Planning board approves site plan for 81-unit affordable senior building at Maple Road

Sean Hopkins, representing the applicant, asked the Amherst Planning Board to approve site-plan review and a design waiver for a four‑story, 81‑unit affordable housing building at 3900–3904 Maple Road. Hopkins said the project would offer primarily one‑bedroom units for residents aged 55 and older, with 72 units at no more than 60% of area median income and nine units at no more than 30% AMI.

Hopkins outlined the site and design, saying the building footprint is about 82,624 square feet and that the team is proposing 100 parking spaces where 81 would be required. He told the board the project team revised the east setback after fire‑safety review, increasing it from 32.23 feet to 51.22 feet to allow emergency apparatus and aerial ladder access; the plan also includes full sprinklers. Hopkins said two variances from the New York State review board will be sought because some emergency‑apparatus road sections exceed 120 feet.

Board members questioned technical and procedural matters. Mike asked whether the applicant accepted the 11 draft conditions; Hopkins confirmed the team is willing to comply. The board and applicant discussed whether an independent SEQR determination was required; Hopkins requested issuance of a negative declaration.

After deliberation, the board voted to approve the requested design exception and, by roll call, approved site-plan approval subject to the 11 conditions presented by the planning department. Recorded votes were Yea: Joe, Mike, John, Raphael (4–0). The board noted that final approvals remain subject to satisfying the listed conditions and any required state reviews.

The decision advances the project’s site‑plan stage; Hopkins said the sponsor had applied for housing tax credits in September 2025 and that site‑plan approval is a key application requirement. The board’s approval does not substitute for required state variances or building permits.