Syracuse.com: News -
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Published on: 1/16/2002
Last Visited: 1/16/2002
If pediatrician Dr. Robert Dracker gets the zoning change he needs for his proposed children's medical park in Salina, it appears it will come without 2nd Ward Councilor Andrew Pascale's support.
Pascale challenged Dracker's project on several grounds as Dracker resurrected it before the Salina Town Board Monday night.Dracker withdrew the application in June in the face of neighborhood opposition and political wrangling.
Dracker said his Summerwood Children's Village would cover about 11 percent of the 33-acre site he owns at Buckley and Hopkins roads.Estimates put the project at $40 million.
The project drew strong audience support before Dracker rose to speak, but Pascale pointed out that the project could have been built already if Dracker had chosen to put it on the other side of Buckley Road, where the land is zoned properly for such a project.
Pascale said people who bought expensive homes close to Buckley Road depended on the town's 1969 master plan that limits offices to the east side of Buckley and residences to the west side.
"Buckley Road is a beautiful residential street," he said.
Dracker responded that his project, designed to have a residential appearance, would enhance the area.Dracker said he was asking board members if they would work with him.Otherwise, he said he would find another location.
"I don't want to spend any more effort if it's going to be a waste of time," Dracker said."I believe in what I'm doing.If I don't build it here, I'll build it elsewhere."
Resident Erwin Ziegler told the board that the medical village would increase the town's tax base.
"I want to make the town of Salina a place to be proud of.
...
Let's support Dr. Dracker," he said.