Thompson ZBA approves variances for replacement homes and greenhouse, leaves several applications open

The Town of Thompson Zoning Board of Appeals on May 12 approved area variances for two replacement homes and a greenhouse while holding several other applications open for revised plans or additional notice.

At the meeting, the board approved variances for a planned two-story replacement at 4 Gold Point Road (Kerri Clark) that required reduced front, rear and side-yard setbacks and increased lot coverage. After closing the public hearing, the board applied the standard five variance criteria and voted to approve all requested relief (motion by Darren Miller; second by Cindy Ruff).

The board also approved variances for a replacement dwelling at 125 South Lake Road (DaroJaco LLC). Applicant representatives said existing lot coverage is 16.8% and proposed coverage would be 19.5%; the board voted to grant the requested setbacks and coverage increase (motion by Cindy Ruff; second by Darren Miller).

Separately, the board granted a side-yard variance for an existing greenhouse at 217 East Broadway (Monticello Greenhouse). Staff said the property is under concurrent review by the Planning Board, and the ZBA recommended adjusting a proposed lot line or right-of-way to align with an on-site stream and the actual access path to reduce existing encroachments and clarify future property boundaries.

Several applications were left open. The board kept the public hearings open for the applicant at 124 Haddock Road (Ioan Dubovici) to allow the owner to submit an updated site plan showing whether he will relocate a chicken coop at least 75 feet from property lines or remove the birds, and to note timing for selling two box trailers currently used for storage. The board also continued the Knight & Martin application for 92 Middletown Point Road after the town attorney said required mailed notices to adjoining property owners were not sent; the matter will return when abutter notices have been properly circulated. Tara Acres Unit 9 (968 Old Liberty Road) was left open after neighbors raised concerns about drainage, a malfunctioning septic system and alleged encroachments supported by a recent survey; the board asked the applicant to provide additional documentation and allowed the Planning Board to review environmental issues.

Attorney Steve Vegliante and planner Jim Carnell repeatedly advised applicants to update site plans to show existing and proposed structures and to document septic and boundary issues when raised by neighbors. Public comment was limited; Walter Fedun of 954 Old Liberty Road told the board he had a new survey showing a 26-foot encroachment by Tara Acres and described prior septic and drainage problems affecting neighboring trees. The board noted the Planning Board will consider environmental concerns and left the matter open for additional materials.

Procedural items: the board approved the April 14, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Jay Mendels; second by Phyllis Perry) and appointed Darren Miller as a voting member for the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

What happens next: Applications left open are scheduled for the board’s June 9, 2026 meeting; applicants were instructed to provide revised site plans, mailing proof for abutter notice where required, and any survey or septic documentation referenced by neighbors.