×

Dunkirk headed in ‘right direction’

Zoning board approves developments

OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino Krog Group Vice President Patrick Sheedy gestures to a rendering held by LaBella Architect Don Hoefler (behind) of a cold storage warehouse for 320 Roberts Road as Zoning Board Chair Stephen Helwig (right) looks on.

The Dunkirk Zoning Board of Appeals had its chance Tuesday to weigh in on two developments that are the sign the city is “headed in the right direction,” according to the city’s top official.

Public hearings were held for Krog group on a height variance on a proposed cold storage warehouse at 320 Roberts Road and for a variance to allow Dr. Troy and Jolie Sasse to open a doctors office on the second floor of 23-25 Lake Shore Drive E. without the required number of parking spots.

The cold storage development has been two years in the making and previously was heard by the same board for a different location.

This time around there were no upset neighbors in attendance to complain. Those with positive comments agreed this project is now in an appropriate location, it will clean up an “eyesore” and bring jobs with it.

“There are three things going on simultaneously,” Fieldbrook Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Charleston said. “First is we’re taking down a building that needs to be taken down and doing all the site remediation. We have a sponsor now who has the capability and the wherewithal to do that. Second is this creates the fuel for Fieldbrook Foods to be able to grow. We have all sorts of plans for continued expansion and growth and economic prosperity that benefits the community, all of our people that work at our facility and future people who will enjoy employment based on the growth opportunities that come from this project. And third, which is probably the most important, at least in the short run, is it will create more jobs in the city, in this county and we’re excited to be a part of that.”

Legislator Bob Bankoski pointed out that despite the height being 12 feet over the code’s maximum of 40 and higher in some spots, it is not uncharacteristic of other factories and warehouses in the neighborhood.

The zoning board unanimously approved the variance. The cold storage project also received good news earlier in the day when the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency board approved financial assistance for the project. Next the project will be headed to the city planning board in March.

The Sasses recently moved to Dunkirk and would like to move their successful primary care/physical therapy office from Angola to the lakefront, former warehouse location.

They plan on buying the building and have plans for exterior and interior renovations with an ultimate mixed-use vision of offices and apartments.

The city helped apply for a Restore NY grant for the building, which was successfully transferred to the Sasses, according to Development Director Rebecca Yanus. An announcement on the awards is expected in March.

Several city representatives spoke in favor of the project. DPW Director Randy Woodbury noted the public parking lot across Washington Avenue is due for restriping and handicap spots could be added.

The zoning board unanimously approved the variance.

Mayor Willie Rosas told the OBSERVER these developments are the first sign Dunkirk is on the upswing again.

“What you’re seeing is Dunkirk moving in the right direction. We’re beginning to see progress, we’re beginning to see new developments, we’re seeing people from out of town who are looking at the city of Dunkirk as an opportunity to invest in a booming community. Dunkirk is growing. … It shows that we have a bright future ahead of us here in the city of Dunkirk and our development department is working very hard to bring more development. You’re going to see some more announcements coming before summer and we’re going to continue to work because now is the time,” Rosas said, thanking all those involved in the process.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today