By David Tyler
A new self-storage facility has been proposed for Manlius Center Road, on a vacant parcel adjacent to Minoa Fire Station #2.
The self-storage facility would require a zone change from Commercial-A to Commercial-B. Prior to the town of Manlius modifying its zoning codes last year, drive-in self-storage facilities were prohibited in commercial zones and were only allowed in industrial zones. The corridor where the business is planned is currently a mix of commercial zones and neighborhood shopping zones.
Matt Napierala, an engineer representing G&T Properties, said the facility would feature six buildings. The building at the front of the property would be climate controlled and be constructed parallel to the road and feature an aesthetically pleasing façade, he said. It would also block the view of the other storage buildings, which would be traditional outdoor self-storage buildings with overhead doors.
Before making a decision on the zone change, the Manlius Town Board will seek a recommendation from the town planning board and hold a public hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 10.
Students advocate for Salt Springs sidewalks
Two Wellwood Middle School eighth graders, Jack Vohs and Andrew Hoehner, made a presentation to the board in support of extending sidewalks on Salt Springs Street from Pine Ridge Road to Dunhill Road. The students are in a course titled Agents of Change in which they are encouraged to advocate for a project that would have a positive impact on the community.
The students’ proposal would extend the existing sidewalk that ends at the border of the village of Fayetteville up the hill connecting the neighborhoods off Pine Ridge Road and Dunhill Road to the village sidewalk network.
Because that stretch of the road approaches the crest of the hill, the sight lines are limited and there is not much shoulder for pedestrian traffic.
“It’s heavily trafficked and a significant safety issue,” Hoehner said.
Board members were favorable to the project but warned the students that funding and red tape for sidewalk projects would be a challenge.
“The political will is there, it’s how do you pay for it,” said Councilor Katelyn Kriesel.
