Mark Cholach

The Board discussed and held public hearings regarding a proposed local law to amend the zoning code to allow for expanded permissible agricultural uses on large parcels via a special use permit, and a local law to update tax exemption provisions for volunteer firefighter and ambulance personnel. Additionally, the Board reviewed the condition of the access road at 792 Calkins Road and agreed to provide the property owners with a two-week period to address maintenance issues before potential intervention. The Board also recognized the 2026 Youth Hall of Fame inductees for their community contributions.

The board discussed and granted extensions for the BW Solar Holding Project and the West Sunset Estates project. Additionally, the developer of the Deli Housing Development presented a 300-unit multifamily apartment complex proposal, highlighting layout shifts away from residential areas to mitigate impact, updates to site plans, and progress on addressing comments regarding traffic, stormwater, and building aesthetics.

The Henrietta Town Board meeting focused on a recognition resolution for a local centenarian and held a public hearing regarding a special use permit application for Gotham Halal. The board discussed operational details for the proposed food truck, including stationary placement, waste management, utilities, evening hours, and parking lot maintenance. Conditions for the special use permit were reviewed, emphasizing health, fire safety, and site cleanliness.

The board discussed a residential application involving variances for the placement and size of storage sheds. Key topics included the potential impact of a proposed second, larger shed on neighborhood aesthetics, property line setbacks, and the necessity for a balance between the applicant's storage needs and local zoning regulations. The board explored potential alternatives, such as replacing existing structures with a single larger unit to comply better with code requirements, while also considering feedback from a neighbor regarding property line proximity.

The meeting involved housekeeping items, including emergency procedures and discussion on the approval process for variances. The board addressed two applications. The first involved a variance request for a 35-foot sign height for Bob Johnson Buick GMC, which the board ultimately denied after discussion and review of new renderings, noting concerns about imposing character and sight lines. The second application involved variances for a front setback and garage depth for the property at 868 Winslow Road. The applicant detailed that the requested 46.5 ft front setback (a 22% reduction from the 60 ft requirement) and 46 ft garage depth (exceeding the 30 ft allowance) were necessary alternatives to storing classic cars offsite or building a less appropriate structure in the backyard, and that the design aimed to improve neighborhood character. The board considered the self-created nature of the variances.