Attorney For Local Businesses Approaches Council
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Attorney Jack Birch appeared before the Syracuse Town Council during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, March 21, asking for assistance. Birch was representing himself and several other business owners and residents who are complaining of the smoke coming from All Fired Up, a barbecue restaurant located on the corner of Huntington and Main streets in Syracuse.
Birch said the smoke coming from the smokers, located behind the restaurant, can be substantial and becomes noxious after a while. He explained the design of the structure around the smokers doesn’t allow it to dissipate and the smoke just hangs in the air.
Birch said he and his clients are asking either the smoking take place off the premises or some type of chimney system be installed. He told the council he believed this is a town issue since it involves air pollution and burning outdoors.
Councilman Bill Musser asked Birch if he had talked to the owner of All Fired Up. Birch admitted he had not, but said some of his clients did, with no success.
Council President Tom Hoover stated he visited 13 businesses in the downtown area not too long ago asking if there were problems with the smokers. He said no one complained. Birch said some of his clients were hesitant to go public with the issue.
Two of his clients, John Stout, who owns the antique store next door to the restaurant, and Steve Tarner, who owns a restaurant on Huntington Street, were present.
Tarner said he was concerned about the effect the smoke smell would have on tourism. He believes the smoke smell will drive customers away from the downtown area.
Stout asked for help saying the smoke smell has invaded his store, his home, located above the store, including the clothes dryer and his car.
Councilman Paul Stoelting stated he wants to see dialogue between the business owners before the council steps in with ordinances. Town Manager Henry DeJulia was asked to help facilitate a meeting and several council members said they would be willing to attend.
The council approved establishing a town budget account for the redevelopment commission. The new account is for receipt of funds from bond proceeds and the sale of assets held by the RDC and for disbursements.
The council also approved the comprehensive plan for the town. The plan will help the council promote the health, safety, morals, convenience, order and general public welfare of the town as well as developing the town’s economy.
The council approved Randy Cox for a position on the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals. He replaces Larry Martindale, who now serves on the town council.
An interlocal agreement has been sent to Elkhart County and DeJulia is hopeful annexation of the technology park will take place within the next 60 days.
Police Chief Jim Layne reported the new squad car has been purchased and is being outfitted with equipment. The council also approved updated standard operating procedures for the department.
Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the flashlight Easter egg hunt for middle schoolers will take place at 9 p.m. April 7 at the community center. The Easter egg hunt for children fifth grade and younger will take place at 10:30 a.m. April 8.
The geocache egg hunt will take place April 8-17. There will be 10 eggs hidden around town that can be found using GPS.