ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA

COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL

FEBRUARY 20, 2024   5:00 PM

ZBA Case No.: 01-24                                                                      Zone: RM

West Street                                                                             Use Variance/Area Variances

CTM #318.66-03-45,44,43,42,41,09,08,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79

Applicant:  People First

Owner: Multiple Owners

Pursuant to Section 2-29-32(d)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking a use variance in order to construct a new mixed-use large building on the 1100 block of West/Miller Street.

The proposed project site is a compilation of 12 separate existing parcels.  The existing parcels are a mix of single and multi-family residential and community-based properties.  The proposed building will include seventy-eight (78) affordable apartment units, community space for the residents along with passive recreational space outside of the building.  On the ground floor, an impact center is proposed which will provide community space for recreation, meetings, fitness and gathering areas for the community.

Pursuant to Section 2-29-32(d)(1) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking area variances for the following:

                                                Permitted                                 Requested

Lot Width                                100’ max                                 398’

Building Height                       3 stories max                            4 stories

Parking Setback                      Greater than Primary                Parking in the Front

                                                Facade                                     yard setback West & Miller St

ZBA Case No.: 02-24                                                                                       Zone: NMU

313 James Street                                                           Area Variances

CTM #: 330.25-2-14.1

Applicant:  People First

Owner: Utica Urban Renewal Agency

Pursuant to Section 2-29-32(d)(1) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Utica, the applicant is seeking area variances in order to construct a mixed-use large building at the above referenced property.

The proposed construction will consist of 24 affordable apartment units along with community spaces and exterior passive recreation spaces for the residents.  The first floor will provide commercial space which will be designed to offer leasable spaces to the underserved community.  These individual startup shops will be focused on providing minority businesses opportunities to serve the community.  There will also be an area designated for a grocery store. 

The applicant is requesting an area variance for the maximum lot width.  The maximum lot width permitted in a neighborhood mixed use zoning district is 100’ where the existing lot is currently 105’ wide.

The applicant is also requesting an area variance for the maximum façade length.  The proposed façade length that fronts on James Street will be 86.67’ and 94.67’ on the Neilson Street side.  60’ is the maximum façade length permitted in a neighborhood mixed use zoning district.

This project will require a Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review from the City of Utica’s Planning Board.