Kathy Dwyer

The Onondaga County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (2025-2029) outlines a strategic vision for mitigating natural hazards across the county. It sets forth six core goals: protecting life, property, and the environment; increasing understanding and awareness of natural hazard risk; promoting county-wide resiliency; protecting natural resources; fostering partnerships; and enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The plan addresses a comprehensive array of natural hazards, including various types of floods, severe weather, winter weather, droughts, heat waves, invasive species, and geological hazards, to achieve successful mitigation efforts.

This document outlines a five-year community development plan for the Town of Onondaga, covering the period from 2022 to 2026. The plan details key initiatives including the renovation and rehabilitation of the Howlett Hill Park restroom facility to achieve ADA compliance, the construction of a new community park in the Southwood Community area, and phased upgrades and installation of water mains on Orchard Avenue, McFern Road, and Wendell Avenue in the Nedrow area. These projects aim to improve public facilities, enhance recreational opportunities, and provide reliable infrastructure, particularly benefiting low-income, elderly, and handicapped residents.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the Taunton Fire Department subdivision, discussing the expansion of a gas regulator station and associated fencing concerns. The board also amended a condition of the previous subdivision approval for Aldi, Inc., allowing for the verification of gas line easements prior to the start of construction rather than before map submission. Additionally, the board granted preliminary plan approval for Brittany Hills Section 15, consisting of 10 lots. An executive session was held to obtain legal advice, and the board formally requested that Town offices protect the personal contact information of board members.

The Board discussed an application from Niagara Mohawk Power Corp regarding a special permit and area variance for gas regulator station improvements, covering topics such as land acquisition, piping installation, setback requirements, and vehicle impact protection. The Board also reviewed an area variance request from Dwell Equity Group LLC, analyzing case law and the balance of dimensional deficiencies versus excesses, and decided to enter an executive session for further legal counsel. Finally, the Board reviewed and voted on a resolution regarding an area variance for Jeffrey Loan.

The meeting addressed two main applications. The first was an Area Variance application by Dwell Equity Group, LLC, concerning lot width and frontage requirements for creating two flag lots on a property located at 4774 Cleveland Road, which are not permitted by zoning law. Discussions involved concerns over drainage, infrastructure, and the potential negative precedent of granting the variance, including a review of prior discussions with the Town Board regarding potential road access and density reductions. This matter was adjourned to the next meeting. The second item was a discussion, not a public hearing, regarding an Area Variance application by Jeffrey Loan for a property purchased from a delinquent taxpayer. Discussions focused on repurposing the existing structure for storage, the status of the septic system, and confirmation that a new septic design was approved by the County Health Department. This item was scheduled for a public hearing at the subsequent meeting.