The Peru Gazette

Click image to see the entire plot plan

By John T. Ryan

Construction of four duplex apartment buildings on Davey Drive (just east of McDonald’s) should begin in a few weeks.  On Wednesday, September 15th, the Town of Peru Zoning Board approved a variance request from contractor Roy “Chuck” Bedard to construct the apartments on the 1.5 acre lot with the stipulation that construction be completed by September 1, 2011.  Bedard said he plans to construct two building this fall and the other two next spring and summer.  Bedard is purchasing the property from Harney Davey who also owns an adjacent 9.4 acre parcel. Davey told the board he has attempted to sell the property since 1999 and this is the first interest shown. He said he recently attempted to sell the property at auction, however, no bids were received.

The zoning classification of the property would have permitted Bedard to build an eight-unit building without having to apply for a zoning variance. Bedard’s representative Keith Matott told the board that his client wanted to construct buildings more in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.  Several board members praised Bedard’s plans and said that his plan is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan which awaits adoption by the town board.  Board Chairman Leon Blair and Board member James Falvo voted against approval saying that Bedard and Davey had not satisfied the financial hardship criteria necessary for any variance. Board members Robin Bashaw, Roy Zalis, Lawrence Bosley, Donald McBrayer and Thomas Fusco voted in favor. The Planning Board had previously approved Bedard’s project.