The Town of Clay Planning Board moved a long-awaited storage facility project forward Wednesday night while asking for clarity on zoning regulations that could pave the way for a new gas station and shopping center. Meeting at Town Hall, the board voted unanimously to approve the site plan for **Pack Rat Storage**, located at 4717 Wetzel Road. The approval comes with conditions, including updates to the landscape plan and legal requirements. The project, which has been under review since 2024, received praise from board members for its revised landscaping. Member Jim Palumbo said the landscape looked very good, adding that viewed from the road it was effective with a mix of everything. Board members did request some final adjustments. Palumbo pointed out a plant listed on the landscaping schedule that did not appear on the actual plan, while Karen Guinup asked for a more specific list of items allowed for outdoor storage. The board requested that small backhoes, lifts, and skid steers be removed from the permitted storage list and asked for clarification on trailer size limits. With the landscaping and storage lists settled, the board determined the project would have no significant environmental impact under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). **Credit Union Review Continues** The board also took a step toward approving a new **Northern Credit Union** at 5004–5008 West Taft Road, but chose to continue the public hearing until September 24 to address traffic and safety concerns. Represented by Jim Ballantyne of Napierala Consulting, the proposal includes a branch with ATM and teller services. While the architectural plans were well-received, Chairman Russ Mitchell raised concerns about a vacant lot to the east of the property. Mitchell noted that the county restricts access onto West Taft Road, potentially complicating future development of that adjacent land. Ballantyne presented drawings showing an "apron" connection via Wintersweet Drive to serve the vacant lot in the future. Board member Hal Henty suggested the applicant consider purchasing the vacant lot to create a single parcel, a suggestion Ballantyne said he would take to the client. Board members also scrutinized the site's safety and aesthetics. Henty requested that lighting poles in the back of the property be lowered from 20 feet to 18 feet to protect the privacy of neighboring residents. Palumbo asked for specific details on tree heights and calibers to ensure the landscaping matures as intended. Traffic flow was another point of discussion. Guinup questioned the volume of vehicles and the potential hazard of headlights shining toward Wintersweet Drive as cars turn into the credit union. **Zoning Question for Mirabito Project** In a significant procedural move, the board voted 7-0 to formally request a re-hearing from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) regarding the **Mirabito Shopping Center** proposed for 3506 State Route 31. The request follows a "nullity vote" by the ZBA in August, leaving the planning board without a clear interpretation of whether a gasoline service facility is allowed in the HC-1 Highway Commercial zoning district. "The applicant should give their presentation for the board with an adjournment to follow," Mitchell said, noting that the ZBA is set to review the request for a re-hearing on October 13. Matt Napierala presented a preview of the project, which envisions a 6,300-square-foot shopping center featuring a Dunkin' with a drive-thru, an NBT Bank, a convenience store, and eight fueling stations. According to the presentation, the site would include EV charging stations capable of an 80% charge in 15 minutes. Napierala outlined a construction timeline targeting a spring 2026 start date with an opening in August 2026, pending approvals from the Town of Cicero regarding access to Lawton Road, which borders the property. **Other Business** The board handled several administrative items, scheduling continued reviews for: * **Seneca Savings:** A site plan for 5332 State Route 31 was adjourned to October 8. * **Byrne Dairy:** The review for 7190 Buckley Road was moved to September 24. * **Emerald Lawn Care:** The review for the Wetzel Road business was adjourned to October 8. * **Windsor Property Group:** The preliminary plat for Morgan Road was continued to September 24. All board members were present, with the exception of Ron DeTota, Planning Board Engineer.