The Chesterton
Board of Zoning Appeals conducted two preliminary hearings at its meeting
Thursday night.
In the first
Charlie Ray appeared on behalf of Southshore Development Group LLC, which
has plans to construct a minor subdivision between Wabash Ave. and Grant
Ave. The property, zoned multi-family residential, is one-acre that will be
divided into four lots for duplexes.
Ray said that
Southshore Development is requesting four variances for the project: the
waiver of sidewalk, curb, and gutter requirements on Grant Ave.; permission
to install a non-standard sidewalk on Wabash Ave., specifically a four-foot
one--one foot narrower than Town Code requres--to match the old four-foot
sidewalk build along Wabash years ago; an increase in the size of private
driveways because no on-street parking will be allowed on Grant; and an
increase in permitted lot coverage from 30 percent to 40 percent.
Town Attorney Julie
Paulson, however, noted that some of Southshore’s documentation cited the
wrong sections of Town Code. In addition, she said, Ray will need to have
power of attorney if he wishes to represent Southshore Development at the
public hearing.
In the second
petition, Michael Rugby Popa, representing himself, requested three
variances for his property at 1531 Snead Ave.: one to construct an addition
within his side-yard setback; one to build an accessory structure in front
of the front plane of his house; and one to increase lot coverage to 40
percent.
Popa said his
situation is unique, since he has very few neighbors. “To the south there
are woods and behind is a golf course,” he said of his property. He reported
that he has already informally notified his neighbors and Homeowner’s
Association of the planned construction.
Not all was in
order, however. Paulson pointed out some errors in his documentation and
said that Popa’s petition does not specify how far the new addition will
extend into the setback or which sections of Town Code apply to the
variances. O’Dell also told Popa that a fourth variance will be necessary
for his plans because the proposed accessory structure will be less than
five feet from his property line. Board President Richard Riley suggested
that Popa get written proof of support from the HOA.
Both Southshore
Development Group LLC and Popa have until Feb. 5 to submit corrected
petitions for approval. Contingent upon receipt of the new petitions, the
BZA will hold public hearings for both cases at its next meeting, Feb. 22.
Board Election
In other business,
the board unanimously elected new officers. Richard Riley will now serve as
President and Kim Parrilli Goldak as Vice-President. Gail Murawski will
remain secretary.
Member Fred Owens
was absent.
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