Attorney Steve Snyder explains to Syracuse BZA board members, Brandon Wolferman and Matt Goodnight, the planned division of a parcel on Harkless Drive into two properties. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
Staff Writer

SYRACUSE — In a meeting Thursday, April 17, the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals approved two variances allowing the Korenstra Family Foundation to divide a lakefront lot and construct two, new residences, as well as a separate approval for a wheelchair-accessible bathroom for the Twisted Tiki Food Truck.

The board voted unanimously to allow the division of the 100-foot-wide property at 1422 S. Harkless Drive into two, 50-foot parcels.

A second vote permitted the construction of two, two-story homes, each 20 feet from the water’s edge, 23 feet from the road right of way, and five feet from neighboring lot lines — slightly deviating from the town’s standard 25-foot road and 35-foot lakefront setbacks.

Representing the petitioner, attorney Steve Snyder clarified that the lots were historically platted but had been combined to prevent zoning violations due to the presence of an accessory garage.

“If nothing else, we’re going to increase the tax revenue of these two parcels,” Snyder commented.

The proposed homes would align with neighboring setbacks and preserve visibility and access along Harkless Drive, he said.

“These lots are roughly 120 to 125 feet deep,” Snyder said. “And if we met all the required setbacks, it would make it very difficult on a 50-foot wide lot to construct a reasonable residence that would be compatible with the others (on Harkless).”

He noted the plan would enhance local property values.

Board members expressed concern over driveway length, pedestrian safety near the Lakeside Trail, and long-term precedent.

“At 20 feet, that’s pushing it for a full-size suburban,” board member Brandon Wolferman said. “At 23 feet, your car’s out of the road, and people can still walk behind.”

The water-side setback also prompted public comment, with neighbors, Arlene and Rodney Dickerson, stating their own home sits 25 feet from the lake.

“Are you for or against us granting the variance and exception?” asked board member Matt Goodnight.

“I mean, you guys say 20 and I just measured it recently and we were 25,” replied Rodney Dickerson. “I have no problem with it, really. I don’t.”

The Dickersons also voiced concerns about drainage issues being created by the new residences, as they say recent development on the right of way has directed rainwater toward their house.

“I’ve brought it to the attention of the trails (commitee), and they said, ‘No, it’s level,’” said Arlene Dickerson. “I was talking to Nathan Ousley about that, he said, ‘Who can’t see that’s not level?’”

Each home must comply with the flood-control ordinance, so the Dickersons would not be put in risk of flooding by new construction.

Ultimately, the board determined the requested 20-foot lake setback would be consistent with surrounding homes, including one recently built at a similar distance.

Later in the meeting, the board considered an unexpected request to approve a minor modification for a separate business: relocating a bathroom from inside a building to a standalone, ADA-compliant structure for Michelle Camacho’s Twisted Tiki food truck operating on the Metz Auto and Outdoors lot, 600 S. Huntington St.

“(Nathan Scherer) is saying that she’s a permanent restaurant, so she has to have an ADA-compliant bathroom, but then does not want to grant her permanent residency for the restaurant,” explained Wolferman.

The board discussed the business owner’s year-long struggle to satisfy town regulations, including opposition from local officials and financial burdens associated with retrofitting the original space.

“This was the easiest, fastest option for her to ensure ADA compliance,” Wolferman told the board. “She’s following every guideline possible.”

The board approved the bathroom relocation without requiring a new public hearing, citing the minimal nature of the change and the benefits of accessibility.

“So, for the public’s concern, it is moving from a bathroom to an ADA-compliant facility. Which is a benefit for the public,” Goodnight announced.

The next Syracuse BZA meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 15.