By David Tyler
A medical practice of local physicians may soon be constructed on the east side of North Burdick Street.
The land the 10,000-square-foot facility would be constructed upon backs up to the Erie Canal on the north side of the property. On the east side of the property, it slopes down dramatically toward the ponds that were created by an old quarry in the area.
“This is a local group of young doctors,” said Scott Dumas of Mike Barney Management, representing the physicians. “They’re smart, environmentally conscious doctors who appreciate the green space. It’s a big reason they chose the site.”
The facility would be opposite the Resort Lifestyles Community, which sits above a retaining wall on the opposite side of the road. Currently there is a single-family residence on the south end of the property, but most of the property is undeveloped. The property is currently under contract by 5538 NBurdick St., LLC pending approvals for construction.
Questioned about the impact on the Erie Canal, architect Scott Freeman, of Keplinger Freeman Associates Landscape Architects, said the goal was to leave the perimeter of the property untouched, so it would have a low impact on those walking along the canal path.
Although the building is still being designed, the developers indicated it would feature a sloped, residential-style roof with gables. Initial plans call for a parking lot with 98 spaces and the lighting will be dark-sky compliant.
“It will look more like a neighborhood structure,” Freeman said.
Dumas, Freeman and attorney Christian Danaher of Hancock & Estabrook presented the proposed facility to the Manlius Town Board on Wednesday. To move forward with the project, they requested a zone change to RM – a residential multi-use district – which allows for uses including medical practices.
The development team fielded several questions from the board regarding the environmental sustainability of the property and whether it would enhance or impact nearby trail systems linked to the canal and the village of Fayetteville.
“I think it’s an excellent location for something like this,” Supervisor Ed Theobald said, before the board referred the project to the town planning board for their recommendation.
The developers indicated they would like to start construction by August so the facility could open by next spring.
