Post by newsfeeder on Jul 6, 2006 8:14:39 GMT -5
OSWEGO'S RE-ZONING PLAN INCHES FORWARD
Several plots in Oswego's Ontario Heights neighborhood are on the verge of a zone change that would rule out the construction of a proposed dormitory-like student housing complex.
The city's Planning and Development Committee Monday discussed a petition from neighborhood residents to change six properties from the current neighborhood business status to a residential district zone. A public hearing will be scheduled.
The properties in question are located between Washington Boulevard and Route 104 West.
Neighboring residents have been up in arms over the plan since March when the Troy-based United Group of Communities, Inc. proposed alternative student housing that would hold 328 SUNY Oswego students.
Those who own the properties have not yet been informed of the potential zone changes. However, city engineer Anthony Leotta said there will be very little change to the properties and what the owners may do with them if the resolution is indeed passed.
The one exception involves the Mr. Kleen's Car Wash, owned by Robert Reifinger. If his property were to become a residential district zone he could no longer conduct any renovations, according to zoning laws.
Certain councilors expressed concern over this matter, saying it is unfair to Reifinger.
“He has had a successful business for many years; he has put gobs of money in on renovations, and he doesn't know what's going on,” said Councilor Constance Cosemento, D-1st Ward. “Someway, somehow this man should be notified.”
Councilor Timothy Rice, D-6th Ward, shared this sentiment when he asked committee members if the zone changes would be, “handcuffing him so that he can never do any changes to his business.” Rice noted that technological changes may dictate renovations to the car wash in the future.
Despite the regard from councilors, a 3-0 vote passed the zone changes up to the Common Council to consider the resolution next Monday. This was due in part to Councilor Edward Harrington's, D-3rd Ward, contention that the resolution could easily be amended to omit the Mr. Kleen's property from the re-zoning. Harrington said that if Reifinger had a problem with the resolution and voiced his feelings to the council, they would be willing to make a change.
Anthony Joseph, a member of the community group that petitioned councilors for the zone changes said he hopes the resolution passes.
“I'm looking forward to the process, and hopefully we can preserve this residential neighborhood,” said Joseph. “I think we've been heard by the councilors.”
It is recommended that those who are affected by the potential zone changes attend the next Council Meeting on Monday.
www.pall-times.com
Several plots in Oswego's Ontario Heights neighborhood are on the verge of a zone change that would rule out the construction of a proposed dormitory-like student housing complex.
The city's Planning and Development Committee Monday discussed a petition from neighborhood residents to change six properties from the current neighborhood business status to a residential district zone. A public hearing will be scheduled.
The properties in question are located between Washington Boulevard and Route 104 West.
Neighboring residents have been up in arms over the plan since March when the Troy-based United Group of Communities, Inc. proposed alternative student housing that would hold 328 SUNY Oswego students.
Those who own the properties have not yet been informed of the potential zone changes. However, city engineer Anthony Leotta said there will be very little change to the properties and what the owners may do with them if the resolution is indeed passed.
The one exception involves the Mr. Kleen's Car Wash, owned by Robert Reifinger. If his property were to become a residential district zone he could no longer conduct any renovations, according to zoning laws.
Certain councilors expressed concern over this matter, saying it is unfair to Reifinger.
“He has had a successful business for many years; he has put gobs of money in on renovations, and he doesn't know what's going on,” said Councilor Constance Cosemento, D-1st Ward. “Someway, somehow this man should be notified.”
Councilor Timothy Rice, D-6th Ward, shared this sentiment when he asked committee members if the zone changes would be, “handcuffing him so that he can never do any changes to his business.” Rice noted that technological changes may dictate renovations to the car wash in the future.
Despite the regard from councilors, a 3-0 vote passed the zone changes up to the Common Council to consider the resolution next Monday. This was due in part to Councilor Edward Harrington's, D-3rd Ward, contention that the resolution could easily be amended to omit the Mr. Kleen's property from the re-zoning. Harrington said that if Reifinger had a problem with the resolution and voiced his feelings to the council, they would be willing to make a change.
Anthony Joseph, a member of the community group that petitioned councilors for the zone changes said he hopes the resolution passes.
“I'm looking forward to the process, and hopefully we can preserve this residential neighborhood,” said Joseph. “I think we've been heard by the councilors.”
It is recommended that those who are affected by the potential zone changes attend the next Council Meeting on Monday.
www.pall-times.com