A familiar intersection in Clay is slated for a facelift following a unanimous vote by the town Planning Board this week. During their regular meeting on April 8, the board voted 7-0 to recommend a zone change for the property known as "Sweetheart Corner," located at 102 ½ Wally Road. The recommendation now moves to the Town Board for final approval. Matt Napierala of Napierala Consulting, representing the applicant 5380 Sweetheart Corner LLC, told the board that the zone change from one-family residential to regional commercial (RC-1) is the first step in a larger redevelopment plan for the busy corner. The proposal aims to reinvigorate the site while maintaining its character. Napierala confirmed that the existing Rite Aid structure will remain, albeit converted into office or commercial space, and the current coffee shop—a local landmark—will stay in operation. Napierala stated that they are looking for a zone change to allow for future redevelopment, according to the meeting minutes. The primary new feature under the RC-1 zoning would be an outparcel drive-thru bank on the west frontage of West Taft Road. The change would also facilitate additional parking and improved access to Wally Road. Board members discussed the procedural steps ahead, which include lot consolidation and applications for area variances regarding setback regulations with the Zoning Board of Appeals. A Special Permit will also be required for the bank drive-thru services. Board member Jim Palumbo inquired about the "Sweetheart Market" sign during the discussion. Napierala confirmed that the sign would remain, preserving a piece of the town's aesthetic history. The board's recommendation was based on Standard Form #50, stating that the change "has no significant detrimental effects." The Town Board will now handle the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. **Warehouse Project Clears Environmental Hurdle** In other business, the board moved a significant warehouse project forward. Ironhorn Enterprises, represented by Alex Samoray of Keplinger Freeman Associates, is seeking to amend the site plan for a warehouse facility at 7245 Henry Clay Blvd. The board focused heavily on environmental factors, specifically wetlands. After reviewing the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Deputy Chair Russ Mitchell noted that while construction may occur near shallow water tables and wetlands, the impacts would be mitigated through strict compliance with permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). "Negative impacts to US Army Corps of Engineers and/or NYSDEC jurisdictional wetlands... will be avoided through compliance with required wetlands permits," Mitchell said during the recap. The board issued a Negative Declaration, determining the project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. The case was adjourned to June 10, 2026, to allow time for DEC permitting. **Other Business** Several projects were adjourned to future dates to allow applicants time to refine plans: * **Northern Credit Union (5004-5008 West Taft Road):** Adjourned to May 13, 2026. The applicant is continuing to work through wetland issues. * **Chad Mutter EV Charging Stations (7293 Buckley Road):** Adjourned to April 22, 2026. * **Donald Gabor Subdivision (8150 Morgan Road):** Adjourned to April 22, 2026. * **Scott Merle Builders (Mauro Subdivision, 4095 & 4101 Elmcrest Road):** Adjourned to April 22, 2026. Board members discussed a fence encroaching on a drainage easement, which needs to be resolved before the preliminary plat can be approved. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2026, at Town Hall.