Chenango zoning board forwards James Miller variance to planning board, schedules public hearing

The Town of Chenango Zoning Board of Appeals voted to forward application 2025-V07, a double-area variance request from James Miller, to the planning board for review in January and to hold a public hearing at the zoning board’s end-of-January meeting.

The variance seeks to raise the allowed area for an accessory building in an Agricultural (AL) zone from 1,500 square feet to 2,240 square feet and to permit construction of an accessory building in front of the principal building line on a parcel off Broadzman. Board members agreed the submission appeared thorough and complete but flagged a discrepancy: the application lists “0 acres” to be physically disturbed while the applicant’s supporting letter refers to excavation. Members asked that staff and the applicant clarify that point at the public hearing.

Chairman Mr. Brewster called the item as new business and the board moved and seconded a motion to advance the application to planning and schedule the hearing. The motion carried on a roll-call vote: Mr. Walters, Mr. White, Mr. Smith, Mr. Collins and Mr. Brewster voted in the affirmative; Mr. Miller was recorded absent.

In related housekeeping, the board welcomed newly appointed member Brian Collins, who was introduced as filling a vacant seat pending formal town-board action. A town attorney, speaking during announcements, said the town issued an RFP for general legal services and that the firm Coughlin Ghart was selected to serve as zoning-board counsel; the specific attorney representing that firm at future meetings was not yet confirmed.

The board closed the meeting after brief logistical notes about packets and member email setup. The application will go to the planning board in January and be scheduled for a public hearing before the zoning board at its regular end-of-January meeting.