After months of consideration and a number of public hearings, the Cazenovia Village Board declared that the proposed development of 68 houses on approximately 48 acres on the easterly side of Number Nine Road (known as South Meadows) would not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment, and approved the zone be changed from R-30 to R-6.
During their Oct. 1 meeting, village trustees completed a State Environmental Quality Review with Village Attorney Jim Stokes and decided to move forward with the development proposal submitted by Gregg Development Corporation.
A few residents in attendance expressed concern that sidewalks were still not drawn in on the official site plan, however Mayor Kurt Wheeler explained all new roads constructed in the village are required to include pedestrian sidewalks. He also said a traffic study was currently being completed by safety officials.
“We’re trying to do everything in our power to ensure safer situations in the future,” Wheeler said.
Dennis Gregg, of Gregg Development Corporation, said he intends to include sidewalks in the plan, but is still waiting on the traffic study and word from the village board.
While the board did approve the zone change, trustees laid down seven conditions in the official resolution, hoping to ensure aspects of the plan that were discussed are followed. The conditions state no more than 68 houses may be built on the 21 lots that comprise the 48-acre parcel; the 145,000 square-foot area in the northwest corner shall be dedicated to the village of Cazenovia as park land; the 272,100 square-foot area in the northeast corner shall be preserved for use as public trail space or outdoor recreation area; a visual buffer zone is required for all areas abutting the existing residential subdivision — of which the design and maintenance will be determined by the Cazenovia Village Planning Board; development of Lot I requires a residence face Number Nine Road, but vehicular access will be only possible through the new road; development of South Meadows shall stay consistent with details outlined in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Chapter III.I, in regards to residential neighborhood character, affordability and infrastructure; and plans for future vehicular connectivity, consistent with public safety, shall be clearly indicated on site maps.
The final guideline also states the planning board will be the agency that determines the most appropriate form of connectivity at the existing right-of-way between the South Village and South Meadows neighborhoods.
In other board news:
—The recent inclusion of additional benches on Albany Street was discussed. The public gave their opinions, and the board solicited suggestions for future placement and changes to the village code, which Trustee Peggy Van Arnam said was lacking in substance in regards to public sidewalk benches.
—Caz High School senior and Boy Scout Nick Mahoney was granted permission to construct a volleyball court at Lakeside Park. His plans, which he created as part of his Eagle Scout project, include an 80-foot by 50-foot sand surface and two poles next to the pushball track. He hopes to have the project completed before winter, or at the latest by May 16. Trustees said a volleyball court will fit well, and charged Mahoney to work with DPW Administrator Bill Carr to discuss maintenance.
—An inter-municipal agreement with the town of Cazenovia was unanimously adopted. The two agencies will share services: the town will pay Dog Control Officer Gordon Baker, while the village will supply a vehicle.
—Stacey Jones was granted permission to conduct her annual Cazenovia Historic Ghost Walk on village sidewalks Oct. 13, 19, 20, 27 and 28.
—Cazenovia Children’s House was granted permission to hold its ninth annual Chili Chilly Run along village streets at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013.
Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected]
