CLAY — Residents packed the Town Hall on Monday, Oct. 20, primarily to voice concerns over a proposed 80-lot subdivision on West Taft Road, but the evening began with good financial news for property owners. During an informational hearing, Comptroller Paula Caron presented the town’s tentative $23 million budget for 2026. Despite rising costs for highway projects, a new town hall roof, and state retirement contributions, Caron announced that residents will see no increase in the town tax levy. The budget is 1.5% higher than the previous year's spending plan, but Caron noted that lower interest rates and other adjustments helped offset a 4.5% increase in expenses. Councilor Eugene Young confirmed that the plan stays below the state’s 2% tax cap. To ensure fiscal flexibility, the board also opened and closed a public hearing on Local Law No. 1, which would allow the town to override the tax cap if necessary. Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick clarified that this is a procedural step the town takes annually; the law is rescinded later if the cap is not breached. Hinerwadels Site Debate The bulk of the meeting focused on Town Board Case #1236, a request to rezone 29.1 acres at 5300 W. Taft Road. The applicant, represented by Ben Harrell of CHA Consulting, seeks to change the zoning from R-10 One-Family Residential and LuC-2 Limited Use to R-7.5 Residential and O-2 Office to accommodate 80 to 85 residential lots and two commercial parcels. The proposal has drawn scrutiny regarding traffic access. While the Planning Board voted 7-0 to recommend the zone change, town residents and board members expressed apprehension about the planned intersection at Rockland Drive. Councilor Young questioned whether a traffic signal would be required at the new intersection. Mr. Harrell admitted they had not yet discussed the matter with the Onondaga County Department of Transportation. Councilor David Capria stated he was not in favor of a traffic light at that location, noting existing signals nearby at Allen Road and the District Offices. "We would have to charge an exorbitant price for the homes if we only built 30," Harrell said in response to a suggestion by Capria to reduce the development's density. Several residents spoke during the public hearing, with mixed opinions. Some argued that a new intersection at Rockland Drive would help slow speeding traffic on Taft Road. Others, specifically those living on Wally Road, strongly opposed connecting the new subdivision to their street, citing difficult sightlines when exiting onto Route 11 and a history of traffic issues. Lorraine Van Luven of 5292 West Taft Road expressed concern about the proximity of the commercial lots to her home. Deputy Supervisor Bick asked the applicant to commit to a buffer, to which Harrell noted that a 75-foot buffer is required by code. Ultimately, the board voted 6-0 to adjourn the public hearing to Nov. 17 to allow time for a traffic study to be completed. Other Business In other matters, the board addressed noise complaints regarding Sharkey's. Deputy Supervisor Bick stated that the issues had been addressed by the Codes Department and that a public hearing would be scheduled to change the zone to ensure compliance. The board also moved several budget resolutions forward, scheduling public hearings for the 2026 Special Districts, Fire Protection, and Uniform Water budgets for early November. The meeting concluded with the approval of a three-year contract extension with the Central New York SPCA for dog control and animal cruelty services, effective Jan. 1, 2026.