The Syracuse Planning Commission recommended that the Common Council approve a special-use permit for an automobile repair (light duty) operation at 2564 Erie Boulevard East, owned by ETK Realty and proposed to be operated by Big E Tire and Automotive Service Centers.

Ray Bartolai, representing Big E Tire and ETK Jr. Realty, said the business would occupy the former AMCO Transmissions building and requested the permit to allow light automotive repair rather than the former heavy automotive use.

Commissioners reviewed the environmental assessment forms and concluded the proposal would not have moderate-to-large environmental impacts, thereby authorizing staff to prepare a Part 3 EAF and issue a negative declaration under SEQR.

The commission moved to recommend approval of SP-2427 as presented with seven special conditions. The conditions, read into the record by the motion, require (summarized):
1) control of sheet flow from the new pitched roof to practical extent; 2) restoration of asphalt parking area between the facade and right-of-way to topsoil and grass; 3) fixed vertical objects where parking meets the right-of-way; 4) no outside storage of vehicles, boxes or parts; 5) no removal of engines or transmissions or heavy body work; 6) no dismantling regulated under New York State regulations; and 7) an ADA-compliant lead walk from the public right-of-way to the building.

The commission made the recommendation by voice vote and recorded no abstentions. The recommendation, along with the negative SEQR determination, will be transmitted to the Common Council for final action.

Bartolai told the board the operation was a lighter automotive-repair model compared with the site's previous heavy-duty uses and that the application included parking and design measures to meet zoning requirements.