MILLERTON — The Millerton Zoning Board of Appeals rejected two variance requests for 7-9 Main Street with a unanimous vote on Tuesday, June 3.
The decision closes the book on a process that began more than two years ago when building plans were first submitted to the board seeking to increase the building’s allowable residential density and waive parking requirements.
The latest rejection followed a public hearing on May 6, during which architect Ray Nelson of Earthwise Architecture in Millerton presented revised 9-unit and 6-unit proposals — both scaled down from the original 12-unit plan. The applications were reviewed under village zoning code, which requires at least 5,000 square feet of lot area per unit and 1.5 parking spaces per unit — standards the updated plans still did not meet.
“I think this is a mistake,” said Nelson, who has represented the building’s owner, Gvkgne Realty Inc., in front of the zoning board since 2023. “The village wants more apartments.”
“We are constrained to the zoning laws as written,” board member Ed Stillman said, emphasizing that the board’s role is not to decide what’s best in theory, but to apply the law as it exists.
Nelson disagreed, arguing, “Your job, in my opinion, is to rectify an onerous zoning law. We know the zoning law needs to be changed.”
The Village of Millerton Zoning Board of Appeals met on Tuesday, June 3 to decide on a 7-9 Main Street case. Photo by Aly Morrissey
At the start of the meeting, the board entered an unplanned executive session to review new information, followed by a required State Environmental Quality Review. In a roll-call vote, the board determined the requested variances would not result in significant environmental harm.
The board then worked through its formal Record of Findings, applying five legal criteria meant to balance the applicant’s needs with potential impacts on the community. These included whether the project would change the character of the neighborhood or harm nearby properties, if alternative options were considered, the magnitude of the variances requested, potential environmental and community impacts, and whether the applicant’s difficulty was self-created.
While board members acknowledged that added density and new apartments could benefit the village, they concluded that the proposed variances were too substantial, the parking impact would be negative, and that the applicant failed to do proper due diligence regarding zoning laws before purchasing the property.
“Considering the factors in the Record of Findings, and weighing the benefit to the applicant versus the health, safety, and well-being of the neighbors in our community, we deny the applications for the two variances,” said Stillman.
As for next steps, he noted that there would be paperwork to complete but confirmed the “matter is closed.”
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Devon Allman
His band features harmonica player/singer Jimmy Hall, guitarist Larry McRae and singer Sierra Green.
“It’s an all-star show. Jimmy Hall is from the great Wet Willie band from the ‘70s. Larry McCray is regarded in blues circles as a legend, and we’re honored to introduce Sierra Green. She’s a fantastic up-and-coming R&B singer from New Orleans who has been wowing the crowds. Everybody gets to pick up the ball and run with it. It’s an elevated show for sure.”
Their Infinity Hall Norfolk gig will feature cuts from his new album “Blues Summit,” as well as hits from The Allman Brother’s catalog, tunes from Devon’s early catalog and songs by Jimmy Hall.
The Devon Allman ProjectHeather Johnson
Asked what he learned about life from his famous father, Allman chuckled and said,
“Stay away from drugs and don’t get married seven times! My dad would laugh and agree to that. Musically, just let the music ooze out of you know. You don’t want to force it. Play what moves you.”
“I didn’t meet my father until I was 17. Once I met him, I went out on tour with The Allman Brothers instead of going to my senior year of high school. I already knew what I wanted to do, but I really wanted to see if it was going to be my calling. They had me sit in on the final night of the tour in Miami singing “Midnight Rider” to 5,000 people. I was 17, and that did it. The energy was just amazing. I was putting bands together from then on,” he added.
Various members of the extensive Allman Brothers family have their own musical projects such as the “Allman Betts Family Revival.” For those shows, Devon tips his hat to Duane Allman and Dicky Betts by playing a Gibson Les Paul but for The Devon Allman Project, he primarily plays a 1966 Fender Stratocaster.
Gregg Allman, who died on May 27, 2017, passed down many of his prized instruments to his son.
“He left me 43 guitars. I also got his grand piano and his Hammond B3 organ. The grand piano is set up in my music room; the Hammond B3 comes with us on the revival tours. I try to utilize his instruments so they’re not just sitting around,” he said.
Audiences at Infinity Hall Norfolk can expect solid grooves, dynamic range, and a lot of energy.
Having started their tour in Sweden, the band will carry on playing the USA and Europe for three week stretches over the next year.
“We’re just having a lot of fun. Infinity Hall is a great venue, and we always love playing it. We hope to see everybody!” Allman said.
For ticket info, merchandise and more, visit:devonallmanproject.com
