Zoning could make use of large, empty buildings

NORTH EAST - A request was made of the Town Board to consider amending a zoning law that would allow warehousing in large-sized buildings throughout town. That request was brought before the board by attorney Robert Trotta, who was representing businessmen Tom Taylor and Jim Campbell.

"We all live in this town and we all travel around it, seeing less farms and dairy buildings," Trotta said to the board. "If we take a look at the whole problem, right now we're very limited in the area in which warehousing is allowed."

The attorney said that Taylor has been before the Planning Board, where he was asked to provide uses for his properties (some of which are large-scale buildings used for storage). Campbell has been able to store used "white goods" at Taylor's facility.

What's made it difficult is that warehousing is not allowed in the R20,000 zone. Nor is it permitted in what was the HB2 zone, where warehousing was once allowed before it became home to the Boulevard District.

"If we take a look at the whole problem right now we have a very limited area in which warehousing is allowed," Trotta said. "We have an immediate problem.

"Warehousing is not an obnoxious use. It doesn't create smoke or noise and it won't really light up the night sky," Trotta continued. "You might kill two birds with one stone if you give people with these large buildings the opportunity to use them."

Trotta used the Harney and Sons tea factory building as an example. When the Harneys first expressed interest in purchasing the building, which they believed was too large for their operation, they were told they would be able to lease out excess space for warehousing and storage. Although that never happened, and the Harneys actually made use of the whole building, that flexibility was offered and more warehousing was nearly brought to town.

There are warehousing opportunities at Arnoff’s Moving and Storage, but according to Trotta, the space is too small for some commercial use.

"We do need warehousing, and at a reasonable price, but not small cubicles," Trotta said. "We would like the town to not be so restrictive on warehousing, which is really a moderate commercial use."

The attorney suggested warehousing be allowed in areas with five-acre, three-acre, two-acre and 20,000-square-foot zoning.

According to him, large, out-of-use farm buildings spattered throughout town could be ideal for warehousing needs.

"What's going to happen to these big structures and these big barns?" he asked. "Why not give them another use?"

Trotta said he was "not trying to push anybody" in one direction or another, but that he was hoping for some direction in the matter.

Councilman Dave McGhee said he thought the idea of using old space made sense.

"I do like your idea of going back to the barns, and using pre-existing buildings if they’re available," he said.

"I'm giving you a little path to avoid charges of spot zoning," Trotta told the board, adding that he's willing to draft a local law for the matter. "Zoning should be something that's alive. It's never perfect. And the ZBA [Zoning Board of Appeals] is the safety valve."

Town Supervisor Dave Sherman said once the board has the draft of the law from Trotta it will circulate it to the Planning Board. From there the law would be subject to a public hearing before it could be adopted by the town.

"I think the idea has merit," Sherman said. "And certainly something needs to be considered for their situation and for the rest of the town."