Minutes-9 /12/1990

Kees: I don't disagree with upgrading the property. The problem is spot zoning. We consulted a realator and an appraiser. An R-3 zoning could possibly lessen the appeal to a potential buyer. Could a variance solve the problem? Schneider: I couldn't qualify for long term financing unless the property is rezoned. I want to do a quality job and that takes money. I have to justify the cost. Attorney Brown: Consider the impact on adjoining property as compared to what is going to happen if it is not allowed to be rezoned. He would not be able to justify the expense of remodeling and repair with a 3-plex. He's not planning to change the size of the buildings to any great extent. He wants to add a fourth unit and have four nice apartments. Bartels arrived at 6:50 p.m. Williams: He doesn't have enough room for three apartments. P. Brown: Right now, we're deciding on the rezoning question. Attorney Brown: Other issues to deal with later, such as lot size. That's not the issue tonight. The use of John's property as multi-family is consistent with the history of the property since at least 1976, and it continues to be used that way now. Williams: The committee took this into consideration when they zoned the town and it should not be changed. Slaymaker: It should have been zoned R-3 then. Attorney Brown: It's a non-conforming use. The adjoining property is a non-conforming commercial use as a gas station. It would be different if it was completely surrounded by R-1 uses. This is not the case. Kees: May I see the plans? (Schneider showed the plan to Kees and Williams and explained it to them.) Attorney Greenelaf: Mr. Brown's easement point is valid. In figuring the lot lines, one does not consider an easement. P. Brown: I wouldn't think it would depreciate property to have the neighbor upgrade the building. Morgan: It could upgrade the adjoining property. When would you start? Schneider: In a year or so. I first have to consult an engineer and inspect the foundation. Pulling bricks out of the foundation a quite a problem. The floors are sagging. I'd like to keep the Victorian theme of the home. Preliminary plans are to keep the brick front and maybe have an L-shape. I'd have 1600 square feet per apartment, which meets the ordinance requirements. Schneider: I need it rezoned to get a loan. The insurance company also wants it rezoned.