Oswego commission approves concept plan to convert industrial site into Harrison Street Square

The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday approved a concept plan to convert an industrial site at 174 South Harrison Street into a mixed commercial project called Harrison Street Square, including multi-tenant retail, a pavilion, food trucks and an open recreational turf area.

The concept plan, presented by the applicant and reviewed by village staff, would subdivide the existing building into multiple commercial spaces, add small “shop” units intended for startup vendors, provide a public-facing pavilion and a 2,700-square-foot (approx.) open turf/gathering area, and retain space for food trucks. The commission moved to approve the concept plan for Harrison Street Square, project 1264.25, by roll call vote.

Commissioners and the applicant discussed the size and intended uses of the small retail “shops,” pedestrian circulation and streetscape improvements along Harrison Street, parking, and utilities. The applicant said the shop modules are roughly 12 by 14 feet and described a mix of rotating short-term vendors and several longer-term “anchor” tenants intended to provide continuity for the site. The applicant said existing food trucks that have operated on the site would be included in the plan and that one vendor hopes to move into an interior space over time.

Village staff said streetscape improvements shown on the concept — including on-street parking along Harrison — are part of a broader village plan and that timing and cost responsibilities will be worked out between the village and the property owner during engineering review. Staff also said water and sewer connections are “relatively close by” and that a lift station is across the street, which should facilitate connection if the project proceeds.

On-site features discussed included an astroturf gathering area intended for lounging and family use rather than organized sporting events; a large, permanent open-air pavilion proposed for shade, power and lighting; and a mix of concrete and landscape pavers for walkways and patios. The applicant said the pavilion would be a fixed structure and the turf/open area would be used seasonally in winter months.

Commissioners also asked about septic and well service for portions of the site currently served by private systems. Staff said the applicant is working with the county and a septic company to assess the existing tank and that the timing for connection or replacement could change depending on the report and county review. Staff characterized the proposed timeline for some utilities and annexation work as flexible and subject to engineering review and external approvals.

The commission approved the concept plan by roll call. The vote was recorded as a group “yes” from the commissioners present; the motion was moved and seconded on the floor before the roll-call vote was taken.

The applicant said construction and marketing will be phased, with some spaces developed or activated earlier and additional expansion held for later phases as demand and tenant interest develop. The applicant also said one building tenant, identified in the record as Barkville/Barkville Buddies, will occupy a portion of the building and operate separately under its own approvals.

The commission’s approval was a concept-level approval that will be followed by engineering and final site-plan review.