Constantia reviews near-final zoning map and hears county plan tied to proposed SOCRIS sewer corridor

At a joint meeting on March 24, 2026, the Town of Constantia Zoning Commission reviewed a near-final draft zoning map and heard a presentation from Oswego County planners about a draft countywide land-use strategy that highlights development opportunities along the proposed Southern Oswego County Regional Interceptor Sewer (SOCRIS) corridor.

The meeting, opened by Chair James Peck at 6:01 p.m. at Constantia Town Hall, brought together town officials, county planners and consultants, and local stakeholders to compare the town’s draft zoning with the county’s planning framework. The commission unanimously approved the February meeting minutes before turning to the zoning map and county presentation.

Why it matters: county sewer infrastructure such as the proposed SOCRIS could enable higher-density development in places now zoned for rural or low-density residential use; the town and county discussed how to direct growth into village and hamlet centers while protecting rural character and respecting local decision-making.

The town’s draft zoning map identifies "yellow" areas as residential zones determined by the Town Comprehensive Plan, a population heat map, existing development patterns and resident growth requests. "Blue" areas were described as waterfront, industrial, commercial and mixed-use districts centered around Pantal Lake and Heidel Lake; "white" areas were described as rural. The map also includes updated wetland boundaries reflecting new state definitions and recreational features.

Sam Gordon, a planning consultant with Environmental Design & Research (EDR) working for Oswego County, presented the county’s draft land-use strategy. Gordon outlined county character areas — including open-space, agricultural/working lands, rural residential, waterfront communities and higher-density village/hamlet centers — and showed a stippled growth district along the proposed SOCRIS corridor where new sewer infrastructure could support denser development. Gordon told the commission the draft county plan is expected in late Q2 2026 and that public meetings will follow; he agreed to revise the county map to reflect town feedback and to share the update with Town Supervisor Ron Chapman.

During discussion, town and county participants agreed to add Constantia’s Bernhards Bay hamlet to the county map. Commissioners and attendees emphasized balancing potential growth enabled by sewer expansion with preservation of rural character and the town’s home-rule authority. Several speakers expressed conditional support for county technical and financial assistance so long as local decision-making is respected.

Infrastructure concerns were also raised: participants noted Route 49 congestion near growth nodes, the potential need to co-locate utilities such as gas and fiber during any SOCRIS construction, and limitations in local electric capacity that could constrain development. Planning staff urged that the comprehensive plan be treated as a living document, recommending updates every five to seven years.

Formal actions taken at the meeting were limited and procedural. Martin Godzwon moved to approve the February minutes; John Mura seconded the motion and the commission approved the minutes unanimously. Chair Peck later moved to adjourn the meeting; the motion was seconded by Joseph Markham and Terri John, and the commission adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

Next steps: Sam Gordon will revise the county map to incorporate the town’s feedback and will share the updated map with the Town Supervisor for review; Oswego County plans to post the final draft county plan and hold public meetings after the draft is completed in late Q2 2026.