GRAND ISLE, N.Y. — The Town of Grand Isle Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 4 denied an area-variance request tied to a proposed rezoning and lot consolidation at 1950 Baseline Road, citing board concern about the appropriateness of an M2 zoning designation in a predominantly rural residential stretch.

Margaret Drzwicki, speaking for the applicant (identified in the public record as representing Rupp Falls Grama), told the board that the owner sought consolidation of five lots that together total about 1.3 acres, below the 1.5-acre minimum for the M2 zone. Drzwicki said the consolidation was requested at the town’s suggestion and that “the current tenant is out” and that the applicant was seeking to regularize property boundaries.

Several neighbors opposed the request at the hearing. James McGraw of 1970 Baseline said the former tenant’s use — described in public comment as storage of porta-potties — had created an “eyesore” and odor issues and that the area remains rural. Eric Petrod of 1963 Baseline said the use was inappropriate for a residential neighborhood. Tim Wellens of 1919 Webb Road also urged the board to keep M2 uses from encroaching into residential areas.

After public comment, board member John Brattle moved to deny the variance. Brattle said he could not support approving a variance that would enable a rezoning that “doesn’t fit the neighborhood.” The motion to deny was seconded by Michael Todaro and carried on the board’s affirmative votes.

The board’s denial is limited to the area-variance request recorded in the ZBA proceeding; any rezoning would require separate action by the Town Board and planning-board approvals. The denial means the applicant must either revise the proposal to meet zoning requirements or withdraw and pursue changes through the formal rezoning process.

Ending

Board members noted that the ZBA’s role is limited to the variance requested and that future steps — including any rezoning petition — would be considered by the Town Board and planning board. The applicant was given the record and may return with a revised proposal or pursue other administrative avenues.