Vote Row 17C

Why I'm Running for Office

Robert P. Hart - Zoning Board of Appeals

What is Hardship?
The purpose of the ZBA is to consider non-conforming building improvement applications from property owners and make decisions on whether to grant variances to the East Hampton Zoning Regulations to permit such improvements.  The decisions have a strong and lasting effect on the environmental health of our lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers as well as the aesthetic appeal and level of crowding of our neighborhoods.  According to the zoning regulations, the decisions are to be based on a demonstration of ‘hardship’ wherein if the variances are not granted, reasonable use of the property as designated for the respective building zone is not possible.

I believe that variances are routinely granted without sufficient demonstration of such hardship and that as a result, the environment, both aesthetic and physical, are harmed in a lasting way.  One unfortunate example of this is the declining health of Lake Pocotopaug due to overdevelopment in the watershed, in part due to improperly granted building variances.

Our zoning regulations have been sensibly formulated to control and minimize damaging effects to the environment while permitting reasonable use by property owners.  When the ZBA members grant variances without proper hardship justification and without full adherence to the zoning regulation variance requirements, they override the intent of the regulations and destroy the careful balance between reasonable usage and damage to the environment.  As a ZBA member I intend to examine the hardship issue more carefully and to grant variances only when such hardship truly exists, thereby doing a better job of protecting our neighborhoods and environment.

If you agree with my judgment and intent on these issues, I ask for your vote this November to install me, a Chatham Party candidate, as a member of the ZBA for the standard term of 5 years.  I also urge you to vote for all the Chatham Party candidates if you prefer fiscal prudence, planned development, and better representation of all town residents rather than primarily those with special interests who profit at your expense.

Robert P. Hart
Zoning Board of Appeals Candidate

Vote row “C” for the Chatham Party ticket this Election Day.

"I believe that variances are routinely granted without sufficient demonstration of such hardship and that as a result, the environment, both aesthetic and physical, are harmed in a lasting way."

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