A public meeting was held last night in Syracuse about South Shore Village. Pictured are Jeff Dyson, left, and Nathan Scherer, developers of the project. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — What do you want was the question posed at a community meeting Wednesday night, April 19, in Syracuse.

Jeff Dyson of South Shore Ventures, along with others involved in a new project, addressed the small group of people in attendance.

The 112-acre property, called South Shore Village, could become home to single-family homes, town homes and a mixed use of commercial and other amenities.

“This is a good opportunity,” said Dyson. “We love this property.”

The meeting was held at Boondocks at South Shore’s new location at the former South Shore Golf Course.

Dyson and his business partner, Nathan Scherer, told the public they want to create a community to work and play. “There’s a huge need for housing on all levels,” said Dyson.

He said a need is especially strong for workforce housing. “That middle market is a void,” he said.

Most importantly, they want to build a community for youth. “We’ve partnered with Lakeland Youth Center for youth activities,” said Dyson.

One of the amenities being proposed is a 13-acre soccer field.

The master-planned community would help bring in new families with children. These students, in turn, would go to Wawasee Community Schools, which has declining enrollment, according to Dyson.

He expressed the desire for students to hone their culinary skills at the restaurant or become an entrepreneur for a start-up business. “I want this to be a place to bring your family,” said Dyson.

Nathan Scherer said family and faith are what are most important. He also wants to attract and retain good employees. “We lose a lot of talent thinking there are opportunities somewhere else,” he said. “We have talent here.”

He spoke of topophilia, a strong sense of place which often becomes mixed with the sense of cultural identity among certain people and a love of certain aspects of such a place. “We have people who want to be here, and we want to pull in some of these companies to come here,” he said.

Scherer said one of the amenities being proposed is Founders Village, a 3D planned community.

“My vision is to have a facility to collaborate,” he said. “We are men of Christ, and I believe faith can help build a community.” He said he’d like churches to help plan the community, too.

Dyson and Scherer showed several vision boards and one of them was the illustrative site plan. “It’s going to take a community,” he said. “We are very excited.”

Travis and Heather Davidson, owners of Boondocks, also addressed those in attendance. Travis said he has the same vision the developers do.

“We thrive in working with other businesses,” he said. “This is going to continue to grow.” His wife said, “It’s a joy to be here. The future is bright.”

Local Realtor Holly Tuttle also addressed the crowd. She said, “This group has a vision, and we want to see this succeed. I love their vision and keeping our kids here.”

After the informational meeting, called “What’s Happening at South Shore,” the public had a chance to ask questions.

For more information, visit southshorevillage.com or Start Up Wawasee on Facebook.