SENNETT -- The conflict between the owners of Bonca's restaurant and the town of Sennett over zoning law interpretations is a little closer to being resolved.
The Sennett Zoning Board of Appeals met Tuesday night to consider a new appeal to code enforcement officer Paul E. Weiman, Jr.'s list of violations of the town's zoning ordinance by RyBach and Rig LLC.
ZBA chairman James Lent spoke to the audience of about 30 residents to clarify the proceedings.
"As a point of clarification," Lent said, "Mr. Weiman has made several determinations that are proper and correct under the laws of New York state. Right now there are gray areas where both parties consider their positions correct. The board may affirm or reverse in whole or in part any of these determinations."
Lent also said no decisions would be made Tuesday evening.
As the proceedings continued, Lent and ZBA attorney John Langey were able to deflect some of the issues as resolvable between code enforcement and RyBach and Rig,
Weiman was directed to look over new surveys and consider new information presented and discuss it with Scott Chatfield, attorney for RyBach and Rig.
The appeal resulted from a building inspection for a certificate of occupancy of the building at 3193 East Genesee St., the former Pioneer Restaurant, now renovated and renamed Bonca's. The restaurant is in an R-1 zone and was required to follow town zoning laws for a non-conforming use.
Weiman sent a letter to the owners denying the C.O., listing specific building and zoning code violations. He encouraged the owners to remedy the remaining problems.
Instead, Bonca's opened to sell ice cream on July 12 without a certificate of occupancy and filed an appeal of Weiman's determinations.
They worked to remedy most of the building code violations, but apparent zoning violations remained. In the meantime, on July 17 they were issued cease and desist orders and an order to remedy violations.
Lent invited the public to voice their concerns.
"I live directly behind Bonca's," said John Bergan of Barrington Avenue. "What they have done is a welcome relief to me. I think it's very nice. I'm happy with it."
"I'm done paying for legal fees for this mess," Kathy Leyton of Pine Ridge Road added. "What's going on in this town with suing the zoning board has got to stop."
For the full report, read Wednesday's edition of The Citizen.
ZBA chairman James Lent spoke to the audience of about 30 residents to clarify the proceedings.
"As a point of clarification," Lent said, "Mr. Weiman has made several determinations that are proper and correct under the laws of New York state. Right now there are gray areas where both parties consider their positions correct. The board may affirm or reverse in whole or in part any of these determinations."
Lent also said no decisions would be made Tuesday evening.
As the proceedings continued, Lent and ZBA attorney John Langey were able to deflect some of the issues as resolvable between code enforcement and RyBach and Rig,
Weiman was directed to look over new surveys and consider new information presented and discuss it with Scott Chatfield, attorney for RyBach and Rig.
The appeal resulted from a building inspection for a certificate of occupancy of the building at 3193 East Genesee St., the former Pioneer Restaurant, now renovated and renamed Bonca's. The restaurant is in an R-1 zone and was required to follow town zoning laws for a non-conforming use.
Weiman sent a letter to the owners denying the C.O., listing specific building and zoning code violations. He encouraged the owners to remedy the remaining problems.
Instead, Bonca's opened to sell ice cream on July 12 without a certificate of occupancy and filed an appeal of Weiman's determinations.
They worked to remedy most of the building code violations, but apparent zoning violations remained. In the meantime, on July 17 they were issued cease and desist orders and an order to remedy violations.
Lent invited the public to voice their concerns.
"I live directly behind Bonca's," said John Bergan of Barrington Avenue. "What they have done is a welcome relief to me. I think it's very nice. I'm happy with it."
"I'm done paying for legal fees for this mess," Kathy Leyton of Pine Ridge Road added. "What's going on in this town with suing the zoning board has got to stop."
For the full report, read Wednesday's edition of The Citizen.
The Citizens' Say
There are 4 comment(s)
floretta wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:27 AM:
At Bonca's, lol "
blueyankee443 wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:46 AM:
are a honest business whom is ready to do business.The town wants a tax base,and seek ways to help the taxpayer
yet they discourage any business,from
doing business. "
cm wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:01 AM:
where was everyone???? "
hilltop wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:47 AM: