CLAY — The Planning Board voted unanimously on Wednesday evening to recommend the Town Board approve a rezoning request for the Hinerwadels property on West Taft Road, a proposal that would bring 80 to 90 new single-family homes to the area. The 6-0 vote, which followed a public hearing, forwards the board's positive recommendation to the Town Board, which holds the final authority on zone changes. The applicant, J. Alberici & Sons, Inc., is seeking to change the zoning on four parcels totaling 29.1 acres. The property is currently split between Limited Use/Restaurant (LUC-2) and One Family Residential (R-10) districts. The proposal seeks to rezone the land to Office (O-2) and One Family Residential R-7.5. Ben Harrell of CHA, representing the applicant, told the board the development is designed to include residential housing alongside commercial uses. The plan features a low-intensity office building near the West Taft Road frontage and a daycare center. According to the minutes, Harrell stated the O-2 zoning allows for a variety of uses, including parks, schools, religious institutions, and medical offices. He noted that while the daycare is a confirmed use, the specific tenant for the office building has not yet been determined. Traffic and access were central themes of the discussion. The proposal includes a vehicle and pedestrian connection to Wally Road, a recommendation encouraged by the Onondaga County Planning Board and requested by the Clay Town Board. "A traffic light will likely be required," Harrell said, though the results of a formal traffic study are pending. While the board voiced support for the housing density and the "least intrusive" nature of the O-2 zoning, residents living near the project expressed apprehension about the intersection at Wally Road and Route 11. "The zoning requested is acceptable," said board member Jim Palumbo. "As we go forward with the site plan, these concerns can be addressed." Barbara Sequin of 136 Wally Road told the board she received limited notification and objected to opening her dead-end street to through traffic. Chairman Russ Mitchell acknowledged the residents' concerns but noted that the Planning Board's current role is strictly to evaluate the zoning suitability. Detailed engineering and traffic questions will be addressed during the future site plan review process. Mitchell added that opening Wally Road could actually benefit residents by providing an alternative route to West Taft Road, rather than forcing them to exit onto the busier Route 11. "This project was brought up about a month ago," Mitchell said. "What we are looking at this evening is what will be a good fit in our town." The board’s comments will be submitted to the Town Board for consideration. A date for the Town Board’s final decision has not been set. In other business, the board moved several site plan reviews forward. A proposal for a new Seneca Savings branch at 5332 State Route 31 was adjourned to Oct. 22. Jesse Plumley of Plumley Engineering presented a revised plan that included septic approval from the Department of Health and adjustments to stormwater management. Chairman Mitchell raised concerns about dumpster maintenance, leading to a decision to remove the dumpster entirely from the plan. Instead, the bank will utilize trash and recycling cans kept inside the building. The board also discussed the need for proper easements to accommodate future development adjacent to the site. The board also approved the site plan for a new Canandaigua National Bank at 7515 & 7519 Oswego Road after no public comments were offered. Several other items were adjourned to later dates, including site plans for Emerald Lawn Care, John Fisher Construction, and a Byrne Dairy location on Buckley Road.