The Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals from left are Brandon Wolferman, Jason Miller, President Matt Goodnight, and Randy Cox, They were looking over plans for a petitioned expansion by Highwater Marine. Noting that there were no violations in the plans, the board quickly and unanimously approved the petition. Photo by Maksym Hart.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals approved three petitions Thursday, Sept. 18, including variances for a wellness clinic and financial services office, a loading dock in a front yard, and a residential carport addition.

A lakeside case was continued due to a public notice issue, while a manufacturing expansion was also granted.

The first case involved Carol White and her husband, Doug Kronk, who sought permission to operate both a wellness clinic and a financial advisory firm at 602 S. Huntington St. in a commercial district.

The couple told the board they plan to use the space on alternating days and by appointment only, keeping traffic and parking minimal.

Board members questioned whether occasional seminars could create parking issues. Kronk said any events would be small, with no more than eight attendees.

He noted conversations with neighboring property owners had not raised concerns.

“The (person) that owns the lot … I spoke with her, she didn’t see any issues and said, ‘welcome to the neighborhood,’” Kronk said.

After discussion, the board unanimously approved the variance with the condition it apply only to the two businesses as presented. Any future change in use would require another hearing.

The second case came from Storie Real Estate, represented by Jeryl Swing, requesting a variance to allow a loading dock in the front yard of a new building at 110 Innovation Blvd.

Swing explained underground pipelines and nearby residences made rear placement of the dock impractical.

He said the design allows trucks to safely pull in and out from Innovation Boulevard rather than backing toward homes.

Board members agreed the unusual lot restrictions justified the variance.

“Honestly, that makes the most sense for that building anyway,” said board member, Brandon Wolferman.

The request was approved unanimously.

The board then addressed a petition from James and Bonnie Greffet to build a residence 18.3 feet from the water’s edge at 1158 S. Lake Drive on Lake Wawasee.

However, required newspaper notice had not been published, preventing action. With no objections raised, the board voted to continue the case until November.

Highwater Marine, represented by Brittany Jurek and Stephanie Floyd, sought an exception to expand its manufacturing facility at 500 W. Chicago St. The company plans to move outdoor mold storage into a new, cold-storage building.

“We’re not violating anything,” Jurek said.

“We’re not used to that!” replied board member Randy Cox, to the laughter of the board, Jurek, and Miller. The exception was approved.

Neighbor Charles Miller, who lives adjacent to the site, asked about fencing and potential truck traffic.

“We’re just trying to see what is being torn down or added,” Charles Miller said. “I actually helped build that building.”

Jurek assured them no additional traffic would be created, and board members suggested addressing the fence issue separately with the company.

In the final case, Clicks Properties, represented by neighbor, Chad Cook, requested a variance to replace a deteriorating rear section of a home at 210 W. Boston St. with a carport 11 feet from Hickory Street.

“The footprint of the house will not increase,” Cook said, adding it would improve the property’s appearance. With no public opposition, the board approved the variance.

Despite having six cases on the agenda, Thursday’s meeting was notably efficient, lasting just 43 minutes. The board also approved its August minutes.

Board members present were Goodnight, Jason Miller, Cox and Wolferman. Kim Ruthenbeck was absent.

Lee Ann Taylor represented the Area Plan Commission.

The Syracuse BZA will next meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at Syracuse Town Hall, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse.