Chester zoning board schedules Sept. 10 hearing for Hamiltonian Road height variance

The Town of Chester Zoning Board of Appeals voted to schedule a required public hearing for a height-variance request at 154 Hamiltonian Road for Sept. 10. The applicant is recorded in the agenda as George Nikaj; the transcript records questions and technical responses from board members and a person speaking in the record who identified as Dan Dollinger.

Board members described the permit as a building-permit application dated 06/23/2026 for a variance to raise the arena height to 29 feet where the referenced maximum in the transcript is 24 feet. The board asked about visibility from the road and whether the arena is an accessory building under the town code; members noted that accessory buildings may be allowed in the front yard under some conditions if lots meet size and setback requirements.

A speaker identified in the transcript as Dan Dollinger explained the structure would have a 16-foot interior clearance, which he said is standard for many horse operations and needed to meet building-engineering requirements for roof and snow loads. The board and staff discussed construction timing and the applicant’s concern that frost season could delay the contractor; staff said the board could try to schedule a special meeting before Sept. 10 if notice timelines permit.

A motion to set the public hearing for Sept. 10 was made and the board voted in favor. The board asked staff to coordinate notices; members said they would consider a special meeting if needed to allow construction to proceed ahead of frost.