Developer amends plans for controversial Hamlin project

The Millstream low-income housing development that has seen opposition from more than 1,000 Hamlin residents will not happen.

A letter dated October 14 from a law firm representing Baldwin Real Estate Corporation read, "Based upon substantial public and planning board comment, the project developers have reevaluated their proposal and are hereby formally withdrawing the single family residential portion of this application."

The developers plan to continue forward with a new proposal that calls for the 24 senior units. They currently operate Hamlin Terrace, a senior living complex.

In his 15 years on the planning board, Jim Breslawski has witnessed many hotly contested projects. However, Breslawski said the Millstream project was unique based on the large number of residents who were opposed.

Austin Warner III, supervisor, said the sheer numbers required town officials to take a closer look.

"When there are 1,000 signatures on a petition we as a town have to take a look at it," Warner said.

The developer will now be required to re-submit a new plan. This plan will be subject to a public hearing.

"I am happy with the news," said Warner. "I think the senior part of the project is an asset to the town. I think the other part was a detriment."

The project, which originally called for 25 low-income, single-family rental houses, is targeted for 135 acres of land off Lake Road West Fork. Warner said he was concerned with the drainage and potential burden on the town to maintain the development's infrasture.

Warner sees senior housing as a positive step. Hamlin recently adopted a senior housing zoning code into law. There has been talk of another senior development going in behind the Tops plaza. In the Master Plan survey that was distributed, 40 percent of the respondents identified themselves as senior citizens.

"A lot of people have been living here for a long time and we want to provide a way for them to stay in Hamlin," Warner said.