⚖️ Zoning Board of Appeals
ZBA pushes subdivision plan to planning board after tree removal clash
Mar 17, 2026
2:21:34
17965 words transcribed
The Zoning Board of Appeals opened a public hearing on a proposed subdivision at 52 Mount Airy Road that seeks two lot width variances, drawing opposition from 45 residents over concerns about tree removal, steep slopes, and stormwater runoff. No votes were taken, and the hearing was left open pending a site visit and submission of additional engineering details.
Chapters
Key Actions & Decisions
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**Resolutions Passed:** None.
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**Resolutions Failed:** None.
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**Applications Reviewed:**
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**52 Mount Airy Road (52 Mt Airy Rd, LLC):** Request for two lot width area variances from Section 230-33A of the Village Zoning Code to subdivide a 49,436.6 sq ft parcel in an RA25 Residence District into two lots. Both proposed lots (24,718 sq ft and 24,718.6 sq ft) fall short of the 25,000 sq ft minimum by approximately 281 sq ft (1%). The applicant proposes constructing a new single-family home on Lot B, removing 26 to 30 trees, and building 4-to-6-foot retaining walls. Board Member Doug Olcott recused himself. The public hearing was opened and remains open.
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**Public Comments:** Three speakers addressed the Board:
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**Claire Hilbert (60 Mount Airy Road):** Read a letter from Stuart and Karen Greenbaum (48 Mount Airy Road South) opposing the variances due to substandard lot sizes, tree removal, steep slope disturbance, stormwater flooding, traffic safety, wildlife habitat loss, and property values. Also raised concerns about neighborhood character and wooded habitat loss.
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**David Steele (56 Mount Airy Road):** Spoke in opposition, citing the neighborhood's wooded, historic character and cumulative tree removal impacts.
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**Deborah Schupack (16 King Street):** Read a letter signed by 45 residents opposing the variances over stormwater runoff, erosion, downhill flooding, steep slope impacts, and intensified development on constrained land.
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Additionally, a member of the public submitted a car accident incidence report for that section of Mount Airy Road, and multiple written letters of opposition were entered into the record.
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**Reports:**
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**Board Deliberations:** The Board requested updated survey information, a steep slope analysis, architectural elevations and renderings, grading and retaining wall clarifications, and marked site features (driveway, house location, trees for removal) ahead of a site visit. The site visit will be scheduled once snow melts.
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**Other Business:** Minutes of the January 20, 2026 meeting were approved by a vote of 3-0 (Olcott absent, Berger recused).