The City of Rome Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 3 approved a use variance allowing Woodhaven Ventures LLC to construct 23 multifamily buildings with 230 dwelling units on a Park Drive parcel in the Woodhaven development zone.

The board read the application (item 25-026) and heard from Amber Mathias of Benacio Development, which represents Woodhaven Ventures. Mathias told the board the site was approved in 2021 as a 250-lot single-family subdivision and that rising construction costs and higher interest rates have made single-family development financially unviable. "We've had no bites on [the houses] at all," she said, and described seven built homes sold at a loss and four partially constructed foundations that had to be completed and were listed below cost.

Mathias said the proposal would place clustered 10-unit buildings on the site to transition from planned commercial and multifamily uses along Floyd Avenue into townhomes and single-family lots, with each unit served by a garage and a mix of one- and two-bedroom floor plans.

County planning staff provided a letter dated Nov. 24, 2025 (Oneida County Department of Planning, signed by James J. Genovese) that offered no recommendation on final action. The board conducted SEQR review and adopted a negative declaration for a noncoordinated review before voting on the variance.

Board members unanimously supported the variance. Raymond Tucker said the application demonstrates the owner cannot realize a reasonable return and that the property's history and surrounding multifamily uses mean the requested change would not alter the neighborhood's essential character. The vote carried on a voice roll call with all members present in favor.

The board asked the applicant to continue refining site aesthetics and design elements with the town's planning staff. Mathias said they are coordinating details with their architect and with adjacent Floyd Avenue development plans.

The board's approval allows the applicant to proceed to required building permits and additional approvals as needed. Staff advised the applicant to coordinate with the codes office before beginning construction.