Airpark project phases IV and V to move forward upon highway superintendent’s contingency

Representatives from C&S Engineers shared desired plans for the next two phases in the infrastructure and roadway improvements for the Hancock Airpark’s project during the 7 p.m. March 10 Cicero Town Board meeting.

The plans were first approved in 2001-02, however, the project has been completed in phases according with appropriated funds and town approval. This project is completely funded and at no cost to the town.

The improvements are being done in order to have the 5,300 square-foot property in a condition which could be more marketable for commercial companies to purchase.

The next two phases, which are IV and V, would consist of constructing on-site drainage, according to Department of Environmental Conservation standards, using both Onondaga and Oneida lakes’ run-off. There would also be two storm water management basins inside cul-de-sacs on the property.

Cicero Highway Superintendent Christopher J. Woznica suggested that the Town Board wait on approval because of concerns he had on the catch basins in the cul-de-sacs.

Deputy Supervisor Jessica Zambrano suggested that the agenda item be approved upon the contingency of Woznica’s suggestions.

Lori Dietz, assistant to the president of the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York, also spoke on behalf of the project and said that the property has had about $30 million invested thus far.

Dietz said the development has brought “40 acres back” into the town’s tax roll with 500 jobs at the site.

Zoning change at the Route 11 Wal-Mart site

The Town Board set a public hearing for the community to hear a request to change a property from regional commercial to general commercial so that the frontage would be built out at 200 feet instead of 500 feet.

The Wal-Mart property is located off Route 11 between Lincoln Avenue and Stevens Drive.

The public hearing has been set for 7 p.m. Wednesday April 14 to amend the local zoning ordinance.

To the board’s surprise, the property’s legal representation, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, had an attorney present to speak on behalf of the company’s zoning request.

Attorney Eric D. Haselbauer, of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, spoke during the public input session to let the Town Board know that “the intent is to be a good neighbor,” and that he will also be present at the April 14 public hearing to answer questions.

Town Councilor Jim Corl suggested that Haselbauer begin an ongoing conversation with the town’s planning board so that issues can be resolved. Corl continued to say that it would be favorable if the company “made good on those promises,” because the public hearing will most likely be highly attended with residents who will have many questions.

Pre-agenda workshops, sharing codes services with North Syracuse

Once more, the Town Board discussed the use of pre-agenda workshops and how it affects the actual Cicero Town Board meetings.

Town Councilor Corl said he is “opposed to the workshops,” and that he found tonight’s meeting to have a good example of why he disagrees with the process.

As the Star-Review reported more than two weeks ago, the village of North Syracuse codes enforcement officer was terminated Feb. 19. At that time, Village Mayor Diane Browning mentioned that she would begin discussions with Cicero Supervisor Judy Boyke about sharing codes enforcement services. The town has aided the village for similar needs in the past.

However, Corl said that the issue of sharing services was discussed during the March 9 pre-agenda workshop without his presence or any town residents’ attendance.

“No one knows what is being discussed at these meetings,” Corl said of the workshops, of which do not require official minutes.

In response, Boyke said the item was removed from the agenda after the workshop because she felt there was not enough information to have the possible “shared services contract” tabled during the March 10 meeting.

“We couldn’t commit to anything, therefore, there’s no point in discussing it,” Boyke told the Star-Review after the meeting.

The town’s codes enforcement department will revise a tentative six-month contract so that all parties involved satisfy both municipalities’ needs. The Town Board agreed the village’s needs could be “extensive.”

As a new addition to the Town Board and the town’s supervisor, Boyke said she approves of the workshops because they are a “useful tool in preparation for town meetings.”

She also added, during the March 10 meeting, that “she was accused of having closed door meetings,” after taking office Jan. 1. Pre-agenda workshops were a legal option to become better prepared for her new position, she said.

Because there are no official board minutes, Corl said, once again, “things can be discussed tonight [March 10].”

All board members were at the March 9 workshop, except for Corl.

Boyke also said the workshops allow her and the board members to ask department heads questions or make note of items that require further information before more discussion would take place during the Town Board meeting.

In attendance of the said workshop was Town Councilor Vern Conway, who said “it was very helpful.” Conway also mentioned that the workshops are one way in which “learning can get done,” as far as new members of the board are concerned.

One resident at the March 10 meeting said the 3:15 p.m. time set for the pre-agenda workshops is “unreasonable” for people that work or have children.

The next pre-agenda workshop, which is open to the public, will be held at 3:15 p.m. March 23 at Cicero Town Hall.

The next Town Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 24, also at Town Hall.