Pittsford PZBA Meeting — September 2, 2026: Abode Furniture Addition at 50 State Street

Comment from Facebook

There is a lot to unpack here. First, thank you, Adam, for creating this page and for the work you put into it. I always look forward to your posts, and the page has been incredibly helpful as I continue learning more about the Village, its history and the issues affecting it. I have only lived here for about a year, so I am still learning the history behind some of these projects. After reading through the current application, earlier meeting minutes and the 2019 Comprehensive Plan, I have a few questions. I would like to see Abode remain in Pittsford. It is a successful Village business, and the Comprehensive Plan encourages retail and economic activity at Northfield Commons. The current request is for a 2.5-foot side setback where five feet is required. The applicant explains that the existing building is already within the setback and that, without the additional space, Abode may have to relocate. The setback and height variance requests considered in April were both denied by 3–2 votes. A new setback application was submitted in July, so I would like to understand exactly what changed and whether the height issue has now been eliminated. There is also some confusing language in the Village documents. The agenda describes the addition as being “at the property line,” while the legal notice and application specify a 2.5-foot setback. That should be clarified. I am also interested in whether there is a practical way to redesign or reposition the addition to reduce the variance while still providing Abode with the space it needs. Drainage, delivery and emergency access, the relocated dumpster, screening and the effect on nearby homes should also be fully addressed. If zoning and site-plan approval are granted, the addition will still require Historic Preservation Board review right? That review should determine whether its mass, scale, materials and overall design are compatible with Northfield Commons and the historic character envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan. I am not against this proposal. I would like to see Abode stay, but I also understand why nearby residents have questions. Hopefully, there is a solution that supports the business while respecting its neighbors and the character of the Village.

Comment from Facebook

I am always so sad to see businesses open and then close in the village. I wonder what kind of rent is being charged and if there is really enough parking to keep these businesses going. I wish we could do more to maintain village businesses and am grateful for the ones that have been able to stick around. I know the most important thing we can do is to patronize these businesses. But are there other barriers to success that residents can help businesses overcome?

Comment from Facebook

I’m all for Abode.

Comment from Facebook

This application was previously denied because the Zoning Board of Appeals found the proposed zero setback would have an adverse effect on the character of the adjacent neighborhood. Under New York State law, the ZBA evaluates five statutory criteria: Character of the Neighborhood: Whether the variance causes an undesirable change or detriment to nearby properties. Feasible Alternatives: Whether the benefit can be achieved through other practical methods without a variance. Substantiality: Whether the requested variance is substantial relative to code requirements. Environmental/Physical Impact: Whether it causes adverse effects on neighborhood physical or environmental conditions. Self-Created Difficulty: Whether the difficulty was self-created, though this does not automatically preclude approval. Key Legal Guidelines Balancing Test: Boards weigh all factors together rather than requiring every criterion to be met, unlike use variances. Minimum Variance: Boards must grant only the minimum variance necessary to address the issue while protecting community welfare. An experienced and knowledgeable previous member of the PZBA was not reappointed by the mayor because the mayor did not like her vote on this application. This is part of an effort orchestrated by the mayor to replace experienced members of the PZBA and HPB with new inexperienced and untrained people. Last year the long serving chair of the PZBA was replaced with the mayor's close personal friend. At the recent Village Board meeting, Mayor Plummer refused to share the resumes of her new appointments with the public, falsely claiming a need for confidentiality. The mayor's statement directly contradicts the guidelines of the New York State Office For Open Government which recommends that sharing resumes of potential appointments aligns with State's advocacy for government transparency. The actions of the mayor have seriously eroded the ability of both the PZBA and HPB to act effectively and impartially. The mayor's intentional interference is in direct conflict with both the spirit and intent of New York State Village Law.

Comment from Facebook

Thank you, Robert. This provides important context, particularly that the previous application requested a zero setback while the new application proposes 2.5 feet. Would the central question now be whether that change adequately addresses the effect on the neighboring residential area and represents the minimum variance necessary? I am still learning how these boards and appointments work, so your comments raise some additional questions for me. Why wasn’t the experienced member reappointed, and what is the normal process for evaluating and selecting replacements? Are applicants’ résumés typically available to the public? What training or relevant experience do the new members have? With a previously denied application returning before a differently constituted board, it seems especially important for residents to understand the appointment process and have confidence that decisions are being made independently and consistently.

Comment from Facebook

All for more eclectic unique shops in the Village!

Comment from Facebook

Parking in that area is a huge problem.

Comment from Facebook

I love abode and hope the town supports small businesses like this!

Comment from Facebook

It’s a great business. Let them grow!

Comment from Facebook

Abode is more than a furniture and home furnishings store—it is a destination business that draws people into the Village of Pittsford. Its distinctive selection and shopping experience attract visitors who may also patronize nearby boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and service providers, increasing local spending and encouraging longer visits. By bringing customers into the Village and contributing to a walkable, interconnected business district, Abode helps strengthen the entire local economy. Its experience-driven retail supports the vitality of neighboring businesses and reinforces Pittsford’s identity as a destination. The word “ Can’t just is another word for “I won’t”.

Comment from Facebook

Great business. Support 👍