Shown is the entrance to the Syracuse Technology Park from US 6. The park will be seeing a lot of expansion this year as a number of businesses will be constructing new facilities in the park.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Despite technical difficulties, the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission addressed a number of issues involving new companies expanding into the Syracuse Technology Park, during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, March 16.

The redevelopment commission approved a resolution for numerous variances for Aluminum Insights after several questions from member Jeff Goralczyk.

Goralczyk asked why the signage for Aluminum Insights had to be so specific. Crystal Walsh, of Abonmarche Consultants, which is working with Aluminum Insights, explained when they did the site plan for the Aluminum Insights, they used the county’s sign ordinance, not realizing the covenants for the technology park are much stricter.

“Why couldn’t we have a wall mounted sign or a painted sign,” Walsh asked. Larry Seigel, redevelopment commission president, explained the commission didn’t want large obnoxious signs blocking the view of other businesses in the park. “We locked it down so  that we would address it on a case by case basis,” he explained.

Goralczyk’s second question had to with painted signs. Stating a painted sign “would be weird,” he questioned the quality of sign Aluminum Insights wanted to install given the available technology for signage.

Walsh explained the plan is to have an attractive facade with a sign. Aluminum Insight wants to have a masonry sign in front of its property to screen storage materials with a wall mounted sign on it and landscaping in front of the wall.

“I think it’s going to make the place look better, ” Siegel said.

Goralczyk’s third question regarded the 22 foot setback. Walsh explained given the width of the proposed building and the size of the lot, the only way to fit the building onto the lot is to infringe on that encroachment. After hearing the questions and explanation’s the commission approved the resolution with the requested variances.

The council tabled election of officers due to the technical difficulties which made it hard to hear some redevelopment commission members.

Jim Higgins of London Witte, reported he attempted to post the redevelopment commission’s annual report on a website posted by the Department of Local Government Finance. Unfortunately the site still has some hiccups and Higgins was unable to post the report.

The redevelopment commission’s report is due to the Syracuse Town Council by April 15. Higgins said he had all the information, he just had to wait to get the report on the form the site provided. Once he has done that, he would email a copy to the Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer to give to the council.

The Syracuse Town Council does not need to take any action on the report during its April 20 town council meeting.

Siegel ended the meeting noting the original buyer of lot no.1 in the technology park had asked the redevelopment commission to find another buyer. One was found Saturday, March 13.