CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING – TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW ENTITLED, “A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 180 OF THE CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF CAZENOVIA.”.THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE LOCAL LAW IS TO CREATE A NEW ZONING DISTRICT TO BE KNOWN AS THE “WESTERN GATEWAY” DISTRICT, AND TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF CERTAIN PARCELS ON BOTH SIDES OF LEDYARD AVENUE FROM ROUTE13/LAKELAND PARK TO THE WESTERLY VILLAGE BOUNDRY FROM THEIR CURRENT R-10 AND R-20 DISTRICT DESIGNATIONS TO WESTERN GATEWAY DISTRICT. July 1, 2014
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kurt Wheeler,Trustee Amy Mann,Trustee Dave Porter, Trustee Jim Joseph, Trustee Fritz Koennecke
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Emerson, Joseph King, Chary Griffin, Priscilla Arthur, Robert Kent, Ted Bartlett, Bill Loftus, Sloane Loftus, Rob Connor, Liz Moran, Kristi Andersen, Jean Shirley, Ashley Wolf, David & Margery Connor, Max Gale, Roger & Anne Saltman, Jim Sessler, Bob Greiner, Anne Ferguson, Sarah & David Webster, Laura Braaten, Bob Gabor, Gene Gissin, JoAnn Harrod, Jane Nicholson-Dourdas, Russ Brownback, Margie Tormey, Patti & Sparky Christakos, Marty Smith, Jack Sessler, Diane Webb, Rich Huftalen, Jen & Carlos Gavilondo, Pringle Symonds, Susan Light
Mayor Wheeler opened the public hearing at 7:00. Mayor Wheeler reviewed the timeline that has taken place regarding the subject of the Western Gateway Zoning. Mayor Wheeler thanked the committee for their hard work.
The committee includes Carlos Gavilondo President of the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, Kristi Andersen from the Town of Cazenovia, Ted Bartlett of the Village Historic Preservation/Architectural Review Committee, Mayor Wheeler and Attorney for the Village Jim Stokes. Mayor Wheeler reviewed the timeline for this process to date. (see Below)
March 3 – Intent to form WG/CLG Committee announced during Village Board meeting – outline of goals and proposed membership discussed.
Mid-March – Committee selected, first meeting set.
March 26 – First meeting of committee – draft concepts/goals assembled
April 7 – Work of committee briefed during Village board meeting
April 17 – Committee meeting – first draft of legislation created in rough form
May 5 – First draft of legislation presented to public, work of committee explained during Village board meeting, Public Hearing set for June 2, meeting legally noticed
May 21 – Committee meeting to review 1st draft in advance of Public Hearing
Mid-late May – Yellow signs put up, notices mailed to neighboring property owners
June 2 – Public Hearing, extensive input received. Meeting continued to July 1 (a dedicated hearing for this topic only)
Early June – Round of revisions to draft made to 1st draft based on 6/2 public input
June 12 – Committee Meeting/Work session with members of public resulting in additional revisions to 2nd draft of law
June 26 – 3rd draft completed, June 27 – 3rd draft shared with boards, members of public, website, etc.
July 1 – Public Hearing
July 7 – Continued Public Hearing, Village Board Meeting
Mr. Stokes reviewed the changes that have occurred in response to the feedback from the public and committee members.
Mayor Wheeler asked the Board for their comments and there were none.
Jack Rooney asked if the Village had talked to the neighbors of the Western Gateway District as the only notice he saw was a legal notice dated May 15th. Mr. Rooney also asked why the Village wanted to make the change.
Mr. Rooney took this opportunity to resign as the chairman of the Village Economic Development Committee.
Village resident Russ Brownback volunteered to serve on the Village Economic Development Committee.
A lengthy discussion followed (brief synopsis follows – recording available for detailed comments).
-Russ Brownback remains in favor of this legislation. This makes sense.
-Dave Connor of 1 Rippleton Rd. borders on his side lot and front lot. There is benefit for two residents - one to sell a house and one who wants to expand a business. Not good for neighborhood overall.
-Chary Griffin – new zone would enable purchases for properties in this area.
-Margery Connor – concerned with impact of character, suggested prohibiting expansion of buildings.
-Bill Loftus read a letter “can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” – copy in file.
-Anne Ferguson suggested increasing options for special uses was a better approach.
-Sparky Christakos – alleged that the process had not been transparent and questioned way zone was developed without committee involved in every decision.
-Kristi Andersen (committee member) disagreed, stating that the committee has been very involved.
-Max Gale expressed the need for clearer rules in the zoning, less discretionary items.
-Laura Braaten noted that there has been inconsistent enforcement of other zoning-related matters.
-Margery Connorinquired about the definition of spot zoning.
-Pringle Symonds felt it could lead to a commercial vs residential character, offered to research other options via Preservation League of NY.
-Sarah Webster spoke on behalf of Foundation for Cazenovia Lake about protecting lake quality.
-Mayor Wheeler noted that a number of elements have been included with that goal in mind (visual, stormwater)
-Bob Gabor explained history of 5 Ledyard (Ridge Associates), commercial use for approximately 30 years
-Carlos read letter from CPF (see attached)
-Dave Connor asked why the change is being pursued if the neighbors are opposed
-Rob Connor offered specific suggestions for improvements including natural features on lots, building materials, possible preservation of interiors and use of pervious surfaces for parking.
-Liz Moran offered her perspective as a small business owner in zone.
-Mayor Wheeler noted the importance of a the community remaining vibrant – article appearing in “Our Town” section this week. No huge companies moving into the Village. Economic growth will be one small initiative at a time.
-Jen Gavilondo (Planning Board Member) noted that specificity is helpful to planning board
-Sarah Webster noted negative impact of non-residential uses in other areas of village
-Rich Huftalen (PB Chairman) echoed that specifics are helpful and praised the process to date
-Susan Light noted that part of the charm of Cazenovia is its walkability and mixture of uses, noting hers (Forman St) as an example, Cazenovia’s charm has evolved organically and was not “manufactured”
-Bob Greiner noted as a citizen that new businesses will benefit the community and added as Caz Lake Assoc President that protecting the lake is vital.
-Dick Hubbard noted his past investment in the Brewster and it positive impact on the community/
-Rob Connor noted the need for specificity to protect the area in every case, not challenge Dick’s taste.
-Sparky Christakos expressed a fear of a domino effect if this change is made and questioned the adequacy of available parking.
-Dave Webster asked where is the hardship was that is necessitating this change?
-Kyle Doan expressed support for law and the need to be proactive for community’s long-term good.
Motion made by Mayor Wheeler and seconded by Trustee Mann to continue the public hearing on July 7, 2014 at 7:00p.m.
Vote taken. All aye. Approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine A. Burns
Village Clerk