ZBA approves carriage-house setback variances for proposed single-family at 5 Logan Ave after drainage mitigation commitments

The Glens Falls City Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances for a carriage-house-style single-family dwelling proposed for 5 Logan Ave on Dec. 15, after hearing a lengthy public discussion focused on drainage and neighborhood impacts.

Ethan Powell, principal at Mitsinski Hall Architecture, presented designs and explained the structure would have garage space on the ground floor and residential space above. Powell and owner Sean Mahadio requested side-yard relief (north side 6 feet 2 inches; south side 6 feet 6 inches) and rear-yard relief (one corner cited at about 15 feet 9 inches where 25 feet is required). The presentation included stormwater mitigation measures: eave trenches, a front dry well and permeable pavement to absorb runoff.

Neighbors raised concerns about historic flooding, high water tables and constrained snow storage; one neighbor described periodic flooding and manhole vaults in backyards. Commissioners acknowledged the small lot and the density trade-offs in a neighborhood with both older residential structures and former commercial parcels. Several commissioners noted that the previous use of the lot was commercial and that the proposed residential use with mitigation would likely reduce impervious surface impacts compared with past conditions.

After deliberation, the board moved and seconded a motion to approve the variances for the proposed single-family carriage-house (cited in the transcript as area variance "25 0 0 1 9" while the architect and owner discussed setbacks and stormwater design). The board voted in favor and the chair announced "Motion carries" in the record.

The approval is subject to normal building permit requirements; building-permit applications and stamped engineering plans will be required before construction begins.