Mike LaFlair – 2nd Ward Councilor

The Opportunity Center is located at the historic Carnegie Building at 335 Montgomery St. in Syracuse on the main floor of the building, and will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center will be staffed by two members of the I-81 Opportunities project team, and all of the information shared with the public at the initial scoping meeting will be available – including the informational boards displayed at the meeting and the scoping information packet. Visitors will have access to comment forms, and a computer will be provided so visitors can submit comments online. The center also will be used for meetings about the project. For information, or to submit comments on the project, please visit the project website at www.i81opportunities.org or call the project hotline at 1-855-I81-TALK (855-481-8255).

The only two items on the Agenda under New Business are both within the 2nd Ward:

1. Annette Williams  4176 Milton Ave, Camllus NY.  Applicant is seeking a Special use Permit to operate a Small Engine Repair Shop from the attached garage.
2. Gemini Estates Associated LP, 458 Horan Road, Camillus NY.  Applicant is seeking an Area Variance for existing 8′ x 4′ free standing sign set back 4′ from the front property line.

Specifics on the application are available for public review at the Town of Camillus Codes Office.

Due to a lack of hearings in 2013 and to avoid unnecessary spending, the Camillus Board of Zoning Appeals has been reduced to 1 meeting a month.  This will normally be held the first Tuesday of the month, 7:00 at the Town Hall.  We will monitor the situation and as the warmer months approach we can always add additional meetings if needed to meet the public’s concerns.

Site work is moving along on the Costco phase and soon they will be working on the Phase II, which involves the theaters, restaurants, and other retail establishments. They expect to turn over building pads in May and construction will subsequently begin. They are expecting to receive their grading permit for Township Boulevard shortly and National Grid is in the process of awarding the work for the gas line and distribution line relocations. The abatement process with the houses is complete and they are now being removed. At the last Planning Board meeting final approval was given for the apartments being built by Morgan Builders of Rochester. There will be eight 2-story buildings for a total of 96 units consisting of 1 bdrm. (900 sq. ft.) and 2 bdrm.  (1100 sq. ft.) apartments.  The renderings presented were very attractive and there will be about 39 garages made available.  A recreation building is planned as well as an outdoor pool.  These apartments, will back up to the houses on Bennett Rd., and will be buffered from the rear of their property lines by 30 feet filled in with trees and shrubs.  They are considered to be upscale and a Spring 2015 opening is expected.  At the same meeting Longhorn Steakhouse had submitted a complete site plan and once their pad is turned over they will be inline to begin construction.

County Legislator Chris Ryan, who represents the Town of Geddes and part of the city of Syracuse received a $10K grant and has asked the Town of Camillus to participate in a study to look into shared services with the Town of Geddes and the Village of Solvay regarding police services.  This resolution only gives the Town the opportunity to participate in this study to determine what efficiencies may or may not be gained.  The Town already shares services involving Police, Highway, and Parks, so this is not a new concept to the Town.  It should be noted that given the continual economic climate we are in, combined with downward pressure from many levels, it is wise to look explore all options.

The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 4 to review the 2013 numbers.

The AARP is once again offering tax filing assistance for seniors at the Camillus Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from February 4 to April 15; call Senior Coordinator Trisha Bacon to make an appointment at 672-5820.

The Friends of Camillus Park have started a membership drive to raise money to fund some exciting projects. This year they plan to build a pathway for bikers and walkers to enter Camillus Park from Winding Way. The location is just to the north of the ravine. Engineers are drawing up plans and the Friends volunteers will be building it this year. They are raising money for the materials. Once users can get in from this new entrance the next project will be to improve and make trails already laid out by ESF students under the direction of their certified arborists.

Please, if you would like to be a member of this great organization as a working volunteer to help or just be one who supports the cause of improving Camillus Park, please send your check for $10.00 made out to ”Friends of Camillus Park”. Your membership for your entire family will get you a membership card, recognition on their upcoming website and emails noting upcoming events for you and your family to participate. This very active group has made their goal of caring for the forest and making the park a center for “active older adults” to exercise through the use of an improved trail system with exercise stations. The group works in conjunction with the Town’s Director of Parks and Recreation, Eric Bacon.

Rest assured that the Town is moving toward completing its goal of building a splash pad for people of all ages and a community building for residents’ use.

If you wish to become a member of the “Friends” send your check for $10.00 made out to “Friends of Camillus Park” and mail it to the attention of Dick Ballard (treasurer) at 101 East Way, Camillus, 13031. Contributions are tax deductible.

Development infill continues to evolve at the Walmart Plaza on West Genesee Street.  Approvals have been given for a Wendy’s fast food establishment to be constructed behind the Denny’s Restaurant.

The Camillus Police Department were recipients of two grants of the past few months.  The first was for $850 for Child Safety Seats.  The other award was for $4,362 for the purchase of equipment for the Video Recording of Statements.  Congratulations to Chief Winn, Sgt. Rotunno and the entire staff who assisted on the grant applications.