Greenport Zoning Board: Mr. Robert’s wants lit canopy over gas island
Mr. Robert’s convenience store and gas station is one step closer to having a canopy installed over a gasoline island after the Greenport Zoning Board of Appeals agreed to waive a 6-foot setback requirement at its meeting last week.
Owner Ali Sahin received approval for a 3-foot setback, but he will have to limit the width of the structure to 22 feet.
Mr. Sahin will also have to restrict lighting in the canopy to six 200 watt LED bulbs, remove two other lights on the property and file a request with the Village Board to remove a third light the village had installed on the property several years ago. The third light was installed over concerns of loiterers engaging in drug activity on the property, said former mayor Dave Kapell, Mr. Sahin’s representative, but he said those concerns have subsided since Mr. Sahin purchased the property.
Site plan approval from the village Planning Board is required before the canopy can be installed.
TRADER BILL’S WANTS TO LIGHT ITS SIGN
Trader Bill’s in Sterlington Commons will have to wait a bit longer on an application to receive a variance to light its sign. Brian Phelps, representing Sterlington Commons’ owner Bill Kreisner, has sought permission to illuminate the sign at the store, but ZBA members want to know what hours the sign would be lit and whether they can approve the variance on a conditional basis in case it causes future problems.
Mr. Phelps wasn’t present at the meeting, so the application was tabled.
ZBA chairman Douglas Moore also raised a question about whether a change in sign lighting would represent an area or use variance. While area variances are easier to obtain, those applying for a use variance must submit financial information proving they can’t achieve a reasonable return on investment without a change.
NOT ENOUGH NOTICE?
ZBA members said they will look into having the Village Board expand its reach for notifying residents of hearings after neighbors of a property owner who’s seeking a variance to build an apartment above an accessory garage on Monsell Place recently complained that too few of them received written notice of a public hearing on the matter.
Currently only residents within 200 feet of a project receive notice, as per village code.
