GRAND ISLE, N.Y. — The Town of Grand Isle Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 4 voted to table a variance application for a large accessory building proposed at 2120 East River Road after extended public comment from adjacent homeowners who said the proposal would block a long-established river view.

Vic DiManiels, representing property owner David Phillips, presented the application and described a proposed detached garage larger than the town’s typical allowance. "He would like to double the size of that so he can keep his boats, antique cars," DiManiels said, describing a structure intended for recreational storage and six bays with 10-foot doors.

Neighbors, most prominently Michael Torrance and his wife Eileen Torrance of 2112 East River Road, opposed the project. Michael Torrance said the proposal “is not appropriate for the residential neighborhood” and said the building would block about half of the view that he and his wife had designed their home to capture. Eileen Torrance provided photographs and stake-marked elevations she said showed the proposed 25.5-foot height would exceed the peak of nearby homes and reach utility-line elevations.

After public comment, board members discussed siting alternatives and whether a smaller building or a building set further back on the lot would address neighbors’ concerns. The applicant acknowledged alternatives and indicated a willingness to meet with neighbors. The board voted to table the application and keep the public hearing open so the applicant could revise plans and consult with neighbors before the board’s next meeting.

The board noted that a 1,400-square-foot building is the usual local limit for accessory structures and suggested the applicant consider a design compatible with neighborhood scale or relocating the structure farther from East River Road. The motion to table was made by John Brattle, seconded by Michael Todaro, and carried on an affirmative vote.

Ending

The applicant will confer with neighbors and may return with a revised site plan and reduced dimensions or a relocated footprint. The board left the public hearing open and scheduled the item to be reconsidered at its next meeting.