Village Board seeks planners’ input on zoning request

The Village Board is seeking input from the Planning Board on a request to change the zoning designation from B2 (commercial) to R2 (residential) for up to six parcels on Teetsel Street.

The request relates to an application by Chestnut Hill Holding Group owner Richard Rothe to establish a zoning designation that would allow him to construct 12 townhouses.

“The Planning Board will give their recommendation to us,” Mayor Bill Murphy said at a Village Board meeting Monday. “... Then it’s our vote.”

Trustee Donald Hackett voted in favor of the referral but said he objects to the proposal.

“Why do we have to entertain something that we don’t want?” he said. “We’re elected [by] the people to represent the people.”

Trustee Terry Parisian noted the purpose of applications, referrals and public hearings is to gather information that can be used to determine the merit of applications.

“It’s due process,” he said. “[Rothe has] got just as much right to present his [request] as the person who doesn’t want it.”

Parisian also said the process provides for public hearings so elected officials can be sure of community sentiment.

During a meeting last month, Rothe said the B2 district has too many restrictions that could not be met if the village Zoning Board of Appeals were to grant a use variance.

The request is being made for one of two parcels that front Teetsel Street, but Rothe said there are four other parcels, which are landlocked, that alsocould be included in the zoning change.

He said the current zoning designation was set when the properties were part of a single parcel that fronted Ulster Avenue.

Rothe also noted there are commercial uses allowed in the B2 zone that could trouble residential neighbors. Those include bowling alleys, schools, theaters, auto sales, banks, drinking establishments, restaurants, vehicle repairs, light assembly and fabrication facilities, and petroleum product storage.