Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals members, Cory Mast, left, Randy Cox and Joe Cazier, are shown quietly discussing Oakwood Real Estate’s variance and exception request. Their discussion could not be heard by the approximate 43 people in attendance.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A multi-family housing development in Oakwood, to be named Oakwood Heights, was approved by the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday night, Dec. 16, but not without conditions and remonstrance from residents in the park.

Oakwood Real Estate LLC requested a variance for porches, decks and overhangs on new residential units within 17 feet of the road right of ways and within 7 feet of all rear lines. This however, was denied.

JR Parent with Oakwood Real Estate LLC presents an updated plan for Oakwood Heights.

What was approved was the request for an exception to allow a change and alteration to a legal non-conforming use by allowing a portion of the property to be split off (with a future plat) and to allow a multi-family housing development up to 105 units in total within a residential district. This would include a mix of apartments, duplexes and single family structures.

While residents in Oakwood know the green space in the park will eventually be developed, there was still remonstrance against this proposed development. Steve Snyder, attorney, voiced the opposition of the Oakwood Property Owners Association, with 13 additional property owners speaking up against the plan. There were also numerous remonstrance letters received that had been shared with the board prior to the meeting.

J.R. Parent presented the new proposal which leaves the chapel in place. “We rethought the process and the feeling is the best thing to do is control what is going on as owners of the land next to it.” The proposal was not to have individual residential lots, but a grouping of 30 multi-family units, 25 duplexes and 46 single family residences, which included housing for those over 50.

“We want to make it better. We’re not doing this to negatively affect the (Oakwood) Resort. We want to improve what it is now,” Parent said. He did state none of these residences would have easements to the water unless the homes were on Channel 2. It was noted the multi-family units would be within the residential height restrictions.

Snyder presented the list of names who, via email, indicated opposition to the proposal by Parent. “What we’re dealing with tonight is nothing different than what we dealt with the last time except a change … planned unit development … ,” adding by calling it a condo, Parent avoided residential requirements. Snyder stated concerns included the plan doesn’t show details for any of the units — sewer lines, storm sewers, egress, etc. Additionally Snyder said the one lot plat subdivision allowed the property to be sold separately from the hotel. “There’s a limit to the sell offs,” he stated, pointing out those sell offs had been exhausted.

During Snyder’s approximate 35 minute objection to the requests, he pointed out the inadequate parking already exists for the resort and questioned where the proposed parking is going to be for the development. Based on the plan presented, it didn’t show that many spaces. He also pointed out the already narrow streets in the park and proposed cul de sacs were not the required 75-foot radius. Additionally the plan did not meet state statute requirements. “The plan is so vague and general you don’t know what’s proposed.

“You need explanations,” said Snyder, saying the plan is inadequate. “You don’t know what the internal setbacks are … too little detail.” He suggested the board deny the request or continue the request until detailed site plans could be presented.

The remonstrators focused on the loss of green space and recreation areas, density in general safety due to the narrow streets, water displacement due to density, lack of community discussion between the Parents and residents, concern about several associations and parking.

Syracuse Town Council President Larry Siegel gave a rebuttal to Snyder’s comments, noting there will be more than 500 jobs coming to Syracuse and housing is needed. Following Siegel’s comments, Matt Sandy, assistant county planner, had to bring the meeting back to its intended purpose, as comments went off in other tangents, including Siegel wanting to comment to remonstrator’s comments.

Attorney Steve Snyder, representing the Oakwood Property Owners Association, presents his arguments against the proposed variance and exception sought by Oakwood Real Estate LLC. JR Parent, Oakwood Real Estate is shown in the background.

During the approximate 30-minute board discussion, Snyder asked the crowd to stop their personal conversations so he could hear the board. No discussion among the board could be heard by those present. Even the motion to deny the variance could not be heard.

What could be heard was Sandy’s response to questions asked by the board. Some of those responses dealt with options the board had, if approved what details would need to be further presented.

Cory Mast made the motion to accept the variance with conditions set out by the planning commission office staff. Those conditions are:

• A maximum of 105 total units that can be allocated as the developer sees fits between apartments, duplexes and single family homes, be built in the general locations as shown on the approved plan.

• Setbacks variances are granted specifically as requested only for porches, decks and overhangs, all other portions must meet setbacks in accordance with the county zoning ordinance.

• Parking be clearly delineated on the construction plan for each phase.

• The property may be divided with the condition ordinance compliant acreage is provided for new multi-family parcels as well as the existing use parcels.

• Structures must meet the minimum setbacks from any newly created property line.

• Ordinance compliant parking maintained for existing uses.

Approximately 43 people attended the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals meeting Thursday night in opposition of Oakwood Real Estate LLC’s proposed development of Oakwood Heights.

• A clear, detailed, written plan be submitted for multi-family property that has water access and the plan must show it can and does comply with the lake access ordinance.

• The plat for the division of the ground is approved by the county area planning commission and all infrastructure accepted by the town.

• No other standards are waived or reduced through the approval.

• A number of the residents came up to Sandy and the board after the meeting asking questions including what had happened.