The Town of Geneseo Zoning Board of Appeals reconvened a Dec. 15 meeting on Jan. 19 to continue its evaluation of proposed multi-part area variances for the Lakeville Estates subdivision. Most of the proposed variances are dimensional in nature and have the objective of bringing the existing phase one layout and yet-to-be-built phase two into compliance with each other under new trailer park standards established in 2009. Eleven existing lots will be affected.
Much more controversial, however, is one particular area variance being requested by the developer, Morgan Properties, which would exempt him from a requirement in the town building code that mobile home parks be served by walkway trails. If the variance were to be granted by the ZBA, existing trails in phase one could be officially abandoned and no walking trails would be included in the construction of phase two.
During the interim period, the ZBA had received input from the Livingston County Planning Board and Town of Geneseo Planning Board. Both boards expressed grave concern over the elimination of the walking trails. The county planning board registered disapproval of the proposed variance while the town planning board went even further. Citing specific lots where trail encroachment by decks, garages and other structures has occurred, the town planning board proposed that the obstructions be removed and the trails be properly established, as specified in the building code.
Meanwhile, the attorney for the developer reported survey results in which every person among 28 households polled expressed support for the elimination of walkway trails. The survey apparently did not distinguish between existing walkway trails in phase one and yet-to-be built walkway trails in phase two — a distinction which is now becoming highly significant.
In view of the stanch opposition to walking trail elimination expressed by the two planning boards, the attorney for the developer requested that this aspect of the variance application be tabled, so the developer can evaluate the legal and practical implications. He openly wondered if the requirement for trails might be satisfied by building or retaining certain trails which connect with the future community center, but not necessarily having the extensive system connecting storage lockers and meandering through backyards, as seemingly required in the building code.
See complete story in our Jan. 28 print edition.
The General Code for the Town of Geneseo, Chapter 75-4 was not amended until April 23, 2009 changing the lot requirements from 90 ft. to 80 ft. All the homes in Lakeville Estates were ALREADY in existance! Wouldn’t a variance be required for those lots not meeting 90′ x 120′ and corner lots that are not 1 1/2 the width and area of regular lot?
Lakeville Estates has not be in compliance with Geneseo’s General Code for all these years (lighting, walkways, patios,trees, monuments or official map). WHY?
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