CLAY — The Town Board took steps Monday night to reshape the zoning map near the upcoming Micron Semiconductor fabrication plant, while also hitting the brakes on a traffic safety proposal in a residential neighborhood after a resident pushback. During the regular meeting at Town Hall, the Board unanimously scheduled a public hearing for October 6 regarding a 21-acre parcel on Burnet Road. The proposed zone change, identified as Case #1237 (White Pine Commerce Park), would shift the land from a Residential Agricultural District (RA-100) to an Industrial 2 District (I-2). According to the minutes, the move is intended "to accommodate Micron Semiconductor Plant" operations. The resolution, moved by Councilor Edward Wisnowski and seconded by Councilor Deborah Magaro-Dolan, sets the stage for potential industrial expansion in an area traditionally reserved for agriculture and low-density housing. Traffic Safety Debate In a separate matter, the Board continued a public hearing regarding traffic calming in the Fairways development, specifically near the intersections of Northfield Drive, Twin Elms Lane, Tallmadge Road, and Richardson Drive. The Board had previously considered installing three-way stops at four intersections to curb speeding and cut-through traffic. However, Supervisor Damian Ulatowski introduced a new alternative during the meeting. Ulatowski, along with Town Constable Mike McCarthy and Highway Superintendent Joe Nicoletti, visited the neighborhood and proposed installing two speed bumps—one on Northfield Drive and one on Richfield Drive—instead of the stop signs. "We feel that they have come up with a solution to reduce speed and deter 'cut through' traffic," Ulatowski said, referencing a similar situation in the Fairways development where speed bumps were constructed after a near-accident involving a child. Constable McCarthy agreed with the assessment. However, resident Will Dwyer spoke during the hearing, arguing that neighbors preferred stop signs. Dwyer also raised concerns that speed bumps might negatively impact residents living immediately adjacent to them. Given the feedback, the Board voted to adjourn the hearing to October 6 to allow further discussion. Taft Road Development Plans The Board also discussed a major rezoning request for the Hinerwadels site at 5300 W. Taft Road. The applicant, represented by Ben Harrell of CHA, is seeking to rezone 29.1 acres to allow for a mix of commercial and residential development. The proposal includes 4.2 acres zoned for Office (O-2) use to host a daycare facility called "The Learning Experience" and a second, unnamed commercial tenant. The remaining 24.4 acres would be zoned for single-family homes (R-7.5), potentially yielding 80 to 90 new housing units. Councilor Eugene Young raised concerns about the layout, specifically noting that the initial plan appeared to "landlock" the residential section without adequate road access. Harrell explained that the applicant plans to construct roads and deed them to the town, with a primary access point across from a northern intersection on Taft Road. Following discussion, Board members pressed for guaranteed access to Wally Road and a commitment that the commercial portions be built concurrently with the homes. Harrell agreed to provide legal descriptions and "meets and bounds" for the parcels and to confirm the applicant's willingness to commit to building the entire project. The public hearing was adjourned to October 6. Other Business The Board also managed routine housekeeping items, accepting the town's audit for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Several other public hearings, including cases for Northern Credit Union and the Rich Family Subdivision, were adjourned to the October meeting. The next regular meeting of the Town Board is scheduled for October 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.