O F F I C E O F T H E M A Y O R ________________________

Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor

203 CITY HALL SYRACUSE, N.Y. 13202-1473 (315) 448-8005 FAX: (315) 448-8067 WEBSITE: www.syrgov.net

June 8, 2015

Hon. Joanne M. Mahoney

Onondaga County Executive

John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 14th Floor

Syracuse, New York 13202

Dear County Executive Mahoney:

I have received your recent letter regarding the former Roth Steel scrap yard site. Our community has

invested much in the Lakefront neighborhood and I do not believe that a scrap yard is the best use of

valuable land in the Lakefront area; however, the City of Syracuse is the regulatory agency in this matter.

Our opinions must take a backseat to our police powers and regulatory authority throughout this process.

Contrary to a chorus of outside opinions, we see no legal cause why a scrap yard could not be legally

operated at that site.

Scrap metal processing operations are an approved use in this location pursuant to the City zoning

ordinance. These operations fall within the characterization of Heavy Industrial pursuant to the land use and development plan, part of the Comprehensive Plan 2040 adopted by the City in March of 2014.

Despite assertions made by outside interest groups, the special permits for this site have not been

abandoned simply because the previous tenant, Roth Steel, has ceased operations. Any violation of the

special permit must be proven with evidence in order for the Planning Commission to hold a vote to

revoke the special permits. Upon review by the Division of Code Enforcement, there are no known

violations of the special permits at this time. The City has been given no evidence nor have we discovered

any evidence that the special permits have been violated.

The property is now under control of a United States Bankruptcy Court trustee. Should the property be

transferred and a new owner applies for permits to undergo construction or modification to the property,

the City of Syracuse would inspect the parcel at that time and take action to ensure future use conforms to

zoning and other applicable regulations.

This position, informed by the guidance of the Office of Corporation Counsel, is how the City of

Syracuse will proceed on this matter at this time. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you

have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Stephanie A. Miner

Mayor