Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals approves variance for Boys and Girls Club storage building

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County was granted a variance of development standards last week from the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals, clearing the way for the construction of a new storage building at the back of the club's facility.

The club requested a reduction of the rear yard setback from the standard 15 feet to 2 feet in order to construct the storage building. Andrew Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Marshall County Boys and Girls Club, explained the club's plan to build a 10-by-20-foot shed on piers, remove the existing stairs, and construct a new ramp. He told the board that the portion of the building in question was constructed in 1997 and is crumbling, with rusted handrails.

Fitzpatrick said a 10-by-10-foot platform will be built right outside the double doors with the ramp connected to make it ADA compliant. He also noted that the club received grant funding a few years ago that allows them to convert the gym into a banquet hall for club use and rental opportunities. Currently, the tables and chairs for the banquet hall are being stored in the gym, which is why the additional storage building is needed.

During the public hearing, City Councilman Randy Longanecker asked whether the storage building would meet the city's required setback from the structure and how the club plans to handle the loss of parking spaces taken up by the new building. He expressed concern about participants being forced to park on neighboring properties.

BZA President Art Jacobs noted that Hand Park is located behind the club and said he has parked in the park for a variety of events. Fitzpatrick added that several businesses across the street allow the club to utilize their parking areas for events.

Plymouth Building Commissioner said the building will be more than the 5 feet separation needed from the structure.

The Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to approve the request as presented.