Minutesfor the Meeting of thePage 1 of 9

City of Syracuse Planning Commission

July 15, 2013

Minutes of the Meeting of the

City of Syracuse Planning Commission

City Hall, Syracuse, New York

July 15, 2013

  1. Summary of cases discussed herein:

SP-02-43 M1 / SP-02-15 M1 / R-13-16 / SP-13-14 / R-13-17
AS-13-13 / Z-2755 M1 / Z-2755 M2 / Z-2755 M3 / Z-2755 M4
Z-2755 M5 / Z-2755 M6 / Z-2755 M7 / Z-2755 M8 / Z-2755 M9
Z-2755 M10 / SP-11-06 M1 / SP-09-01 M3 / CS-10-83 / CS-13-18
  1. Attendance

Members PresentStaff Present

Dr. Ruben Cowart Ms. Heather Lamendola

Ms. Linda Henley Ms. Meghan Ryan

Mr. Steve Kulick Mr. Jeff Harrop

Mr. Arpad Kolozsvary

Ms. Rebecca Livengood

  1. Meeting called to order at 6:14 p.m.
  1. Approval of the minutes

Ms. Linda Henley made a motion to accept the minutes of the June 24, 2013 meeting of the City Planning Commission. Ms. Rebecca Livengood seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

  1. Public Hearings

1)SP-02-43 M1

Special Permit Modification- Community Center

Modify Site Plan

300 and 304 Seymour Street, 407 and 409-413 Gifford Street, and

600 and 606 Niagara Street (aka 405 Gifford Street)

Huntington Family Centers, Inc. (owner)

Mary Lou Sayles (applicant)

Business, Class A and Residential, Class B

Ms. Mary Lou Sayles, Executive Director of Huntington Family Centers at 405 Gifford Street, spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of demolishing an existing building and expanding a parking lot on property situated at 300 and 304 Seymour Street, 407 and 409-413 Gifford Street, and 600 and 606 Niagara Street (aka 405 Gifford Street).

No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the proposal.

After further discussion and review, whereupon the Commission noted the applicant’s request for additional time to either modify the proposal or further justify any necessary waivers, the Commission agreed to keep the hearing open until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013.

2)SP-02-15 M1

Special Permit Modification- Restaurant

Modify Floor Plan

3815 South Salina Street

Syracuse Elks Lodge #1104 (owner)

Anthony Emery (applicant)

Business, Class A

Mr. Anthony Emery, at 3815 South Salina Street, spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of establishing live and/or electronically amplified entertainment on property situated at 3815 South Salina Street.

Five people spoke in favor of the proposal. No one spoke in opposition to the proposal.

After further discussion and review, Ms. Linda Henley made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR determination. Mr. Arpad Kolozsvary seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

3)R-13-16

Resubdivision

Combine Two Parcels into one New Lot

110 Almond Street and 650 East Water Street

Swanson Fayette Assoc., LLC and 728 East Genesee Street, LLC (owners)

ESW Realty, LLC (applicant)

Business, Class A

Mr. Brian Bouchard, of Clough, Harbor and Associates at 441 South Salina Street, spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of combining two parcels and an abandoned right-of-way into one new Lot on property situated at 110 Almond Street and 650 East Water Street and is a companion case to a proposed Special Permit (SP-13-14).

No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the proposal.

After further discussion and review, the Commission agreed to continue the public hearing at its next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, due to unresolved issues with the companion Special Permit application.

4)SP-13-14

Special Permit – Restaurant

110 Almond Street and 650 East Water Street

Swanson Fayette Assoc., LLC and 728 East Genesee Street, LLC (owners)

ESW Realty, LLC (applicant)

Business, Class A

Mr. Brian Bouchard, of Clough, Harbor and Associates at 441 South Salina Street, spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of establishing a restaurant with drive-through service in conjunction with the construction of a three-story, 5,400-square foot, mixed-use building on property situated at 110 Almond Street and 650 East Water Street and is a companion case to a proposed Resubdivision (R-13-16).

No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the proposal.

After further discussion and review, the Commission agreed to continue the public hearing at its next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, due to unresolved issues regarding the proposed signage and roofline and the Traffic Impact Study.

5)R-13-17

Resubdivision

Combine Six Parcels into one New Lot

900-910, 930, 958-964 and 968-978 South Salina Street and

1003 and 1009-1015 South Clinton Street

SCHC Companies, Inc. (owner/applicant)

Commercial Class A and Commercial, Class B

Neither the applicant nor a designated representative was present for the public hearing. Ms. Heather Lamendola, City of Syracuse Zoning Administrator, spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of combining six parcels into one new Lot on property situated at 900-910, 930, 958-964 and 968-978 South Salina Street and 1003 and 1009-1015 South Clinton Street.

No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the proposal.

After further discussion and review, wherein Dr. Ruben Cowart abstained, Ms. Rebecca Livengood made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR determination. Mr. Steve Kulick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

6)AS-13-13

Administrative Permit- Off-Premise Advertising Sign

Install an Off-Premise Advertising Sign

2943 Erie Boulevard East

2943 Erie Blvd East, LLC (owner)

Lang Media Properties, Inc. (applicant)

Industrial, Class A

Mr. Paul Sharlow, an attorney for Lang Media Properties, Inc. at 987 New Loudon Road, Cohoes, New York, spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of installing an off-premise advertising sign on property situated at 2943 Erie Boulevard East.

No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the proposal.

After further discussion and review, whereupon some Commission members noted that pursuant to Part C, Section VI, Article 6, paragraph F (Findings) of the City of Syracuse Zoning Rules and Regulations, as amended, the proposed off-premise advertising sign would be incompatible within the context of its visual and physical environment, Mr. Steve Kulick made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR determination. Dr. Ruben Cowart seconded the motion. The motion failed with a vote of two in favor and three against.

7)Z-2755 M1

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include the Impact of the Greater Syracuse Property Development Corporation

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include the roll of the Greater Syracuse Property Development Corporation in revitalizing the City’s neighborhoods.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

8)Z-2755 M2

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include a Discussion of Pedestrian Infrastructure

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include further development of the Creekwalk as a pedestrian corridor and the connectivity of other walking trails.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

9)Z-2755 M3

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include a Parks and Open Space Plan

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include plans to acquire additional open space.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

10)Z-2755 M4

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include a Discussion on Water and Sewer Infrastructure

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include strategies for the systematic upgrading and replacement of the City’s water and sewer infrastructure.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

11)Z-2755 M5

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include a Transportation Plan

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include options for public transportation and access to workplaces and residential neighborhoods.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

12)Z-2755 M6

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include a Discussion on Green Infrastructures

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include opportunities for sustainable municipal infrastructure.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

13)Z-2755 M7

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include Planning for the Impacts of Climate Changes

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include planning for the impacts of climate changes.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

14)Z-2755 M8

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include a Technology Plan

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include a Technology Plan.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

15)Z-2755 M9

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include the Incorporation of Recent Comprehensive Zone Changes

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include incorporation of zone changes previously approved by the Common Council.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

16)Z-2755 M10

Proposed Amendment to the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040

Include that all Specific Actions and Updates to the Plan to be Subject to SEQR

City of Syracuse Common Council

City Councilors Kathleen Joy and Jean Kessner spoke to the Commission about the proposal, which consists of an amendment to Chapter 3 of the City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040 to include application of the State Environmental Quality Review Act to all specific actions and updated taken under the Comprehensive Plan 2040.

After discussion and review, the Commission closed the public hearing and agreed to defer action on the request until the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 5, 2013, in order to consider the amendment.

  1. Minor Modifications

1)SP-11-06 M1

Special Permit Modification-Restaurant

Modify Floor Plan

205 North West Street

Edward Withers (owner/applicant)

Commercial, Class A

Ms. Heather Lamendola, City of Syracuse Zoning Administrator, spoke to the Commission about the proposal.

After discussion and review Ms. Rebecca Livengood made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR declaration. Ms. Linda Henley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

2)SP-09-01 M3

Special Permit Modification-Indoor Recycling Center

Modify Floor Plan

4100-4106 South Salina Street

James Wallace and Catherine Scott (owners)

Robert L. Elliott, Jr. (applicant

Business, Class A

Ms. Heather Lamendola, City of Syracuse Zoning Administrator, spoke to the Commission about the proposal.

After discussion and review Mr. Steve Kulick made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR declaration. Ms. Rebecca Livengood seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

  1. Certificates of Suitability

1)CS-10-83

Certificate of Suitability-Single-Family

917 Comstock Avenue

Libby and Mike Albanese (owners/applicants)

Residential, Class A-1

Ms. Heather Lamendola, City of Syracuse Zoning Administrator, spoke to the Commission about the proposal.

After discussion and review Ms. Rebecca Livengood made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR declaration. Mr. Steve Kulick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

2)CS-13-18

Certificate of Suitability-Single-Family

716 South Beech Street

United Baptist Church (owner/applicant)

Residential, Class A

Ms. Heather Lamendola, City of Syracuse Zoning Administrator, spoke to the Commission about the proposal.

After discussion and review Ms. Linda Henley made a motion to approve the request with a negative SEQR declaration. Ms. Rebecca Livengood seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

  1. Authorizations

Mr. Steve Kulick made a motion to authorize those cases listed for Public Hearings on Monday, August 5, 2013. Ms. Rebecca Livengood seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

  1. Adjournment

Ms. Rebecca Livengood made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Steve Kulick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.