Residential Property on Edge of Oswego Rezoned for Commercial Use

A residential piece of property on the edge of Oswego has been rezoned for commercial use upon annexation into the Village in a 5-1 vote by the Village board.

The Belk Property, located on the southeast corner of Routes 34 and 30 is currently  a residential property and although it is outside of Oswego’s boundary line,  it is on Oswego’s side for future development.

Homeowners from the area have turned out to multiple Village board meetings asking the board to consider the residents.

“There have been many changes that we have had to live with,” said resident Cathryn Hambly. “Businesses are creeping closer and closer. I’m not sure why more buildings are being allowed to be built with the number of businesses that have gone under.”

She said having the Belk property become commercial would invade the homeowners’ privacy and lead to more trash and loitering.

“We ask that you look at this from our point of view. If you would want any kind of business next to your home.”

The property faces the busy Routes 34 and 30, which see 56,000 vehicles per day pass through the intersection, according to Village documents.

“What is the advantage to moving forward with this?” asked board member Tony Giles. “Is it to help market the property and make it more desirable to sell?”

“That is the exact purpose,” said community development director Rod Zenner.

He added that any businesses wanting to build on the property would still have to go through a hearing and review process. “The Village can put conditions.”

Currently the property does not have access to sewer or utilities, which Zenner said means there’s not yet any potential for the site.

The board voted 5-1 to rezone the property to commercial, with board member Giles voting no and board member Scott Volpe absent.