Arbors at Penfield modification approved: pickleball courts reduced, fenced dog park added

Whitestone Development and Costage Engineering representatives presented a site‑plan modification for the Arbors at Penfield at the July 9 planning‑board work session that would reduce the previously approved pickleball courts to two, relocate them closer to the clubhouse and add a fenced dog park on the west side of the property.

Mike Ritchie (Costage Engineering) and a Whitestone representative described the changes as a minor reduction in impervious cover and an amenity requested by residents. "We're proposing a fenced in dog park area for the residents," one applicant said. The developers said the area is buffered by trees, is already lit by nearby pedestrian lights and could be relocated if operations show it is a problem.

Board members pressed on the dog park's proximity to an outdoor shooting range roughly 600 feet away and asked whether noise or hours of operation had been considered. The applicant said the range is used only minimally and that residents had asked for the amenity. The developers also said the dog park would be fenced and intended for residents only; operation details and any necessary veterinary/registration requirements would be managed by the development's resident intake procedures.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the modifications; the motion passed with one member expressing concern and voting against. Staff said the changes did not require reissuing the SEQR negative declaration because they were not substantial changes to the green space footprint and could be revisited later if an operational issue arises.

The approved modification allows the developer to proceed with the reduced court layout and the fenced dog park; staff will coordinate any minor final adjustments to lighting and access as needed.