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, May 7, 2026.

Regular meeting — 7:00 PM

Roll call took place.

Present: Ed McDonough (Chairman), Nick Bayly, Rich Geddis, Lettie Saheim, Jay Shover. Absent: None.

Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, was present.

Approval of prior minutes

The Board reviewed the minutes of April 2, 2026. Jay Shover made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted; Rich Geddis seconded.

• Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
• Nays: None

Ed McDonough made a motion to suspend the regular meeting and to open the public hearing for Andrew Clark, Application #3-26; Jay Shover seconded.

• Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
• Nays: None

Public hearing — 7:01 PM · Andrew Clark, Application #3-26

Chairman McDonough explained the sequence of the hearing and read the Notice of Hearing for Andrew Clark for an area variance necessary to construct a new, replacement, detached garage on property owned by Andrew Clark at 39 Northline Drive, Schaghticoke, New York (Tax Map #41.-1-37.2). The applicant is seeking an area variance pursuant to Section IV(F)(c)(2) of the Town Zoning Law, requesting relief from the side-setback requirements — a side setback of 5′ where 18′ is required, a variance of 13′.

Mr. Clark appeared and presented his proposal, explaining that in February 2026 his garage was lost to fire. He proposes to replace it with a new detached garage on the same footprint, while extending the height and adding a lean-to structure on the side. The Board had reviewed the application at the April meeting and determined that, given the 5′ side-yard setback and the 18′-high proposed garage, Mr. Clark would require a 13′ area variance to meet the Zoning Code. Mr. Clark stated that he had spoken with his neighbors and that no one is opposed to his proposal.

There was no one present for the hearing and no public comment.

Ed McDonough made a motion to adjourn the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.; Rich Geddis seconded.

• Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
• Nays: None

Regular meeting resumed

Ed McDonough reviewed Section XI(B)(2)(b)(1–5), and the Board determined that:

1. there would be no undesirable change to the character of the neighborhood or detriment to nearby properties from the construction of the garage; the new garage would be built on the same footprint and would be an asset to the neighborhood;
2. the benefit sought cannot be achieved by any other method, and no one was present in opposition;
3. the area variance sought is not substantial;
4. the proposed variance will not have an adverse effect on the neighborhood — again, no objection was expressed by the public; the only change would be a structure greater in height than the original plus the addition of a lean-to; and
5. the request was not self-created, because the original garage was razed by fire.

Ed McDonough made a motion to grant approval for Application #3-26 of Andrew Clark; Jay Shover seconded.

• Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
• Nays: None

Mr. McDonough stated that the Building Inspector, Scott Frisino, will be notified of the approval. Mr. Clark replied that he will coordinate with Mr. Frisino and “will do it the right way.” Mr. McDonough advised that Mr. Clark has one year to begin work before the variance expires; if construction does not begin within the year, the Board may consider an extension. Mr. Clark stated he would like to begin construction in the fall.

Other business

Chairman McDonough informed the Board that he had received a phone call from a resident who anticipates needing an area variance to build a garage.

The Building Inspector, Scott Frisino, indicated that he had received phone calls from a resident disturbed by a neighbor’s rooster.

Adjournment

Ed McDonough made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.; Rich Geddis seconded.

• Ayes: McDonough, Bayly, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
• Nays: None

Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk.