A pet crematorium plan for an agricultural-residential zone has been turned down by the Montezuma planning board.

Kevin Truex had requested a variance to establish a pet crematorium business near his home so that his wife could work at the business while he was away at other employment.

A public hearing was held at the Montezuma Fire House. Concerns raised by the board included the proximity of the business to neighbors, especially as it relates to smoke and odor from the operation of the crematorium, alternative commercial locations, and cost.

The plan indicated that the business would be about one acre from neighbors. Truex said commercial property was too expensive. The cost of establishing the business would be about $44,000.

James Carberry, of Fosterville Road, a neighbor, was opposed to establishing the crematorium in an agricultural-residential zone. He cited information from the Department of Environmental Conservation and said he feared that his family would not be able to spend time outside with such a business operating nearby.

John Melnick, of Laraway Road, believed there was a need for this type of business but not in an agricultural-residential zone. He didn't believe the criteria presented in the plan warranted a use variance.

The board voted unanimously to deny the petition for a use variance because it didn't meet three criteria for granting such a variance: reasonable return, uniqueness, and character of the neighborhood. The petitioners did not prove unnecessary hardship or that the business might not change the character of the neighborhood, especially with the smoke and odor that might ensue from the operation of a crematorium.

Staff writer Kathleen Barran may be reached at 253-5311, ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net