Horseheads ZBA approves area variance for Kennedy Drive home addition

The Village of Horseheads Zoning Board of Appeals approved an area variance July 6 to allow a 569-square-foot addition at 2262 Kennedy Drive that will reduce the rear-yard setback from about 40 feet to approximately 28 feet.

The decision came after a presentation by Dan Williams of Williams Construction, who identified himself to the board and described the project as "an addition for Steve and Karen Hale, at 2262 Kennedy Drive," saying the existing house measures about 2,097 square feet and the proposed addition would add roughly 569 square feet to enlarge the home's great room for family gatherings.

Board members reviewed the short environmental assessment and answered the Part 2 impact questions, concluding there were no material adverse environmental impacts. Chairperson Hausen said, "We can safely say it will not have an adverse impact." The board also noted that the Planning Board had recommended approval; Chairperson Hausen read the Planning Board motion stating it was moved by Mark Trippoli and seconded by Doug Baker.

During discussion, members and the applicant described the lot as oddly shaped and reviewed distances to neighboring houses, trees, and property pins. The applicant said prior driveway work included drainage mitigation for the backyard and that he had not encountered neighborhood objections at the time of the hearing.

A motion to approve the area variance was made and seconded (the transcript references a motion by Molly and a second by Jennifer). The clerk conducted a roll call and the chair declared the variance approved. The transcript does not record individual yes/no votes in full; the board directed the applicants to apply for building permits and said the village manager's office would provide paperwork and that the applicants should contact the building official (Bob) to complete permits.

The board had no further business and adjourned the meeting.