CEDA tells Rushford Village commissioners smaller lots, ADUs and "Cozy Home Colonies" could help keep elderly residents local

Representatives from CEDA presented housing ideas to the Rushford Village Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 16, urging local officials to explore ordinance changes and regional coordination to expand housing options for elderly residents.

Jayme Longmire and CEDA Regional Manager Laura Qualey told commissioners the three-city partnership could restart discussions about housing and possible ordinance amendments to allow smaller lot sizes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), "Cozy Home Colonies" (clusters of small, accessible homes with shared greenspace) and yard homes. Qualey noted septic and sewer capacity are constraints in areas not served by municipal sewer and that some concepts—such as ADUs or cluster housing—could work where sewer hookups are available.

Commissioners said the ideas had merit but raised practical challenges. Gordon Johnson and others noted the Ladewig property could be a potential site but is not currently served by sewer and the landowner is not actively seeking development. Pettit said cluster housing is already allowed in the CRV ordinance, while Kopperud recommended beginning discussions with the City of Rushford and other partners to explore sewer connections and developer interest.

Longmire asked whether commissioners would welcome CEDA continuing to develop proposals and convene stakeholders; commissioners were broadly receptive and recommended further conversation after the Rushford municipal election, which commissioners said could affect timeline and partner willingness.

The commission did not take formal action on ordinance changes; staff and CEDA will continue outreach and preliminary planning work.