Planning Commission approves resubdivisions and multiple redevelopment plans; several items recommended to council and one application deferred

The Syracuse Planning Commission approved several land-use actions during the meeting and issued one recommendation to the Common Council.

Resubdivisions: The commission approved Resubdivision R-2557 (Wolf Street parcels; owner SVN Realty LLC) and R-2558 (214 Bradford Parkway; applicant Sharon Glavin) after staff determined no moderate-to-large environmental impacts under SEQRA/SECRA and the commission adopted negative declarations. Both approvals carry a special condition requiring the applicant to file the completed resubdivision map with the Onondaga County Clerk within 62 days.

St. Joseph Hospital (Z-2915): The commission approved a project-plan review for an addition and interior reconfiguration at 101 Union Ave (Building 8) to relocate an existing inpatient behavioral-health unit. Presenters noted the project is located entirely within the hospital campus, requires no new parking (use of the hospital parking garage is planned), and will comply with department reviews. The motion included four special conditions, among them completing required city approvals before construction and coordinating with Onondaga County on sanitary flow capacity.

Historic S.A.&K. building (MASPR-2528): Hanover Real Estate Development’s conceptual plan to convert the vacant S.A.&K. building into ground-floor commercial space and upper-floor residential units (including a mix of market-rate and affordable units) was approved. The project is expected to pursue historic-tax-credit approvals with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. Staff and public discussion addressed a previously abandoned portion of East Genesee Street that is encroached by an atrium; staff said assessment is working to regularize the parcel and a resubdivision may follow acquisition.

652 West Onondaga (SP-25-29 / MASPR-25-29): The commission recommended approval of a special-use permit and approved the major site plan review for conversion of the historic 652 West Onondaga mansion into a small private club/performance venue and two residential apartments, subject to conditions. Conditions recommended to the Common Council include limits on amplified outdoor speakers, adherence to approved operating hours, coordination with county environmental authorities on sanitary flows, and installation of bike racks (one staple rack per six parking spaces).

Deferred item: 4400 South Salina (SP-25-30): The proposal to convert the former Purcell’s Paint building into a funeral home that would serve Muslim burial needs drew both support and opposition. Staff and neighbors raised traffic-safety concerns about offset intersections and curb cuts. The commission closed public comment but did not act this evening; members said code issues need resolution before formal action can be taken.

Time extension: The commission granted a first-time extension for MASPR-2427 (East Adams Phase II), extending approvals to match a construction schedule through June 25, 2028, subject to existing conditions remaining in force.

Votes at a glance (motions recorded at the meeting): R-2557 (approved, condition: file resub map within 62 days); R-2558 (approved, same condition); Negative SEQRA declarations for R-2557, R-2558, Z-2915, MASPR-2528, SP-25-29/MASPR-25-29; Z-2915 (approved with four conditions); MASPR-2528 (approved); SP-25-29 recommended to Common Council (with four special conditions); MASPR-25-29 approved (with four special conditions); MASPR-2427 time extension approved.

The commission adjourned and set its next meeting for 6 p.m. on Dec. 15.