Zoning board approves Russo lot variances with condition to keep front porch unenclosed

The Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve variances for property owners Vincent Russo and Danielle Perez to add a second-story addition, maintain a covered front porch and alter several setbacks, with the condition that the front porch must remain unenclosed.

The applicants, represented in person by Vincent Russo, asked the board for relief that included a reduced front-yard setback (from 30 feet to about 15.55 feet), a reduced rear-yard setback (from 40 feet to 32.95 feet), and an increase in total building area to 36.5 percent. Russo told the board the proposal was driven by the need to make a second-floor bedroom functional while preserving the look of a front porch. "We were planning to cover that front porch anyway," Russo said, and confirmed the porch would not be enclosed.

Board member Mr. Shepherd questioned interior work and use of the basement and confirmed the owners would not enclose the porch. "The only condition is that you're not going to be able to enclose the front porch," Shepherd told the applicants; the applicants agreed. Shepherd moved to approve application 25-193 with that condition; the motion passed on a voice vote.

The board noted supporting materials on the record, including planning and environmental control memos and a survey. No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing, and the board confirmed the condition in its approval.

The decision is expected to be issued in writing and mailed to the applicants as provided by board procedure. If the application is approved, the applicants still must obtain required building permits from the Building Department before beginning work.