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Shandaken ZBA approves four area variances after public hearings
Summary
At its July 15, 2026 meeting the Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals closed four public hearings and approved area variances for properties on Upper Birch Creek Road, Olive Maria Road, Route 214 in Phoenicia and Mountain Laurel Road; one hearing drew sustained neighborhood opposition to a proposed motel conversion.
The Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals closed four public hearings and approved area variances at its July 15, 2026 meeting, the chair announced at the start of the evening: "Welcome to the town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals meeting," the chair said. The board then moved through four notices and public presentations before reconvening for roll-call votes.
The board approved variances for a handicap ramp at 2088 Upper Birch Creek Road (applicant Carolyn Lazard, represented by contractor Paula Dutcher), a garage-height variance for the property listed in the notice as 785 Olive Maria Road, variances for a conversion at 169 Route 214 in Phoenicia, and a 17-foot garage variance for a Mountain Laurel Road parcel (filed on behalf of Evan Yerman). Public comment at the Route 214 hearing included a lengthy neighbor objection raising concerns about spot zoning and the appropriateness of permitting lodging in a residential area. The board recorded roll-call votes for each motion and adjourned after routine business.
Why it matters: the approvals change how four specific parcels may be used or altered — permitting a handicap-access ramp, additional garage height at two properties, and a change in use at 169 Route 214 that neighbors said could shift the character of a Hamlet-residential area. The board noted written comments were received for some applications and stated it would enforce the conditions and setbacks it approves.
