Town of Clay

The agenda includes public hearings for two area variance requests. The first case involves a request for a reduction in side yard setback and an increase in maximum height for an accessory structure at 8285 Oswego Road. The second case concerns a request for a reduction in side yard setback and a reduction in the site perimeter landscape strip to allow the construction of a new bank and accessory drive-thru at 4000 State Route 31. The Board will also establish SEQR Type II status for new actions.

The board approved a special permit for an LED electronic messaging monument sign for Sonbyrne Sales, Inc. Additionally, several cases were adjourned to future dates, including those for the United Church of Christ, John E. Fisher Construction Co., Inc., Northern Credit Union, Clay Equestrian Center, Northside Baptist Church, and Donald Gabor. The board also reviewed and submitted special permit recommendations to the Town Board for three Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project referrals, noting concerns regarding location, proximity to residential areas, safety guardrails, fire safety protocols, and the need for comprehensive ordinances before further approvals.

The board addressed a request for area variances in Case #1998 concerning property at 8111 Maple Road. The applicant sought reductions in front and side yard setbacks to accommodate a planned addition to the existing residence. After the applicant addressed the required Standards of Proof and public input was solicited, the board voted unanimously to approve the requested area variances. Additionally, the board determined that new actions would be classified as Type II under the New York State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).

The board conducted an organizational and regular session where it adopted the 2026 scheduling calendar, established meeting procedures, appointed a Deputy Chairperson, and set SEQR guidelines. Additionally, the board approved an area variance for the Veterans of Foreign Wars to construct an outdoor pavilion involving modifications to front yard setbacks and parking requirements. The board also approved an area variance for a residential property owner to replace an existing shed with a new structure, requiring a side yard setback variance.

The meeting agenda included a pre-agenda meeting and the main session commencing at 6 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The board addressed the format for public hearings, noting that all matters are public hearings concerning Special Permits, Variances, and Interpretations. All new actions were determined to be Type II SEQR Actions with a negative declaration, unless advised otherwise by legal counsel. The Old Business section was noted as having no items. New Business focused on Case #1998, involving Michael J. Taylor, who requested Area Variances for a 12 x 24-foot addition to a residence at 8111 Maple Road, concerning setbacks in the Residential Agricultural Zoning District (RA-100). The agenda concluded with noting there were no Forthcoming Cases and a final adjournment.