Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes - 03/12/2025

Zoning Board of Appeals
March 12, 2025
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MINU TRESEIVED FOR RECORD
WATERFORD, CT
Zoning Board of Appeals March 12, 2025
Waterford Town Hall 15 MAR LV A 3 5:30 PM
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arrest: Gin? Lfoagst—
Members Present: Chairwoman Cathy Gonyo, Michelle Khipps (5:37), John Morgan,
William Herzfeld
Members Absent: Anne Darling
Alternates Present: Greg Gallup, Jason Kohl
Staff Present: Jonathan Mullen, Planning Director; Wayne Scott, Zoning
Official; Dawn Choisy, Recording Secretary
Also Present: Town Attorney Robert Avena
1. CALL TO ORDER AND APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
Chairwoman Gonyo called the meeting to order at 5:30. G. Gallup was appointed to sit for M.
Kripps and J. Kohl was appointed to sit for A. Darling.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Motion made by J. Morgan, seconded by W. Herzfeld, to approve the minutes of
the December 4, 2024 meeting as written.
VOTE: 5-0
3. PUBLIC HEARING
Application #ZBA-25-1 - Appeal of A Beautiful Real Estate LLC, owner and applicant for
property located at 14 Bella Vista Street, R-20 zone. Variances are requested from zoning
regulations: Section 4.4.1 - front yard setback, 4.4.2 - side yard setback and 4.4.3 - rear yard
setback as shown on plans titled “Zoning Location Survey” dated February 3, 2025.
The following exhibits were previously submitted:
EXHIBIT 1 - Application and support material
EXHIBIT 2 - Plan titled “Zoning Location Survey, Property of A Beautiful Real Estate
LLC” dated February 3, 2025.
EXHIBIT 3 - Legal Notice of Public Hearing published in the Day newspaper on
February 26, 2025 and March 5, 2025
EXHIBIT 4 - Hearing notification letter sent to applicant dated August 14, 2024
EXHIBIT 5 - Staff Report dated March 5, 2025
Chairwoman Gonyo opened the public hearing.
Land Surveyor James Bernardo, representing the applicant, addressed the Board. He reviewed
the Staff Report (Exhibit 5) and site plan (Exhibit 2). He noted that there was a typo on the
Zoning Compliance Chart on the site plan. The coverage should be 22%, not 23.5%.
J. Bernardo reviewed the differences between this application and the-previous application,
which was denied. He reviewed the plan for Harrison’s Landing (included in Exhibit 1), noting
that the site has been a valid building lot for 90 years. The applicant has paid a sewer assessment

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March 12, 2025
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fee on the property. He stated that the hardship being claimed is that the property is an existing
residential building lot that existed since 1932, prior to the first effective Zoning Regulations in
1954. He reviewed the variances being requested, noting that the variances requested are the
minimum necessary to allow for a reasonable use of the land.
J. Bernardo submitted into the record as Exhibit 6 e-mail correspondence from Fire Marshal
Dubicki, and as Exhibit 7 a spreadsheet showing existing acreage, living area and gross area of
properties in the area.
Board members had comments and questions regarding the size of the proposed house.
Attorney Avena asked for clarification regarding the difference in living area as shown in Exhibit
7 and that noted in the Staff Report (Exhibit 5). J. Bernardo clarified.
Chairwoman Gonyo asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak regarding
this application.
Bryan Saylor of 67 Benham Avenue read into the record a statement opposing the application.
This was entered into the record as Exhibit 8.
Corlyn Webster of 18 Bella Vista Street spoke in opposition to the application.
Steve Logan of 73 Benham Avenue stated concerns that no setbacks are being met, and is against
the proposal.
Sara Hart of 69 Benham Avenue spoke in opposition.
Erin Saylor of 67 Benham Avenue stated that she would welcome a smaller house.
Warren Avery of 12 Bella Vista Street spoke in opposition to the application.
J. Bernardo noted that the property owner had met with Town Staff prior to purchasing the
property.
Warren Avery of 12 Bella Vista Street had concerns regarding the 1932 issue.
Erin Saylor of 67 Benham Avenue stated that a smaller house could be put on the lot.
MOTION: Motion made by W. Herzfeld, seconded by J. Morgan, to close the public hearing
at 6:25.
VOTE: 5-0
4, NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
3: CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was received.

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March 12, 2025
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Chairwoman Gonyo excused herself from the next agenda item and left the meeting room.
MOTION: Motion made by W. Herzfeld, seconded by G. Gallup to enter Executive Session
at 6:26.
VOTE: 5-0
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discussion of the following pending litigation:
Maryse Callard, Trustee C/O (George Szdlowski) v. Zoning Board of Appeals of
The Town of Waterford and the Town of Waterford; Docket Number KNL-CV-
23-6063980-S
MOTION: Motion made by W. Herzfeld, seconded by J. Kohl, to exit Executive Session at
6:50.
VOTE: | 5-0. No votes were taken during Executive Session.
7. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion made by J. Kohl, seconded by M. Kripps, to adjourn the meeting at 6:57.
VOTE: 5-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Z;
iN
Dawn Choisy
Recording Secretary