The Oneonta Town Board declined to approve a zoning amendment for the Emmons Farms Farmhouse parcel following a public hearing at its Wednesday, Oct. 8 meeting.
The vote was 2-2, meaning the motion failed to pass.
For the past several weeks, residents have stated numerous concerns about the proposed zoning changes at 5649 state Highway 7.
It would have converted the parcel to a B-2 zone, which allows for both inside and outside sales, creating the potential for a new business like a gas station.
Interim Town Supervisor Brett Holleran said at the last board meeting Sept. 10 that because of changeover in the code enforcement office, notices were not put out ahead of the public hearing, so the hearing was extended to Wednesday’s meeting.
One of the project applicants Chris Maby, from Delta Engineers, said the state Department of Transportation will only allow access to the parcel through the existing intersection. He added that the application was just for the zoning change.
While Maby said he heard several rumors about what might go into the space, nothing was officially being proposed.
“There is nothing on the table for any type of business,” Maby said. “It’s all speculation of what could go there. A convenience store was mentioned multiple times. I heard bike shop. I don’t know. It’s purely speculation. There is no contract. We are not involved in any of those discussions.”
Jacquelyn Christensen, who lives next to Farmhouse restaurant and spoke at a previous meeting, said there was no justifiable cause for the rezoning of the parcel. She said it could create traffic congestion, harm the environment and create a possibility of repeated changing of hands.
She added that the variance on the property to allow it to be a restaurant has been terminated and it is back to a residential zone.
“It has plenty of potential as a residentially zoned property, and should remain as such,” Christensen said. “We need more housing … and there’s lots of abandoned industrial space that could be used.”
Jeffrey Feinberg, who does the leasing for Price Chopper, said for many years there have been attempts to put a convenience store with gas there.
“If it’s going to be across the street, in the residential area, it would behoove Price Chopper to rethink their position,” Feinberg said.
He asked the board to defer a decision for him to go to Price Chopper for further discussion, especially because “we are going to be across the street, and we are zoned to have it at our property and the traffic light is there.”
Feinberg said the goal is to “drive business into the Price Chopper plaza” and establish the business where it is already zoned.
He asked if the board could put a pause on the application to give him a chance to explore that option. At the time of the meeting, Feinberg did not have an application to put forward.
At the previous board meeting, Will Rivera, who is running for town supervisor in the upcoming election, submitted a petition with numerous signatures from residents concerned about what could be out into the space.
Holleran said people tend to attend board meetings when they are against something, not for something.
Ahead of the vote, board member Kim Fierke said she had concerns with the B-2 district, including its lack of alignment with the town’s comprehensive plan. She said it prioritizes “the development of townhouses and condominiums.” The site could provide an opportunity to address community housing needs, especially in light of a rise in short term rentals and a shortage of affordable housing.
She added that while some B-2 uses, like a restaurant, may fit the location, many others do not. She said there were possible environmental impacts of a service station in the space, like the nearby stream that flows into the Susquehanna River. Fierke also cited community input and said the people largely appear to be against the proposed zone change.
A motion to approve the rezoning failed, with Fierke and board member Patricia Riddell Kent voting no and Holleran and board member Joe Camarata voting yes.
“The people deserve a voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods,” Fierke said. “For these reasons, I am voting against the proposed zone change. I am deeply concerned about the deterioration of the farmhouse property which has stood vacant, however, I am committed to working with local business owners, including Martin Patton and Chris Maby, to explore thoughtful, comprehensive development for the east end.”