Two development projects at the intersection of Ridge Road and Sweden Walker Road in the Town of Clarkson recently received approval of Incentive Zoning by members of the Clarkson Town Board.
Both the Brook Field at Clarkson and Express Mart projects will receive Incentive Zoning – allowing them to proceed without special use permits – through the process at the Planning Board.
Under terms of the Incentive Zoning for the Brook Field housing development, the Town of Clarkson will receive a $375,000 cash payment. According to the Incentive Zoning resolution, additional amenities offered to the town include a mixed-use development that meets the intent of Hamlet Zoning proposed in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan; adequate residential density to support a neighborhood commercial area; senior living opportunities within the town and neighboring communities; private roadways/less dedicated infrastructure; and upscale apartments.
“I believe we negotiated the best deal for the town as a whole,” Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball tells the Suburban News/Hamlin Clarkson Herald. He notes that the property has not been developed before now as it was owned by one family for generations, but, “… residents have to understand something is going to be built there. It’s not going to stay vacant.”
The Brook Field project would be located on the west side of Sweden Walker Road between East Avenue and Ridge Road. The proposal includes the construction of 20 – 2-unit villas; 6 – 16-unit, two-story apartment buildings; one – 87-unit, three-story apartment building; 5 – 8-unit apartments over commercial space; a community center; and 30,000 square feet of commercial/office space – including 5 to 6,000 square feet commercial office buildings.
The proposed project includes construction in three phases beginning with 8 two-unit senior villas, the community center, the 87 unit senior building, as well as the two buildings nearest the Ridge Road frontage. The 87 unit, three story apartment building would also include one display apartment and one service apartment. Both the Brook Field and Express Mart projects will now move through the approval process at the Planning Board, Supervisor Kimball says and notes, “There will be additional public hearings.”
Increased traffic in the area has been a major concern expressed by residents and additional conditions of the Incentive Zoning for the Brook Field project include the updating of a traffic study to reflect the proposed project.
“The revised report should also consider the combined impact of the anticipated development of nearby properties including: the proposed Express Mart (and) re-development of the Garland. Improvements including the addition of turning lanes on Sweden Walker Road (Route 260) and modifications to traffic signals should be considered,” the resolution states.
The Planning Board is charged with including the revised traffic report as part of its site plan approval.
Additionally, the Brook Field Incentive Zoning includes tax abatements under a proposed PILOT, which provides a fixed annual tax payment per unit of $1,200 per unit, per year in years 1-5; and $1,600 per unit, per year in years 5-10.
Regarding the Express Mart project, Town Board members approved a “Negative Declaration” of environmental impact under SEQRA before approving Incentive Zoning for the proposed project, which includes a 7,192 square feet building with the Express Mart and two tenant spaces (restaurants or retail); six gas islands with a canopy and a 1,040 square feet car wash.
The Express Mart is proposed for the southeast corner of the Ridge Road/Sweden Walker Road intersection.
The Town of Clarkson will receive a cash payment of $37,500 as part of its benefits and amenities under the agreement. Conditions of the Incentive Zoning agreement also include, “provisions for walkable sidewalks accessible to the general public on Sweden Walker Road (Route 260) and Ridge Road (Route 104).”
The Planning Board will review and approve the design of the project in conjunction with an architect to be retained by the town, the resolution states.
