OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

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