A New Castle City Board of Adjustment Hearing took place
on April 20, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s
Town Hall.
Present: John F. Klingmeyer, Chairman
David Athey, City Engineer
Clifford Hearn, City Solicitor
Jeff Bergstrom, Building Official
Robert T. Binkley, Applicant
Robin Binkley, Applicant
Chairman Klingmeyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
He introduced City Engineer
Dave Athey and City Solicitor Clifford Hearn. It was posted
in the New Castle Weekly on April 6, 2005 and the News Journal
on April 5, 2005. The property has been posted properly.
The Chair read the Notice of Public Hearing that states,
“An application has been filed by
Robert T. and Robin C.B. Binkley, owners, for a variance from
the off-street parking requirements to permit an addition
to their existing residence at 25 West 4th Street, New Castle,
Delaware (parcel number 21-015.30-131). For the purpose of
considering this application, the Board of Adjustment will
hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 7 p.m.
in Old Town Hall located at 201 Delaware Street, second floor,
New Castle, Delaware 19720.”
Mr. Bergstrom was asked to give some background on this application.
The applicants have asked to build an addition on the side
of their home. The installation of the addition will preclude
off-street parking. That district requires two off-street
parking spaces at the time of any enlargements. Not only will
it remain non-conforming use of off-street parking, we have
concluded to complying with the off-street parking requirements
because our only means for providing access would be the egress
off 4th Street. In the future there won’t be that option.
The Binkley’s indicated they are representing themselves.
Robin Binkley informed they had made an application to the
Historical Area Commission (HAC) and as part of that application
they requested we not have off-street parking. The current
streetscape of West 4th Street does not include any off-street
parking and our only means of providing access for off-street
parking would be an egress off West 4th Street. In speaking
to the adjoining landowner they are not willing to grant us
an easement. We have a petition signed by 35 citizens of New
Castle who support our request for a variance. We hope to
comply with HAC’s request.
Mr. Hearn informed there are three exhibits as part of this
request. Exhibit 1 is the application, Exhibit 2 is the affadavit
of publication, and Exhibit 3 is the petition of support of
off-street variance.
Mr. Athey asked what the purpose of the addition is and Ms.
Binkley informed it was for more floor space. Mr. Hearn inquired
about their immediately neighbor’s position. Ms. Binkley
informed they are in support of the addition and its size
and of granting the variance. We spoke with them prior to
going to the HAC. Sally Monigle of the HAC added they strongly
support the variance to grant reprieve from off-street parking
because they feel it is more in keeping with the streetscape
in the area.
There were no comments concerning this matter from the floor.
Mr. Hearn made a motion to approve the variance; Mr. Athey
seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
