Appeals Board Grants Variances for New St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church Building-September 1, 1976

The Board of Appeals unanimously granted two crucial building variances to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church on Atwood Avenue, paving the way for the demolition of the aging existing structure and the construction of a modern church facility.

Variance Details and Fire Safety Approvals

The approved variances address specific spatial and regulatory requirements for the campus:

• Building Length: The first variance permits the new church building to extend 30 feet longer than the current structure.
• Parking Exemption: The second variance maintains a continued exemption from strict on-site parking regulations. Town officials noted that parking has never posed a problem since the vast majority of parishioners reside within the immediate neighborhood and walk to religious services.

Appeals Board Chairman George M. Eysie—who is a member of the church—disqualified himself from all discussions and voting, just as he did during the public hearing two weeks prior. Board member George Williamson served as acting chairman, reading an official letter from Fire Chief Leo J. Coughlin confirming that the proposed architectural plans fully conform to all local fire safety regulations.

The variances were granted pending receipt of a final favorable police report regarding traffic and parking safety. Joseph R. Olshan noted during deliberations, “The church has presented an adequate case for demolition and rebuilding and I see the only detriment as being to the rectory which will be close to the new church.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger