×

Dunkirk Fourth Ward Development Continues As Projects Are Approved

The Fourth Ward in Dunkirk may be seeing a revival if the number of developments seeking permission from the zoning board of appeals is any indication.

In April, the zoning board approved the permit for Strike’s Tavern to reopen its doors as a bar on the corner of Doughty and Hoyt streets.

At the May zoning board meeting, two more applications came before the board for new development along Doughty Street.

The first was submitted by Richard Mackowiak Jr. to open a corner store and deli at 40 E. Doughty St.

Located on the corner with Lord Street, Mackowiak said he bought the building, which previously housed commercial businesses, to lease as office space. With the space going unrented for two years, he said this idea was embraced by neighbors.

“I have mentioned that I would like to make a corner store out of it and the overwhelming response from the neighborhood has been they’d like a corner store. I would like to add to that subs and pizzas,” he explained.

The building is located in an R-3 district, which does not allow for commercial use. The zoning board asked about parking, signage, a dumpster and hours. There were no positive or negative comments from the public and the board appeared to be satisfied, unanimously approving Mackowiak’s appeal with the stipulations that Mackowiak adhere to his testimony and signage complies with the city code.

Todd Ellman also wanted to improve the profitability of his property at the corner of Doughty and Bucknor streets when he proposed a three-bay car wash.

Ellman told the board he has owned the vacant property for over 25 years and has only used it for parking and police impounds. The lot used to be a junk yard, but he has cleaned it up and has met with a contractor specializing in car wash developments.

He explained the entrance and exit would be from Bucknor Street, which will keep headlights directed away from residences. In addition, the car wash would employ one to two full-time employees and around two part-time employees and would close down at a time of night acceptable to the city and the neighbors.

The board asked about the design of fences, lighting, water usage, snow removal and signage.

One neighbor did speak against the car wash.

“On the part of my lot closest to this lot, I have an above-ground pool. A car wash is not what I want to be looking at and Lord knows who will come and what they’ll be throwing in my yard. And the traffic is crazy,” the Lord Street resident said.

However, the board unanimously granted Ellman’s appeal with the stipulations that he adhere to his testimony, an attendant will be on duty during business hours, the hours of operation will comply with the city’s noise ordinance, he will install an 8-foot fence on the north and east sides of the property, there will be a green space along the south side of the property, the signage will comply with city code and lights will be deflected away for residences.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today