Plan Commission OKs Sidewalk Requirement Extension
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Jordan Fouts-
But the extension came with the suggestion that the subdivision company keep weeds and grass in vacant lots managed, commissioners said after hearing complaints from two residences.
As part of the covenant for the subdivision originally approved in 2005, the commission said it must install sidewalks as residences are built and have all sidewalks installed after five years.
The subdivision requested an extension on the requirement because “the lots were not developed and sold quite as fast as anticipated,” according to Stephen Snyder, a Syracuse attorney.
Installing all sidewalks would be a considerable expense, he said, and sidewalks in front of undeveloped lots would have to be replaced after construction because equipment would likely ruin them.
Only about seven of the 55 lots in the subdivision are currently developed.
Speaking as remonstrators, Roger and Ellamay Haessig said they were the first to buy a home in Kerns Crossing and that they don’t feel the contract they signed has been honored. Ellamay said she wants to see sidewalks finished because she uses a walker to get around, and Roger said sidewalks would make the area more attractive to potential buyers.
They also said their property values are hurt by undeveloped lots only being mowed twice a year.
Commissioners expressed understanding over sidewalk construction costs and the weakening of the housing market since 2005, but agreed that the lawns should be better taken care of.
Commissioner Charles Haffner voted against the 10-year extension. He had said earlier in the meeting that he would like to see all sidewalks installed once the subdivision has roughly half of its lots developed.
Also during the meeting, commissioners approved a road and alley vacation in Oswego contiguous to Rate of Change LLC on Third Street. A small, unused portion of Church Street and the alley run through the property; vacating both allows the company to occupy a single parcel of land.
Snyder said the company plans to sell off northern portions of the land and keep portions to the south.[[In-content Ad]]
But the extension came with the suggestion that the subdivision company keep weeds and grass in vacant lots managed, commissioners said after hearing complaints from two residences.
As part of the covenant for the subdivision originally approved in 2005, the commission said it must install sidewalks as residences are built and have all sidewalks installed after five years.
The subdivision requested an extension on the requirement because “the lots were not developed and sold quite as fast as anticipated,” according to Stephen Snyder, a Syracuse attorney.
Installing all sidewalks would be a considerable expense, he said, and sidewalks in front of undeveloped lots would have to be replaced after construction because equipment would likely ruin them.
Only about seven of the 55 lots in the subdivision are currently developed.
Speaking as remonstrators, Roger and Ellamay Haessig said they were the first to buy a home in Kerns Crossing and that they don’t feel the contract they signed has been honored. Ellamay said she wants to see sidewalks finished because she uses a walker to get around, and Roger said sidewalks would make the area more attractive to potential buyers.
They also said their property values are hurt by undeveloped lots only being mowed twice a year.
Commissioners expressed understanding over sidewalk construction costs and the weakening of the housing market since 2005, but agreed that the lawns should be better taken care of.
Commissioner Charles Haffner voted against the 10-year extension. He had said earlier in the meeting that he would like to see all sidewalks installed once the subdivision has roughly half of its lots developed.
Also during the meeting, commissioners approved a road and alley vacation in Oswego contiguous to Rate of Change LLC on Third Street. A small, unused portion of Church Street and the alley run through the property; vacating both allows the company to occupy a single parcel of land.
Snyder said the company plans to sell off northern portions of the land and keep portions to the south.[[In-content Ad]]
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