Zoning board approves setback variances for 25 Sandrock after neighbor expresses support

The Dobbs Ferry Zoning Board of Appeals reopened and granted variances for 25 Sandrock Avenue in October after a neighboring resident said he had reviewed the plans and supported them.

The applicant reported earlier in the meeting that he had visited a neighbor (referenced as "Shagal Daresi") and reviewed the deck plans in the backyard; the applicant told the board the neighbor was "fine with it" though the neighbor had not initially appeared at the hearing (Unidentified Speaker 2).

When the neighbor later joined by Zoom (Gerard DeRisi, who identified himself and his address), he told the board he had seen the plans, found them "well within reason," and said he and his wife supported the project "100%" (Gerard DeRisi, SEG 398–408).

Board members restated that the application sought two variances: a rear-yard setback variance of approximately 9.73 feet and a side-yard setback variance of 0.2 feet. After closing the hearing, a member moved to approve the application as presented; the motion was seconded and carried with three affirmative votes recorded.

A board member noted the legal standard requiring the board to consider whether the benefit sought could be achieved by another method that would not require a variance; the member said the facts of the site supported approval in this instance and wished the applicant luck with the project (Unidentified Speaker 1).

The board's vote authorizes the applicant to proceed under the approved variances; the transcript indicates typical permit and Building Department follow-up would apply, and the board closed the matter and adjourned to November.

For complete findings and any conditions attached to the variances, consult the board's written decision and the building-permit record.