CAZENOVIA — In May 2022, construction began on the Caz Barns Apartments, a new 64-unit apartment complex on land across Nelson Street (Route 20) from Tops Plaza and behind the former Lucas homestead.

The project is primarily in the Residential Multifamily zoning district and partially in the Village Edge South Mixed Use zoning district on approximately 8.26 acres at 54 Nelson St.

Situated in the southwest section of an approximately 30-acre property owned by Caz Barns, LLC, the complex will consist of four two-story apartment buildings, each containing eight single bedroom units and eight two-bedroom units.

The project also includes the construction of infrastructure and utilities for the complex, including roads, sidewalks, parking lots, streetlights, street trees, public water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater management facilities.

The developer plans to create an access road by extending Lakers Lane, which currently connects Nelson Street to the Hampton Inn & Suites.

According to Village of Cazenovia Planning Board Chairman Rich Huftalen, the extension will reconnect to Nelson Street west of Cazenovia Dental, thereby creating the loop envisioned for the Village Edge South zone in Cazenovia’s Comprehensive Plan.

Eventually, the access road will be a village street.

Mayor Kurt Wheeler said the Caz Barns project has been in the works for several years and was slowed the past couple years by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is a significant shortage of quality housing, locally and nationwide, so the project is certainly timely at present,” Wheeler added. “We have had a good working relationship with [project leaders Dennis Gregg and Andy Day] and their design team, making adjustments to the project to meet the overall goals of the Village Edge South zone, which has been thoughtfully planned.”

The Village of Cazenovia Planning Board conditionally approved applications from Caz Barns, LLC/Rodor, LLC for preliminary plat, site plan and architectural approval for the apartment complex on Aug. 31, 2020. On Oct. 11, 2021, the board granted final plat approval for the project subject to a list of conditions, including: preparation by the applicant and review/approval by the village engineer of a full stormwater pollution prevention plan, including erosion and sedimentation control; construction of new street and sidewalks in accordance with all village standards and subject to approval by the village public works administrator and the village engineer; and final detail of planting schedule and tree species prepared in consultation with the Village Tree Commission and approved by the village public works administrator.

On June 24, Huftalen reported that the village engineer and public works administrator are actively working with the developer to ensure the conditions of approval are being met.

“We have begun site work and are happy for feedback from the village and its consultants throughout,” said Day, who is a member of the ownership LLC and a general contractor. “We have received tremendous support from all the village offices, including the mayor, attorney, planning board, public works, and residents who attended public hearings. We feel our open mind and inclusive approach is important for the eventual users of our projects who are the Village of Cazenovia and surrounding population.”

According to Day, the apartment complex is just one phase of Caz Barns, LLC’s development plan for the property.

“To fully build out the entire master plan, we may be there three to four years,” said Day. “We have room for about 200,000 additional square feet of what we envision as residential, retail and office space. Each piece will complement and connect the previous.”

The Village of Cazenovia Planning Board typically meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Village Municipal Building.

For more information or to view past meeting minutes, visit villageofcazenovia.com/planning-and-zoning/.