SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For decades, Syracuse University students have gone 'down the alley' to Hungry Chuck's.
"It's just part of the experience," senior Jackie Pereira said.
But a proposed development may put it to an end.
"There's been a lot of talk about the changing Marshall Street area," Pereira said.
A proposal in front of the Syracuse Planning Commission would demolish Chuck's and nearby buildings to clear the way for an eight-story mixed use building. The first floor would be retail, with apartments above. Representatives from several nearby buildings, including Chuck's, talked in favor of the project at a meeting Tuesday.
"I think it's a really good project for the area; cleans up the whole streetscape down that alleyway," Varsity Pizza Owner Jerry Dellas said. "It provides more students to the area."
But some students say Chuck's is too special to go.
"I understand things come and go, but for a university that prides itself on tradition, I think keeping certain things that hold a special sentimental value to people should really be looked at," Pereira said.
But Chuck's could still be a part of the new building -- in its first floor of retail. A representative said the current owner is seeking a redevelopment opportunity. The bigger issue seeming to face the planning commission is parking. The project's proposal is seeking a waiver to build no on-site parking.
"I don't think we need any parking up there," Dellas said. "I think it's mainly pedestrian. People are walking around, visiting the retail that's up there. Bringing more cars to the area would be the wrong thing to do."
Commissioners asked to see more current data on parking in the area before voting on the project. The planning commission closed a public hearing on the project at Tuesday's meeting. That means they will have 62 days to vote on the proposal.