A resolution to suspend all activity of Spencerport's architectural review board until there is an exact definition of what the board is looking for when it says new buildings and renovations in the village commercial district must fit into a "canal town theme" was narrowly defeated at the August 1 board meeting.

Village Trustee Glenn Granger, who made the resolution, said he feels the requirements to get by the review board are vague and the approval process arbitrary.

"I honestly feel that we sit as an architectural review board and ask people to come to us ... with a "canal town theme" ... and we have no idea what that is," Granger said. "We decide case by case ... we ask people to spend money, to apply and take potluck."

After the board meeting, Granger said he knows of several business owners in the village who have been held up by the process, including one for more than one year.

Trustee Tim Peer said, "I agree with some of the things you are saying, but how long will it take? I don't want to delay anybody's progress on future improvements." Peer voted against the resolution, along with Trustee Theodore Rauber and Mayor Theodore Walker. Granger and Trustee Steve Russell voted for it.

Village Attorney Richard Olson advised the board that such an action, placing a "moratorium" on the approval process, could not be made by resolution, but would require a local law.

"I am also concerned about not having standards," Olson said. Without written guidelines the architectural review board is open to lawsuits and charges of unfair discrimination.

"You'll never have standard for everything," Walker said "There is going to be a judgment." He said the board tries to match a vision of the canal town theme. "I don't think the intent is an exactness anyway," he said.

Granger said he plans to continue to bring the issue up at future meetings until a change is made.

In other news, Department of Public Works Superintendent Tom West reported an increase in vandalism at the Lester C. Merz Park on the canal.

He said over the past month light fixtures have been smashed, and tables and buildings vandalized. "It's getting worse," West said. He said he is working on getting the Ogden Police Department to increase patrols in the area.