Daily Archives: February 10, 2011

Talkin’ Code with Andrew Getty

What Makes a Structure a Single Family Dwelling?

Q & A

Q: We just purchased a piece of land in town and want to build a house. Do we need to get a permit?

A: Yes, building permits are required for all new structures, house or otherwise.

Q: Okay that’s fine, can we get one right now? How much do they cost?

A: After the Code Office receives the plans and a survey showing where the house will be on the property, we can determine the cost based on the size, or square footage, of the house.

Q: Why do you need a set of plans? Can’t we just pay for a permit and build what we want to?

A: New York State law and local law both require plans and specifications showing compliance to the Residential Code and Energy Code of New York.

Q: We do not have plans, but we do have a picture of what we want. Is this enough?

A: This photo shows a tent! This is not a house!

Q: That’s what we want for our house. We want to keep it simple and cost effective. It is a really strong tent and has a framed platform under it to keep it off the ground. What’s wrong with this?

A: The NYS Code will not acknowledge that a tent qualifies as, or is the same thing as a single family dwelling. At the same time, the NYS Code will not say that you cannot have a tent to live in.

Q: This is what we want for our house. So what is the problem?

A: Our local law, the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, requires that a principal structure must be on the property before an accessory structure can be built. By local definition, the tent would be an accessory structure, not a single family dwelling.

Q: What is the town’s definition of a single family dwelling?

A: DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY: A detached building used for year-round or seasonal occupancy by one (1) family only, other than a mobile home, recreational living unit, or any temporary structure. DWELLING OR DWELLING UNIT: A building or portion thereof providing complete housekeeping facilities for one (1) family, including living, sleeping, cooking and sanitary facilities, as distinguished from rooming or boarding house, lodge, club, fraternity, hotel or motel, commune, or similar facilities.

Q: So you are telling us that we do not have the right to live in our tent, as nice as it is?

A: Not exactly. You can live in your tent, but you need to build a single family dwelling first.

Q: This just does not seem fair. How can a town have such a law and call it legal?

A: Well, you’re getting into the fundamentals of Zoning. Rest assured, all municipalities in the State of New York, just like any other state, have the right to create Zoning Laws, sometimes also known as ‘Land Use Regulations.’ These laws, rules and regulations are recognized as a tool to enhance and protect the environment, the orderly development of a community, and to protect [to a certain degree] the value of properties in the neighborhood or community.

Q: Why should we not have the same rights as our neighbors who choose to build huge one-million dollar homes on their lots? We don’t want a one-million dollar house; all we want is what you call a tent!

A: Please understand that this office did not make this stuff up. The Town of Webb has had a Zoning Ordinance since 1965. Sure it has been challenged in the past, and there have been some changes through the years. But it is substantially the same as it was written forty-five years ago.

Q: There must be many other people who complain, isn’t there?

A: Actually, because the town took a progressive approach nearly one-half century ago regarding land use and development, the town has developed in a manner which has encouraged and help maintain property values and the protection of the environment.

Q: Oh come on…. Look at some of the areas, houses on top of houses, tiny little lots, buildings on property lines, businesses in residential areas. You are kidding me right?

A: Oh yeah, there is a whole bunch of ‘lawfully, pre-existing and non-conforming’ things out there. All these ‘grandfathered things’ were created before the Zoning Laws were enacted. And it is all those things that created the need and the desire to have local legislation to keep it from continuing.

Q: Okay…Okay. If we build a “house” how small can it actually be?

A: Great question, let’s look at the minimum space requirements in the NYS Codes……..

 

To Be Continued……………

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Gary Lee’s Daybreak to Twilight

If your not talking about the weather these days your missing the main topic of conservation no matter where you live in the world. The storms just keep coming across the country or out of the gulf here in the US and the major cities seem to be getting the big hits. I know what my driveway looks like with two feet of snow on it so downtown Chicago must be a nightmare. Ohara Airport one of the busiest closed down for two days ties up much of the east west travel in the US. There are probably still some folks waiting for a plane ride somewhere. The insurance companies must be scrambling with all the power outages (causing freeze ups for sure), vehicle accidents and trees on homes from snow and ice where they normally don’t get it, building damages from heavy snow.

Talking about snow loads on roofs, if you haven’t checked your camps and summer homes in this area I would suggest that you do. I have been scooping roofs for a week now, taking some three to five feet in places from them. The snow isn’t that heavy but gets some rain and it will be, just a warning. Two hundred dollars for shoveling I a lot cheaper than the cost of repair when they fall in. A few years back I was shoveling camps on the backside of Limekiln and one that I didn’t shovel had over four feet of snow on it. I contacted the owners and she said it had been there for years and not fallen in and not to worry. I went back a week later and the whole roof was in the living room. Many of these camps have been here for years and wood does weaken over time so give it some thought and save yourself some grief and big bucks.

My Wood Duck house down on the pond has been there for ten years now and never had a family other than Flying Squirrels. I noticed the snow on the roof had it on a little bit of a lean the other day but the solid ice won’t let it go any further. Maybe it looks more natural like a bent tree now and they will use it. The Common Mergansers looked at it a couple years ago but didn’t use it. Many people don’t know that Hooded and Common Mergansers are both cavity nesters.

The deer use the snow as an insulator just like the birds that I spoke about last week. When they lie down in the snow they create their own little pocket and their hollow hair gives them added insulation from the cold. They are using up body fat now since they are not getting food to supply their energy supply. Nature has provided that they can do this for quite a while but if the winter lasts longer than normal they will perish. Their bone marrow becomes a clear gelatin like substance. If winter breaks they will survive but if not some will die. This is also the time of the year when predators like Coyotes can catch Deer by chasing them out on an open lake where they can run them down. Any disturbance by domestic dogs can cause them to use energy that they don’t have. These dogs also may kill a Deer and then come home and enjoy the comforts of home.

Don’t miss the first Gallery opening at the new Art Center it’s pretty neat. I think you’ll see some things from the past that were used in this area during the winter that you never knew about. Some were before my time that’s for sure but it’s nice to see how people invented things that were useful to them. Necessity is the mother of invention.

I didn’t get to go Perch fishing on Lake Champlain but Brother Bob has been killing them by the bucket fulls. Most of the places he fishes are frozen over but now slush on top from the weight of the snow on the ice. I talked to some ice fishermen coming off slush covered Limekiln yesterday. They said the water in places on top of the ice was over a foot deep. One fella had only leather boots and his feet were frozen. I asked if they had caught any fish and they said yes, seven Splake, one was 23 inches, about four pounds. This slush is going to be with use until a thaw and it all becomes ice. Use caution if traveling on the lakes as this slush could bring you to a halt.

Dog Sled Races are going to happen but that’s another story. See ya.

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Just Call me Mrs. Lucky by Jan from Woodgate

Dear Diary:

Sorry I haven’t been loyal to you lately, but it’s February – the notorious enemy of The D’Aprile girls.  We start dreading it in January and believe me, it never disappoints when it comes to twenty eight days of annoying, painful, and often costly face slapping.  As Thumper’s mommy always said (before she was fatally burnt to a crisp),”If you can’t say something nice……”.

We refer to it as the “F” Month.  Both of our parents passed away during the Big “F”, and ever since bad luck just seems to manifest and raise its ugly head at this time of year.  Appliances will fail and break.  People we normally love will trend towards barely tolerable.  Aches and pains are prominent, vehicles misfunction, the list goes on an on.  The world just becomes so aggravating that we wonder if we’ll get through it unscathed, with no permanent scarring.

“shhhhh, say nothing….”

Guess I’m breaking that ridiculous little mommy deer rule cuz here goes.  We actually posted a chart in the workplace to keep track of how many times we said the word “hate” in one day.  Becky and I were on page two by noon.  Seems it’s not just my family, or maybe it’s my own personal bad juju that’s affecting my pal like this.  Whatever.  All things great and small annoy me.  Following is a short list of Big “F” antics that threaten to push me right over the perverbial edge.

Boy “Bilers – True story.  Group of Lucky’s buddies out riding this past weekend – someone’s sled malfunctions.  They call ME, (the one who worked all day to finance this two hundred mile jaunt), to come play rescue.  “Hello, honey?  Can ya just go get the truck out of storage, gather up lots of straps, and come to Boondocks to get us?”

“Take a bit of good advice….”

Well guess what boys.  I belong to Team Home.  I keep the fires burning, I prepare the food you will eat when you get home, I keep the beers cold.  You’re all grown up now, all of you fifty years of age and older, and you need to fix your own crap.  Tow it with your teeth for all I care, or leave the dead soldier of a sled there til spring.  Not my problem, but I’ll be happy to make a call for you.  God bless Billy McGough, my hero of the Big “F” Month.

Appliances:  Right on target, hot water heater takes a little vacation, on a work day of course.  Day starts with a chilly shower.  Now really, where oh where can we go from there?  Totally crabby for the rest of the shift – can’t be helped.

Vehicle:  Battery dies, cool hundred buckaroos to replace…

“and shhhhh, say nothing…..

Roof Dumping – The only part of winter I detest.  I’m a happy little ground shoveler – including the storage building doors and doors and doors, but when Mr. Roof decides to let go things get tricky.  Hence aches and pains, cuz shoveling concrete is not what I signed up for.  Dear Big “F” warmup – I hate your guts.  Oops, there’s that word again…

“Think of friendly things to say”… How’s this for friendly?  The StupidBowl.  Millions of folks spend tons of mula to watch their favorite ball chasers, well, chase balls.  Some twelve hundred  morons or so paid top dollar this year for seats that didn’t exist.  Not gonna lie – that did make me chuckle.  Those who watched it from home or local gin mills suffered mightily from hangovers and heartburn on the day after.  America just gets smarter and smarter.

“that’s the path to follow”….

Presidential address – No, I will not watch it Live.  I simply cannot bear the applause.  Were these things always pep rallies?  Can we really be saved by innovation?  Wonder if they’re interested in my latest invention.  I call it The Shuttup Machine.  When someone drones on and on about themselves and their past accomplishments a handy little device appears, punches them in the face, and peace prevails.  Take that China.

“If you can’t say something nice, close your lips and swallow”….Hey, I’ve watched Dr. Phil once or twice. .It’s a proven fact that holding things in is not healthy and promotes unrest.  The Big “F” is a perfect time to let loose, share a little animosity, and put the fake smiles away til March.

So, Dear Diary, where did all that happy dappy advice get Thumper’s beloved mommy?  Turned her to toast.  Or speedies.  I will continue to be mean for now, cuz that’s the only thing that makes me happy and it might just keep me from spontaneously combusting during this long unhappy month.

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Nourished Living by Dietician Kelly Hamlin MA, RD, CDN

Vitamin D

Question. In the last year, how many have had your Vitamin D levels checked? Before a few years ago, does anyone remember anyone caring what their Vitamin D levels were? Didn’t think so. First, let’s get into what Vitamin D is and why it’s important. Vitamin D is a fat soluble (soluble in fat solvents and are absorbed with dietary fats. They are not normally excreted in the urine and tend to be stored in the body in moderate amounts) vitamin that was first recognized as the component of “good fats” that cured rickets (a disease of infants and young animals {there’s a difference?!?!?} characterized by impaired mineralization of growing bone caused by deficiencies of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus). It is also sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”.

The main functions of Vitamin D are that it:

• regulates absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus for development of bones and teeth

• Aids in maintenance of healthy nervous and muscular systems by regulating blood calcium levels

• Aids in calcium absorption from intestines and deposition of calcium in bones/teeth

• Prevents excessive urinary loss of calcium and phosphorus

• Stimulates maturation of cells and proper formation of skeleton

• Helps with maintenance of bones in ears for hearing

• Essential for mineral homeostasis

You may hear about Vitamin D2 vs Vitamin D3 in the news. What that all means is:

Vitamin D2 is the supplemental form (what you get at the pharmacy); Vitamin D3 is the naturally occurring form that you get from foods or exposure to sunlight. Dietary sources of Vitamin D include: Fortified milk, Cheese, Cream, Butter and margarine, Oysters, salmon, and tuna, Fortified cereal, Liver, Cod-liver oil and Eggs. Persons with limited exposure to sunlight may require a vitamin D supplement, however, toxicity cannot occur from too much exposure to the sun. As fabulous as sunscreen is, that is one (of many) of the reasons that people are not synthesizing as much Vitamin D3 as we used to. However, it is still very, very important to use your sunscreen. It has been suggested by some vitamin D researchers that approximately 5–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen usually lead to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. People with darker skin tones may need more. It’s kind of a conundrum because you need sun to synthesize Vitamin D, but we are constantly told (and rightfully so!) to wear sunscreen and use it properly!

As with any supplement, make sure your physician knows that you are taking it. Vitamin D supplementation may interfere with some medications and other vitamin/mineral/herbal supplements. Recommended Daily Intakes will differ between the sexes, age groups, w/pregnancy, etc. so it’s best to talk to your physician to find out, based on your blood levels, what the best amount of a supplement would be. Sometimes they need to prescribe (what may seem like) large doses to get you’re levels up to the recommendations and then you can continue on with a maintenance supplement.

Hopefully this gives you some good information about why Vitamin D is important and sources. I’m thinking of having a contest. What vitamin/mineral/herb do you think will be next in the spotlight?!?!?! Have a great weekend!!!

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Kenneth Cole 101 by Ken Thibado: Entrepreneur 

Mark Twain once expounded; “A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”

Last week, Kenneth Cole demonstrated Twain’s point.  The designer of everything from shoes to jewelry (Interestingly, I dabble in jewelry design myself.) decided to attempt a witty tweet for the purposes of self promotion, and failed.

“Millions are in an uproar in Cairo.  Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online…”, twet the twit on Tweeter, I mean Twitter.

By the apologies that have been issued from Kenneth Cole one can ascertain that the fog of self-importance that clouded the famous designer’s mind has cleared.  Visible now is the line Cole crossed by comparing a violent uprising of an oppressed people to a personal delusion of importance.  (I should also note that I too have an online presence: www.KenThibado.com.)

At risk in Egypt are more than just lives and democracy.  Historical antiquities by which Egypt readily identifies itself are also in a state of jeopardy.  (Speaking of antiquities; each of my silver heart pendants are made with antique bronze key guards, hand cut to be oriented precisely within each symbolic frame.  Sometimes identifiable is the keyhole itself, however, to promote a sense of mystery, I tend position this as an off-center negative space.)

The beauty of these moments should not be ignored.  Due to the obvious insensitivity on behalf of the designer, a scolding is warranted, and I believe has been justly carried out against Cole.  Now, we the public (and fellow designers) can giggle guilt free at his spectacular Palin-like gaff. Kenneth Cole’s misstep will fade from our memories, as we continue to eye the situation in Egypt with hopeful anticipation.  Even the events in Egypt will slip from our minds as we shovel our way through another mid-February.  (Don’t forget that the fourteenth of this month is Valentine’s Day; and what says “I love you” more than a hand-forged silver heart?)

Keeping tabs with world events not only informs you, it can keep you grounded.  Kenneth Cole learned a lesson he could learn in no other way about the limits of self promotion.  Trying to be clever is not always an intelligible business move.  (This reminds me, my line of silver and antique bronze hearts is named Intelligibly Flirtatious.  They are currently available at 3040 Gallery in the heart of Old Forge.)

Ken Thibado’s hypocrisy knows no bounds, and you can tell him so at HalfStache@me.com.

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A Column of News & Comment by Senator James L. Seward

GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL IS STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

The governor recently presented his proposed 2011-2012 state budget and at first glance I would have to say, while harsh, it is realistic. It sets the right tone as New York looks to move forward and confront the many difficult challenges ahead. There are areas of the proposal, though, which require further inspection and scrutiny.

First, a little on the numbers. Overall state spending included in the budget proposal totals $132.9 billion, a decrease of 2.7 percent from 2010-2011. This is definitely in stark contrast from years past when overall spending has been on the constant rise. The plan also deals with a $10 billion deficit without new taxes or borrowing, a major accomplishment.

Of course, what the governor is calling on Albany to do is no different than what families and business owners around the state have been doing for sometime – make do with less. Certainly, many of you have sat around the dinner table at night trying to decide where you can cut back or how you can save a dollar here or a dollar there. State government must adopt that same mentality.

Over the last two years, new taxes and fees have risen at every turn to the tune of $14 billion. Along with the government cash grab, billions of dollars in federal stimulus dollars have also poured into and out of the state coffers. What has all of that spending produced? Not an awful lot, other than a bloated state budget.

I voted against each and every budget bill over the last two years because of the reckless spending, and I called for additional oversights on how stimulus dollars were being spent. While many of my senate colleagues felt the same way, others were happy to continue with blinders on, tossing away your tax dollars. Finally, there is a new attitude at the Capitol.

The governor is calling for real consolidation of state agencies, something I have been in favor of for some time. His proposal would merge or consolidate eleven separate state entities into four agencies. While I can’t speak on the specifics of each merger, I certainly support the concept and will be carefully studying the details of the proposal. I am sure there are real savings to be found by streamlining state government in this manner.

The governor also proposes a two percent cut in Medicaid spending, another area where I have long called for change. I am eagerly anticipating the final report from the governor’s Medicaid Redesign Team which is developing a final savings strategy. The panel, made up of health care providers, consumer and industry experts, and state legislators, is tasked with making recommendations by March 1, in time for consideration in the budget negotiation process.

Economic development is another shared focus. The governor’s call for job creation through a regionally-based approach that brings local stakeholders into the process is a step in the right direction. Our state’s diversity is one of its greatest assets but it also means that a one-size-fits-all mentality doesn’t always work. The new regional economic development strategy is an opportunity for each part of the state to promote from within and emphasize local strengths.

Of course, while I have found a great deal of common ground between the governor’s proposal and my own budget beliefs I am in no way ready to rubber stamp his plan. A full, in-depth analysis must be completed before any budget bills come up for a vote. Further, bi-partisan, public budget conference committees need to review the spending plan ensuring rank and file lawmakers have a chance to question each and every dollar spent.

Tough decisions need to be made, and there will be some hurt. However, by reforming Albany and improving our overall economic climate we can position New York as a national leader once again, setting the stage for a real resurgence for our businesses, our families, and every New Yorker.

Senator Seward’s office web site is www.senatorjimseward.com.

Follow Senator Seward at www.facebook.com/senatorjimseward.

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Growing up Adirondack by Mitch Lee

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

In the early winter of 1970 Simon & Garfunkel were on the radio every day, mostly the song, Bridge over Troubled Waters. It was the first song I really every fell in love with. It was the first pop song I learned word for word. I was five years old and the words were easy for me to sort out. Now I never claimed to know what the true meaning of the words were. But I did have bridges that I could cross near my Limekiln Lake home.

I was identifying with this song because of the lyrics. I was feeling small in my world. And it seemed that I came to tears easily when I was that age and my friends were three miles away on most winter days. So the first few verses seemed like they were speaking directly to me.

Most mornings were the same in February as my father was up early making coffee for my mother in the clear glass percolator. I sat Indian style in a kitchen chair chomping on my oat meal while he dialed in the radio station. It was still dark out at seven in the morning and once again Bridge over Troubled Waters came on the radio following the weather.

Humming along into my oatmeal I watched as my father hovered over the toaster waiting for just the right moment to spring the toast free. He said he was going to go down to the lake and get his ladder and shovel he had left when shoveling some roofs and would I like to come along. I suddenly tuned out the radio and all my thoughts were squished into one. Go on an adventure with my father to find some tools that got left behind in the snow. I was just itchy with anticipation and just nodded my head up and down while moaning umhum.

After both getting dressed for the weather we went out to the garage and he suggested we take the snowmobile. I waited patiently while he pulled time and time again on the rubber handle cord until the snowmobile roared to life. This squatty yellow élan was then pulled out of the garage and while my father adjusted the skis I stood nibbling on the end of my mitten. Then he picked me up and swung me up over the seat.

The trip was not so long only about a mile round trip but it took us over the bridge at Limekiln Inlet. And as we slowly made our way on the narrow boards I peered in and saw those troubled winter waters just beyond the running board.

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