Alton ZBA continues two Larry Drive lot-line cases to Sept. 3 to allow variance filings

The Town of Alton Zoning Board of Adjustment voted on Aug. 6 to continue two linked applications affecting Larry Drive to its Sept. 3 meeting to give applicants an opportunity to refile as variances.

Chair Joe Mancos opened the hearing and the board accepted a motion to change the agenda order so the lot proposed to give up acreage would be considered first. George Destramps, who introduced himself as the owner of 36 Larry Drive, described a recent survey that showed a neighbor’s kitchen encroaching onto his parcel and said the proposal would transfer 3,054 square feet to reduce the encroachment. “I own 36 Larry Drive,” Destramps said while explaining the survey and the effect on his property. The Campbells’ application (Z26-15) seeks a variance to increase a lot from 0.28 to 0.35 acres to regularize a home built in November 2018.

During extended discussion board members raised a procedural concern: because the applicants are proposing new lot lines, creating new nonconforming lots could remove grandfathering protections, which could leave title open to later challenge. One board member summarized the legal worry: creating a brand‑new lot can remove grandfathering and “that needs a variance,” which several members echoed. Planning staff and a local realtor, David Conway, urged careful handling and noted a planning-board meeting scheduled Aug. 18.

Rather than deciding the merits, the board voted to continue both Z26-16 and Z26-15 to the Sept. 3, 2026 meeting and advised applicants to refile as variances so title records and the board’s reasoning are clear. The continuance was framed as a procedural step to protect property owners from potential future legal questions and to allow corrected filings and proper notice.