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Town board defers final decision on developer’s trail and pathway trade and seeks meeting with developer
Summary
Board members discussed a proposed developer trade — curb cuts and other on-site changes in exchange for not building a planned trail and benches — and agreed to invite the developer to a workshop while asking board members to submit their “asks.” Public comments raised concerns about density for a separate PDD application.
The Grand Island Town Board discussed an outstanding developer request involving a planned wooden trail, benches and related pedestrian pathways and did not reach a final decision, instead asking staff to reconvene with the developer and schedule a workshop.
Why it matters: The item concerns how a private development interacts with public infrastructure (a proposed trail and benches), and whether developer-proposed off-site or on-site modifications relieve the town’s obligation to construct other amenities. Board members signaled engineering support for certain curb cuts but said the curb cuts alone would not fully replace the missing trail, and they sought a clearer, written proposal from the developer.
Board members said they want to consolidate what they collectively expect from the developer into a single “ask” before meeting. They discussed whether curb cuts — not currently on the developer’s plans — could be an acceptable component of a trade but noted that engineering had recommended the curb cuts for safer access. Several board members said that curb cuts alone would not “erase” the absence of a trail and that the town should get a comprehensive proposal. The board agreed to invite the developer (including partner Frank Catelli, named in the discussion) to a workshop or to a standalone meeting to work through options.
The item remains tabled for continued discussion. Board members asked colleagues to submit suggested conditions or requests in writing and indicated they will pursue a daytime workshop if that allows fuller discussion.
Public commentary during the meeting also returned to a separate but related development concern: density and the use of planned-development districts (PDD). A resident, Paul Cotman of Timberlink Drive, urged the board to request proof of the Gulfview project applicant’s financial capacity and argued that the town master plan and New York State PDD guidance emphasize that PDDs should not increase density in ways that adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods. Cotman asked the board to preserve an existing buffer behind Timberlake-area homes and to consider mature trees and green space as part of the town’s character. Another resident, Hank Cushing of 216 Timberlake, asked for updates on the Gulfview application and was told the board would respond after other agenda items.
What’s next: The board left the developer/pathway discussion open and planned follow-up with the developer; it also referred a home-occupation special-use application to the planning board and set a public hearing for Oct. 6. The board will review written “asks” from members before meeting the developer.
