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Zoning board approves Long Point basketball court with conditions after public objections
Summary
The Ferrisburgh Zoning Board approved a conditional-use permit and a 50-foot setback waiver for a reduced-size outdoor basketball court at Long Point, after hearing safety, drainage and process concerns from residents and assurances from the applicant about design and fundraising.
The Ferrisburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve Application 25-046, allowing a reduced 30-by-45-foot concrete basketball court at Long Point with conditions to be specified in a forthcoming written decision.
The vote followed a deliberative session concluding at 8:40 p.m. Mike Delaney moved to approve the dimensional waiver for a 50-foot setback from the road centerline and to approve the application; Katie Quinn seconded. Board members present — Vice Chair Dave Mentzer, Bob Beach, Mike Delaney, Diane Nadon and Katie Quinn — voted in favor.
Long Point Corporation president Maja Zimmermann presented the revised plan and told the board the smaller pad reduces encroachment toward the road and that the corporation does not plan to install fencing. "The permit request is the starting point; we still need to raise money because Long Point Corporation is not paying for the project," Zimmermann said, adding that the final size will depend on funds raised.
Residents raised safety and environmental concerns during the public hearing. Engineer and resident Irina Ferreras told the board that the site "needs a drainage system, it can't just drain into the trees or a pond will form." Opponents also warned about runaway balls reaching the roadway and urged delaying the application until Long Point's annual meeting; Brian Farrell said the application "should be withdrawn until after next month's Long Point annual meeting." Supporters, including longtime resident David Carpenter, said recreation at Long Point is widely used and useful for visitors.
Zoning Administrator Katie Hill told the board the revised plan (dated 06/12/25) shows the smaller pad and that the revised pad is still 50 feet from the road centerline. The approval included a dimensional waiver and conditions the board said would be set out in the written decision.
The board's written decision will state the conditions and any required site preparations (drainage, tree removal if necessary, and other construction details).
