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, New York 12121 on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Regular meeting — 7:00 PM
Roll call took place.
Present: Ed McDonough (Chairman), Nick Bayly, Rich Geddis, Jay Shover. Absent: Lettie Saheim.
Kristin Griswold has retired from the Board; the Board thanked her for her service. Nick Bayly was introduced as a new ZBA member. David Brennan, Town Attorney, and Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, were present.
Approval of prior minutes
Ed McDonough made a motion to approve the minutes of December 4, 2025; Jay Shover seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Geddis, Shover
- Nays: None
- Abstention: Bayly
There was no quorum at the January 8, 2026 meeting; in lieu of minutes, notes were taken (approval of the notes is not required).
Fane subdivision (Application #2-26)
Mark Danskin, land surveyor, appeared to represent the applicant, Gregory Fane, to propose the subdivision of a 5.81± acre parcel at 5 Warren Lane, off NYS Route 40 (Tax Map #61.-1-33). Three area variances are required to submit a subdivision application to the Planning Board. Mr. Danskin noted the topography is relatively flat except for a “knob” on the newly proposed lot, and that access is planned from Warren Lane, as access from NYS Route 40 would be impractical. The variances sought: a density variance of 0.19± acres over the two lots (about 3% short of the required density); a 6.23′ variance from the 50′ frontage requirement; and a 10.16′ variance from the required 175′ of total frontage on the proposed lot. A $150 application fee was received.
Ed McDonough made a motion to schedule a public hearing for Application #2-26 (Gregory Fane) on March 5, 2026 at 7 p.m.; Rich Geddis seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Shover
- Nays: None
Public hearing — Thomas Trout (Application #1-26)
At 7:11 p.m. the Board suspended the regular meeting and opened the public hearing for Application #1-26 of Thomas Trout.
Ed McDonough read the Notice of Hearing for area variances to construct a 26′ × 35′, 17-foot-tall garage at 126 S. Hudson Street (Tax Map #20.17-1-27.2), in the Hamlet zoning district. Under Town Zoning Law Section IV (Zoning Schedule of Lot Dimension and Bulk Requirements), the proposal sought relief from the accessory-structure setback rules: a 12′ front setback where 17′ is required (a 5′ variance) and a 10′ side-yard setback where 17′ is required (a 7′ variance), along with relief from the requirement that the structure not project closer to the street than the minimum front-yard setback.
No survey was submitted, which made it difficult for the Board to determine the lot lines and the garage’s footprint on the lot; the Board consulted aerial mapping to better understand the layout. The applicant stated the lot is about one-third of an acre with roughly 100′ of road frontage.
Neighbors appeared in opposition, and a nearby property owner submitted a letter in opposition. The concerns raised went to the garage’s proximity to neighboring homes, its 17-foot height, and the loss of light and views. The Board took no comments in support.
At 7:50 p.m. the Chairman moved to close the public hearing and reopen the regular meeting.
- Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Shover
- Nays: None
Determination and decision
Chairman McDonough reviewed Section XI(B)(2)(b)(1–5) with the Board. The Board found:
- an undesirable change would be produced in the character of the neighborhood — the Board concluded the garage’s proposed position was unsuitable for the neighborhood;
- the benefit sought could be achieved by another method, since denying the variances would not prevent construction of the garage;
- the appeal for the variances was not substantial;
- the proposed variance would not have an adverse effect on environmental conditions in the neighborhood; and
- the alleged difficulty was self-created.
The Chairman added that the applicant is entitled to build the garage within the guidelines set forth by the Zoning Law.
Chairman McDonough made a motion to deny all area variances requested for Application #1-26 of Thomas Trout; Jay Shover seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Shover
- Nays: None
Adjournment
Ed McDonough made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.; Rich Geddis seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Shover
- Nays: None
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk.
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