Porter Board adopts amendment on boat storage

by Terry Duffy

The boating season is winding down and Porter finally has its boating storage law in place.

Following months of discussion and more than casual interest from residents, Porter Town Board members came to an agreement on a long-awaited zoning law amendment covering storage of boats, trailers, recreational vehicles and utility trailers in the town. The amended version of Article V, paragraph 80, approved unanimously Monday by board members, now provides criteria pertaining to storage in "all districts," in "medium density districts" (such as Youngstown Estates), and in "rural agricultural districts and low density residential" areas:

For "all districts other than medium density," highlights include:

•Boats and trailers, camp trailers, recreational vehicles or utility trailers for personal use by the occupant of any premises may be parked on an established driveway and must have a current registration or permit issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or other New York state agency as required by law. Any boat and trailer, recreational vehicle, camp trailer or utility trailer parked on the premises must be operable and properly maintained so as to not cause a nuisance to neighbors. Any boat and trailer, camp trailer, recreational vehicle or utility trailer parked or stored on the premises must be parked or stored at least 20 feet from the nearest sidewalk or edge of the road and may not otherwise obstruct the vision of any person operating a vehicle on the road or roads adjoining the premises.

For "medium density districts" highlights include:

•Year round storage of boats and trailers, camp trailers, recreational vehicles or utility trailers in medium density districts for personal use by the occupant or any premises may be parked on rear or side lots only and must have a current registration or permit issued by the DMV or other New York state agency as required by law. Any boat and trailer, recreational vehicle, camp trailer or utility trailer stored or parked on the premises must be operable and properly maintained so as to not to cause to cause a nuisance to neighbors.

•Seasonal parking provisions. During the period (of) April 30 through Oct. 30, one boat and trailer, camp trailer, recreational vehicle or utility trailer for personal use by the occupant of the premises and not exceeding 25 feet in length may be parked in the front yard on an established driveway and must have a current registration issued by the DMV or other New York state agency as required by law. Any boat and trailer, recreational vehicle, camp trailer or utility trailer parked on the premises must be operable and properly maintained so as to not cause a nuisance to neighbors. Any boat and trailer, camp trailer, recreational vehicle or utility trailer parked or stored on the premises must be parked or stored at least 20 feet from the nearest sidewalk or edge of the road and may not otherwise obstruct the vision of any person operating a vehicle on the road or roads adjoining the premises.

For "rural agricultural districts and low density residential" areas highlight include:

•Trailers for use in agricultural and livestock activities in areas zoned Rural Agricultural and Low Density Residential on lots of five acres or more are not subject to the limitations set forth for all districts/medium density districts. Trailers used for agricultural and livestock activities shall not be permitted to be stored within road right of ways or in a manner otherwise posing a risk to public health or safety.

Over past months the measure has seen resident input, Town Board discussion, public hearings, Planning Board input and attorney consultations. "I'm glad it's finally over," commented Town Councilman Jeff Baker, a boat owner and storage supporter. It takes effect immediately.

In other news from the session:

•The board approved procedural items, one covering the town's participation in sewer and connections mapping with the Western New York Storm water Coalition, and another adopting the Workplace Violence Prevention Program for town employees.

•The Town Justice Department reported $36,408.25 in gross revenue and $18,946.75 in net revenue from Town Court fines for the period of January to July 2011.

•The board approved a lot bid of $700 to Cosgrove Excavating for furnished labor to address a Brentwood Drive drainage problem affecting residences. The town will be providing materials.

•The board heard a detailed report from the Porter on the Lake committee. Included was discussion on a possible community center envisioned for the park if grant money is realized; concerns over park vandalism; discussions on park upgrades; discussions on the upcoming Hospice Dash and planning for next year's Founder's Day celebrations. The group will be meeting next on Monday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.