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Goshen ZBA Accepts Appeal Filing and Schedules Hearing on Building‑Inspector Interpretation
Summary
The board accepted an administrative appeal by Shapiro / Timber Trail LLC challenging a building‑inspector interpretation dated Dec. 11, 2025, and scheduled a public hearing for March 3 at 7:30 p.m.; counsel for the appellant has asked for a limited stay while the parties clarify scope.
Goshen — The Zoning Board of Appeals received an administrative appeal from Shapiro / Timber Trail LLC on Feb. 17 challenging a building‑inspector interpretation dated Dec. 11, 2025, and agreed to schedule a public hearing on the appeal for March 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Clerk and counsel repeatedly noted this evening's item was an initial presentation only and no testimony or decision would be taken at the meeting. Board staff read an interpretation attributed to Steve Esposito (building department) that stated the proposed post‑building additions would not result in a significant modification to the existing exterior appearance of the existing structure, and that the emphasis in the interpretation was on the "existing structure," not proposed additions.
An attendee summarized the difference as largely semantic: "I read this as a bit of a semantic thing," and several participants said they were unsure how to separate the 'existing structure' from proposed additions when the project significantly enlarges the building. The applicant's counsel (Ms. Levine) submitted an advocacy letter and asked the board for a limited stay on proceedings; the board said staff would prepare a memo clarifying what the limited stay would entail.
The board voted to schedule the appeal hearing for March 3 at 7:30 p.m. and noted that the cost of publication for the public‑hearing notice is to be borne by the appealing party. No formal determinations were made tonight; the appeal will be placed on a future agenda with full public notice.
Why it matters: The appeal centers on whether a building‑inspector's interpretation should consider only alterations to an existing structure or also proposed additions that alter exterior appearance and functional use; the outcome could affect whether variances or permits are required for large expansions.
Next steps: Staff will circulate the appeal filings and a memo explaining the scope of any stay requested by counsel; parties will prepare materials for the March 3 hearing and the appealing party will pay publication costs.
