Carousel's future undecided

John Marello's application for Certificate of Appropriateness for a carousel at 148 South Union Street in the Village of Spencerport was approved by the Architectural Review Board on July 23 by a vote of four to one. Village Trustee Ted Rauber voted against the plans, while Trustees Steve Russell, Glenn Granger, Tim Peer and Mayor Ted Walker voted to approve the plans.

Issues of concern involved whether the carousel was a permanent or temporary fixture, what type of base, if any, it would be built on, the lighting fixtures, the walk way, drainage of the lot and whether a carousel fit into the comprehensive canal town theme. Other issues concern perpetual care - who will care for and maintain the property? - and insurance and liability questions. Marello must still go to the planning board for a special use permit and zoning board to get a change of site use ... specifically, amusement. It was also noted that Building Inspector Jack Crooks needed to be involved. It was suggested that this vote was somewhat out of sequence and that the planning and zoning boards should have been addressed first.

Village Clerk Pam Gilbert said, "At the present time, he (Marello) has not made formal application to either board."

Note: Some of this information is based on unapproved minutes of the Architectural Review Board.