Publisher ENCA
Volume Number 1 Issue Number 5
Mid-November, 2004

The Town of Nelson ZBA met on the 18th concerning several issues. The earlier changes that made the lake zone a separate district, has made life easier for both the board and the people who own lake front property and want to put up some sort of structure. Three applications were reviewed. One was denied as the proposed structure was too large for the available space.

Lakefront properties have two front yards, those being the side facing the lake and also that facing the road. Each has specific setback requirements for building. Structures with a roof have more stringent regulations then such things as an open deck would. Side yard requirements are specific to the Lake Zone as is the "footprint" imposed by buildings and impervious surfaces such as driveways. In other words, you can't blacktop or concrete over your whole space.

It is in everyone's best interest to check with the building codes enforcement officer as to whether a building permit is needed for your project and whether it is in compliance with the zoning regulations in the Town. It was pointed out that if someone jumps the gun and builds without the required OK's, if their structure is brought before the board as a fait accompli, it will be looked at as if it had never been built. The zoning appeals process will go forth with that in mind. (Worst scenario here is that your building may have to be taken down.) What a pain all around that would be!

All this may sound terribly invasive but the laws are for everyone's benefit to maintain view sheds, protect the environment and prevent encroachment on neighbors in an increasingly populated world. The attitude still prevails among our officials that people should be free to do as they wish on their own property. However, gone are the days of unrestricted building. The town Board has adopted a number of zoning regulations as a protection and plan for the future positive growth of the Town of Nelson. If, after checking with the codes enforcement officer and maybe looking at the book of zoning regulations yourself, you see that a problem exists with your plans and the regulations in place, your recourse is to bring your case before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

This group does not arbitrarily act on your issue based on whether they like you or not. They are there to exercise their best judgment as to the interpretation of the law as it is written. Your project may not fit the mold exactly but the regulations can be changed on a case to case basis. Plans are in the making to get Nelson's laws and such on-line this winter. This will most likely be as a link on the Madison County website.

December marks the end of an institution. This would be the Bookmobile. For many years this mobile unit has come into the hamlets carrying a mini library. But the clientele has dwindled and the drivers are retiring, hence, the end of an era.

Jackie Marris will be moving to an apartment in Oriskany Falls where her son Mike and daughter-in-law, Sonia, have a home. Her beautiful early American house sports a real estate sign out front. Best wishes to Jackie as she moves to another chapter in her life.

ENCA held a gathering on Sunday afternoon 11-14 at The Dark Horse Gallery. Some neighbors got a chance to chat. The snacks were scrumptious. The setting was superb. Thanks to Ginny Kleinklaus, and Carol Booth for planning and decoration and to Tim Tormey for graciously providing his beautiful space for the event. (As an aside, Tim has offered his gallery for meetings for any group that may be interested.)

This issue states that it is mid- November but time has a way of overpowering ones intentions. Thanksgiving came and went yesterday.

The next Town Board meeting will be on December 8. The case for reassessment and zoning infractions should be on the agenda. Public participation in government at this level makes a difference.

Election of officers and changes to the service awards program will be up for public vote for the Erieville Fire District from 6 to 9 pm on Tuesday, December 14 at the firehouse.

For ideas, or questions, or whatever, contact:

Denise Earl 662-7621

Sonia Davies 655-2654