During the Clarence Town Board meeting on Jan. 18, Supervisor David Hartzell suggested the Town Board set a public hearing to consider the issue of multi-family density within the town.

A proposed change to the code would amend the density for multi-family dwelling units from 5,000 square feet per family unit to no less than 2,500 square feet per family unit under certain conditions. This would apply to areas that have access to public sewers and are in major arterial, commercial or restricted business zoning areas.

The current density requirements were put into place before certain areas had public sewer access. The town’s standards would remain more restrictive than those of nearby municipalities despite the increase in density, said James Callahan, director of community development for the town.

Underlying zoning requirements, related to such things as size and height, would continue to protect the character of the town, he said.

A project was denied a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals at its Jan. 10 meeting because of these density requirements. Affordable Senior Housing Opportunities of New York had requested to be allowed to construct a 131-unit senior living facility at 8040 Roll Road. This would require a 59-unit variance.

Because of the sewage and zoning restrictions, the proposed amendment to the density requirements would affect only a few properties along the Transit Road corridor, said Callahan.

He said the goal would be to maximize existing infrastructure investments without damaging the character of the town.

Anyone interested in reviewing the potential changes can contact the Planning and Zoning Office in Town Hall, located at 1 Town Place, by calling 741-8933.

Councilman Bernard Kolber felt that the change, which would allow about 17 units per acre, would not be in keeping with the rural atmosphere of the town. Clarence has no shortage of available land, he said.

“One opinion by the ZBA that is not liked seems to rewrite the zoning laws,” he said during the Town Board work session.

Hartzell said a public hearing would give residents a chance to express their opinions and ask questions.

The public hearing was set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, with Kolber casting the lone dissenting vote.

The board also announced that the Clarence Lions Club would be taking responsibility for organizing the annual Day in the Park event, which is slated for June 30.