Laserfiche WebLink
A. That because of special circumstances applicable to the subject <br />property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, <br />the strict application of the zoning ordinance is found to deprive the <br />subject property of privileges not otherwise at variance with the intent <br />and purpose of the provisions of this chapter. <br />The Property is comprised of two (2) parcels totaling 17,670 square <br />feet. Nonetheless the usable and protected (from both a safety and <br />privacy perspective) backyard space is limited by the Residence's <br />location on northwest portion of the Property, and the two (2) car <br />garage and driveway situated behind the Residence. These features <br />similarly limit the side yard to the north of the Residence, the only other <br />area that is at least partially shielded from the public right -of way. <br />The Property enjoys large front and side yards along Heliotrope Drive <br />and Nineteenth Street, but its corner location limits the utility of this <br />area as supplemental yard space. Nineteenth Street is heavily <br />traveled, at least relative to other roadways in Floral Park, and public <br />walkways front the Property along Heliotrope Drive and Nineteenth <br />Street. These conditions create safety and privacy concerns that <br />significantly limit the ability to use and enjoy this front yard area. <br />The Residence is also unique. It is a two-story structure of notable <br />height and scale, and constructed in an architectural style <br />characterized by symmetric and "box -like" dimensions, boasting <br />prominent arches, pillars, windows, and railings. Evidence indicates <br />that the Property is slopped upwards towards the Residence, resulting <br />in the Residence sitting at a higher elevation than the public right-of- <br />way and surrounding residences. These features and architectural <br />styling of the Residence are compatible with a front yard wall of greater <br />height than would be appropriate for a standard residence. <br />The Application furthers the purpose of the City's Zoning Code by: <br />facilitating the use and enjoyment of privately owned residential <br />property; creating open yard space; and fostering the improvement and <br />adaptive use of property in a manner that respects the heritage of a <br />historically significant structure. <br />The Application is consistent with primary objectives of the City's <br />Design Guidelines and Development Standards ("Design Standards" or <br />"Standards") by: implementing a progressive design solution to current <br />development trends that are reflective of societal desires for safe, <br />secure, and private outdoor spaces shielded from vehicular and <br />pedestrian traffic, and protective of personal privacy interests; <br />providing a free, creative, and innovative architectural design for a new <br />