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After months of debate, Grand Island adopts Local Law No. 6 limiting building size in M1 zone
Summary
The Town Board adopted Local Law No. 6 on Aug. 19 after extended debate among board members and public comment; one supervisor voted against adoption citing timing and process concerns.
The Town Board of Grand Island adopted Local Law No. 6 at its Aug. 19 meeting, a municipal local law that places a square-footage limit on development in the M1 zoning district. The board passed the measure by roll call; Supervisor Marston recorded the lone "no" vote.
Board discussion before the vote ranged from calls to apply any building-size cap townwide to arguments that the M1 cap was needed now to control growth while a broader zoning reform process continues. Several board members urged caution about singling out one zone without a comprehensive rezone; supporters said the measure is a necessary stopgap given county feedback and recent development interest.
The discussion traced the item's history to 2023 and a multi-month committee effort to review zoning. Several speakers on the board urged a "top-down" reexamination of the town's zoning code and master plan before applying permanent, townwide size limits; other board members said the local law had already been vetted in public hearings and that immediate action was warranted to give the town regulatory control over large projects.
A roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript as follows: Councilman Dan Kilmer — Aye; Councilman Garcia — Aye; DeGatti — Aye; Belida — Aye; Supervisor Marston — Nay.
Public comment during and after the vote included multiple residents who said the measure did not go far enough and urged stricter limits or townwide application. Other residents asked the board to move forward with protections for neighborhood character and to address infrastructure capacity, including water, sewer and roads. The record shows sustained resident concern about the timing and thoroughness of zoning reform and the perceived effect of large projects on small-island roads and services.
Ending: The board's adoption of Local Law No. 6 will appear in the town's minutes and takes effect according to the town's adoption procedures; the board and the rezoning committee signaled intent to continue broader zoning review and to consider amendments at a later date.
