David A. Herrick

The meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) addressed a public hearing regarding an application from Jeffrey Nedro for a 14 by 23-foot building addition at 73 Dublin Road. The application required relief from the front yard setback requirements in the AG zone district. Key discussion points revolved around the proposed setback measurements relative to the center of the road, including discrepancies between applicant measurements and survey map scaling, and the nature of the existing front stoop which would be removed. The Board also discussed the potential need for the applicant to obtain a certified survey to confirm compliance with any granted variance, particularly concerning the property line easement versus the paved road area. Public comment confirmed the property was well-kept and the addition would integrate well, with no adverse impact expected on the neighborhood character.

The primary action item for the Zoning Board of Appeals involved an Area Variance request from Jeff Nedrow for a property at 73 Dublin Road. The applicant sought relief from the required 60-foot front yard setback, requesting approximately 42'6" for the installation of a 14' x 23' single-story dining room addition to the front of the house. The project was classified as a Type II SEQR action. After a public hearing, the Board approved the variance, determining it to be the minimum necessary relief, and established a condition requiring no less than 36 feet from the center of the right of way. In other business, it was noted that Judy Drake will continue as the Town Board Liaison, John Bauda was introduced as the ZBA alternate, and a new Planner, Nathaniel Rogers, is set to start on January 20, 2026.

The meeting addressed several agenda items including an Exempt Subdivision (lot line adjustment) for land at 163 Drake Road, which was approved with conditions following discussion regarding a hedgerow. A resolution was passed classifying the action as a Type II Action under SEQR and granting Final Approval, subject to filing requirements and consolidation of Parcel B. The board also reviewed a Minor Subdivision for land at 374 Holden Road, scheduling a public hearing for February 23, 2026. A Site Plan Review for a Cellular Communications Tower expansion at 1767 E. Shore Drive was deferred to the February 23, 2026 meeting. Other business included congratulating members on reappointments, suggesting a review policy change starting in March 2026, confirming legal counsel for a specific project, and noting that the Highway barn construction is proceeding on schedule.

The meeting agenda covered several key areas, starting with department reports from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the Town Clerk, the Lansing Community Library, Lansing Youth Services, the Tompkins County Legislator, the Town Engineer, and the Town Historian. The Consent Agenda included motions and resolutions concerning the 2026 Employee Assistance Program Agreement, appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Advisory Council, approval of the Conservation Advisory Council's 2025 Annual Report, approval of the Town Clerk's 2025 Annual Report, Water and Sewer Collection Report, and Receiver of Taxes Report, approval of 2026 departmental fees, establishing 2026 Water Rates, and approving audit and budget modifications. Motions and Resolutions involved approving feasibility studies for the Lansing Greenway Phase One and the Myers Road Trail, appointing members to the Town of Lansing Planning Board, and approving terms for a Road Use Agreement related to the Yellow Barn Solar Project. The meeting also set aside time for 2026 Town Board Organizational Resolutions and public privilege of the floor.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting primarily focused on two related action items concerning the Appeal of Code Enforcement Officer's written zoning interpretation for the Cayuga Data Campus project located at 228 Cayuga Drive. The first appeal challenged the interpretation that the proposed high-performance computing ("HPC") research facility is not a permitted principal use in the IR District, with the applicant seeking classification as a "Scientific Research Laboratory." The second appeal contested the interpretation regarding the facility's classification under the November 10, 2025 determination, where the applicant sought a finding that the use qualifies as a "General Processing" and/or "Warehouse / Storage of non-agricultural goods." Both action items involved lengthy public hearings where numerous parties submitted comments both supporting and opposing the applicant's appeals, urging the Board to uphold the Code Enforcement Officer's determinations.