**CLAY** – The Town Planning Board took steps Wednesday night to improve facilities for local veterans and families, though several projects were sent back to the drawing board for further review. During the regular meeting on March 18, the board reviewed proposals ranging from a new pavilion for the VFW to a large child care center near Park Ridge, while also scrutinizing a residential subdivision that raised questions about existing land use. **VFW to Expand with New Pavilion** VFW Post No. 951 on Caughdenoy Road is looking to upgrade its outdoor facilities. Pat Reynolds, of Ianuzi & Romans, representing the veterans' organization, told the board the post seeks site plan approval to construct a 2,160-square-foot pavilion. The facility is currently used primarily for monthly member meetings but is available for public rental. The new project includes upgrading the parking area to asphalt with striping to provide 35 spaces, though no changes are planned for existing lighting or signage. Chairwoman Michelle Borton noted the county has approved the two-driveway access plan. However, the board adjourned the case (Case #2026-015) to April 22 to allow the applicant to address several details. Board members specifically requested an erosion and sediment control plan, a lighting survey, and architectural plans for the pavilion. Member Jim Palumbo raised concerns about the landscaping plan, noting that the proposed rhododendrons might not survive the winter weather and suggested more durable species like sugar maples. Board members also emphasized the need to show snow storage areas on the final site plan. **New Day Care Center Proposed for Park Ridge** In other business, the board reviewed a proposal from "The Learning Experience" to construct a 10,000-square-foot child care center at 8233 Park Ridge Path. Representative Ben Harrell presented plans for the facility, which would replace a previously approved office building in the Park Ridge Commercial Park. The center would include a 5,000-square-foot outdoor play area divided for toddlers and preschool children, surrounded by a 6-foot vinyl fence. The plan calls for accommodating approximately 144 children and 26 staff members. Harrell told the board that drop-off times would run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and pick-ups from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. While the Onondaga County Planning Board encouraged additional landscaping to buffer the residential area, the town board focused on parking logistics. Chairwoman Borton pointed out that several proposed parking spaces were "oddly spaced" and did not meet the town code requirement of 9.5 by 20 feet. "Even with striping and diagonal lines, this is a problem during the winter months," Borton said, asking the applicant to square up the parking layout. Member Hal Henty also questioned whether there was enough parking for staff versus visitors, to which Harrell responded that total available parking in the commercial park would be 113 spaces, shared with other office users. The board adjourned both the special permit and site plan (Cases #2026-017 and #2026-018) to a future date to correct the parking drawings and remove a shed shown on the plan that encroaches on a property line. **Subdivision Faces Hurdles on Zoning History** The board also tackled the preliminary plat for the "Mauro Subdivision" on Elmcrest Road, a proposal to split two existing lots into four residential parcels. The project drew scrutiny regarding the history of Lot #2, which currently houses an excavating business. Board members noted heavy equipment on the site, raising questions about whether the current use conforms to zoning laws. Commissioner of Planning & Development Brian Bender informed the board that his department is researching an old approval for a home-based business on that lot. Reynolds, representing the builder, stated the excavating business would be vacated if the subdivision is approved. Additionally, Engineer Ron DeTota raised concerns about drainage and easements, noting the site is heavily wooded and subject to "Phase 2" stormwater regulations due to the aggregate acreage. Because of the unresolved zoning questions and the need to verify easement boundaries, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the case (Case #2026-013) to April 8. **Other Business** The board approved a slate of sign permits for the Byrne Dairy on Buckley Road. The proposal included a new 49-square-foot internally illuminated LED wall sign and a freestanding LED sign. Both signs were approved with a 7-0 vote after a brief presentation. All motions requiring a vote passed by a count of 7-0.