A variance for the taxidermists

The torrential downpour on Monday prevented the planned State Line Retail Center from receiving variances for its signage, and approval of its retaining wall from the Southeast Zoning Board of Appeals.

Representatives of State Line Developer Paul Carmada came to the meeting with giant posterboards, laying out their plans. But reported that Mr. Carmada was detained by a flood in his home. The half dozen representatives received permission to come back to a February 22 meeting. Southeast resident and Putnam Democratic Chairwoman Lynne Eckhardt regretted that Mr. Carmada was unable to appear.

“He’s asking for an incredible amount of variances,” said Eckhardt. She promised to forward her questions to the ZBA in case she could not appear the following month.

Nearly half of the 150-minute meeting was spent discussing the case of Carl and Mary Pepi, who run a taxidermy business from their home on Minor Road. The Pepis were seeking a variance to conduct their home business in an unattached garage; the town code normatively allows home businesses to be conducted in the main residence. Also at issue was whether taxidermy fell under the category of a traditional home business in the town’s code.

The Pepis are well known in the taxidermy business, having inherited the legacy of Jonas Brothers of Yonkers, who had Ernest Hemingway as a client. The Pepis are known as innovators in “zoological art.” When the Pepis bought their Minor Road home 11 years ago, they did check with town officials, who gave them tacit approval for their business activity.

However neighbors testified that the business means delivery trucks often park on Minor road, creating hazardous traffic conditions. Chris Barber, a Minor Road resident said he had no objections to the business itself, only to “tractor trailers” that occasionally appear to make deliveries on the narrow Minor Road.

Other residents, including Joe Russo, worried aloud that the presence of a taxidermist would negatively impact their home values. “Who is going to explain to a buyer that a taxidermist doesn’t necessarily mean animal carcasses?” Russo asked. Other community members demanded to know when their input would be solicited, and what say they had in the Pepis’ activity.

Board member Thomas Costello, reminded the audience that “The Pepis have rights as well… I hope you realize we are not taking this lightly.” Mr. Costello encouraged comment from the public.

Before a vote was taken, the Pepis’ counsel assured community members that the Pepis were willing to have 18-wheeler deliveries rerouted to another location.

Ultimately the board granted the Pepis their variance to conduct business in their garage by a 5-1 margin. They also granted the Pepi’s contention that taxidermy fell within the Town Code’s definition of a traditional home business, by a 5-1 vote. The dissenting vote each time was cast by Roderick Cassidy. While Mr. Cassidy granted that taxidermy was “Americana at its height,” and acknowledged that it has been traditionally done in the home, he believed that it was dissimilar to business activities listed in the Town Code. Mr. Cassidy also acknowledged that the Pepis were “great neighbors,” and “experts in their field.”

Other items in the meeting included allowing 2446 Route 6 be converted from a commercial building to residential use for Mr. Chris Deleo, a property owner who, after domain takings around his property, has been unable to sell to a commercial client.

Mr. Albert Willis of Lakeview Drive was asked to dismantle a large dog pen, nearly 60 feet long, that board members described as a “kennel” that detracts form the neighborhood. Mr. Willis’ neighbors, Todd and Asya Takken, and Denise and Antonio Vanaria were granted permission to construct a carport, and make a house addition, respectively. And JoAnn Martin and Scott Buckholz were quickly and unanimously approved for a small addition, as well.

Due to holiday considerations, the Zoning Board of Appeals will meet again on February 22 at Lakeview Manor.

—Michael Brendan Dougherty