Development News for Cortland, New York

Site Plan Approved for 7779 Main Street After Addressing Apartment Discrepancy

The commission reviewed a site plan for 7779 Main Street, addressing a discrepancy where the building had 10 apartments instead of the permitted eight. The owner, who purchased the property in 2018 and renovated it, was unaware of the zoning issue until applying for a zoning permit to facilitate a sale. The discrepancy arose from two apartments added to the rear of the building, which were previously storefronts. The certificate of occupancy was issued in error, and the city is now working to correct the situation through a use variance and site plan review. The applicant highlighted the need for accessible housing and mentioned that these apartments were intended to be handicap accessible. The commission ultimately approved the site plan review with stipulations regarding entrance/egress, clarity on parking, and maintenance of accessibility features.

Site Plan Approved for CT Solar 8 Solar Farm Expansion

The commission considered a site plan review for CT Solar 8, seeking approval for solar arrays on a parcel west of the Casey property, extending across Route 81. The applicant, DSD Renewables, is a tenant operating the solar farm. The project involves extending an access road and placing power poles to connect to the grid. Clarification was sought regarding the property's location relative to Route 81 and neighboring parcels. The commission discussed the potential expansion of solar panels on the Cortlandville property, which could double its size. Concerns about endangered species (brook flo) were briefly mentioned but dismissed as not directly relevant to the current approval. The site plan review was approved with a note that any future energy storage system installations would require further board approval.

Goodwill Store Renovation Approved for 160 Clinton Avenue

The commission reviewed a site plan for 160 Clinton Avenue for the renovation of a commercial space to become a Goodwill store. The property is in a GB1 district, which has no maximum square footage. Exterior work includes a light sign at the front. The primary addition is a floating dock structure at the rear of the building, adjacent to Ali's and facing the Dollar General. The space was previously empty. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on egress and whether the facility is locally owned, with clarification that Soul City, the developer, is based in Syracuse. The site plan was approved.