Zoning board acts on requests for variances
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

The Greencastle Zoning Hearing Board heard two requests for variances at Monday's meeting. One was granted and the other could be after conditions are met.

Marc Pool, 310 S. Washington St., asked for a variance on lot and yard regulations and existing small lots so as to build a residence behind his current home. He owns two small lots in back and a narrow one to the side of his house. To the south of his property is Winger Street, which is not used for traffic. It is grassy and the family has mowed and maintained it since 1968.

He testified he wanted to quit claim the three lots and adjacent unused alleys so he could have a deed title for mortgage purposes.

"I have three lots I can't do anything with," Pool said.

I want to make the land of some value."

He said the new house would face Washington Street with the driveway coming from there as well. The narrow lot would become his front yard.

Pool had submitted a letter from neighbor Ben Thomas, who was not opposed to the variance. A representative for Otterbein United Brethren Church to the south said they were also fine with the request.

The board was concerned with granting variances on land he did not own. The ordinance requires 70-foot frontage and he only had 64 feet, if he was allowed to count Winger.

Pool was reluctant to begin the expensive quit claim process if the board was going to deny the request later. But that is what the board decided was necessary.

"That's the uncomfortable part for this board," said its solicitor Jeffrey Evans. "It sounds like you're making an adverse possession of this property that you don't have title for. The board doesn't want to have conditional approval hanging out there."

Borough manager Ken Myers said the municipality had granted several alley quit claims in the past, but they were not tied to variances.

On a motion by Donald Appleby and second by Michele Emmett, Chairman Gregory Overcash made it a unanimous vote that the hearing be continued pending confirmation that Pool owned the alleys. The three agreed he had a hardship situation but wanted to make sure the borough followed its ordinances.

Pool responded, "That's fair."

He said his attorney would be submitting the paperwork for the quit claims.

Lighting request Greg Weaver, representing Antrim Way Honda, requested a variance to Greencastle's limit of a 15 foot height for outdoor lighting fixtures. He asked for 20 feet for lights at the expanded dealership at 200 S. Antrim Way.

He said technology has created 'dark sky' lights that send the light downward, and even though the fixtures would be higher, they would have the same effect as other lights at 15 feet. The efficiency from the system would require fewer lights. Minimal light would enter U.S. 11 or adjacent properties.

Larry Ryddom from Ellworth Electric said the only glare would be from reflection on the vehicles, building and poles. The new lights were becoming popular in the industry and his company had installed them at Shively Motors in Chambersburg.

The board unanimously approved the request, providing that 'dark sky' technology was used.

Evans explained that the board had up to 45 days to provide a written decision and then there was a 30-day appeal period. "Any work done in the interim is at risk should a party file an appeal with the Court of Common Pleas."

Since no one from the public attended the hearing, he doubted that would happen.