Zoning board legalizes existing parking, grants setback variance for proposed B&B at 4184 East River Road with one guest parking condition

March 5, 2026 — The Grand Island Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance for 4184 East River Road to legalize existing parking within the required front-yard setback and imposed conditions limiting guest parking to one space.

The board took up the postponed 4184 East River Road item after completing the previous matter. Neighbors including Ross Arsenal (who provided an address for the record) and a resident who identified herself as Rhonda spoke in the public-comment period. Arsenal asked how many people would be allowed for a bed-and-breakfast; Rhonda said she has observed guests coming and going over two summers and described an instance where visitors took apples from a neighbor’s tree, expressing concern about the property becoming a party house and about additional driveway changes that would affect the neighborhood’s character.

Board members described the lot and driveway situation as unusual and discussed that the required front-yard setback under code section 351-3 is 50 feet. Members stated the board’s intent was to legalize existing parking while limiting new disturbance: the approval includes a stipulation that one guest parking space be designated and that the existing driveway remain as the primary parking area. John Brad moved to grant the variance from code section 351-3; the motion was seconded by Michael Daro and approved by voice vote.

The board recorded the condition about one guest parking space in the decision and directed that the approval be entered into the Town’s records. Neighbors who had expressed concerns about parties were told the approval was conditioned to limit additional parking and driveway changes rather than to expand them.

The board then approved the previous meeting minutes and adjourned.