By David Tyler
John and Stella Penizotto finally have the zone change they have long sought for their property at the intersection of Enders Road and Route 92.
On Wednesday night, following a brief and uneventful public hearing, the Manlius Town Board voted unanimously to make the parcel a Commercial A zone.
Over the years, several development plans for the parcel, including a grocery store and a Stewart’s Shoppe have been denied by the board, citing a corridor study for Route 92 done about two decades ago.
The Penizottos have argued in front of the board several times that the significant growth in the area – both residential and commercial – have made that study out of date.
After the Stewart’s Shoppe proposal was denied last year, the Penizottos filed a lawsuit against the town in an effort to have courts intervene and zone the parcel Commercial B, which would allow for a convenience store with a gas station.
That lawsuit is still pending, and it is unclear whether the suit will be dropped now that the property is zoned Commercial A.
Before the vote on the change, Manlius Supervisor Ed Theobald gave a brief history of the board’s deliberations over the parcel over the past 20 years, stating that they’ve been consistent in their efforts to ensure the busy intersection doesn’t become overwhelmed with traffic.
“Residents who live in this area now seem to be OK with the possible traffic issues that might be caused by this zone change,” Theobald said. “Or I guess they don’t care if it becomes somewhat like Erie Boulevard.”
The new Commercial A zoning would allow a restaurant, including a restaurant with a drive through, to be sited on the parcel.
Other possible uses include a bank or retail store. Commercial A zoning does not allow for a gas station, however.
