Commission recommends denial of rezoning request for indoor storage near Antelope/West Davis Corridor

The Syracuse Planning Commission on Dec. 16 voted to recommend denial to City Council for a rezoning application by Blake Parkinson that would have changed about 1.034 acres at 2679 West 1700 South from R‑1 to an SU zone intended for architecturally commercial‑appearing indoor storage.

Staff explained the SU zone requires a concept plan, limits proximity to existing storage facilities (a one‑mile spacing requirement in the ordinance), and expects a building massing similar to two‑story commercial structures. Staff noted ambiguity about how to measure the one‑mile spacing (straight‑line distance versus driving distance) and said the applicant submitted concept materials showing a building roughly 25 feet tall.

Neighbor Kelly Nelson testified that Parkinson does not yet own the property and that the intended use is personal storage and indoor recreation for family use, though Nelson acknowledged the building could be used commercially. Commissioners debated the city’s general‑plan intent to reserve the high‑visibility Antelope frontage for commercial uses that generate sales and property tax revenue and employment. Multiple commissioners said the property’s visibility from the freeway means a storage use could undermine the city’s goals for that corridor and expressed concern that allowing SU would set a precedent for more storage near this entrance to town.

Commissioner Anderson moved that the commission recommend denial of the rezoning application; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The denial is a recommendation to City Council; final action on the rezoning will rest with the council.