The Niles Board of Appeals unanimously approved a setback variance on Dec. 5 allowing a property owner to proceed with an erosion control project aimed at stabilizing a cliffside along Woodlot Landing.
The meeting, held at the Niles Town Hall in New Hope, addressed an application concerning 75 Woodlot Landing (Tax Map Number 148.00-1-14). Acting on behalf of property owner Jim Helmer, Tyler Dixon presented the proposal to construct stairs and a deck anchored into the cliff face. The project seeks to mitigate ongoing erosion issues affecting the property and adjacent lakefront areas.
Dixon explained that the current land conditions are unstable and require immediate intervention to prevent further degradation. Plans include terracing and additional landscaping to shore up the area and protect the property’s structural integrity.
The board considered a variance to section 164.8.B of the town’s building setback law, which mandates a 15-foot distance between new structures and property lines. Given the nature of the cliffside property, the proposed project could not meet this requirement without the variance.
After reviewing the details and examining photographs of the site, the board determined that the project was necessary for erosion control and posed no significant risk to neighboring properties. With no objections submitted by neighbors or the public, the board closed the hearing and moved to a vote.
Board members Elaine Axton, Patrick Murray, and Ronald Rybak voted unanimously to approve the variance. A Notice of Action will be issued to the applicant to formalize the decision.
The meeting concluded at 6:19 p.m. with no further business on the agenda. The variance approval allows the project to move forward, addressing both safety concerns and the preservation of the lakeshore property.
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