Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals members Cory Mast, left, Randy Cox, middle and Joe Cazier, right, prepare for their monthly meeting Thursday, Dec. 15. InkFreeNews Photos by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — New housing opportunities will be coming to Syracuse.

A variance and exception to develop the former Syracuse Elementary School into apartments was approved by the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday night, Dec. 16.

Ridgestone Development Group requested a variance to allow 120 parking spaces, associated to a multi-family development, instead of the required 176 spaces and an exception to allow an existing building to be converted to a multi-family use — 44 residential units — in a residential district. Both requests were approved by the board.

While it was standing room only at the Syracuse Town Hall as close to 43 people attended the meeting, only two persons were present regarding Ridgestone’s requests. The remaining attendees were present to remonstrate against the remaining two items on the agenda, a variance and exception request by Oakwood Real Estate LLC.

Marlin Schwartz, a partner in Ridgestone Development Group, presents the plan for apartments in the former Syracuse Elementary School.

There was very little discussion and opposition to Ridgestone Development’s requests. Only one letter of remonstrance was received and John Longenbaugh, who resides west of the property, voiced a concern with parking and traffic flow from the north side of the building. He offered a solution with the developer following the presentation. Larry Martindale, a nearby resident, voiced his support for the project.

Marlin Schwartz, a partner with Ridgestone Development, stated there would be minimal parking on the north side of the building, potentially eight to 10 spaces, but they were open to ideas.

Schwartz stated the plan is not to go into major reconstruction. The plan is to use the 900 square foot classrooms for one and two-bedroom apartments, with some three-bedrooms. He also noted additional parking could be added if needed in the future.

During the discussion a question was raised by BZA member Cory Mast about the gymnasium. Would it be for the residents only or open to the public? Schwartz stated they are open to talking with appropriate officials about public use, but if a solution could not be found it would be used for the residents. He said that portion would still be maintained regardless.

Security was also questioned by Mast. Schwartz noted there would be cameras in the hallways and the entrance would have a secure entry only allowing residents to enter. Updated exterior lighting was also noted.

“It looks like a great plan,” stated Joe Cazier, BZA president.

Randy Cox, board member, made the motion to approve both the variance and exception for Ridgestone, and requested the developers come back to the board if there is a parking problem in the future for a change. The motion also put a covenant on the property making it one parcel instead of multiple parcels so parking and building are all one.

Shown is the proposed plan by Ridgestone Development for one, two and three-bedroom apartments.