Clay, New York
· Tuesday, September 1, 2026· Sep 1, 2026
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📐 Planning Board
Clay Planning Board Approves Mirabito Plaza, RailWorks Site Plans; Grants Micron Final Plat
The Planning Board approved site plans for a new Mirabito shopping center and a RailWorks facility and granted final plat approval to Micron, following the county-led environmental review process.
●Unanimously approved the site plan for the Mirabito Shopping Center on State Route 31 (7-0 vote).
●Granted final plat approval to Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC (7-0 vote).
●Approved site plan for RailWorks Track Services, contingent on a decommissioning plan (7-0 vote).
●Adjourned a public hearing for EV charging stations at 7293 Buckley Road to February 11, 2026.
●Reorganized the Planning Board for 2026, appointing Russ Mitchell as Deputy Chair.
CLAY — The Planning Board moved several major development projects forward during its regular meeting on Jan. 14, approving site plans for a new commercial plaza and an industrial facility while advancing the Micron semiconductor project.
The meeting, which marked the organizational session for 2026, was led by Chairwoman Michelle Borton. She praised outgoing Chair Russ Mitchell for his eight years of leadership, noting his advocacy for residents impacted by development.
**Mirabito Shopping Center Approved**
The board granted site plan approval for the Kelly-Tobin Development project, known as the Mirabito Shopping Center, located at 5566 State Route 31.
Matt Napierala, representing the applicant, presented revised plans dated Dec. 31, 2025. According to the minutes, the changes included clarifications on signage, an adjustment to the fueling area, and a widened entry radius at the Lawton Road intersection.
While the board voted 7-0 to approve the site plan, members acknowledged the lengthy review process. Mitchell, who voted in favor, stated he was not originally in favor of the project but believed the board did its best to create a workable plan. He added that he wished the applicant good luck with the project, according to the minutes.
The approval covers the site layout, grading, and utilities. However, members noted that wall signage and site signage require a separate application and were not approved under this motion.
**Micron Plans Advance**
The board granted final plat approval to Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC for property at 5171 State Route 31.
The approval is based on a survey map by Thew Associates revised Dec. 30, 2025. The board took this action following the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency’s (OCIDA) completion of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process in late 2025.
Board members also reviewed a related site plan for the manufacturing facility. Chairwoman Borton thanked the Micron team for their cooperation over the last few months in addressing the town's questions and comments.
Brian Bender, Commissioner of Planning & Development, noted that the town is currently coordinating pre-construction meetings and that activity is visible on the site.
**RailWorks and EV Stations**
The board also approved a site plan for RailWorks Track Services LLC at 8625 Caughdenoy Road. The approval is conditioned on the completion and approval of an "Over-the-Road Decommissioning Plan."
Commissioner Bender clarified that no Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for the facility until the decommissioning plan is finalized and financial securities are in place. The measure passed 7-0.
In other business, the board adjourned a public hearing regarding an application by Chad Mutter to install three dual-port EV charging stations at 7293 Buckley Road. The application was adjourned to the Feb. 11 meeting to allow the applicant to address technical comments regarding scaling, parking dimensions, and ADA compliance.
**Board Reorganization**
At the start of the meeting, the board established its schedule for 2026. Chairwoman Michelle Borton presided over the session, and members voted to appoint Russ Mitchell as Deputy Chairman. They also appointed Marie Giannone as Secretary, Kathleen Bennett as Board Attorney, and C&S Engineers as the Planning Board's Engineers for the upcoming year.
Early coverage (re-verified). An early article, drafted by AI before our verification gate existed. Every one was later adversarially re-reviewed against its source record, and the errors found were corrected and republished in August 2026.
●Unanimously recommended zone change and special permits for The Summit FCU to construct a 3,100 sq. ft. branch with a drive-thru at 4955 West Taft Rd (Vote 7-0).
●Heard a presentation from Nexamp regarding a 5,000 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at 4664 Wetzel Rd.
●Chairwoman Michelle Berton and member Jim Palumbo recused themselves from voting on Nexamp projects due to business ties.
Clay Approves Mall Split for Medical Complex, National Grid Expansion; Delays Equestrian Center Hearing
●Great Northern Medical Complex:** Board granted preliminary plat approval (7-0) for Conifer LLC to subdivide 121 acres, facilitating a partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University.
●National Grid Shredder:** Approved a special permit (7-0) for a new metal shredder line at 4651 Crossroads Park Dr. to recycle aluminum cable.
●Clay Equestrian Center:** Public hearing adjourned to Jan. 14, 2026, to allow time for septic and wetland designs to be finalized.
●Northside Baptist Church:** Public hearing on an 18,977 sq. ft. expansion adjourned to Jan. 14, 2026, to address lighting details.
Clay Planning Board Approves Byrne Dairy Digital Signage, Flags Concerns Over Battery Storage
●Approved special permit for Byrne Dairy electronic sign (Case #2026-010) by a 7-0 vote.
●Voted 5-0 to send negative recommendations to the Town Board regarding Nexamp battery storage proposals (Cases #2026-001 and #2026-002), citing lack of zoning laws and proximity to residents.
●Adjourned review of Ironhorn Enterprises site plan to April 8, 2026, to establish lead agency status under SEQR.
●Continued review of Northside Baptist Church site plan to March 18, 2026, to fix lighting technicalities.
●Adjourned John E. Fisher Construction cases to April 22, 2026, due to outstanding wetland issues.
●Adjourned Northern Credit Union site plan review to March 18, 2026.
Byrne Dairy, Seneca Savings Plans Approved; Mirabito Site Plan Faces Further Review
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