos, confirmed under oath that he will cease residential use of the boathouse and would return to the board if he later sought overnight occupancy.

The board’s approval covers multiple bulk and coverage variances needed because the lot is undersized and pie-shaped. Engineer Donna Bullock described the site and the proposed changes, noting constraints from steep slopes, underlying bedrock and the property’s shape. Bullock said the…