Village of Otisville
Zoning Board of Appeals
Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2021
Meeting Called to Order by: Maureen Coppola, Chairwoman, 7:01pm
Present: Chairwoman: Maureen Coppola, Board Members: Joe Fornera, and Kathy
Coppola, Angelo Pagano
Present Remotely: Board Member, Mary Ann McDonough
Guests: Mr. Ben Smith, Owner/ Representative Unison Projects, LLC, Mr.John Fuller
P.E.,P.C. Project Engineer Unison Projects LLC.
Chairwoman Coppola asked if all members of the board reviewed the minutes from the
January 13th ZBA meeting, and the January 27th ZBA workshop.
Members of the board responded yes.
A motion was made:
Kathy Coppola made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 13th meeting
Joe Fornera 2nd the motion
All in Favor, Aye- None opposed
A motion was made:
Joe Fornera made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 27th workshop
Angelo Pagano 2nd the motion
All in Favor, Aye- None opposed
Old Business: Chairwoman Coppola explained to the members of the board and those
present that the Zoningboard’s lawyer Mr.Howard Dallow has retired but did write the
Findings of Fact and Conclusions, and Determinations for the applicant, Unison Project
LLC., for their property at 36 Seybolt Ave.
Chairwoman Coppola read aloud the Finding of Facts and Decision written by Howard
Dallow for the members of the board and the applicants present, representing Unison
Project, LLC., see attached. They state that the Village of Otisville Zoning Board finds
that the strict application of the Zoning Law would not deprive the applicant of the
reasonable use of the property and to request the variance would not be in harmony
with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Law. Additionally, it is agreed that a
hardship, if any, is self created. It is their decision that the application for an area
variance to create a three lot subdivision at 36 Seybolt Ave. be denied.
Chairwoman Coppola asked if any members of the board had anything additional to
add. The board responded, No. She asked if anyone would like to make a motion in
favor of adopting the Decision and Resolution to deny the application for an area
variance for a 3 lot subdivision at 36 Seybolt Ave.
Board member Kathy Coppola makes a motion in favor of adopting the decision and
resolution
Board member Angelo Pagano makes a motion in favor of adopting the decision and
resolution
Board member Joe Fornera makes a motion in favor of adopting the decision and
resolution
Board member MaryAnn McDonough makes a motion in favor of adopting the decision
and resolution
Chairwoman Coppola declares by unanimous decision, the members of the ZBA move
to accept the denial of the variance.
Chairwoman Coppla addressed the applicants, and asked if they would like their escrow
account rolled over to the planning board, or if they wished it refunded. They responded
they would have to get back to the ZBA about that. Engineer, John Fuller asked that a
copy of the Findings of Fact and Decision be sent to them promptly so they may present
it to their legal council. She responded that the board would do so.
The applicants leave the board room at 7:17.
New Business: Chairwoman Coppola discusses with the board the change of meeting
day to start in April. The board will change their meeting night to the first Tuesday of the
month in April to accommodate the board's new lawyer Mr.Plotsky’s schedule. The
members of the board were ok with the change of meeting night. Chairwoman Coppola
also discussed the possibility of getting alternates for the ZBA, but that they would need
County approval to move forward with that. She discussed with the board getting ready
to submit training records for the 20/21 training year. The board discussed how they are
racking up the training minutes being able to attend so many trainings remotely. She is
sure many of them already meet the requirement for the 21/22 year. They may apply
any training obtained after October of 2021 to the 22/23 training year. Board member
McDonough asked that she be sent a blank training form to continue tracking her time
as she finds it a useful tool. Chairwoman Coppola said she would.
A motion is made:
Kathy Coppola makes a motion to adjourn the meeting
Angelo Pagano 2nd the motion
All in favor, Aye, none opposed.
Meeting Adjourned 7:32pm
The next meeting is March 10th, 7pm
Respectfully Submitted:
Dawn Howell, ZBA Secretary
CC: Village Board, Building Inspector, ZBA Liaison, Planning Board, File
