ZBA Settles Phoenicia Property Dispute, Shandaken Board Moves on Pine Hill Water Repairs

Dionette Chrisi (right) and Robert Brown (left) present differing perspectives during a public hearing on a variance request at the March 18 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting in Shandaken. (Image from Town of Shandaken YouTube recording.) 

SHANDAKEN—The Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the Town Board recently addressed critical housing initiatives, including approvals for new residential construction and infrastructure repairs aimed at long-term community stability. 

In its March 18 meeting, the ZBA voted unanimously to approve an area variance for a property at 208 Pantherkill Road in Phoenicia. Applicants Jesus Marante and Dianelys Garcia sought a 63-foot rear yard variance to build a single-family home on a 2.063-acre lot. They argued the relief was necessary because the parcel’s irregular shape and steep slopes otherwise made it “unbuildable.” 

The public hearing revealed a neighborly impasse. Neighbor Robert Brown expressed concerns that placing the house just 12 feet from the property line created safety risks from falling trees on his land. While Brown proposed a lot line adjustment to transfer the slope’s ownership—and maintenance responsibility—to the applicants, the parties could not agree on the terms or the associated surveying costs. 

“We’ve reached an impasse,” the applicants noted in a text message cited during the hearing. Board members acknowledged the difficulty but ultimately granted the variance, citing the unique topography. 

The ZBA also approved a use variance for John and Ann Carol Michelotti to convert an existing garage at 338 Oliverea Road in Big Indian into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Supported by a RUPCO grant, the unit is restricted to long-term rental use to bolster local housing stock. 

“Thanks for putting housing on the market,” board members remarked during the vote. 

Additionally, the board approved a sign variance for Julia Roding at 5305 Route 212 in Mount Tremper. The request allows for a 24-by-30-inch non-illuminated freestanding sign at the entrance of a new residential development. 

In a swift special meeting on March 16, the Shandaken Town Board authorized a Request for Proposals (RFP) to repair a failing water main on Mill Street in the Pine Hill Water District. The project involves replacing approximately 400 linear feet of pipe to ensure system reliability. Bids are due on April 3. 

The board also took steps toward a potential town hall relocation, authorizing Supervisor Barbara Mansfield to apply for funding from the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) to purchase property on Route 28 East. A feasibility study recently identified the parcel as a suitable site outside the FEMA floodplain. 

In other developments, the Town Board officially threw its support behind the Pine Hill Pride in the Catskills Parade and Fair, scheduled for July 11.  

Additional updates from the Shandaken late March meetings included the appointment of Frank Cuevas to the role of ZBA Vice Chair, following the resignation of Gary Guglielmetti. Maya Lily, who currently serves on the Conservation Advisory Council, was named as the town’s liaison to the Ulster County Environmental Management Council. And Melissa Dupree was appointed as a town ambulance paramedic at a rate of $33 per hour.  

The ZBA is currently seeking new members and alternates to fill vacancies. The next regular Town Board meeting is scheduled for April 6 at 7 p.m., while the ZBA will reconvene on April 15 at 7 p.m. to hear a height variance request for a detached garage from resident Daniel Casey. 

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.