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Board tables controversial garage variance after neighbors raise appearance concerns
Summary
Marcus Klein asked for a variance to construct a 14‑ft detached metal garage at 84 Kilborn; neighbors and board members raised concerns about metal siding and neighborhood character and the board agreed to table the decision so the applicant can seek design alternatives and return next month.
Marcus Klein and Jennifer Hoffman asked the Cheektowaga Board of Appeals on May 20 for a variance to build a 14‑ft detached garage (code limit: 12 ft) at 84 Kilborn, saying a taller door (10 ft) is needed to store large vehicles. The proposal is a pole‑barn style metal structure.
Neighbors and board members questioned whether metal siding would be visually compatible with the neighborhood and encouraged the applicant to explore matching the house’s siding on the garage frontage or other façade treatments. The board discussed fire‑code considerations and construction cost trade‑offs between a conventional garage and pole‑barn construction.
Given unresolved design questions and a request from board members for the applicant to investigate front‑facing siding or a reduced door height, the board agreed to table the item and asked the applicant to return at the next meeting with design alternatives and cost information.
Why it matters: Accessory‑structure variances affect neighborhood character and property values; the board opted to postpone a decision to allow the applicant to respond to compatibility concerns.
Next steps: Applicant to consult contractor and return with revised elevation drawings or a plan to modify the garage front to better match the house, and the board will revisit the variance on June 17.
