Hudson Falls board approves deck variance for Falcon's Brewhouse at 171 Main St.

The Hudson Falls Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Sept. 16, 2024 to approve an area variance allowing Falcon's Brewhouse, at 171 Main Street, to install an 18-by-20-foot deck off the rear of the building.

Kim Bender, the applicant for Falcon's Brewhouse, told the board the deck would sit at the door level so no stairs are required and that county records indicate a deck once occupied that area. "There will be no egress there," Bender said in response to a board question about access behind a neighboring Smoke Shop.

Board members asked whether the parcel slopes toward Depot Street and whether the lot extends to the railroad tracks; Chairperson Robert Durkee clarified the property line reaches the tracks but Bender said the applicant's lot does not extend that far. Village Attorney William L. Nikas reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form and the board found the application met variance standards with no apparent environmental impacts.

Board Member Michael Willig moved—and Board Member Edward Mahan seconded—that the board determine "the action does not present any adverse environmental impacts" and issue a negative declaration; that motion carried unanimously. Later, Board Member Louis Cantiello moved—and Board Member Mary Alice Murphy seconded—to approve the area variance "as submitted," and the board adopted the resolution with five ayes and two absences.

The variance allows the restaurant to proceed with deck installation subject to any building-permit and site-plan requirements enforced by village staff. The board adjourned at 6:09 p.m.