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Resident says ZBA failed to hold required public hearing before variances
Summary
Robin Vanderwall told the commission that the Zoning Board of Appeals held no public hearing on May 5 before voting on two area variances and a use variance, and she read New York State Department of State guidance that a hearing is required.
Robin Vanderwall, a Sherrill resident, told the commission she attempted to share New York State Department of State guidance with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA before its May 5 meeting and that the ZBA conducted votes without a required public hearing. She read the guidance aloud to the commission: "A public hearing is required before the zoning board of appeals may grant a variance. Every matter that comes before a zoning board of appeals requires a public hearing. They must afford all those wishing to comment a chance to be heard."
Vanderwall said she was unable to make her point at the ZBA meeting and that, as a result, three matters were voted on without a formal comment period; she described the meeting becoming chaotic when attendees shouted because there was no designated comment time. Vanderwall asked the commission to help the ZBA understand its legal obligation to hold public hearings, noting that legal notice alone is not sufficient without holding the hearing itself.
