Sheldon House (photo by SUNY JCC)
JAMESTOWN – A group of residents on the city’s north side are still considering whether or not they will appeal a recent State Supreme Court decision regarding the Sheldon House.
In May the Jamestown Zoning Board of Appeals approved a zoning variance for the property, which sits in a residential area, so it can be used as the business headquarters for the Lynn Development Group. That decision was challenged by residents Paul Leone, Ann Servoss and Timothy Mills – who live in the area of Prendergast Ave. and Falconer Street, where the Sheldon House is located. The residents believe that the requested use for the property fails to meet the necessary hardship requirements and, as a result, the zoning board improperly granted the variance.
Last month State Supreme Court Judge Frank Sedita III dismissed the challenge, allowing the zoning variance to stay in place.
Monday’s Post-Journal is reporting that the group has filed a notice to appeal Judge Sedita’s ruling with the New York State Court of Appeals. However, they may not proceed with the process because of the costs that are involved.
The Sheldon House is currently owned by Jamestown Community College. Earlier this year JCC announced it was going to sell the property and the Lynn Group came forward with its offer of $240,000 to buy it, with the plan to turn it into its new business headquarters. Since then the sale has been approved by JCC, but has yet to be finalized – pending the outcome of the zoning appeal process.
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