Cortland ZBA Grants Variances to Housing Project on Bartlett and Commando Ave.

During Monday evenings City of Cortland Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting, the board granted variances needed for three proposed houses that would be located at the corner of Bartlett and Commando Ave. in the City of Cortland.

Developer Vince Fragnoli, looks to construct three single-family homes totaling 900 square feet per house to sell. The three proposed homes would be 2-story with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Potential buyers would have an option to add a breezeway or garage if they desired. Fragnoli hopes to sell the houses prior to their construction to better meet the wants of the homeowner. 

Previously, any action for the project was tabled during the City of Cortland’s Planning Commission earlier this month. The reasoning to why action was tabled for the Planning Commission were issues brought up by the City of Cortland’s Corporation Counsel, Randall Lewis. Mr. Lewis said Mr. Fragnoli had ongoing issues with other properties he owns within the city that he needs to address before starting another project.

Mr. Lewis was in attendance during the ZBA meeting Monday where he said Mr. Fragnoli has addressed the issues the city had regarding his rental permits. He added Fragnoli is also in the process of demolishing a condemned house on East Ave. Lewis went on to say the City of Cortland is a Pro-Housing Community and supports the proposed project to build more housing within the City of Cortland.

Members of the ZBA, who looked at what variances were needed, a subdivision and setbacks from the street. Members asked what the plans were for the former Commando’s restaurants, but were informed that as of now, there are no plans for the former restaurant and the subdivision is to separate this property and create three lots for the houses to be built on. Fragnoli mentioned during the meeting he is looking at creating apartments in the former restaurant. 

As for the setback variance, the board didn’t mention much concern. It was noted that other properties in the neighborhood have a similar setback as the three proposed houses would. 

With the variances granted unanimously by the ZBA, plans are now expected to be again brought to the City of Cortland’s Planning Commission next month on July 7th.