GRAND ISLE, N.Y. — The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Town of Grand Isle approved a series of variance requests during its Sept. 4, 2025 public hearing, granting property owners permission for existing or proposed structures that do not meet strict dimensional requirements in the town zoning code.

The board unanimously approved setback and height variances for a mix of properties after brief presentations by applicants and limited public comment. The approvals included a rear/side yard variance for a preexisting shed, a fence-height variance for a corner property, two variances for a detached storage building, and a front-yard fence height variance on Third Avenue. The board also approved the minutes of its Aug. 7 meeting.

The most straightforward item was an existing shed at 365 Corey Run. Applicant Charles Gitney Jr. told the board the shed sits on an existing concrete pad and has been in place for “over 2 years.” The board found the public hearing complete and approved the requested variances for side and rear-yard setbacks by motion of John Brattle, seconded by Michael Todaro.

At 5548 East River Road, owner Rosary Anne Cancilla asked for a 3-foot fence-height variance so she may install a six-foot privacy fence on a corner lot to create a usable private yard. She said she had spoken with adjacent neighbors and they did not object. The board approved the variance with a condition clarifying the setback location shown on the drawing.

At 3025 Westwood Drive, applicant (listed in the record as Bridal Benton) received two approvals for a proposed detached storage structure: an area variance of approximately 320–332 square feet beyond the allowed size and a 1-foot height variance to allow a 22-foot peak to match the house. The applicant said the structure will be used for camper and recreational storage and that neighboring property owners had submitted letters of support.

At 2987 Third Avenue, applicant Nicholas Panopinto received a 1-foot front-yard fence-height variance for a corner lot. The board clarified the front-yard setback measurement and approved the variance.

Each of the above motions passed with the board’s affirmative votes. Applicants were reminded to obtain any required building permits and to build according to submitted plans.

The board approved the minutes of its Aug. 7, 2025 meeting by motion of Betty Harris, seconded by Michael Todaro.

Votes at a glance

- 365 Corey Run (Charles Gitney Jr.): approved — side-yard variance (4 feet), rear-yard variance (3 feet). Motion by John Brattle; second Michael Todaro; unanimous approval.
- 5548 East River Road (Rosary Anne Cancilla): approved — fence-height variance of 3 feet (allowing 6-foot fence). Motion by John Brattle; second Michael Todaro; unanimous approval with a setback-location condition.
- 3025 Westwood Drive (Bridal Benton): approved — area variance (~320–332 sq ft) and height variance (1 foot to 22 ft). Motion by John Brattle; second Michael Todaro; unanimous approval.
- 2987 Third Avenue (Nicholas Panopinto): approved — front-yard fence-height variance of 1 foot. Motion by John Brattle; second Michael Todaro; unanimous approval.
- Minutes (Aug. 7, 2025): approved. Motion by Betty Harris; second Michael Todaro; unanimous approval.

Ending

Board members reminded applicants to follow through with building permits and to construct according to approved site plans. The ZBA concluded these agenda items with routine conditions and closed those public hearings.