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. 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, June 4, 2026.
Regular meeting — 7:00 PM
Roll call took place.
Present: Ed McDonough (Chairman), Rich Geddis, Lettie Saheim, Jay Shover. Absent: Nick Bayly.
Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, and David Brennan, Town Attorney, were present.
Approval of prior minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of May 7, 2026. Lettie Saheim made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted; Jay Shover seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
- Nays: None
Foxvog — Dog Grooming and Daycare (Tax Map #71.10-1-1)
Megan Foxvog, applicant; Karla Foxvog, proposed owner; and Emileigh Putnam were present, as were Kevin and Brian Rafferty, current owners of the property located at 100 Eastover Road at the corner of NYS Route 40. Jake Keasbey, land surveyor, appeared to present the proposal for the operation of a dog grooming business and doggie daycare to be located at the Scriven Press building in the Hamlet District (HD) of Speigletown in the Town of Schaghticoke. An application was submitted for a use variance.
Megan Foxvog stated that the front façade of the building is planned to be renovated and that no changes to the size of the signage are anticipated. Operating hours are likely to be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The downstairs will operate as daycare space from Tuesdays through Fridays with access to an outside fenced area. Proposed plans include 6–10 customers daily with no overnight boarding. Grooming is estimated to be 1–1½ hours per dog; doggie daycare hours would be for a longer period. Megan Foxvog stated that each dog will be “tested” prior to acceptance into daycare to ensure the dogs’ suitability for the program.
Discussion also concerned the use and a possible change of district from Hamlet to Highway Commercial. It was noted that the changing of a district is within the purview of the Town Board. Attorney Brennan stated that since Scriven is still operational and businesses are nearby, a change of district may not be necessary; he will research the law to determine whether a zoning district change is required for the proposed use, whether the use fits into the category of “kennel,” and within the definition of “care.” In addition, Mr. Brennan will look into the number of animals allowed within the amount of available square footage within the building.
It was advised that Megan Foxvog consider a pre-filing conference with the Planning Board in July. Jake Keasbey stated that, concerning the application, he has previously spoken with the Planning Board privately.
The Board encouraged contacting the neighbors, prior to the hearing, to diplomatically seek support for the project.
The application fee of $300 was submitted to the Town Clerk.
Rich Geddis made a motion to hold a public hearing for Application #4-26 of Megan Foxvog for a use variance on July 2, 2026 at 7 p.m.; Lettie Saheim seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
- Nays: None
Adjournment
Ed McDonough made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.; Jay Shover seconded.
- Ayes: McDonough, Geddis, Saheim, Shover
- Nays: None
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk. Minutes dated July 5, 2026.
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