Henrietta board issues negative 'seeker' determination for James Riverview Parcel F, moves project to planning review

The Henrietta Town Board on July 1 adopted Resolution 13-238206 issuing a "seeker" negative declaration for the James Riverview Parcel F cluster subdivision on Lehi Station Road, clearing the way for the project to move to planning‑board and site‑plan review.

Supervisor Schultz opened the public hearing and invited the applicant’s consultants to summarize the concept. "We’re here tonight to have the board act and approve the use of the cluster provision," said Mike Popey of BME Associates, who said the application resumes matters left at a prior meeting and that the team will return for required planning and site reviews. Popey also noted the team has discussed the project with county reviewers and expects any traffic mitigation needs to be handled through standard permitting or a mitigation contribution tied to trip counts.

The decision follows testimony from town staff and consultants that the project will use a new DEC general permit for residential wetland impacts, and that the planned stormwater retention area will feed and, in places, expand wetland buffer area beyond code requirements. "One of the intents of the project is to utilize the DEC’s new general permit for residential developments," Popey said, describing how pocket wetlands would be mitigated and how retention ponds may become part of preserved wetland areas.

During public comment, Margaret, a longtime Lehi Station Road resident, urged the town to extend sewer service to nearby homes, inspect and clear an old drainage conduit, and said stormwater from additional impervious surface runs downhill to existing houses. "Every square foot of imperous surface that you put down—roads, driveways, sidewalks, roofs—is water that runs downhill to us," she said, asking the board to consider a sewer stub and to replace trees removed by construction. Supervisor Schultz responded that developers are typically required to provide a sewer stub for nearby properties and described options for downhill homes (grinder pumps or pump tanks) if topography requires them to pump to the new main.

A member of the board proposed a text correction to the environmental assessment form language; the board adopted that amendment, then voted to approve the resolution as amended. Roll call on the motion recorded Council members Barley, Stafford, Sophranic and Owens and Supervisor Schultz voting in favor.

The board’s action is procedural approval that permits the applicant to advance to detailed site design and local planning‑board review; final decisions on open‑space disposition and any required mitigation or road improvements will be set during those subsequent reviews. The board noted planning and conservation boards will review tree‑planting and open‑space protection options and that utility and traffic mitigation needs may be resolved through county permitting or town mitigation requirements.

Next steps: the applicant will complete detailed site plans and return to the planning board and, as needed, the town for final approvals and any required mitigation or infrastructure agreements.