A long-delayed parking lot expansion at Van Bortel Subaru is moving forward after the Victor Zoning Board of Appeals renewed a variance first approved four years ago.
The board unanimously approved the request Monday after hearing the project had been postponed because of pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and changing market conditions. The applicant told board members construction could begin this fall if remaining approvals are secured.
Board renews 2022 parking variance
The application sought reapproval of a variance originally granted in 2022 for a parking lot expansion at Van Bortel Subaru, 6327 State Route 96.
The project requires relief because portions of the proposed asphalt parking area would encroach into the property’s required 80-foot setback.
Representing the applicant, Spencer Reed of Mitchell Design Build said the project stalled shortly after receiving its original approval as COVID-19, semiconductor shortages and shifting economic conditions disrupted the automotive industry.
Reed said dealership ownership is now committed to moving forward, citing changes in vehicle inventory and the growing need to accommodate both gasoline-powered and electric vehicles.
He told the board demolition permit paperwork has already been submitted and the project is scheduled to appear before the Planning Board. If approvals proceed as expected, construction could begin immediately afterward.
In what Reed described as a “perfect world,” the dealership hopes to have the expanded parking lot operational before winter, with construction expected to last about two months.
Board members said little had changed since the original variance was granted in 2022.
During its review, the board concluded the project would not create an undesirable change in the neighborhood, that the need for the variance remained the same as it was four years ago, and that no new environmental impacts had been identified.
Members also agreed to carry forward the conditions attached to the original approval, including previously approved landscaping requirements and references to the earlier variances associated with the project.
The motion passed unanimously.
Fairways Townhomes sign application remains tabled
The board took no action on a separate application involving proposed signage at Fairways Townhomes.
According to the agenda, the request remains tabled while the applicant provides additional information, including the sign’s exact location, dimensions and whether it will be illuminated.
The proposal seeks permission for a business sign within a residential district and within 35 feet of the roadway.
Town updates residents after weekend storm
Before the meeting concluded, Victor Town Board member Alexis Ogra, serving as the Town Board’s liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals, provided several community updates.
Ogra said the town is currently operating without a town clerk following the clerk’s resignation. While Town Hall remains open, residents are encouraged to check the Town of Victor’s Facebook page before visiting because office operations may change while the position is filled.
She also announced that the town’s transfer station is accepting storm-related brush and tree debris from all Victor residents through July 31, even for those without a transfer station permit.
The temporary policy applies only to brush and tree debris. Residents who live on town roads can also place storm debris at the roadside for pickup by the Highway Department, while residents on state and county roads must make other arrangements.
The meeting adjourned after approximately 20 minutes.
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