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ZBA approves variances to allow house on shallow canal-front Cheyenne lot over protest
Summary
The Zoning Board approved multiple variances to permit a new house on a combined, shallow canal-front lot on Cheyenne Ave despite residents’ concerns about canal congestion, erosion and potential docks; vote was 5-2 with Schneider and Ressler opposed.
On April 21 the Waterford Zoning Board of Appeals granted several variances to permit construction of a new house on a combined canal-front lot on Cheyenne Avenue, approving reduced front and rear setbacks and a reduced canal setback after neighbors raised objections.
Applicant Matt Randall told the board the sale is contingent on ZBA approval and soil boring results and said he expects to build a modest new home consistent with the neighborhood. "The sale is contingent upon approval with the ZBA and with soil borings," he said.
Multiple neighbors testified against granting the variances. Dawn Nadeau told the board she and other canalfront residents worry that a house built close to the canal could block navigation and reduce property values. Ken Kanthook said he had documented the canal’s tightness with photos and renderings and expressed concern about erosion and boat passage. Several other nearby residents—including Roberto Tule and Jennifer Sera Kirby—raised similar concerns about congestion and loss of views.
Staff advised the board that the Township does not have jurisdiction over docks and that docking is regulated by the state. Board Member Sue Camilleri noted staff field observations found no wetlands on the parcel and that adjacent homes show similar setbacks, which the board weighed in its decision.
The motion to approve (moved by Vice Chairman Todd Hoffman; supported by Art Frasca) carried 5-2; Rick Schneider and Ron Ressler were recorded in opposition. The board’s approval noted the lot’s narrow depth creates a constrained building envelope and that the request was consistent with neighborhood patterns.
