Community Bank proposes 2,717‑sf branch, board asks for easement and circulation fixes

Michelle Borton, chairwoman of the Town of Clay Planning Board, opened public review May 27 of a proposed Community Bank N.A. branch at 4000 State Route 31 in the R&F Plaza. Lisa Wennberg of Keplinger Freeman Associates said the project would put a 2,717‑square‑foot bank with a drive‑thru and ATM on a 1.056‑acre portion of the plaza and that the bank would have 18 dedicated spaces while the larger plaza would retain 567 community parking spaces (585 total).

The board and applicants focused on site constraints and circulation. Borton flagged county comments urging sidewalk and crosswalk connections across the plaza and asked applicants to record case and variance dates on plans. Wennberg and applicant representatives said they will revise the plans to show pedestrian connections and provide written access agreements for community parking. Kathleen Bennett, the town attorney, confirmed a written access agreement would be sufficient for the file.

Board members raised technical issues: Hal Henty asked that plans specify fixture types and heights for exterior lighting; Karen Guinup requested HVAC equipment be relocated from the roof to screened ground mounts; and Jim Palumbo urged confirmation of fire‑truck maneuverability, saying the proposed bypass lane and an 11‑foot aisle may not accommodate emergency vehicles. Applicant representatives said a bypass lane adjacent to the drive‑thru is shown to prevent queueing into the plaza circulation and that they will consult the fire department on turning radii.

The site preparation plan shows multiple recorded easements crossing the proposed bank parcel, including a 20‑foot town right‑of‑way, a 30‑foot OCWA easement, and a 30‑foot town drainage right‑of‑way. Wennberg said OCWA coordination has begun and that a water line relocation will be required to accommodate the drive‑thru; the exact relocation alignment will be provided when the work is complete. Borton also noted the applicant will contact the State Historic Preservation Office about disturbed area requirements.

Janet Rathburn of 4760 Freestone Road urged the board to consider existing circulation problems at the plaza entrance and warned that additional traffic could worsen turning difficulties. Trevor Edkin of Raymour and Flanigan said painted directional markings exist and additional signage or modified turning radii could help. With revisions requested, the board voted to adjourn the case to July 8, 2026 so applicants can return with updated plans (motion by Hal Henty; seconded by Russ Mitchell).