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Hardwick officials give tentative approval to building variance

By
Mavis Fodness

Hardwick’s Board of Zoning and Adjustments recommended granting a variance for a resident to move in and expand a storage shed on his residential property.
Hardwick City Council members supported that recommendation at their Nov. 12 meeting but didn’t formally grant the variance. The group, minus mayor John Javner, who was absent, wanted time to decide on what stipulations, if any, should be added.
Darin Prins proposed moving in a 28-by-15-foot storage shed to his property located at 101 E. First St. (County Road 7 just north of the three-way stop sign).
At an Oct. 28 variance hearing, Prins said he would remodel the building as well as expand its size to 28 by 35 feet.
Hardwick’s city ordinance stipulates the rear yard depth in residential areas cannot be less than 20 percent of the depth of the lot.
At a depth of 198 feet, Prins’ new shed would need to be 39.6 feet from the lot line. Prins requested the building be placed 10 feet from the lot line.
Information about the project was gathered from Prins at the variance hearing. Council members then charged the three-member adjustments board to examine the property, the proposal and make a recommendation to the council last Thursday.
The adjustment board members, Jan Baustian, Alice Hansen and City Councilman Scott Edwards, recommended granting Prins’ request with stipulations.
“I think it can work,” said Baustian, former Hardwick mayor and councilor. “Where he wants it is the best-looking, best-usable thing for that lot.”
Baustian and Edwards met with Prins at his residence Oct. 31 and talked about Prins’ proposal. Together they measured the lot, its existing buildings, and where Prins proposed putting the storage shed.
“There is a lot of property there,” Baustian added.
They also recommended stipulations be placed on Prins’ variance. The stipulations included requesting the proper move-in and building permits, keeping the area clean, and not operating a business from the new facility.
Next-door neighbor Mark Coney, who attended both the variance hearing and the council meeting, expressed concerns over Prin’s intentions as well as the current outside storage of vehicles devaluating his property.
Prins explained items currently stored outside would be placed inside, out of sight. He also stressed he only helps people with their own vehicle repairs; it’s not a business.
Adjustment members said they took into consideration everyone’s concerns before recommending the variance.
“I would hope that we are working together as a community,” Baustian said.
She further explained that if friends or neighbors came over to her house and needed help with a repair, that help could be given without worry that a business was starting up.
“You have to be a good citizen to an extent, too,” Baustian added.
“It’s a thing where you take pride in Hardwick. We are going to take pride along with you and work with you … If you’re here to get your way, I am not sure I want you for my neighbor,” she said.
Prins reiterated that he does not intend to operate a business out of his home.
As the council decides on specific stipulations to the variance, they agreed to allow Prins to prepare his property this fall and winter with the formal moving and expansion of the building taking place next year.
They strongly suggested that Prins have his property officially surveyed before starting any work.

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