By David Tyler

After winding its way through the town of Manlius’ approval process for the past several months, the large dental office proposed for 5538 N. Burdick St. has been given the green light to begin construction.
Last month, the town planning board rejected the plans because the building did not have a “residential feel,” as required in an R-M zone.
“I believe what we’re presenting this evening is a much more residential feel,” said Scott Dumas, representing the applicant.
The new plans call for a reduced façade around the entryway, a softer color scheme, stonework that resembles local limestone, shutters, and a chimney for aesthetic purposes only.
“It looks so much better than the previous version,” said planning board member Rich Rosetti.
“It’s a beautiful rendering,” echoed board member Fred Gilbert. “I like it.”
The plans call for an approximately 10,000 square foot building set behind an 80-space parking lot. The building would have 27 dental chairs.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, retired local dentist Scott Dillingham commented through Zoom about the size and scope of the building
“The size of the building, the number of dentists, and its trying to be fit on a non-commercially zoned parcel – to me, I’m just not understanding the board’s reasoning in allowing basically commercially zoned rules to be applied to an R-M parcel.
R-M zoning is intended as a transition zone between residential and commercial areas.
Previously, the developers had said they would like to begin construction this month and target an opening date in May, 2021.