Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing notes 3-24-04
The Warren Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met the evening of March 24 to hear from citizens on the application of Terry and Cindy Shook of 268 Brick School road to build a horse barn / riding arena on their property located between 55 and 31 Brick School Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission had referred the application to ZBA because it did not meet the requirement that an accessory building be on property with an existing dwelling.
The Shooks explained that they want to construct an 80 x 150 foot building that would house their horses and provide a large open space for exercising them in winter. They noted that farming is permitted in the area and that they might decide to keep sheep and other farm animals there in addition to the horses. They said that they do not wish to build a home on this property since they already have one on Brick School road and constructing another would be prohibitive.
The ZBA chair, Ann Martindale, noted the board had received a letter in opposition to the proposed construction from a neighbor. The letter expressed concern that there would be no one living on the property to care for and supervise the animals, that such a large building would change the character of the area and be detrimental to property values. Another neighbor expressed concern with the size and absence of a residence on the property and the possiblity that it might be used for commercial purposes.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the ZBA discussed the application, noting that all members had visited the site. Members noted that the property is two building lots. Board members noted that in order to grant an exception there needs to be some evidence of hardship and there is no hardship since there is another reasonable use of the property as building lots. One member noted that, if approved, the building “…would be one of the largest in town” and would change the character of the area.
After polling members for their views, the ZBA voted to reject the application.
