Nardin Academy is proposing a two-story gymnasium addition on its Cleveland Avenue campus. The gymnasium would be connected to existing buildings on the site by second level pedestrian bridges. A portion would be built above an existing parking lot along Auburn Avenue.
The gymnasium would have bleacher seating for 482. Locker rooms, a wellness center, fitness facility, and concession area are also planned.
The applicant is seeking Variances from the Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals for:
- Relief from UDO section 7.1.5-C – Parking Lot Interior 1. 10% interior landscaping. 4.15% Proposed.
- Relief from UDO section 7.1.6 – Buffer Yards 1. Requesting a 3’-6” buffer yard with alternate plantings, in lieu of 5’-0” type C requirement.
- Relief from UDO section 3.2.4-E – Height 1. Requesting a height of ~46’-7 ¼”, in lieu of 40’-0” maximum height.
From the application:
Relief is needed from portions of UDO section 7.1.5-C and 7.1.6 in order to provide more parking on the site. The additional parking spaces will reduce the number of cars parking on the street, hence not taking spaces away from residents. If the variance reducing the interior side yard is not approved, ten parking spaces will be lost from the parking lot. If the variance for the Interior Islands and Shade Trees is not approved, four parking spaces will be lost from the parking lot. If the variance for the Terminal Islands is not approved, two parking spaces will be lost and visibility at the entrance and exit to the parking lot will be dangerously reduced. The 4.15% landscaped parking lot is an improvement over the existing 2.2% landscaped parking lot. The interior side yard buffer will be improved by the new solid continuous fence and new plantings.
Future plans include a turf area and outdoor courts and playgrounds in the courtyard area created by the new addition. Schneider Architectural designed the project that will be reviewed by the Zoning Board on Wednesday.