Clarkson seeks to limit re-zoning of Ridge Road

In an effort to keep its "main street" attractive, Clarkson officials decided to say no to a proposal to approve zoning for a used car lot on Ridge Road.

At the board's regular meeting on April 27, Sal Cardella approached officials requesting a re-zoning of a parcel of land on Ridge Road where he could open a used car lot. Cardella said he would mainly be selling cars through the internet and on e-bay but needed a physical location for the vehicles.

Board member Alan Hoy pointed out that there aren't used car lots on Clarkson's portion of Route 104. "Ridge Road is like our main street and I think there would be hesitancy at having used car lots on that road," he said. "If one dealership opens I see many more in its wake."

Supervisor Paul Kimball echoed that sentiment stating that it's always been the board's philosophy to not have used cars on Ridge Road. Board member Christa Filipowicz said that as chair of the master planning committee she wouldn't see a re-zoning being allowed for that purpose.

"It's not excluded but there is an industrial zoned area on Ridge Road and that might be a more appropriate spot for the business," board member Harlan Purdy said.

In a similar matter, Jason Bonsignore requested re-zoning for the purpose of operating a motorcycle track on Ridge Road. The track would be located in close proximity to the go-kart track, he said. "Our proposal is similar in nature to the go karts in the nature of the noise," he said. "But the arena wouldn't devalue the property and would not be an eyesore. Our best argument for the location of our track is the go kart track right down the road."

After much discussion, board members determined that because of potential Department of Transportation issues that might arise with the potential for increased traffic that Bonsignore should check with them before pursuing his application with the board.

"I just don't see a lot of support from this board right now," Kimball said. "I'd suggest you talk to DOT first and then take it from there."