Garage Proposal Tabled, Public Comments on Brewing Co. Plan

By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
ONEONTA

The City of Oneonta Planning Commission met on Wednesday, August 19 for a session that moved through old business, new business, and a public hearing for a major commercial redevelopment on Chestnut Street.

The meeting opened with roll call, confirming the presence of Chair Marcela Micucci, Vice Chair David Rissberger, Commissioners Susan Lettis, Ryan Swan, Sallie Han, Mark Parmerter, and Alex Simon, and Common Council member Cecelia Walsh‑Russo, all verified members of the Planning Commission according to the city’s official roster.

The first matter was a continued review of a proposal at 61 East Street, submitted by Srinadh Yarra, Physician Advisor LLC. The applicant seeks approval to construct a 960‑square‑foot garage, a structure larger than what the zoning code typically allows. Commissioners noted that the applicant was not present and that the drainage information provided remained insufficient.

Commissioner Lettis reiterated that the commission had previously requested a clear drainage plan showing how runoff from the new structure would be managed. Commissioners expressed concern that existing drainage already flows into neighboring properties and that the applicant had not provided elevation drawings or engineered plans demonstrating how the new garage would alter or mitigate runoff.

Commissioner Han emphasized that without proper drainage documentation, the application remained incomplete. After discussion, the commission unanimously voted to table the application, noting appreciation for the additional information submitted but reaffirming that they could not proceed without a full drainage plan.

The commission then reviewed a new application from Jeremy Johnson, listed in city records as the property owner of 27–33 Market Street. Johnson proposed constructing a wooden fence to screen a shared dumpster area, as required by the MU‑1 zoning district.

Johnson explained that the dumpster area, used by numerous downtown businesses, has long been a challenge, particularly after Casella Waste Systems withdrew service. He said the fence would be built of stained wood, approximately seven feet tall and 30 feet wide, with gates to allow access for Logan’s, the business responsible for maintaining the dumpsters. Johnson noted that the Yellow Deli had volunteered labor to construct the enclosure.

Commissioners asked about access, safety and the structure’s placement against an existing retaining wall. Johnson confirmed that the enclosure would be three‑sided, with the retaining wall forming the fourth boundary. He also acknowledged concerns about vandalism and illegal dumping, stating that cameras may be installed to monitor the area. After discussion, Lettis moved to approve the proposed method of concealment. The commission voted unanimously in favor, thanking Johnson for taking on a project that would improve the appearance and functionality of the downtown district.

The final agenda item was a public hearing for Hill City Brewing Company, which has applied to convert the first floor of the former Catalog Outlet at 357–361 Chestnut Street into a brewery, taproom and retail space. The applicant is officially listed in city records as Hill City Brewing Company, 361 Chestnut Street.

The building sits at the corner of Chestnut Street and Shaffer Avenue and includes a small second‑floor dwelling unit. The project requires State Environmental Quality Review, site plan approval, a special use permit and code compliance review.

During the public comment period, Gary Burlew, a resident of 362 Chestnut Street, raised concerns about potential noise from the brewery, particularly regarding a large, garage‑style door that has been opened during construction. Burlew said the noise had not yet been disruptive, but worried about future impacts once the taproom opens.

Commission Chair Micucci reminded attendees that questions should be directed to the commission rather than the applicant and that all comments would be entered into the public record. The commission will allow the applicant to respond to concerns after the public hearing phase concludes.

The commission will continue reviewing the Hill City Brewing application at its next meeting, where commissioners will evaluate public feedback, site plans and code compliance before issuing a decision.

With one project tabled, one approved and a major redevelopment under review, the August 19 meeting reflected the commission’s ongoing role in shaping responsible development across Oneonta.