Geneva council gives early OK for bed-and-breakfast

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns cast the deciding vote Monday to allow a woman to turn a two-flat at 109 Peyton St. into a bed-and-breakfast inn, over her neighbors’ objections.

But the matter isn’t settled yet, as the binding vote will not be taken until the full city council meeting April 18.

The proposal requires a council vote because bed-and-breakfast inns are allowed only as special uses under Geneva’s zoning laws. The building is on the northwest corner of First Street (Route 31) and Peyton, in a single-family residential district. It was converted into a two-flat before Linda Lydon bought it.

Neighbors say the inn, which could have up to five guest rooms, will cause noise and traffic congestion that will decrease the values of their properties and damage their abilities to enjoy their properties. They also worry the downtown commercial district will creep into their neighborhood.

Jack Hoelscher, of the 100 block of First Street, asked why city officials seemed to favor it.

“What really is the reasoning behind this? ... I think there should be a compelling public purpose, not just a private one.”

Norman Hoube, of the 100 block of Ford Street, said he thinks it will “screw up one of the major assets of Geneva: it’s historic district.”

“We moved to a residential area in a historic district. We did not move next to a business,” he said.

But the city’s historic preservation planner signed off on exterior work planned for the building.

Aldermen Craig Maladra, Charles Brown, Richard Marks, Ray Pawlak and Ralph Dantino voted against the inn. It lies in Brown’s ward, the 1st.

“I just don’t get how it doesn’t affect you if one day you wake up next to a business,” Maladra said.

Alderman Robert Piper, though, pointed out it’s not like a Motel 6 is moving in.

“It is the strangest kind of business because you are living there,” and there wouldn’t be many more people staying there than could potentially live there now.

Alderman Dorothy Flanagan said she thought and inn might even be better than its current use by renters.