West Seneca Planning Board Meeting Minutes 11/09/2006

Chairman Ciancio read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or other emergency.

APPROVAL OF PROOFS OF PUBLICATION

Motion by Rathmann, seconded by Nigro, to approve the proofs of publication and posting of legal notice.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion by Niederpruem, seconded by Mendola, to approve Minutes #2006-09 of October 18, 2006.

NEW BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

2006-18
A request from Joseph P. Colantuono for a special permit for property located at 2603 Seneca Street, being part of Lot No. 36, changing its classification from C-1 to C-1(S), to add a third dwelling unit.

Motion by Mendola, seconded by Nigro, to open the public hearing.

2006-18   (continued)

Chairman Ciancio stated that along with the application the Planning Board had received a survey, deed description, short environmental assessment form, site plan, and tax map.

The petitioner, Joseph Colantuono, stated that currently there was a store front in the lower portion of the building at 2603 Seneca Street, but it had not been used for a business for a long time. He would like to change the store front into a dwelling unit, which would be the third dwelling unit in the building.

Mr. Nigro questioned if the store front had already been converted to a dwelling unit and if someone was living in it.

Mr. Colantuono responded that some work had been done in the store front. He lived in a portion of the store front and the rear unit.

Mr. Mendola commented on the parking problem in the area and noted that there were three vehicles parked illegally on the street when he visited the property.

Mr. Niederpruem questioned if Mr. Colantuono had any plans for off-street permanent parking for the building.

Mr. Colantuono responded that there was no off-street parking available on the property. There is a driveway on the east side of the building.

Mr. Niederpruem stated that the driveway was actually a 4’9” concrete walk, which was not enough room to park a car.

Mr. Mendola questioned if Mr. Colantuono had spoken to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) regarding cutting the curb out so he could enter the property without going over the curb.

Mr. Colantuono stated that he assumed this would be his responsibility when it came to that point.

Mr. Mendola noted that generally the NYSDOT was not cooperative with widening curb cuts because it created a hazard entering and exiting the street.

Mr. Colantuono stated that everyone along this block of Seneca Street parked similar to what he was proposing for his property.

2006-18    (continued)

Chairman Ciancio stated that the Planning Board could not do anything about existing conditions, but granting this special permit for a third unit would be adding to the problem. Even if the special permit were granted, a number of variances would be required, and the Zoning Board of Appeals would not grant the variances.

Mr. Colantuono understood but stated that if he were to leave the zoning the way it was and use the store front for a store, that would also generate additional parking needs.

Motion by Mendola, seconded by Hunter, to close the public hearing.

Motion by Ciancio, seconded by Nigro, to recommend denial of the request for a special permit for property located at 2603 Seneca Street, being part of Lot No. 36, changing its classification from C-1 to C-1(S), to add a third dwelling unit, based on the additional unit adding to the parking problem in the area.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Mendola, seconded by Hunter, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 P.M.

PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
SECRETARY