Unofficial summary. This is a community summary of the town's official minutes, provided so the record is searchable and readable. It condenses the meeting and may omit detail. Some private individuals’ personal details have been left out. The official signed PDF is the complete record of authority.
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Schaghticoke met at the Town Hall, 290 Northline Drive, Melrose, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Regular meeting — roll call
Present: Ed McDonough (Chairman), Rich Geddis, Kristin Griswold, Lettie Saheim, and Jay Shover.
Approval of prior minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of the March 6, 2025 meeting. Jay Shover moved to approve them as submitted; Kristin Griswold seconded. Ayes: McDonough, Griswold, Shover · Nays: None · Abstention: Saheim.
Public hearing — Alessandrini three-lot subdivision (Application #1-25, Tax Map #14.-1-28)
The Board opened the public hearing on Frank Alessandrini’s application for two area variances for a three-lot subdivision at 697 Master Street, Johnsonville: a 0.26± acre variance to meet the 3-acre density requirement (the 8.74± acre parcel would otherwise need 9 acres), and a frontage variance for Lot 3, which has 128 of the 200 required feet. Mr. Alessandrini displayed a survey and said that, if granted, the subdivision would reflect the surrounding properties and not alter the neighborhood’s character; a pre-filing conference had been held March 6. Five people attended.
Public comment. Several neighboring residents — from Master Street and Akin Road — raised concerns, including the effect of the subdivision on privacy, property values, and neighborhood character; whether and where a house would be built on Lot 3 and its resulting setbacks; the adequacy of well water; the location of a National Grid easement, woodland, and a driveway; increased density; and a sense that they had not had time to research the proposal. One resident observed that property owners have rights, that things do not stay the same, and that privacy may require buying more land.
In response, Mr. Alessandrini pointed out a proposed residence and setbacks on the survey and explained the roles of the Zoning Board, Planning Board, and Building Inspector in subdividing land and building a home; he noted the largest lot (Lot 3, 6.89± acres) may be reserved for his son, that his future plans are uncertain (a duplex, a single-family home, or an outright sale), and that the three lots could not be further subdivided. Chairman McDonough noted that Lot 3 adjoins one neighbor’s property but that, given its size, a dwelling would most likely not encroach; that any specific future building location was hypothetical; and that required setbacks could be met on a lot that size. He explained that the ZBA hearing is only the first step in the subdivision process and that a denial would stop the proposal. Board member Jay Shover noted that planning is needed to determine whether the lot is buildable.
To give the public more time, Lettie Saheim moved to continue the hearing to the May 1, 2025 meeting; Kristin Griswold seconded. Ayes: McDonough, Griswold, Saheim, Shover · Nays: None. Four residents left their email addresses with the Clerk to receive an electronic copy of the survey.
Grassmann garage variance — hearing set (Application #2-25)
The Board circulated Steven Grassmann’s application to build a 32′ × 40′ detached garage at his residence at 106 South Linden Street, Hemstreet Park, which would require side- and rear-yard area variances (the Zoning Code requires 15 feet each). Ed McDonough moved to hold a public hearing on the application; Kristin Griswold seconded. Ayes: McDonough, Griswold, Saheim, Shover · Nays: None.
Adjournment
Ed McDonough moved to adjourn at 8:07 p.m.; Jay Shover seconded. Ayes: McDonough, Griswold, Saheim, Shover · Nays: None.
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk.
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