Homer Boards Approve Variance, Subdivision for James Street Property

The Village of Homer Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved an area variance for a nonconforming structure at 41 James Street, allowing a key step toward subdividing the property that includes the current Homer Police Station and a neighboring former industrial complex.

Applicant and co-property owner Vince Patriarco explained that he and the other owners are seeking to subdivide the site into separate parcels. However, several of the existing buildings do not meet the village’s setback requirements, making an area variance necessary.

If subdivided, the police station—located in a former train station building—would be separated from the larger industrial site. Patriarco said this would make the property more marketable and attractive for redevelopment.

The property has been owned for about 15 years, but efforts to sell or develop it have faced challenges.

“The property had two approved Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects in it. The developer didn’t go through with either one of them,” Patriarco said. “The property was tied up for a long time during that period, but we really hoped they would’ve gone through.”

He described the site as a “very mixed-use” property, which has complicated potential deals.

“We’ve had two or three people interested, but again we get into this mixed-use situation,” Patriarco said. “Particularly the last person that looked at it—I think they didn’t know what to do with the site the way it is.”

By separating the train station building from the industrial parcels, Patriarco said the owners hope to attract more targeted development.

“What we’d like to do is pull that train station away and repurpose that,” he said. “It would make great retail space, great office space when the village is out. I think that also puts us in a position with the two warehouses and the factory space of really putting that into an industrial classification.”

Following discussion about new lot lines, access, and future parking, the ZBA completed a short environmental assessment form and issued a negative declaration, finding no significant environmental impact. The board then conducted its required balancing test and unanimously approved the area variance.

Later that evening, the Village of Homer Planning Board reviewed the subdivision request itself. Patriarco again outlined the proposal and the challenges posed by the current layout.

The Planning Board also completed an environmental assessment form and issued a negative declaration. Members then voted unanimously to approve the subdivision.