James Joy

The Zoning Board of Appeals convened to discuss the appeal of John E. Kowal for a Special Use Permit and Area Variance to construct an 8x10 foot storage shed. The board reviewed the SEQR Part 1, discussed the shed's design, placement, and potential fire safety concerns. Public comments were heard, and the board declared the action as a Type II action not requiring a determination of significance. Ultimately, the board approved the request with conditions regarding the shed's location and anchoring.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting included informal discussions on several key topics such as the 2026 Meeting Schedule, Fredonia-Pomfret Comprehensive Plan, Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS), and the Updated Zoning Map. The board reviewed tentative meeting dates for 2026, discussed the comprehensive plan adopted in 2023, and considered the importance of pursuing 5G/Broadband. They also discussed the need for design standards in the Town of Pomfret and potential ways to make Route 60 more pedestrian-friendly. Updates on Route 60 projects from 2024 and 2025 were provided, and ways to strengthen the connection between the Town and SUNY Fredonia were explored. The board also discussed defining large-scale UPS in the Zoning Code and reviewed the latest draft of the Town of Pomfret Zoning Map.

The board reviewed and discussed the application for a minor subdivision of property located at V/L Stone Rd, Fredonia, NY. The board reviewed the survey and GIS maps to ensure the newly created parcels would have adequate acreage and road frontage to comply with the Town's Zoning Code. The board declared a Negative Impact for the proposed Minor Subdivision. A motion was made to grant a Minor Subdivision to Kathleen A. Cracium-Wright, with the condition that the 2.79-acre parcel must be retired and combined with adjacent parcel. The board performed a preliminary review of a Minor Subdivision Application for Shumla Rd, Fredonia, NY and determined that the suggested parcel subdivision would create two non-conforming lots.

The meeting involved a public hearing for a minor subdivision application by John Van Scoter, concerning property at 4626 Van Buren Road, Dunkirk, NY. The proposal involves dividing 89 acres into two lots: 9 acres and 80.29 acres. The board reviewed the application, assessed compliance with zoning requirements, and considered a water district extension. A SEQR review was conducted, leading to a negative impact declaration. The board approved the minor subdivision.

The public hearing addressed an Area Variance application from Lisa Boardman concerning the construction of a 24x32x12 wood-framed pole barn that violates yard setback requirements in an Agricultural (AG) zoned area. The applicant stated the structure was built on the foundation of a previous structure in March 2023 and that a neighbor verbally approved the location. Multiple neighbors voiced concerns during public comment, primarily focusing on the retroactive nature of the variance request, potential easement blockage by the applicant, and the need for consistent enforcement of zoning codes, arguing that granting the variance would set a dangerous precedent. The Board reviewed correspondence, including a mandatory referral response stating the proposal was a matter of local concern, and reviewed the project under SEQR, ultimately classifying the action as Type II, thereby dispensing with further SEQR review. Decision was reserved pending consultation with the Town Attorney.