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Rome ZBA approves Woodhaven plan for 230-unit multifamily development
Summary
The City of Rome Zoning Board of Appeals granted a use variance to Woodhaven Ventures LLC to build 23 multifamily buildings (230 units) at Park Drive after the applicant said rising costs made single-family development infeasible and county planning filed no recommendation.
The City of Rome Zoning Board of Appeals voted Dec. 3 to grant a use variance that allows Woodhaven Ventures LLC to replace a previously approved single-family subdivision with 23 multifamily buildings totaling 230 dwelling units on Park Drive.
Amber Mathias, who said she represents Benaccio Development and the property owner, told the board the project site was approved in 2021 as a 250-lot single-family subdivision and that the developer completed a 37-lot phase with seven homes sold at a loss. She said rising construction costs, higher interest rates and weak single-family demand have prevented a reasonable return and prompted a rethink of the site’s mix toward multifamily units that would transition to nearby Floyd Avenue multifamily and commercial uses.
The board’s chair read the zoning standards the panel must apply for a use variance. Mathias described the buildings as 10-unit structures with four units on the first floor and six on the upper floor; units were designed as larger one- and two-bedroom layouts than the studio-heavy inventory at the applicant’s other property. No members of the public spoke on the item. Oneida County Department of Planning provided correspondence dated Nov. 24, 2025, indicating no recommendation on the application.
Board members spoke in favor, citing the site’s history of starts and stallings and the presence of other multifamily development nearby. A motion for a negative declaration for SEQR/noncoordinated review was moved, seconded and carried as a procedural step. The board then voted to approve the use variance, with the chair advising the applicant to coordinate with Mark Domenico in the codes office for building permits and next steps.
The board did not attach conditions in the transcripted discussion; staff and the applicant indicated design refinements with the project architect would continue. The decision allows the owner to pursue building permits to implement the multifamily plan approved by the ZBA. The board adjourned after completing this and other agenda items.
