SYRACUSE — Two variances were approved at the regular meeting of the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday, July 20.

Wawasee Plaza LLC’s petition for a variance was approved after much discussion. It wants to allow the change and alteration to previously granted variances by allowing three additional units totaling 18 units to be utilized for residential or permitted commercial uses.

The property is located at 101 E. Main St. in downtown Syracuse.

The building can now accommodate up to a maximum of eight studio apartments on the second floor. The rest of the building will be used for commercial usage.

The decision was made after a 45-minute discussion. Jack Birch, the petitioner’s attorney, said the building has “viable use.”

“These will be higher quality studio apartments,” said Birch, who has an office in the complex. “There will be no adverse impact to property values.”

He said parking shouldn’t be an issue as there is adequate parking near the facility. There is also a municipal parking lot, Birch explained, across from the building. He presented letters from nearby business owners in favor of the petition and the parking plan.

“The only increase in use is parking,” Birch noted. “We’ve negotiated space.”

Henry DeJulia, town manager, asked to see the parking proposal. His concern was adequate, safe parking, on the east of building. He was concerned about vehicles sticking into in the alleyway.

Chairman Larry Coplen said he wants the parking issue addressed in writing, not verbally. Syracuse Building Inspector Hal Hansborough said the three additional units will need permits. He also noted his concern with snow removal in the winter. Birch said, “We will comply with everything.”

The petition would be subject to a one-year review by BZA staff. There would be a public hearing only if there’s a problem. A review would open that door.

McClure Oil’s petition for an exception and a variance was tabled. The business wants to change and alter a non-conforming gas station by allowing the replacement of the existing pumps and tanks and allow the addition of four new pumps.

The property is located at 311 S. Huntington St.

McClure Oil’s petition for a variance is to allow underground tanks and lines, per Indiana Department of Environmental Management, 28 feet from the right of way. Also, it wants to allow the existing canopy to remain as placed 5 feet from the southeast right of way.

Tracy Wines, director of maintenance for McClure Oil Corp., was at the meeting and submitted a site plan. He noted parking will be difficult. “However, we can change and adjust it,” Wines noted.

Coplen said he was concerned with the location of the new pumps, traffic flow and safety.

All the tanks are being replaced at a cost of $700,000.

“We don’t have the information we need,” said Coplen. “I’d like to see a new plan (for traffic control).”

The site would require 24 parking spots, based on an ordinance.

After an hour-long debate, the petition was tabled to next month’s meeting.

Also, Karissa Auer’s petition for a variance to allow a 6-foot tall privacy fence to remain as placed in a street yard was approved. The property is located at 400 S. Syracuse-Webster Road.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Aug. 17, in the Syracuse Town Hall.