The proposed laser eye surgery center in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park breezed through the first part of its city approval process Tuesday night.

First, the Planning Board voted 3-0 to state that the use was in line with approved uses in the zone. Therefore, the application will not have to go in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance, which it would have if the board voted that the use was not consistent with the zone.

Second, the board voted 3-0 to approve the preliminary site plan.

Newly-elected board chair James Cusack and members Richard Fiorini and David Bovi voted in favor of both parts. Member Charles Schoff was excused. New member Catherine Austin did not vote, as she is an employee of Rome Memorial Hospital, which is involved in the eye center project.

Griffiss Real Estate Group is proposing a 12,000 square foot one-story building on Dart Circle. The parcel is located between Dart Communications and Rome Free Academy. Future project details, including landscaping and lighting, will be part of the final site plan, which the board will review at a future meeting.