Board continues drafting zoning definitions as staff reports sidewalks, EV chargers and climate work

Town staff told the Penfield Town Board on May 20 that draft local‑law language to add and clarify definitions—drive‑through, drive‑up, dining establishment, bar/tavern, and terms covering cidery or brewery uses—has been prepared but needs additional review because existing code references do not always match the proposed terms.

Staff used the example of a local business, 7 Brew, which operates as a drive‑up only use, to illustrate why a clear definition for drive‑through/drive‑up features is necessary. The board noted that nearly all uses likely to include a drive‑through remain conditional uses in Penfield and said staff should refine definitions and return with consistent code language before formally introducing a local law to avoid redundant public hearings.

In project updates, staff reported sidewalk construction on Jackson Road and planned work on Plank Road (about 1.5 miles of sidewalk work), receipt of an easement from the Nature Conservancy, installation of smart EV charging stations at Rothfus Park and the Four Corners, an ongoing greenhouse gas inventory for the Climate Action Plan, and public engagement for the Penfield Forward facility/fiscal analysis. Staff also noted an unusually wet spring—about 13 inches of rain since March—raising local drainage complaints and prompting further review.

Next steps: staff will refine the draft local‑law definitions and reconcile code references before reintroducing the amendment; staff will continue infrastructure work and provide updates at the May 27 work session.