Dock-variance request at Ann Lee Drive tabled after sheriff and DEC recommend smaller extension

A dock-variance request for 6496 Ann Lee Dr. was tabled by the Town of Huron Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 14, 2025 after officials raised liability and precedent concerns.

Chairman Bob Lannon read an email from Wayne County Sheriff George Lorenz telling the board that he "reviewed the application and agrees with the recommendations from the DEC that the proposed 50’ extension should be reduced to 25’ for an overall distance of 100’." The application, filed by Daniel Stewart of North Rose, NY, would have extended an existing dock to 125 feet, a length that exceeds limits in the Town of Huron Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and therefore requires a variance from the board.

Stewart asked whether the board's concerns were about liability for the town; Lannon and other members said liability and the possibility of setting a precedent factored into opposition. Stewart noted there are existing, grandfathered docks that exceed 100 feet and asked whether any similar variances had been granted since the ordinance; Member Tom Hamilton said previous 100-foot requests have been denied.

Without a legal opinion from the town attorney available at the meeting, the applicant requested additional time to confer with counsel and to arrange a site visit with Sheriff Lorenz. The board agreed to table the application until the next monthly meeting and left the public hearing open.

The action leaves the application pending; the board advised Stewart he may return with legal counsel or additional information at the next meeting.