Public hearing on Redman Road rezoning August 2

Town of Sweden officials will hear residents' concerns regarding a potential rezone of four parcels of land totaling about 130 acres at a public hearing on August 2.

The project, while residential in nature, is seeking rezoning from R-1 residential to B-1 commercial. The developer is planning to build single family homes, town houses and patio homes in a variety of residential styles for seniors age 55 and older. Because Sweden's residential zoning doesn't allow for the mix of homes the developer is proposing, the rezoning is necessary.

Town Councilman Rob Carges said Sweden's codes state that any project that includes multi-family dwellings must be zoned commercial.

Small commercial shops may be part of the development and could include a hair salon, coffee shop and doctors' offices. The developer has also been asked by SUNY Brockport to consider constructing a small hotel for visitors.

At prior meetings, Sweden residents opposed the project saying it is commercial development but Sweden officials have put restrictions into place to assure that doesn't happen. The restrictions limit the amount of land that could be used for retail businesses, limit the size of each retail business, eliminate any suggestion of a strip plaza or big box store, to name a few.

"I know that traffic has been a concern but a traffic study has been done and the reality is the traffic isn't that heavy for a four lane highway," he said. "We're going to listen to everyone and the board won't make any rash decisions."

The board is interested in the project because it is senior residential housing of several price levels and sizes. "We really don't have much senior living space in the town," Carges said.

"At the meeting, everyone will be given the opportunity to ask questions," Carges said. "The reality in the town is that we have had almost no growth in the past few years - we issued five housing permits last year and eight so far this year."

The meeting is scheduled for August 2 at 7 p.m. in the Town of Sweden court room.