Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Schaghticoke met at the Town Hall, 290 Northline Drive, Melrose, New York 12121 on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Regular meeting — 7:00 PM

Roll call took place.

Present: Lettie Saheim, Rich Geddis. Absent: Kristin Griswold, Ed McDonough (Chairman), Jay Shover.

David Brennan, Town Attorney, and Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, were present.

No quorum. Only two of the five Board members appeared, so the Board could take no formal action; this meeting was recorded as notes in lieu of minutes (approval not required). The December 4, 2025 minutes were held for review at the February meeting.

Thomas Trout — proposed garage (Tax Map #20.17-1-27.2)

Thomas Trout appeared to propose the construction of a 26′ × 35′ × 16–17′-high garage on his recently purchased property in a Hamlet District at 126 Hudson Street (Lots #7 and #8), Hemstreet Park. Mr. Trout said he had consulted the Building Inspector, Scott Frisino, about the proposed garage and its location, and that he intends to keep his boat and other recreational vehicles under cover in the garage. He presented sketches of several possible garage positions, aiming for the least intrusion on his own dwelling and on the neighboring property to the south.

Mr. Trout submitted an application requesting two area variances: a 5′ front-yard variance (from the required 10′) and a 7′ side-yard variance (from the required 10′ on the southerly side). A $150 application fee was submitted.

The Board members asked for a clear sketch of the property — showing the existing residence and the proposed garage — to be presented at the public hearing. Town Attorney Brennan said he would research whether a short-form Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) is required. A public hearing may be held at the February meeting, and Mr. Trout was encouraged to speak with his neighbors and to invite supporters of the application to attend.

The meeting concluded at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk.