Fred Low, representing the Wawasee Community School Corp., explains the location of the new tower with the use of maps. From left: Joe Leatherman, Cory Mast, Matt Goodnight, Randy Cox and Low. Photo by Caleigh Byrer.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals was presented three cases at the Thursday night, Sept. 15 meeting.

The construction of a new parking lot, installation of a communication tower and construction of a new residence were heard by the board.

Wawasee Community School Corp. presented a petition for a variance to construct a new 160-foot-tall communication tower in a residential district, within 2 miles of three existing towers and one newly permitted tower.

The property is located on the west side of Sycamore Street, south of Pickwick Drive.

The school corporation was represented by Fred Low, a site acquisition expert, and Dr. Steve Troyer, school superintendent. Low noted that, as a result of topography, tree coverage and population density, specifications on the new tower could not be given, but he estimated the signal will cover roughly a 1.5-mile radius.

Co-location with pre-existing towers would have been optimal, so this project would not be presented if that were a viable option, said Low. They also attempted to connect with surrounding existing structures, such as the water tower, but were not successful. As the structure will be under 200 feet tall, there is no requirement to have a beacon light.

After expressing these points and reviewing the maps previously submitted, the board approved the construction of the tower.

In the case of Poly-Wood LLC, the petition for an exception is to allow a parking lot in a residential district. The property is located on the east side of Maple Street, south of North Street. The parking lot is set to be constructed at 406 N. Maple St.

Steve Snyder, attorney, requested that the board allow a 60-day continuance until the next meeting, Monday, Nov. 17. There were two remonstrators, Annie Cook and Melody Rodgers, who both live on North Street. They expressed concerns for parking lot lighting, coming from overhead lighting, semis and car lights, as Poly-Wood LLC has three shifts. They were also concerned about the sound and traffic that would affect the North Street residents. As more information on these concerns will be provided as Poly-Wood LLC continues in the planning process, the board chose to grant an extension.

David Parsons requested that the board allow a new residence to be constructed 18 feet, 6 inches to the garage from the east right of way; 14 feet, 6 inches to the house from the east right of way; 5 feet from the south property line; 4 feet, 6 inches from the west alley; and 19 feet from the north right of way. The new home is to be constructed on Hansing Street. Parsons was present and was represented by Todd Meyer, a constructor.

The board was presented with this project two months ago, and requested 20 feet of space for the driveway be included in the construction plan. Meyer’s new plan allowed for 20 feet of space, as requested. After reviewing the new construction plan and map, the board approved the project.