Zoning board denies variance for pole barn at 2195 Long Road after contested hearing

The Town of Grand Island Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 8, 2026 denied a request for a 7-foot side-yard variance at 2195 Long Road that would have legalized the existing 30-by-40-foot pole barn.

Attorney Robert Trusiak, speaking for the owner identified in the record as "Miss Ken Martin," asked the board to reverse a July 11, 2024 denial. Trusiak argued change-of-circumstance factors including the recent death of the applicant’s husband, remediation work done at the owner's expense and an amended drainage plan approved by town staff. "To relocate this 7 feet is gonna cost $36,000," Trusiak said, citing an affidavit submitted with the application.

Town code staff and several board members pressed for evidence that the earlier concerns — principally the property’s prior commercial use and unpermitted work — had been resolved. Nick Caturra and other staff noted there had been no certificate of occupancy and that inspections of foundations and pylons remained necessary. Neighbors and board members also raised questions about whether the structure had been built in the approved location and about prior driveway and fence changes.

During deliberations several board members said the board’s prior rationale — that the proposed structure did not fit the neighborhood and raised concerns about commercial character — still applied. A motion to approve the 7-foot variance failed on a voice vote; the board recorded a majority of "no" votes and the application was denied. The board recorded that three members opposed and two supported approval.