Board members Randy Cox and Matt Sandy are shown reviewing a map and listening to the presentation regarding the prospective Polywood LLC parking lot. Photo by Caleigh Byrer.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — All three cases presented to the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals at the Thursday, Nov. 17, meeting were approved with stipulations. The only remonstrators in attendance expressed concerns about a new parking lot intended for Polywood LLC employees.

The petition for an exemption to allow a parking lot in a residential district, located on the east side of Maple Street and south of North Street, Syracuse, was heard by the board in September. The board then requested more documentation and information from Polywood before they would make a decision.

William Bennett, Gary Cook and Melodie Rodgers, area residents, all expressed that even though expanding parking would be good for Syracuse, they were concerned about the excessive noise and reckless driving that already occurs in the area.

Matthew Shaw, chief financial officer of Polywood, provided more information on the privacy and noise concerns. Shaw stated that additional lighting is not necessary for the parking lot, a fence and new trees will serve as a buffer between the parking lot and the residential homes and additional surveillance will be implemented.

The petition was granted under the following conditions:

• Only the first shift sewing department is to use the parking lot.

• Parking is allowed only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• No installation of lighting.

• Installation of trees for privacy and a 6-foot fence covering the north, east and south sides of the parking lot.

• Installation of signs stating unauthorized parking may result in being ticketed/towed.

• Installation of a sign stating no right turn exit from the parking lot.

Board member Matt Goodnight stated, “We just want to make sure you’re (Polywood) a good corporate neighbor.” Any future changes must be brought back to the board.

Kevin Nelson represented himself in his petition to allow the placement of a carport 13.6 feet from the right of way of the road, located south of Valley View Drive and west of Manor Drive, Syracuse. Nelson stated he currently does not have much space in his garage to get around if his car is parked in there, which poses an issue for him.

The board approved Nelson’s petition as it pertained to medical issues, but stated it must be put in the deed to the house that the carport is to be removed when ownership changes.

Steve Council represented Church of God Ministries in their petition to construct a covered open entrance 35 inches from the road right of way, located on the north side of Main Street and east of Mill Street, Syracuse.

The board approved the petition as presented, but noted that an after-the-fact fee and permit fee must be paid.