My, my, my, how times have not changed. A recent letter to a local vet group, a.k.a. "special interest group" made for a reworking of the intent of the local code by the code enforcer. Having had requests on several occasions for signs, landscape structures and appropriate choices on my part, the fact of my property's location was the issue. There have been too many times that the local law, during the years prior to the current code person, had been redesigned in a way that worked against future progress on my open space plan.
In summarizing this letter, dated May 9, that was handed out at the last Forestville Village Board meeting, a nonconforming building can be used in the highly restricted R1 zone despite the fact that no formal process (permit) had been done by the users. The building seems to be purposed for storage as well as concessions. Needless to say, maybe this is one way for some type of outside dining since there is no restaurant in the village.
In essence the intention of the zoning code specifies how general land use should be done in order to have some kind of management tool. In 1982 there was an effort by the state to encourage the written "regulating of the location, construction and use of buildings, structures and use of land in the village ... county ... state." Prior to this year, all of these areas that were nonconforming were allowed to stay "as is." In the May letter, any reference to 1982 is irrelevant to current times and is not a viable rationale to condone the illegal nature of this building's placement.
Furthermore, there is an avenue for this nonconforming building to have the necessary approval despite its "eyesore" quality. It is called the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Right now, besides this illegal structure, "tiny town" development that has been occurring with another smaller one along with a portable potty. With some input from the people who surround this spot, it would certainly have a better overall appearance than now.
It goes without saying that this structure may not have added value to a street's appearance. That is the reason for the ZBA, which is currently inactive. Potential members have been named, but there has been no training provided to ensure current interpretation of the zoning code.
Let's follow what has been designated as the acceptable procedure rather than violating it and disrespecting the people who had no say in this decision. Where is the public hearing?
Jeanne Polisoto is a Forestville resident.
