Dick Kirk, the developer who renovated the near-condemned 55 Main in Camillus – soon to be “Krabby Kirk’s Saloon” – applied for a permit on Oct. 14 to install an LED sign on the east side of 75 Main St. “The building sign proposed is 29 inches high, 7 foot 3 inches long,” said village codes enforcement officer John Williams during the Board of Trustees meeting held that night. Gasps from the few residents in attendance indicated their concern. “Don’t you have a sign ordinance?” one attendee asked.
“We do have a sign ordinance, but the problem with the sign ordinance? … That can meet the existing sign ordinance,” Williams said. “You address it with the new overlay, you don’t right now,” he added. The overlay district was drafted by attorney Steven Primo and presented at a public hearing in August – but it’s not yet finalized. “No matter how objectionable it is, there’s not a thing we can do about it,” Primo said. “However, knowing Mr. Kirk, and the fact that he’s a reasonable guy, we might be able to negotiate some sort of accommodation – maybe even downsize it a little bit.” If Kirk resisted a compromise, Primo continued, “I could not advise this board to now come up with something overnight … in order to circumvent his right to a permit.” According to Williams, Kirk said that the sign would feature a banner advertising his business as well as scrolling public service announcements. Both Williams and Montero were uncertain on the details. “What the board needs to do,” Williams said, “is look at the proposal, have Dick come in next month and discuss what he really wants to do with the [sign].” “He’s been a reasonable guy; he’s worked well with the board,” Primo said. “We can talk to him.” Community development
Montero took the opportunity to comment on village improvements to come.
“Dick’s almost done with [55 Main]; he’s purchased three other buildings. All three of them are getting a facelift with community development [grants],” he said. He added that the Animal Clinic, located at the corner of South Street, would also be improved with county grant assistance, along with the Golden Pet on Main Street. $2.3 million build-up
Williams reported that the village has interested parties to rehabilitate the old Camillus Cutlery building. The original $2.3 million Restore New York Grant awarded to the village, and abandoned by developer Tom Blair, is still available, as long as the buyer stays within the project’s original scope – residential on top, professional space below. Williams also noted that the gas station on the corner of Main Street and Newport Road could reopen by the end of the year.