Board of Zoning Appeals
2012 Meeting Minutes

January 4, 2012 - No meeting held.

February 1, 2012 - No meeting held.

March 7, 2012 Meeting Minutes -

Board members present:  Robert Keogh, Robert Werner, Mike Walters, Tom Spears, and Leroy Ryerson.  Members absent:  None.  Also present:  Michelle Tippie, Josh Hartbarger, Mark Martin and Barbara Knisely-Community Development Coordinator. 
 
The meeting was called to order by Robert Keogh at 7:30 p.m. and he introduced the members of the Board.  Leroy Ryerson moved to approve the Minutes of the November 2, 2011 meeting as written.  Tom Spears seconded the Motion.  By a vote of 5-0, the Minutes were approved.
 
Mr. Keogh reminded the members that since this was the first meeting of the 2012 calendar year, new officers needed to be elected.  Leroy Ryerson made a motion to retain the officers from 2011; Bob Keogh-Chairman, Bob Werner-Vice Chair, and Tom Spears-Secretary.  Mike Walters seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5-0 to retain the 2011 officers. 
 
Chairman Keogh swore in all members of the audience who were about to give testimony concerning the ADA ramp at the Pythian Castle.
 
Chairman Keogh stated the only Agenda item was a request from Mark and Cynthia Martin on behalf of the Whitehouse Pythian Sisters Temple 312 to allow construction of an ADA ramp on the north side of the building encroaching onto the public sidewalk.  The Pythian Sisters have accepted an offer to purchase from Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who are attempting to perform inspections to be assured that all building code requirements can be met prior to completion of the sale.
 
Mr. Martin stated that he agrees with the information set forth in the Staff Report.  He added that the ADA ramp will be constructed of concrete and will meet all building code requirements as far as width, height, railings, etc.  He is working with the Chief Building Official on this matter.  The Martins have agreed to construct a new sidewalk around the ADA ramp in the grassy area between the existing sidewalk and Lucas Street.  It was confirmed that the building sits on or very close to the property line and does not allow the ADA ramp to be constructed anywhere other than in the public right of way.  No matter who purchases this building, the building code mandates that the ADA requirements are met before any updates can be done. 
 
Ms. Knisely added that the Village will work with the new owner to design the sidewalk that will be built around the ADA ramp so that pedestrian access will not be lost along Lucas Street.  Mr. Martin stated that he is in favor of this and realizes that an enlarged sidewalk will be easier to maintain than the grassy area.
 
Lt. Joshua Hartbarger confirmed that the Whitehouse Fire Department has reviewed the preliminary plans and does not have issues with the ramp in relationship to the fire escape also located on the north side of the building.
BZA members determined that the four conditions as outlined in the Zoning Code do exist and a variance could be granted in order to allow the construction of the ADA ramp on the north side of the Pythian Castle located at 6761 Providence Street.
 
Leroy Ryerson moved to grant the variance to allow the construction of the 48 inch ADA ramp onto the Village right of way, next to the northerly edge of the Pythian Castle.  Tom Spears seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5-0.
 
Chair Ryerson reminded Mr. Martin that the project has to be started within six months from the date of the granting of this variance. 
 
Mr. Martin briefly explained the updates he would be making to the interior of the building and all agreed that this was a great project to take place in the downtown and will help to revitalize the area for many years to come.  He stated he will employ 9 to 10 people.
 
With no further business to come before the Board, Leroy Ryerson moved to adjourn the meeting.  Tom Spears seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
 

April 4, 2012 - No meeting held.

May 2, 2012

June 6, 2012

July 4, 2012

August 1, 2012

September 5, 2012

October 3, 2012

November 7, 2012

December 5, 2012