By David Tyler

The village of Fayetteville planning board will once again consider plans for a grocery store and senior apartment complex at 547 E. Genesee St., the site of the former O’Brien & Gere facility, at their meeting on Monday, Feb. 1.
Developers are seeking two variances from the 10,000-square-foot per floor maximum. The proposed grocery store, widely reported to be the first Hannaford’s in the Syracuse area, would be approximately 56,550 square feet. The senior apartment complex would have a footprint of 42,750 square feet. A third, smaller building would be approximately 3,300 square feet.
Prior to handing the project off to the zoning board of appeals for a determination on the variances, the planning board must make a determination on the impact of the project through the state environmental quality review (SEQR) process.
In June, the planning board tabled discussion of the proposal at the request of the developer when it appeared the board was likely to declare the project would have a significant impact on the community’s character.
The developer, Millstone Development Group LLC, has since submitted additional documents to the village arguing that the project would enhance the property, which currently features a vacant industrial facility.
“This proposed project is a vast improvement from the existing vacant industrial use building,” the document states. “This project will offer the nearby community additional services and blend in with a village-type atmosphere.”
The Feb. 1 meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will take place on Zoom.