Nichols zoning board approves variance for signage at Tioga Downs

On Tuesday, and according to the Town Clerk in Nichols, N.Y., the Town of Nichols Zoning Board of Appeals approved the zoning variance requested by Tioga Downs for signage on their property by a vote of 3-2. 

The application for the sign was submitted by Tioga Downs last year, but was rejected in June as the original proposal was for a sign that is 40-foot high; the zoning, at that time, had a height restriction of 20-feet and an additional restriction of 50 square-feet.

Tioga Downs resubmitted their application, with a new proposed height for the sign at 30-feet. During a meeting in January of the zoning board, however, the vote was tabled. The January meeting was standing room only, with most in attendance in support of the variance.

On Tuesday, with legal counsel on hand, the five zoning board members voted to approve the variance; with three members – Marcy Hill, Steven Lounsberry, and Paul Fredrickson voting yes, and zoning board members Howard Stoltzfuss and Jim Bower rendering a “no” vote. 

Steven Lounsberry stated, on Thursday, “We have to follow the law, and with the new application, the variance was approved.”