“There’s obviously money in Manlius, but we’re not spending it in Manlius,” Palmer said. “We’re going to Fayetteville, we’re going to Syracuse.”
Soon, however, things may change. With the recent commercial proposal announced to the public less than three weeks ago, Manlius could see the beginnings of a facelift as early as next year.
CBD Development, a commercial real estate company based in East Syracuse, describes VillageWalk Manlius as a 75,000 square-foot mixed use project that will consist of a bank, pharmacy, retail, restaurant, medical and office uses. And the best part is the project will be consistent with the pedestrian-friendly nature the village wants to create.
“The VillageWalk project is a very exciting opportunity for the village of Manlius,” said Village Board Trustee Eric Krouse, also the planning board liaison. “I know the planning board is equally excited about it and am sure they will be supportive as the plans evolve.”
Going forward, the development team will need planning board approval as well as state DOT approval for modifications to the site access. Additionally, the team is requesting help from National Grid to bury utility poles and lines in front of the proposed project along Fayette Street.
“This is a critical element from our perspective both from a functional and aesthetic point of view,” said CBD President Michael Dougherty, one of four local developers involved with this project. The others include Chuck Sangster, Courtney Wilson and Mike Assimon – all east side residents.
Civil engineering firm Environmental Design and Research, which is well versed in civic planning and works with municipalities across the northeast, has authored the design guidelines for the village, Dougherty said, adding EDR is no stranger to CBD.
“We’ve used them in the past and wanted to do a project from the start that was pedestrian oriented rather than simply convenient for the automobile,” he said. “We also wanted a design that looks as though it belongs in the village of Manlius.”
The proposal indicates the buildings will be pushed to the sidewalk along the street front, and parking for more than 350 cars will be positioned in the rear. CBD Development is also working with an architect who is designing the facades to look like multiple buildings complete with breaks created to appear as alleyways or paths between buildings. Construction materials native to the area will include limestone, brick and clapboard siding.
“I think it’s a very positive step,” said Manlius resident Lisa Bethmann about VillageWalk. “We definitely need to move forward and get something in Manlius that’s going to be attractive and useful.”
Staring from across the street at the empty storefronts, Manlius resident Barbara Carranti said the vacant buildings remain an eyesore.
“There needs to be some development, more business brought to the village,” she said.
Carranti added she would indeed welcome what would be considered as Manlius’ new shopping hub.
The project, which will be funded through private investment and conventional financing, involves three to four landowners, but only two have committed so far. The design can still work without the former Temple’s Dairy location – which is one of the locales whose landowner has not yet consigned, but the carpet store at 320 Fayette St., which sits squarely in the middle of the project, is more problematic, Krouse said.
Dougherty, however, doesn’t seem concerned.
“We are very comfortable that with the approvals from the planning board and some assistance with utility issues, we have a project that will be moving forward,” Dougherty said. “Our interest level with the tenants is outstanding. We have people who are reaching out to us who have interest in being a part of VillageWalk.”
Dougherty anticipates VillageWalk Manlius to be under construction by July 2010. He also projects tenants to open doors in January 2011.
Mayor Mark-Paul Serafin did not respond to e-mail requests for comment from the Eagle Bulletin.
Eagle Bulletin reporter Jennifer Kiefl contributed to this article.
