|
Sweden residents voice opposition Close to 100 people filled the courtroom in the Town of Sweden but less than a dozen took to the podium to voice their opposition to the proposed rezoning on Redman Road. Town Councilman Rob Carges led the public hearing, August 2, on the potential rezone of four parcels of land totaling about 130 acres on Redman Road. The project, while residential in nature, needs 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. Michael McClean, Jr. of McClean Development, LLC, addressed the residents and gave a brief overview of the project. "We're seeking the rezoning because the codes of the town don't allow for a mix of housing such as we're proposing," McClean said, explaining they are looking to construct single family, multi-family and assisted living facilities as part of the Heritage Square project. "We aren't planning for any big box stores and any tenant in the commercial section of the development cannot be in excess of 20,000 square feet." As a comparison, resident Cheryl Cooley pointed out that the newly constructed tractor and farm supply business on Route 31 was a 20,000 square foot structure. "That's a big box store," she said. McClean said Heritage Square will mimic the Victorian architecture of the Village of Brockport and will also incorporate the main entrance of the town's park into the construction. "That road will be dedicated, all the others in the project will be taken care of through a homeowner's association and will not be a burden on Sweden's resources," he said. Heritage Square is intended for residents 55 and older although it will include several homes suitable for young professionals, McClean said. The construction of a small hotel has also been discussed as McClean said they have been asked by both SUNY officials and others in the community to add that to the proposal. "Money is being lost in this area to Greece because there isn't enough hotel space to accommodate visitors," McClean said. Traffic problems and congestion were the main themes brought up by residents who spoke at the meeting. "Traffic mitigation will be addressed, in part, by our construction of a small convenience store area within the community," McClean said. Karen Leidig, who lost her son, Matthew Fiton, in an accident on Redman Road, said, "I have no opinion on the rezoning but I am here because Redman Road is not safe," she said. "There have been 140 accidents reported in that area over the last 11 years. The 40 mile per hour speed zone is just not adhered to." Resident Terry Cooley addressed the board saying he didn't feel the community's opinions would be truly taken into consideration when the board makes its decision. "I think this public hearing satisfied your duty to the public but if you don't deny this rezoning you will have failed miserably in your duty to this community," he said. "Sweden has a unique character that demands preservation." Cooley said the board "whines about" how the town needs more money but that is doesn't look at any ways to save so they are welcoming this "commercial development to a residential area." George Lloyd, a Redman Road resident, said he is adamantly opposed to the rezoning. "I moved here for the spacious living," he said. "And why would you add more businesses to this area when there are empty storefronts all over the town and village? Don't presume you are acting on our behalf by approving this project. Don't let the will of the few supercede the desires of the many." Rich Miller asked if the commercial development within Heritage Square was "truly necessary" as the town is rural by nature. "I think you should go back to the drawing board and make the whole project residential," he said. Josephine Matela, recently elected president of the Brockport Merchants Association and former mayor of the Village of Brockport, said she is concerned from a retail perspective that the construction of commercial venues in the project will decrease visitors to the downtown area. Following the questions by residents, which took less than 45 minutes, McClean addressed some of the concerns. "Many of the issues have already been raised by officials, and addressed by us," he said. "The Village of Brockport is one of the main reasons we wanted to locate here - it's a vibrant village. This project can not and will not replace the village's business atmosphere." No decisions were made by Town of Sweden officials at the meeting and it is unknown whether the project will be on the agenda at the August 9 board meeting. |