Developer requests rezoning in Adams Basin area

Developer requests rezoning in Adams Basin area

The proposed rezoning of a parcel of land in Ogden near the hamlet of Adams Basin (Route 36 near Brockport-Spencerport Road) could have the potential to change the rural character of the area, opponents say.

Westampton Properties, LLC requested that the Town of Ogden consider rezoning more than 25 acres of land from single residential to restricted business for the construction of the Blackwater Crossing Office Park.

A resident from the area that would be affected if the rezoning went through is Frank Rakoski. "I was in the audience the night of the public hearing (on September 12) and there were about 30 of us there that are concerned," he said.

Some of the concerns are that if a rezoning were approved, it would not fit in with the town's master plan. "This property wouldn't be in sync with the master plan as there isn't any place in there that calls for this area to be zoned commercial … it's residential now," he said.

Town of Ogden Supervisor Gay Lenhard said the developer had purchased the property and now wants to get moving on a rezoning. "They (the developer) feel a professional office complex would be a good fit for that area," she said. "It's our job as a town board, though, to look at all sides - whether it's good for the community and the residents in the immediate area."

The next step will be for the proposal to get back to the planning board for environmental (SEQR) reviews. "If there are no show stoppers in the review, it would come back to the town board," she said.

Rakoski said there could also be 24 hours a day restaurants in a restricted business area. There couldn't be drive thru (options) but there could be restaurants," he said.

While there might be tax benefits to the community, Rakoski said if a developer moved in and was able to access COMIDA funds, some of those tax benefits would be diminished. "Why rezone if there are no tenants in place?" he asked. "Right now, they say there is no actual plan for who, or what, will move in so rezoning makes no sense."

Lenhard said no decisions were made by the board at the public hearing. "We listen to the residents' concerns, talk about them afterwards and then make up our minds," she said.