With conditions, board approves housing complex

WATKINS GLEN--The public hearing Wednesday, Nov. 28 for the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services three-story, 35-foot-high apartment complex was full of comments from neighbors and village residents of the planned building. The project includes 34 apartments along with a day-care center for children.
Joe Fazzary, Watkins Glen planning board chairman, took the time to recognize all those who wanted to speak, express concerns or generally voice their opinion about the project located at Second and North Porter Streets, across from Jefferson Village.
At the end of the hearing, the board approved the building with two conditions. Ithaca Housing officials will be required to meet with the village fire department and the code enforcement officer to make sure local access and all code requirements will be achieved.
Neighbors of the project raised concerns about parking and the number of eligible residents that will be allowed to occupy the apartments. Business owner Kyle Chedzoy raised concerns about the actual area available for first responders and safety areas for parents picking up children at the planned day care center.
The complex will be completed by the end of 2020. An artist's rendering of the building is published above.