City Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Welcome to this meeting of the Syracuse Planning Commission. We will begin our uh formal agenda in just a moment. Before we do that, however, we will take action on the minutes of our previous meeting held last month on January 12th. minutes have been distributed to the commission members in advance and it'd be appropriate this time for a motion for action on those minutes. Move approval of the minutes from the January meeting. Second. Thank you both. Discussion on that motion. If not, all in favor please indicate by saying I. I.

I. Those opposed please say nay. Any abstensions? minutes are approved and we can move into our public hearings. Before we do that, just a word of um by way of procedure for those who might be unfamiliar with our process. As each application is announced by a member of the staff, we would ask that the applicant or their representative come to the podium in the center front of the room. Provide your name and address for the record and then uh a brief description of the project involved. following questions from the commission members if there are any. We will provide an opportunity for members of the public to speak in favor of the application and then likewise an opportunity for those members of the public who wish to speak in opposition uh to the application where comments are offered in opposition. The applicant will be invited to return to the podium to address the comments made in opposition. And we ask that all speakers for or against um keep their comments to about 3 minutes a piece. With that, we are ready to begin. I think there is an update on the agenda uh from what was published uh several days ago if I'm not mistaken.

Say that again. I'm sorry. I think there's a a recent update on the agenda. Yeah, sorry. Um, yes, the first item under old business for the East Brighton battery energy storage system, uh, those three companion applications, the resub, the special use permit, and the major site plan review have all been withdrawn by the applicant.

So, if you were here for those items, uh, they will not be in our our agenda this evening. if they should return uh at some future meeting. Um similar notice will go out in advance of this meeting. So with those withdrawn, we move to our first item, which is an item of old business. Yes. Uh special use permit SP-25-26 at 401 Pond Street in Stuben. This is in the MX2 zone district. Welcome back.

Good evening. My name is Idris Ibraham. own property of TMBB properties. Live at 399 Village Boulevard North in Bonville, 13207. I'm here for uh the special use permit for uh the All-American Market. So what what I can try to u maybe explain to the board is uh we've received uh revised and updated site plan uh from the applicant to address all the SEPTAD review comments but also the DPW review uh comments related to ADA access bike parking uh the sidewalk on Stuben and uh also the parking area in front of the store facing pond. Anything else you want to add to that?

Um, I've been going I've I've been doing everything you guys been asking me to do. I followed everything. Uh, the only thing that's been holding me back was DPW. Um, like I've been getting a hold of contractors, but they can't do nothing right now because of the winter. Um, like I'm willing to go go ahead with the project. It's just a matter of when they can get ready to go start it. Um, I submitted this back probably November, December, October. I just been waiting and I finally got the okay for the meeting today. Go ahead.

Yeah, I guess I'd like to begin by expressioning my appreciation. I know in October when you were here, we had concerns about what at that point appeared to be ambiguous responses to the SEPTED report. uh it appears that that has all been taken care of and your responses to uh DPW as well are is in order. So we appreciate your your effort and making sure that those things get you done and they comply with the requirements. That's what I was say that you know we were looking for responses and compliance to the Sept report prior to us taking action.

So and staff [clears throat] has confirmed that you are prepared to undertake the required recommendations by the SEPTA. So, I echo Barry's gratitude and gratefulness for responding to that. Thank you. Any further questions for the applicant? Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. Are there individuals wishing to speak in favor of this application? If so, please come forward. provide your name, address, comments.

Council Marty Nav represent the north side. So, looking at the applicants uh proposal, it does look good, but again, I want to address the issues that continue. I was there on Saturday and again, I saw at least one unlicensed, unregistered vehicle. I forwarded to the city attorney uh about it. When I went in there, the gentleman said, "Well, we were waiting for a license." So, I want to know uh as I did late late last year when I got a call about multiple vehicles blocking the front of the entrance when if this is completed. I would like to know where the vehicles will now be parked. So, I'd like to have that my question answered cuz I don't think they're going to be on the sidewalk or blocking this on the sidewalk blocking the sidewalk or being on grass. I I just like to know where where the vehicles are going to go.

Thank you, counselor. So, let's go through all the speakers who might be here for this application and then invite the applicant back to address those comments. Is there anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this application, please come forward. Anyone wishing to speak in opposition to the application, please come forward. Well, we're back to those comments then. That didn't take long. Uh so, uh sir, if you would uh return and address some of the comments um regarding the vehicles that the counselor has raised.

So, there's a parking lot. There's a parking there's a parking spot in the middle between two buildings. I don't own the parking lot in the middle. There's an abandoned lot. I don't own it. The guy that owns 405 and owns the garage on the corner park and pond, he owns that and he sells cars and works on cars. I can't control what he puts in the what he puts in in that parking lot. I'm already arguing with him cuz he does he's trying to threaten me to sue me if I close if I put a curve up and block the close it off because he's complaining how his tenants are going to park and I'm like I don't so if I may just from a a zoning requirement standpoint the the size of this lot um it's actually exempt from minimum parking requirements. So, I mean, um, not to speak for the the applicant, but, um, you know, when that happens, I guess there's, you know, there's foot traffic. There's there will be on-site bikes, bicycle parking, uh, storage and locking device. Um, and also there's on street parking. I believe this is also on a bus, a bus line on, uh, pond. Um,

I just wanted to add those facts. Right. There's Well, I drove by. There's street parking on Stuban, right? If I were gonna park and run in and buy a couple things and go on my merry way. Um, in addition to the other things that the administrator pointed out,

I think the the key here is the obviously the commitment with the site plan and he's already said he's working with contractors is um just making sure that it's clear that the conditions that those have to be met in order for this, you know, special use permit, should you choose to make a decision on this, um that those have to be met to satisfy the conditions. Otherwise, you'd be subject to uh revocation. If I'm hearing correct, the the uh the recent issue in question that the the counselor has pointed out was not parked on your property. Is that correct? Yes. And if I remember correctly, we actually had the same problem back in October.

That's the issue in front of the store. Yeah. Well, that issue is going to be taken care of once I close it off. So [clears throat] the the requirement currently is now that's going to be grass, right? Yes. To the sidewalk. [clears throat] Grass, right? Correct. And then there'll be a 5 foot wide standard city side, you know, standard sidewalk. There's already a side, but they just want me to put a curve up so nobody can't go up and park. I can't drive over it. Right. But the issue that I'm having is the guy, the neighbor that owns the building next door, he's threatening if I put a curve up, he's going to sue me because now his tenants can't park in that parking lot that he owns. [laughter] There's your answer.

There we go. Should we put that in the conditions? There you go. [laughter] We do have a condition about the parking issue to to address that specific. Yeah, I don't have like I said, I've been working. I'm like trying I just want to get this done and over with. Like I already got a couple people are supposed to come and try to put some poles in so I can get that started and then work on the the sidewalk and everything during this spring summertime. And it's nice out and get that going. And I already got a quote for some turf. I know. I don't know how long the turf is going to last in the winter, but we're going to try it out. Yeah. Okay. Thank you very much.

Thank you. We'll close public comment on this and turn our attention to our seeker review.

Has everyone had an opportunity to review the part one EAF that's contained in your packet and prepared by the applicant? Yes. Has everyone reviewed the part two AF that's um contained in your packet? Yes. Does anyone believe there [clears throat] will be any moderate to large impacts under seeker for this action? No. Okay. Having determined there will be no moderate to large impacts, I recommend that the commission make a negative declaration and prepare the part three accordingly. Part three EAF accordingly. Thank you. Is there a motion to that effect? Make a motion to issue a negative secret declaration. A second.

Second. discussion. If there's no discussion, all in favor of the secret motion, please indicate by saying I. I. I. Those opposed, please say nay.

Any abstensions? Seeker motion carries. Is there a motion for a recommendation on the special use permit SP26? Sure. In consideration of the staff analysis and the discussion during this hearing, I make a motion finding the application for SP-25-26 in compliance with the special use permit criteria in section 5.4-B7A through 8 and recommend approval by the common council with the following seven special conditions beyond the general conditions for approval of special use permits. Uh the seven conditions are as follows. One, the applicant shall always possess a valid certificate of use issued by the city of Syracuse. Two, the business owner shall abide by the hours of operation that's the common council decides upon. Three, no neon sign signage or decorative lighting shall be permitted on the windows or building facade. Four, no cooked or hot food shall be made or sold. any permanent changes and pertinent changes need be approved from the office of zoning administration. Five, the applicant shall submit photographic evidence of the completed site approvements to the office of zoning administration within 90 days of the approval of the special use permit SP25-26 demonstrating compliance with the SEPTED recommendations that the property owner has committed to implementing. Uh six, the lo the subject uh location is promitted from selling tobacco products due to noneligibility for a tobacco retail license.

I'm sorry, what did I say? The subject is prohibited. Prohibited. Sorry. Thank you. Very good. It's good. Somebody's listening to me. [laughter] Uh the applicant shall commit to upgrading the site through any necessary permits based on the revised plan and approved conditions imposed by the Department of Public Works as follows. One, all sidewalks must be city standard of five feet wide. And two, turf grass must be installed in all areas proposed and vehicle parking shall be prohibited. Installing additional signage to deter vehicles shall happen. Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

Discussion on this motion. I would just like to reiterate the the general condition on obtaining permits and completing the work. Um so it's it's 12 months which is standard. Um and if those aren't met, um I actually misspoke. It's actually uh more accurate to say it would be considered null and void if they do not meet the conditions within the designated time frame. Correct. Okay, good clarification. Thank you. Further discussion or clarification. [clears throat] If not, then all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I.

I. Those opposed, please say nay.

Any abstensions. SP 2526 is approved. And we move to our next item. Next, we move to new business. Um, this is titled the Parkside Commons Project. Um, I'm going to try to tee this up as best I can. Um, just for context. So, uh, the applicant's going to present six companion applications uh, this evening. It includes a master plan review, a zoning map amendment, a reubdivision, a major site plan review, an additional reubdivision, and an additional major site plan review. Um we'll have them present on all of that. Uh and [laughter] you know the revisions to the project u and everything that's taking place. Uh then we will go through seeker and then we will take action um potentially on every item individually if that makes sense.

Okay. Good evening. Evening.

My name is Ed Martin. I'm a licensed engineer with Pasro Associates. Our corporate headquarters are at 242 West Maine in Rochester, New York. Um, also in attendance this evening is Mr. Connor Kenny, uh, the developers representative. Also brought along Mr. Jacob Lewis from our office for technical support. I think the picture before you paints the best picture, uh, than better than anything I can describe. Got a very exciting development at the intersection of West Morland Avenue and East Fet uh, Street. Um we've got 143 units uh in this particular building which is at the northwest corner of that intersection. Um supporting that at the southeast corner of that intersection is an additional 50 units. Um we've primary access to East FET uh for pedestrian access and uh off of West Morland for vehicular access. uh vehicular access to parcel B, which is actually this one we're looking at right here, is off of Ellis uh Drive, which is to the east. Um since we last met with you, uh we have added some parking. Um do you I don't know if you have those numbers at your fingertips, but there was some questions about uh adding some parking particularly for bicycles. We've added those. Um and I understand that Mr. Kenny has scheduled some communication with the neighborhood uh people. So with that, I be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Question from the commission. Not yet. Can you just confirm the total number of units, please? So there's 143 in parcel A. It's at the northwest corner and 50 units in the southeast corner which is parcel B making a total of 193

193 and if I recall correctly 82 interior parking spots and 70 exterior outside lot parking I about right 82 and and nothing no exterior lot.

Okay, thank you. When we did the uh the site plan review, we were still looking at the uh need for uh referring the applicant to the BCA for the fivestory uh building on on lot A. And I understand that the uh the acreage of the lot has been changed so that the fivetory is now acceptable. Is that that's correct? And could you tell me what what has happened just in terms of the acreage difference?

Certainly. Um I'll need those numbers. To the west of parcel A, which is the northwest corner, there is a strip of L land along the western portion of that that's been added to it that allows that that to move forward without the variance. So that's a very narrow strip that correct that makes a difference for the acre. Yes, sir.

Okay, good. Yeah. Thank you. And also wonder, I know that the the six units that are uh being renovated are not part of this project, but I I'm kind of curious in terms of of the residents that are going to be moving out of existing units and into these new units. Are they all going to be coming from the western unit or will some of them be coming from the model apartments? How's that whole process going to work? Who who gets to decide where they're going to go?

Could could you come to the microphone, please? Yeah. [clears throat] Hello. Uh Connor Kenny. I'm uh with SAA EVI. Address is 110 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York. Good to good to be here with you guys. Uh so to to clarify what we're doing, the residents who are on what the campus itself or is is 393 units. There's approx or there's 200 units. They're on what we would call the western portion of the site. Um that's going to be rehabbed. the folks that are living on the eastern portion, what we call the eastern portion of the site where there's 193 units, those are the residents that will be relocated into the new construction. So, the the the the western portion with 200 units, that's going to be all rehab like substantial rehabs.

So, they'll just be moving within those units. That's correct, sir. Yes. Uh the folks who live on the eastern portion in the 193 unit section of the of the property, uh they will all move into the new construction building upon completion. Okay, great. Thanks for that clarification.

I have a question for a condor, I believe, or somebody. So, um I I think that it has there have been um police calls and police presence at Parkside in the past and as well as currently. And I was just wondering if you have a minute to address from now that you're going to have new construction, building going on, tenants moving, etc., which will be a good thing, we hope, and certainly improve whatever challenges the structure may have brought as part of the problem. That's Go ahead. No, no, you go ahead.

No, very good point. Um, as we've designed these buildings, the new buildings in particular, um, we've been very cognizant of safety and security with the layout. So, if you enter in the, uh, we don't have the floor plan up, but in the beginning when you walk into the the primary building here, which is this one, which isund Yeah, that one. The the floor plan, there is 24-hour security um, that are set up there. What we have done, too, is we also have set aside space for the Syracuse Police Department. So they'll have an office in the building with access to the security cameras. Um so moving forward we are working closely with SPD on uh it's really a partnership making sure that they are um working with us to maintain the property safety so that you know the residents don't need to be um

but and and then I do want to add one more point too. So, we have obviously there's a lot of existing crime issues at Parkside. Um, in order to address those, we have been working directly with the Syracuse Police Office. We have set up a um an office for them on the existing site that they've been using, which is set up with a computer uh where they can access the security cameras. Um, we're in regular communication with SPD. Um, so we've we've been working closely with them um, not only on the existing property, but also talking to them about the design and how the layout is going to be in the new construction and making sure that we're all on the same page. Um, sort of speaking the same language. That's great. Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

Good for Thank you very much. We Did you want to add something? No, sir. Just I didn't know if you had any other questions. That's all.

At the moment, we don't. Uh but we'll now invite members of the public who wish to speak in favor of these uh proposals, these applications, please come forward to do so by providing your name and address and then your comments. Is there anyone wishing to speak in opposition to the applications? Please come forward to the podium. provide your name, address, and comments. And we don't appear to have speakers of in either category. Uh we will close public comment and I think we've got some work to do on our review. [clears throat]

Thank you. Um, I'm Zon Wu from Syracuse Zoning Office. Address is 300 South State Street, Syracuse, New York 1320. So, uh, I'm going to lead the commission through the seeker process for this um, project. The full environmental assessment form part two included on the page 223 of the records was prefilled with staff recommendation and was previously reviewed by the planning commission at its October 20th, 2025 meeting. At that meeting, the commission issued a negative declaration on the secret review. Since the October meeting, the applicant has revised the action scope of work to add one more ext uh one extra parcels to the project site and eliminated the need for a variance. Due to the change of the scope of work, staff request the commission to redeliberate on the secret review. However, with the addition of 1939 East Bayer Street, it is not going to result in any changes to the proposed apartment buildings or site features. The existing tree line on the 1939 East Vestry will remain as a na natural landscaping buffer for the action. An updated SWIP the storm water pollution prevention plan has been provided for the expanded project site which shows the on-site storm water runoff will be kept well under control by the proposed storm water management facility on the lot A. The additional parcel will not bring any new impact regarding other aspects. Therefore, staff recommends the board maintain the same responses to all part two questions and issue a negative declaration. Does the board agree?

Yes. [snorts] Since the commission determines that action would not have any significant adverse impacts on the environment and therefore an environmental impact statement need not to be prepared. Accordingly, the commission issues a negative declaration to be filed and notice of the negative declaration will be provided pursuant to all applicable laws and regulations. Thank you.

No, we just Master plan review. Yes, master plan review first. Okay. [clears throat] So, with the environmental review completed, we'll start uh there numerous items here that the commission needs to address and act upon [clears throat] either either way. The first in the order that we will take them is the master plan review MASPR 2527. Is there a motion for action on this?

Uh in consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve the application for MASPR-25-27 as presented with two special conditions beyond the general conditions for a master plan review. Those two conditions are one, the owner shall uh obtain all necessary approvals from a city before commencing construction of the proposed two mixeduse buildings. And two, the owner applicant shall continue working with all city departments to address any concerns related to this project. Thank you. Is there a second? Second.

Thank you. Discussion on the motion now before us for the master uh plan review. Okay, if there's no discussion, all in favor of this motion, please indicate by saying I. I.

I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? MASPR 2527 is approved and we take up the zoning map amendment, which is Z2918. Is there a motion for action on this? In consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application Z-2918 and presented with two conditions and uh include a recommendation to the common council for a affirmative action on Z-2918. The two conditions are one, the owner applicant shall obtain necessary approval from the city before commencing construction of the proposed two mixeduse buildings. and two of the owner applicants shall continue working with the city department to address any concerns related to this project.

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Discussion now on the motion for the zoning map amendment Z2918. If there's no discussion, all in favor of this motion, please indicate by saying I.

I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? Z2918 is approved. We move now to the first of two proposed reubdivisions for this project. This is R272, the resubision that will create lot A in the application. Is there a motion for action on this reubdivision? U in consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application R-25- uh72 as presented with one condition. That one condition is the applicant shall successfully file the resubdivision map of R-25-27 with the Odog County Clerk's Office when 60 within 60 days of the common council approval of the companion application Z-29-18. So, just to reinforce, you don't file after this accept this approval. You file after the common council approves the uh zoning map amendment.

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Discussion on the motion before us. If there's no discussion, all in favor, please indicate by saying I. I. I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? The resubdivision R2572 is approved. We move now to the major site plan review MASPR 2525. Is there a motion for action on this?

Uh yes. In consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application as presented. uh application MASPR-25-25 with five special conditions beyond the general conditions for a site plan review. Those conditions are as follows. The applicant shall obtain approval from the common council on zoning mamm map amendment Z-2918 before obtaining any building permits. Uh two, affordable dwelling units must comply with the city income and rent restrictions regardless of a change in building or property ownership. Three, all affordable dwelling units must be certified by the city's department of neighborhood and business development administrative procedures. Uh four, the [clears throat] affordable uh requirement shall be effective for 30 years from the date of the cert certificate of occupancy is issued. And five, necessary land use approvals shall be obtained before establishing any commercial business on the project site.

Thank you. Is there a second? Second discussion on this motion for the major site plan review. There's no discussion. Please uh th all those in favor please indicate by saying I. I. I.

Those opposed please indicate by saying nay. Any abstensions? The major site plan review MASPR 2525 is approved. We move now to the second [clears throat] proposed reubdivision uh for this project. This is R2573. This is the reubdivision that will create proposed lot B for this project. Is there a motion for action on this second reubdivision?

Yes. In consideration of staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application R-25-23 as presented with one condition. That one condition is the applicant shall successfully file the resubdition map of R-25-73 in the Anandi County Anodakai clerk's office within 62 days of approval of the resubd. And there is no zoning amendment attached to this. So the clock starts now assuming we approve it. Thank you. Is there a second? Second discussion on this second reubdivision motion.

If there's no discussion, all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? R2573 is approved. Our last action item [clears throat] for this application is the second major site plan review. This is MASPR 2526, the site plan review for proposed building B. Is there a motion for action on this?

In consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application uh MASPR-25-26 as presented with five special conditions beyond the general conditions for site plan reviews. Those five, I'm sorry, four special conditions are one, affordable dwelling units must comply with the city income and rent restriction regardless of a change in building or property ownership. Two, all affordable dwelling units must be certified by the city departments of neighborhood business development administrative procedures. Three, the affordability requirement shall be effective for 30 years from the date of certificate of occupancy is issued. and four necessary land use approvals shall be obtained before establishing any commercial business on the project site.

Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thanks. Discussion on this motion for the site plan review. If there's no discussion, then all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I. I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? The major site plan review MASPR 2526 is approved. Thank you very much. Um, special thanks to Commissioner Lent. Did the heavy lifting here. You need a quick revision.

Mr. Chairman, we just need a quick revision on Z-2918, the zone map amendment. That actually should have been in the form of a recommendation. Oh, I believe you voted on it as action approval. Well, take a minute to register. Okay. Yes. Redo. Yeah. Dar redo. So, [clears throat] on the zoning map amendment Z2918, is there a motion to uh address the proposed zoning map amendment by way of a recommendation from this body to the common council?

Let's make a recommendation for the approval affirmative action by the common council. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. discussion on this motion before us for Z 2918. If there's no discussion, all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions. The revised motion carries for Z 2918. And that recommendation will go forward to the common council for final disposition. Thanks to everyone involved in this. Do you have a question, sir?

Oh, [clears throat]

next up uh is the 1207 West Jese redevelopment project. This is a reubdivision and a companion uh major site plan review uh at 1201-03, 1207, and 1215 West Jennese Street. This is in the MX3 zone district. Oh, good evening. Ben Herrell with CHA Consulting, 300 South State Street, Sweet 600 Syracuse, New York 13202. I am here today on behalf of Specialty Properties LLC for the site plan approval of a retail/off building at 1201 to 1215 West Jennese Street. As mentioned, there's currently three properties totaling 93 acres. There's two existing buildings and everywhere else on site is paved completely. As you can see, we'll be demolishing the two existing buildings which are in very poor condition, constructing the new 6,900 square foot building, and establishing a new parking area with internal landscaping, storm water management, and bicycle parking in the rear with plenty of landscaping to meet the city code. Our site is fully compliant with the zoning code and we believe it's a great reuse of the property and redevelopment. So, I'll open it to the commission for any questions.

Thank you. Questions for the applicant. Do you have any commercial tenants lined up yet for the three spaces? Do you have anything in that you're intending for that use? Not currently, just because we don't have site plan approval, so it's hard to market it. But I think if you look around at all the other properties that the Renalis own, they fill them very quickly. So I don't think that'll be an issue finding tenants.

Right. And the the office space on the second floor, that's going to be open office space that can be parsed up in different ways or what what's the intention there? The intention is to lease it to a single company, but ultimately if someone comes in wanting 3,000 square feet, they can certainly divide that as needed. So it may or may not be one of the commercial tenants on the first floor. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Y

I would just add everyone understands I believe that there's a requirement to come back to zoning and maybe ultimately planning for site plan approval on whatever is going to be constructed and what it will look like and who the tenant is etc. Parking, curbing, all those good things. Yeah. Okay. Sorry. Yes. When we get to there, I just wanted to be clear. I'll say it again. Okay. Okay. They want me to say that at site plan review, not at reset. [laughter]

So, I didn't know if we were discussing both or if I should have tailored. That was my fault. Sorry. Where did the discussion fit? It's always the question. I jumped the [laughter] gun. So, we're still on the reason. Okay. Okay. Further questions for the applicant on the resub. All [clears throat] set. Thank you. All set. Thanks. Okay. Thank you.

And we'll ask if there's anyone interested in speaking in favor of this application, please come forward. Provide your name, address, and comments. Anyone wishing to speak in opposition to the resub application, please come forward. So, we have no speakers. We'll close public comment. Turn our attention to the seeker review. [clears throat] Has everyone had an opportunity to review the EAF part one contained in your packet and prepared by the applicant? Yes. Yes. Has everyone had an opportunity to review the EAF part two prepared by staff and also contained in your packet? Yes. Does anyone believe there'll be a moderate to large impact under seeker due to the either of these actions?

No. No. Okay. Having determined there will be no moderate to large impacts under Seeker, I recommend that the board make a negative declaration under Seeker and complete the part three EAF accordingly. Thank you. Is there a motion to that effect? Make a motion to issue a negative seeker declaration. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Discussion on the seeker motion. If not, all in favor, please indicate by saying I. I.

I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? Secret motion carries. Uh, we may now entertain a motion for action on the resubdivision R261. Is there such a motion? In consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve the application for MASPR-25-30 as presented with four special conditions beyond the general conditions for a site plan review. Those four special conditions are the resub first. I thought we already did that. Didn't we do the resub? I'm sorry. I went down.

Too many multiple. Okay, let's try this again. So, in consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application R-25-61 for reubdivision as presented with one condition. That condition being the applicant shall successfully file the resubdition map in Countyy's clerk office within 30 62 days of approval. Thank you for making the motion. Second. Yeah. [laughter] Thank you both. Discussion on this motion for the reubdivision. If not, all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I. I. Those opposed, please say nay.

Any abstensions. The reubdivision R2561 is approved. Now we move to the major site plan. Again, right. Let's see if we can get this right. Now, [laughter] please. So in consideration of staff wait let's have the presentation. Oh we didn't we're not counting because I don't know we do one. Yeah. Yeah we usually do month one. Okay. Sorry. Okay. So basically I'll just you want me to repeat what I just said or we can just move forward.

Okay. So it's a 6900 square foot building. Two stories to comply with the zoning requirement in MX3 which requires a minimum of two stories. 55 parking spaces with internal landscaping as I mentioned before. Bike parking at the rear of the property and tenants have not been selected at this time just because we don't have site plan approval. So, we don't want to market something that we didn't have approvals on, but I imagine it'll fill very quickly. And I'll open it again for any additional questions. Are there further questions for the applicant on the site plan? Thank you.

Thank you. I I do have one question or one comment. Uh I think it was the county planning board had recommended additional screening at the rear of the property to um buffer the residential properties. Did you see that comment? And are you able to incorporate some of that recommendation into your project?

In addition to the fencing that's provided along the rear, we can certainly look at plantings. I guess as far as small shrubs, they wouldn't really have much impact with the fence that's along the rear of the property, but we could look at adding trees. We are limited on the left plan left side. There is the county sewer that runs under. So, we can't put large trees. They made a comment about that too, I think. But we can certainly directly behind the building along the property there. Look at adding a tree or two.

So, the the web comment is a condition that we included um as that was an actual request of modification. the landscaping comment. Um, we believe possibly might be like a boilerplate comment that was left in their letter. um [clears throat] we believe this is sufficient per our code, but if you know if you want to double down on that and say make sure you you know you're um meeting your site plan approval for screening and landscaping in the rear you know as proposed like I mean you're already approving it that way anyway but we were just discussing that when you asked that question. Okay. Well, I noticed it earlier in my review. U I would just ask you to

take a take a look at the county planning board's letter if I don't know if one goes to you or not. If it comes to here copy and we could get you a copy. So, I've got take that into consideration, please, if you would. Yes. Um we agreed to reviewing that without listing as a condition. We're agreeing to he will review that without listening as as a condition. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I think any other comments for the applicant? [clears throat] Okay. Thank you again. Is there a motion for action on the major site plan review? This is MASPR 2530. [clears throat]

In consideration of the staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application MASPR-25-30 as presented with four special conditions beyond the general conditions for site plan review. Uh those conditions are one, curbing and landscaping within the front setback shall be installed to prevent vehicles from entering or be beyond the general I'm sorry entering or parking within the public sidewalk area. Two, snow storage shall be maintained on site in the designated area and shall not encroach into the public right away or adjacent properties. Three, the applicant shall submit updated floor plan details to the office of zoning administration for any new tenants according occupying the proposed uh commercial spaces. And four, the applicant shall coordinate with the Anodoga County uh whip flow control division for any infrastructure related disturbances of land within the county easement and include countyowned infrastructure must be on the related plans.

Great. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Discussion on this motion for the site [clears throat] plan review. There's no discussion. All in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I. I.

Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? Masp 2530 is approved. Thank you very much. Our next application. Next up is the 2011 South Krauss apartment project. Uh this is owned by Norm Swanson. 700 Out Parcel LLC is the owner applicant. Uh, it's a resubdion R-25-64 and a major site plan review MASPR-25-31. This is in the MX4 zone district.

Good evening. Brian Buchard with CHA Consulting project engineer working on behalf of the owner who's also the applicant for uh this project. As mentioned um this includes two parcels. It's 2011 South Krauss and 1010 East Washington A. Parcels combined. Um I'm going to give a overview of the whole project and then you can separate it if you need to.

Um both uh parcels combined is about 0.58 acres and both properties are in the MX4 zoning district. 201 South Krauss and maybe you can just pull up the site plan because I'll talk to that a little bit first. Um 2011 South Krauss A is currently a vacant parcel and then 1010 East Washington um is actually the former Ignacius Fisinger House. It was built in 1873. Uh that house fronts to the north which used to be East Washington Street um but is no longer accessible uh as that portion of the city right ofway it's owned by the city um is currently unimproved. So there's still utilities there but there's no roadway. Um so the house has kind of faded off into the trees and landscaping. Um but part of our project is twofold as you have on your agenda. One is the resubdivision to formally combine both of these parcels into one new lot which we believe um is really the first step in preserving that house. Right. It was a little bit before my time, but I understand there's been several proposals generally for these parcels. Some of which may have contemplated taking that house out or demolishing it. Uh, and then actually during my time, there was an apartment project um called the Kota apartment project. Prior to Reszone Syracuse, parking requirements were a lot um more strict, and we did propose to put an accessory parking lot on the front of this parcel and preserve the house. Once Reszone Syracuse um was adopted, we were able to go back and modify the approvals for that apartment project to essentially remove the parking requirements on this parcel in hopes of providing a project like this that we believe is really the the best and highest use, not only for the investment to the new housing, uh which is going to add to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, but also to preserve the history associated with that house. So reubdivision to combine the two lots

and then site plan approval for the new construction. What you see here is the um proposed project which actually fronts on South Krauss Avenue. We know that this portion of South Krauss Avenue is truly going to become the northerly gateway to that East Jennose corridor, the business corridor and then up into the University Hill um once the community grid happens because this will be the off-ramp essentially to 690 as you travel up to the university area and the business district. Um, so this proposed project um would position the five-story multif family apartment building along the south property line. This would really allow for that existing house to still remain visible from that traveled street which is fronting on South Krauss Avenue um while still also preserving its historical context and its facade facing that um East Washington to the north. driveway access for the project would be off of South Krauss Avenue. The improved rightway that's undergoing some improvements um still today as we speak despite the weather. Um the area in the southeast corner behind the new apartment building would be an exterior patio that essentially connects the new construction um to that existing house. Uh the new building itself uh at five stories would contain 88 new multifamily dwelling units and would also provide for the required amount of affordable units um within the MX4 district. Building materials and we have provided all the renderings and architectural elevations uh include a mix of stone accents with siding and metal panels. Um the site actually currently sits if you drove by it sits much higher than the street currently. So, there's a little bit of slope to the driveway, but we are creating um a sidewalk and pedestrian entrance to the front of the building. Uh that would go into a lower level to access a lower level entrance lobby where there would be bike storage and a trash um disposal area in the building. And then there'd also be a second entrance from the parking lot for ADA

accessibility from the site. Uh previously to coming to this board, we spent a little bit of time with the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board. Really two things. the certificate of appropriateness dealing with the renovation and repurposing of the 1010 uh East Washington house and also the major site plan uh review referral for the new construction adjacent to that house. Generally uh repurposing the house would be to renovate it as a continued use. It's going to be an accessory to the project. It'll be a residential amenity area. Uh both the first and second floor uh would be renovated for things like um study offices, lounge area, and also a leasing office space to support the new construction of the apartments for a property manager to work there full-time. Um there are no new building additions to the house, and we went through this with Syracuse Lambert Preservation Board. It would really just be limited to the interior demolition uh to be performed in compliance with the uh National Park Service standards. Exterior is going to remain the same. There's some existing brick and masonry that'll be cleaned on that house. Some of the cornising and 1890s decorations will be repaired and repainted in kind along with the covered porches. Um there are a few non-contributing factors to that house that we discussed with Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board that will be removed. Um there's this 1980s constructed salarium or greenhouse that you notice on the back of the house. It's not historically contributing. It is in disrepair. Um there's also some infilled openings uh and a spiral staircase. Those will be removed and in its place will be a new ADA accessible lift. Um we went through probably a half dozen options with the Landmark Preservation Board on how we were going to accomplish this, some ramps and railings, but because of the grade change, it's a pretty long ramp and switchbacks, and they felt like it was taking away from the aesthetics of the front of the house. So, we chose to put um a new ADA lift enclosure on the

exterior of the house and essentially use the opening that was there from that old car salarium. This puts it behind the house. It puts it really close to the the way that pedestrian communication is going to happen between the new building and this amenity space. Um, and really their only comments to that were to add some of the uh details that you're seeing on this plan by keeping a stone foundation element on that new constructed lift enclosure and putting a window so that it matches the rest of that existing house ultimately culminating in the uh, I believe positive recommendation for the CFA uh, and also some u building material changes that we made to the new construction to get their approval for the um, major site plan review. So essentially preserving the house, building a new apartment project, improving the site, and coordinating all of this with the wonderful New York State uh DOT project that we have going on along South Krauss Avenue. So with that, I'll pause for any questions or comments that you might have.

Are there questions for the applicant? [cough and clears throat] I'm wondering about the uh the 1010 East Washington Street uh property. I saw it previously. I saw one description of it as event space and you're referring to it office space. In any case, it's just it's servicing the main building.

Yeah, I think some of that may have been transposed from like my cover letter, but generally what I wrote is that there will be an office space for the property manager so that prospective tenants can come and have a space to sit down and and go through their leasing documents. So there will be a small office space uh for the property manager. The rest of the first floor and the entirety of the second floor um is really just rehabbing what you see as a residential house for use by the residents.

So there would be couches, seating areas, um the residential units, um you know, if you're having three or four people over, might be a little too small. So this is a place where you can go and have a TV and watch the game if you have a little birthday party or whatever you're doing. It's really just supportive space for the apartments and repurposing it for amenity space. Yeah. Okay. Great. Thanks. Y I like what you did with the elevator the lift that that was a a really productive conversation.

Yep. It's odd. It's modern. It doesn't fit. But trying to make it fit and still comply was the challenge here. And I think um despite some of the iterative efforts that we had with the preservation board that I think we got the best product in the best location. So thanks R. Further questions? Thank you.

So Brian, I have two questions. [clears throat] The first is the treatment of Washington Street from the back of the house to whatever that is. What is that? Not Krauss, but whatever that street is. So, if I go there now, if I go past the property and I'm on FET and I take a left going towards Erie. Yep. Right. I see a street sign on my right says East Washington. And then on my left is the old whatever street or driveway, whatever that was. I'm assuming it was Was it a street? Street. [clears throat]

Yeah, it was used to be a street. Correct. Yeah. So, is there a that I'm just curious how is that going to be closed off? Is that going to be curved to so that it's not accessible in any way? So, um thank you for bringing up the aerial because I think this is the area that we're looking at. Um that in you can see off way on the right hand side of the page, you can see Washington Street, right? It's paved and that used to continue all the way through for several blocks and then it picks up again as you get closer over to Almond Street.

This portion, for whatever reason, has been abandoned. I don't think you can even take a car down it today, but it is still a paper street. There's there's national grid utilities. There's sewer infrastructure. I think there's a water mane, although it's a very small and antiquated water man. I don't know if it's in service yet. Everything still exists there. That's all city's property. So, there isn't anything that the project can do to Okay. So the city owns all correct because it was a city street. Correct. That's exactly correct. Yes. All right. So I guess it doesn't bother you the applicant that Well, I can't really tell because it was all snowy, you know. Can I get down there? No, you can't. Okay. Yeah. I don't think you're saying in the spring I can't. No. Okay.

Yeah. I mean, you may be able to walk, but it's very overgrown, but it's not accessible. It shouldn't be accessible. Okay. So, and everybody's comfortable leaving it the way it is. Yeah. I mean, we originally started with putting a a ramp and railing on the front thinking that it was kind of something that wouldn't be noticeable, but part of history. You could even take a mural and cover it up. It's just preserving what was there in context, right? So, in our case, adding something to the front of the house visually would be different than its historical context. We understand that that road may not be accessible, but changing the presentation of the house would be a detriment, right?

So then we started moving stuff around to the side of the front. Um the house will still look the same forever and if at some point that paper street ever became active again, you'd be able to see it again. But the point is that we didn't want to change the front of the house because that's the way that history created it and whatever may come of the street will welcome. Um, but the project was focused on making sure that some of it was still visible from South Krauss, both for the office space and residents and making sure that it still had a little bit of visibility from what we know is the new um connective corridor between Boulevard and and the Jese Street area.

Okay. Thank you. And my second question centers around the decision for 88 studio apartments. And I'm just curious, no, why just studios?

Yeah. Um, efficient spaces are very successful in this market. Um, Norm Swanson, who's the developer here, has very similar projects. Um, Copper Beach Commons, we have the um U Skyler Commons and and all of these are completely leased. So, this is very um productive for him in terms of the market. So, that's why he's he's choosing that here. Some of this you can even see when we did like it's totally different developer but like the Crown Plaza renovation that went from hotel rooms to efficient apartments too. There's some people that are just looking for this, right? Whether it's a a med student or somebody that may have just gotten out of college. Uh, obviously something that's smaller is a little bit I mean rents are always expensive, but something that's smaller as a studio sometimes could be more affordable as a stepping stone or maybe it's somebody who only has to be here um for for their medical school or something and transitioning. So, it is there is a market for it um whether it's for people that are just graduating or students or young professionals. Um and it's been very successful in his portfolio and that's why he's choosing to do the studios here too. Yeah. additional questions. [clears throat]

Okay, thank you. I think I know what's going to happen next, but I'm going to ask anyways. Are there people who wish to speak in favor of this application? If so, please [clears throat] come to the podium, provide your name, address, and comments. Is there anyone wishing to speak in opposition to the application? Please come forward. We have no speakers for these two items. We will close public comment. Turn our attention to our seeker review. [clears throat] Has everyone had an opportunity to review the EAF part one prepared. Oh. Oh, sorry. Been usurped.

Oh, [laughter] thank you. Yeah, it's a type one action. So,

all right. Um I'm Zeton Wu from Sarakus only office. My address is 300 South Stage Street, Sarraus, New York 13202. Um I'm going to go um walk the commission through the secret review for this project. The full environmental assessment form part two on the page 379 has been prefilled with this the suggestions from the staff. I'm going to go through the part two to see if the board agree with those suggestions. Additionally, staff has drafted part three determination of significance and a secret resolution which could be used if commissioners decide to act on secret tonight. Among the 18 impacts indicated in the part two, staff recommend you check no to impact on land. The project site has large depths to water tables and barracks and no excavation, mining or dredging will be conducted during the construction. The construction will align with the city of Syracuse noise ordinance to mitigate the noise impact. An underground storm water storage system which requires adherence and approval to the New York State DEEC standards will be installed to control on-site storm water runoffs and no to impact on geological features as there are no unique geological features and no designated national nature landmarks on the project site. No to impact on surface water as there is no wetland or other surface water body exists on or adjacent to the prop property. Storm water management system will be installed on the project site to prevent storm water generated by the action flowing into nearby properties. The action will be served by existing water infrastructure instead of withdrawing the water from the surface water. No to impact on groundwater as the action will not result in any new or additional use of groundwater. No to impact on flooding as the action will not result in

development on land subject to flooding. No to impact on air as the action will not include a state regulated air emission source and will not require federal or state ear emission permits. No to impact on plants and animals. There is no threatened or endangered species on the project site and there is no natural national natural landmark on the site. No to impact on agricultural resources as there are no agricultural resources on the site. No to impact on aesthetic uh resources as the action is not located near to any cynic or aesthetic resources. No to impact on open space and recreation as no designated open spaces or recreation resources will be displayed by the uh dis displaced by the action. No to impact on critical environmental areas as the project site does not contain a critical environmental area. Note to impact on transportation per the traffic operation study by GTS consulting the pro the projected traffic increase will not exceed the capacity of the existing road network. The action will not add 500 or more parking spaces, and will not eliminate any public transit access, will not degrade existing pedestrian or bicycle accommodations, and will not require the creation of new traffic patterns that may impact existing movement patterns or people or goods. uh no to impact on energy as the action will not require a new or an upgrade to an existing substation and action will take place in an already urbanized area with existing electricity infrastructure. No to impact on human health as there is no blasting proposed and the project

site does not have a history of contamination or spills and solid waste generated will be managed by following all state, federal and local laws and regulations. Note to consistency with community plans as the action is consistent with the development standards of MX4 zone district. The surrounding properties are occupied by high density residential apartments, parking lots, restaurants, offices, and a fire station. The proposed land use is not in sharp contrast to surrounding land use patterns. No to consistency with community character as the action will modify but will not replace or eliminate the existing structures of historic importance to the community, will not create a demand for additional community services, will not interfere with the use or enjoyment of official public resources and is designed to be consistent with the predominant architectural scales and the character of the surrounding properties. Al also the action will use the vacant lands to create more affordable housings. Therefore, staff determined action is highly unlikely to have signi significant adverse impact on the above 16 aspects. Does the board agree?

Yes. Yes. The staff recommend you check yes to the following impacts. Impact on historic and archaeological resources. This action does not occur on locally protected site. Excuse me. Excuse me. Um, uh, this action does not occur on locally protected site in a unigible property. Uh, does occur on locally protected site and on our eligible property and involve modifying the historic structure. Therefore, we recommend the board answer this question. Yes. Does the board agree?

Yes. The envir eligible property situated at 1010 East Washington Street is part of the project site. The action will modify the historic structure by demolition the attached twostory solarium and renovating the building interior for residents gathering space and leasing office. Syracuse landmark preservation board has reviewed this action and has no concern regarding the pres uh preservation aspect. Part FAF part one action will not occur within or substantially contiguous to an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites. Therefore, I recommend you check no or small impact for the sub question A, B and C. Does the board agree?

Yes. Impact on noise or old order and light. This action will result in uh result in an increase in noise and outdoor light outdoor lighting. Therefore, we recommend the [clears throat] board answer this question. Yes. Does the board agree?

Yes. However, per the full EF, the action will comply with the city of Syracuse noise ordinance to mitigate noise impact, will add new security security lighting mounted on the building, but will comply with the Syracuse zoning ordinance, which prohibits light shining onto a drawing properties and will not result in having light creating sky glow brighter than existing era conditions. Also, the action will not result in generating odors or fumes during operations. Therefore, I recommend you check no or small impact for the sub question A, B, C, D, and E. Does the board agree?

Yes. So in conclusion, the commission as the lead agency in this coordinated review under the state environmental quality review act has thoroughly reviewed all relevant materials, has taken and hard look and an analyzed all aspects of action. For all the reasons that force above, the commission determines that action would not have any significant adverse impact on the environment and therefore an environmental impact statement need not to be prepared. Accordingly, [clears throat] the commission issues a negative declaration to be filed and notice of the negative declaration will be provided pursuant to all applicable laws and regulations. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

With that review complete, [clears throat and cough] uh we move to the reubdivision R264. Is there a motion for action on the resubdivision? [clears throat] Excuse me. [cough] In consideration of staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve application R-25-64 as presented with one condition. That condition being the applicant shall successfully file the resubd clerk's office within 62 days of approval of the resubd. Thank you. There a second. Second

discussion on the reubdivision motion. I I just want to add, Brian, and I know this is not uh particular to you, but just to note that the taxes there are outstanding taxes on the parcels and the map will not be able to be signed or completed until those taxes are are paid, which I'm sure everyone's aware of. Yeah, [laughter] they call us. They will she will hold that map. [laughter] Just so you know, right?

Any other comments or discussion? [snorts] If not, then all in favor of the resubdivision motion, please indicate by saying I. I. I. Those opposed, please say nay.

Any abstensions? [clears throat] R 2564 is approved. We turn our attention to the major site plan review which is MASPR 2531. Is there a motion [clears throat] for action on this? In consideration of staff analysis and discussion during this hearing, I make a motion to approve the application for MESPR-25-11 as presented with 10 special conditions beyond the general conditions for a site plan review. Those 10 special conditions are one, at least six covered bike spaces must be applied supplied. Two, the applicant shall designate at least 12% of the 88 dwelling units as a affordable dwelling units. Three, affordable dwelling units must comply with the city income and rent restrictions regardless of a change in building or property ownership. Four, all affordable dwelling units must be certified by the city's department of neighborhood and business development administrative procedures. Five uh the ability uh the affordability requirement shall be effective for 30 day 30 years from the date of the certificate of occupancy is issued. Um and the following two conditions from the Anodog planning board shall be adhered to. Uh six, the applicant shall coordinate with Interstate 81 project team on this project. And seven, YanDoga County Department of Water Environmental Protection requires capacity insurance due to an anticipated increase in use. Uh eight, the chair lift enclosure shall be located at the rear south side of the house. Option two, on the plans submitted on 1726. Nine, a water table uh or base course shall be added to the lift enclosure and fence shall be added to the enclosure matching the sill height of the windows on the south facade of the house. And three, a manufacturer's uh product information including colors for the base and base course and side

trim shall be submitted for staff review and approval. Those last three conditions were from the uh land L landmark preservation board. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Discussion on the major site plan review motion. If there's no discussion, then all in favor of the motion, please indicate by saying I. I.

I. Those opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? MASPR 2531 is approved. Thank you. Thank you. I know we always say that too, but I talk to them every day. They're [laughter] super helpful and I know your guys time is important, too. But they're they're great with they're awesome. Thank you for the ship. Thanks. Thanks for acknowledging that. We agree with you. Uh you two. Next, we have some additional business before adjournment.

Yes. Uh under other business uh we'll be having a workshop on battery energy storage systems moratorum. Um so just to kind of give some brief history on this um the council recently the common council of the city of Syracuse recently held a public hearing uh last Monday evening. Um this was after this was advertised and uh on their regular agenda um to propose the idea of a moratorum and uh we received you know public comment during that um this is more specific on the actual the moratorum like the language and intent and purpose behind it. So I'm just going to read the summary uh for this just for the record. um and uh highlight a few areas uh some things that I think um are being considered and then we can open it up from there. Uh [clears throat] so the purpose of this is to regulate and control land use and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents and occupants. It is the intent of the common council to impose a six-month moratorum on the issuance of permits and/or approvals for battery energy storage systems, also known as BES, in the city of Syracuse. While BES is a critical component in supporting the viability and promotion of renewable energy sources, it also represents a relatively new technology with potential and not yet fully under understood impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. as well as a lack of comprehensive comprehensive local regulatory standards. Accordingly, the city intends to implement a temporary

citywide pause on development of best facilities. The proposed moratorum will allow the city sufficient time to evaluate the safety and security implications of BEST including but not limited to thermal runway, offging and toxicity, stranded energy, fire prevention measures, and the potential for contamination from byproducts. The moratorum will also enable the city to ensure that emergency responders receive the necessary training and information to effectively prepare for and respond to best related incidents and to develop appropriate local ordinances governing future best applications. The proposed moratorum will be presented to the common council for consideration and final legislative action uh following this evening. Um, [clears throat] so as a reminder and for the record, I'm going to read the reasons uh one couple of the reasons why the common council um kind of has this before us. Um under their review [clears throat] uh they stated a new use type is required to address and govern land use type uh for these types of systems specifically for battery energy storage systems and um that this moratorum would allow us the time to uh draft those additional code uh regulations uh for the specific type of use. Um, in addition, it would also uh allow the city to uh come up with further regulatory action uh to advance and protect public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for residents and visitors in the city of Syracuse. Um, we do have a draft included. Um, and this was uh posted. So,

I thought you were clearing your throat for a second there. I'm like, I didn't know what was happening. Um,

there were a few revisions made uh after further review. They they're minor. One replaces uh common council with the mayor due to the authority uh vested in the mayor and the council in the charter. Uh there were a couple typos where it said town and we added that um the corporation council's office can also pursue enforcement along with the code enforcement team and I think there was one more but I can't remember. Oh uh yeah so I think those are all the changes from when it was first. Um there is a working group that is being led by um our deputy commissioner of planning and sustainability, but it includes city representation from the engineers's office, uh public works, the mayor's office, uh the fire department, um code enforcement, the central permit office. Um, so to cover everything that I just went through, um, you know, we we look at it as an opportunity to try to, [clears throat] um, you know, come up with specific regulations for this. Um, and some of the areas that we're looking into are, you know, decommissioning language and regulations and how do we how do we ensure that that's funded properly? What is the process to do that? Um it's been estimated that decommissioning of these sites is very very costly. Um and although the the state fire code in New York State has provisions that uh that these have to be decommissioned, having the funding and resources available when they reach their shelf life is critical. Um I wish uh on everything that I in code enforcement that we had the funding

available to you know satisfy what's in all those codes but um you know so although it's a code regulation it doesn't mean it's going to happen at the end of the uh shelf life. So we think that's very important. Um part of it will include conversations around um updates to the zoning ordinance for a specific use regulation specific to battery energy storage systems. This is not unique to the city of Syracuse. Um not even unique to our neighbors in Anadaga County. A lot of municipalities are doing this. Um, NAERTA has a model, local law that they're um encouraging local government to adopt and um, you know, maybe make specifics for um, you know, your town, village or city. Um, so that's available. Uh [clears throat] the fire department's looking at standards uh for review and fire protection um and new code provisions from the state fire code which was just formally adopted on January 1 of 2026. So very fresh on you know a new code that we never administered uh or enforced or did plan review under. Um so all all that's very new to them. Um but these meetings are ongoing. There's active uh work taking place and we feel it's important that you know we have a little pause on applications coming in for these uh so we can figure this out. [clears throat]

Is the city actively contemplating adoption of the state model law or some variation of it?

Uh it's definitely something that's on the table. Um, if you take a look at it, it's it's on NAERTA's website. We and we can maybe pull it up, but it covers everything from, you know, screening to uh landscaping to setbacks to fire protection. It uh it kind of it's it's comprehensive of all of that into a local law. Um, so that's definitely one route we could go. There are municipalities in the state of New York that have taken that uh model of the law and adopted it um with some tweaks I think but um it it covers all of that. Um so so definitely but it also could be just updates to a zoning code with um you know maybe revisions in our property conservation code as well as another path. Um but that's kind of what we need to figure out is

Yeah. And the um we chose to have the commission host this public workshop in the hope of getting some just to let the public make comments. But obviously I just want to make it clear um because the procedure for adopting a moratorum is very strict that the planning commission is not involved in any sort of recommendation to council. This was an information sessional session only. Um once we get the work started uh if the moratorium's adopted once we get the work started there most certainly will be amendments to the zoning code but we anticipate that any law regulating best would go into the code of ordinance not

what was

not that that any ordinance regulating best will go into the code of ordinances not into the zoning code. The zoning code would be impacted only in the sense that um for example right now uh we don't have a use type that accommodates this type of facility. So, we need to either amend the code or um have an unlisted use deter zoning administrator unlisted use determination drafted. um when needs be. Those use determinations also include use regulations, dimensional standards, development standards such as we did with um uh residential commercial properties, but we're not there yet.

But just any changes to the ordinances would be council's office and common counsel and we wouldn't be involved in this discussion.

Exactly. you'd only be involved to the extent that um they uh some amendments would come up in the zoning ordinance, Turkey zoning ordinance. And again, we chose this body to host the workshop because um your meeting was coming up. It ultimately those applications for best will come to the commission. But um this is a forum where people are used to coming to speak. Council doesn't really have uh citizens come up and speak at their meetings. So um uh we uh thought this was a good forum even though you're not really involved with operation.

What what's the time frame for the council acting on moratorium? Are they prepared to go ahead at the next meeting or what are we looking at here in terms of Well, there's no guarantee with that. Um, you know, the city will submit legislation um this week and once the you know, the city clerk and council choose to put that on their agenda, but we would anticipate they would put it on the next available council session. So, within the next couple of weeks. And so, you're you're in a position to sloww walk any applications to come in until they actually do pass the the moratorum.

Well, the moratorum doesn't permit accepting review or approval of any applications for best facilities, right? But they have to pass it, right? So, if any come in in the meantime, um staff will have to reject them because we don't have a land use type that governs Okay. um best or any more importantly any use regulations in the code. So um have a moratorum not yet who knows a common council could wait two months to vote.

So in the meantime moratorum if it's not adopted in the meantime you know we'll we'll know what happens with council soon uh presumably we'd be writing an un would come. Well, no, those not come. They would come to you if we put them in the model state law that was referenced is that's that's an optin opportunity. Correct.

Yeah. and NAERTA's created that to help uh local jurisdictions and municipalities to kind of have these procedures and and regulations in place and you know a lot has gone into it but certainly um cities and towns and villages can choose to not adopt it or change it or do something different tailor to I mean they heavy lifting and communities could tailor it to their circumstances correct [snorts] okay thank Thank you. Well, there's a best workshop at the uh symposium in March, which is timely.

Yeah. Um there's also uh an event at Syracuse University coming up um that the city will have um attendees at. It was it was mentioned for anybody that was at or watched the um public hearing for the common council. It was mentioned in that as well by a member of the public actually. um or one of the speakers. Um yeah, hold on a second. I will check this.

So, it's the uh 22nd annual symposium on energy in the 21st century in April. Uh this is at Sunni ESF on April 17th. Um

the date was uh the 17th of April and one of the major topics will be uh battery energy storage systems. um senior VP from NAERTA will be present and and speaking and they're advertising um guest speakers uh to talk about fire safety with batteries as well. No name yet on that. And then uh Commissioner Lent mentioned the Anodog County Planning Symposium which will also have a

last month I forget. I forget the date but that's next month. That is uh I can pull it up. Thursday registration is open. Is it March 19th? Thursday March 19th. So that one's first. April 17th. So, couple good opportunities to get knowledgeable about this. Yep. And um city will have representatives at both from multiple departments.

In the moratorum language, it says that I can We just know 80 is the right. [laughter] Not necessarily. We're we're trying to I I think that's what residential uses uh and what you may have if you were doing battery power for your entire house. you know, thinking above and beyond like maybe what you might have for a couple Teslas if you had if you were totally battery supported. But, uh, that's something that we're gonna that that's kind of the intent on that number and it may that may change. So, somebody research [clears throat]

Oh, absolutely. What will eight 8 kil 80 80 kilow do? Yeah, I don't know. Well, I have no idea. I don't either. And I researched it.

Um, again, this was web pages, but uh in the form of private manufacturers who sell these home battery systems. And we found uh evidence that to power your whole house and charge a car to they recommend two 17.5 sized units. But I saw elsewhere on the Tesla website and some Tesla literature um much higher wattage though not coming up to 80. So that number is just in there because that's what the wit used um our sister community and um we're we're anticipating that the working group will kind of dig into this um and get more information. There's a lot of talent on that group.

Yeah. My only comment would be, you know, there probably is an industry standard or acceptance of Yep. That's good. And that won't cause any any harm if it blows up. So, yeah, you know, in your garage or your basement or wherever you tie it in your power sources. Um, so burn your house down, but I I would assume that we're going to follow touch your neighbor's house. Yeah. Well, I mean,

there's a quite a big difference between 37 or uh 35 and uh 80 and really um I wonder if the big concern is that you're tying a bunch of 80 kilowatt units together for a a facility whereas just having I'm not sure why uh do I spoke with the attorney for the city of the town of Dwit and they modeled their ordinance or their moratorum which we've modeled ours after um off literature they got from the state. So I assume that the 80 kilowatt figure is floating around through official channels.

I can't verify that. Somebody will [laughter] somebody they adopted it. So the working group will the working group will but it's going through with 80 though. I mean if if you're you're submitting it to the council tomorrow it's going through with 80 and they can't make floor amendments. So subject to change I guess by working right.

So this all comes from the fire code. Um [clears throat] so the fire code kind of breaks these into two different tiers and the 80 kilowatt hour or less is generally a tier one residential small scale where larger than that uh is the tier two which is more the fire code is kind of blessing the That yeah comfortable with that

because I think fire [clears throat] is if not number one very close to the number one lead on this and they need to be the directors of we're good this is safe for all of us and obviously you know members of fire department are on the kilowatts that we don't know about. And it's also the materials that if they combust or they're in a fire, what happens when you try to put it out? All those things they're going to tell us.

I actually thought there'd be a lot of people here. Well, I did. Well, there were, just not for this.

Yeah, but not for this. Yes, absolutely. Th this is a public it's not a public hearing. We advertised it as a public hearing just to get the notice out, but it's absolutely an opportunity for you to allow the public to speak. Again, I just want to emphasize that this is not a zoning issue, but um you can host this workshop um as long as you're not making any kind of recommendation or or commenting on what the public has to say. Anything said will be shared with the council in the minutes and it'll be shared with Yeah.

Good. Any additional comments before we the minutes will refer to the draft proposal? Yes. If so many people have Well, it's already there. It's in the Yeah, it's in the packet.

It's online. So, if any member of the public would like to comment on the workshop topic, um the floor is yours. You you guys might want to switch out the copy that's in the uh the full packet with the new version. There's some differences. I'm sorry.

I was just commenting on switching out the the copy that's in the packet is different than the one we got today. Yes, that had a few changes in it that um I floated a draft uh internally uh on January 23rd.

Um and we got some comments back today which were really more technical things that I outlined at the beginning. Um I a typo, three typos where it referenced the town and not the city. um one where it referenced a a certain act by the common council but um under our scheme it should be the mayor because the common council is not authorized to direct staff to do things but the mayor is um there were two added references to enforcement uh adding the corporation council's office as a as a possibility for enforcement and and one other item that I for the sixth time cannot remember but something minor along those important.

Yeah. So they were but kind of technical. If anyone would like to offer comments on the proposed moratorum here's an opportunity to do so. Um but seeing no speakers, is there any additional business to come before the commission this evening before we consider a motion to adjurnn? Nope. That's it. Okay. Thank you. In that case, is there a motion for adjournment? Move. A second.

Second. Discussion. All in favor, please indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed say nay. Any abstensions? We stand adjourned. Our next meeting will be the 23rd. Okay. 23rd. Yep. Okay. Thank you all.

Thank you. No secret. You would think