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Planning board assumes lead agency for Novarize subdivision amid heated neighbor opposition to proposed connector road
Summary
The planning board declared lead agency for the 73‑lot Novarize cluster subdivision on Brownsville Road. Developers proposed a 73‑lot cluster (banking six lots) on 158.2 acres; neighbors urged removing or limiting a two‑way connector to Azano/Tuscany Hills and proposed alternatives such as hammerheads or one‑lane pinch points. The board voted 5–0 to assume lead agency and will continue SEQR review.
At the July 14 meeting the Town of Victor Planning Board assumed lead‑agency status for the Novarize preliminary subdivision, a proposed clustered development on Brownsville Road that would create 73 lots (with six banked lots for a permitted maximum density of 79 across roughly 158 acres).
Cole Peppersergi (Marathon Engineering) presented engineering findings showing that a proposed secondary connection to Brownsville Road would require a cut of approximately 50 feet through a ridge and extensive grading and vegetation clearing, making that option infeasible under town road‑grade rules. The applicant highlighted that alternate north‑side access is more gradual and more feasible.
Developers (including Carly Moynihan and Bill Arino of Morrell Builders) presented 3‑D renderings and said they would propose berms and tree plantings—5‑foot berms topped with pines and infill plantings—to create a vegetative buffer between the new subdivision and the existing homes on Asano/Stub Road. They said the closest dwelling‑to‑dwelling separation would be about 160 feet in the most impacted location.
Public comment was extensive and often adversarial. Many residents objected to a two‑way, paved connector that would link the new subdivision to Azano/Tuscany Hills, arguing it would change neighborhood character, increase through traffic and depress property values. Neighbors proposed alternatives—hammerheads, ‘pinch’ one‑lane connectors, or emergency‑access only treatments—while recognizing the need for emergency vehicle access. Fire and highway department concerns about remote access, plowing and heavy vehicle circulation were raised by staff earlier in the review. Victor Hiking Trails representatives said they plan to work with the developer to preserve and improve an easement connection to the trail.
After a lengthy public record and procedural review, the planning board read and passed a resolution confirming lead‑agency status for SEQR for the Novarize project (motion carried 5–0). The board emphasized that the public hearing remains open and that multiple technical studies (EAF part 2/3, traffic/cut‑and‑fill engineering, conservation easement specifics) will follow in coming meetings.
Next steps: the planning board will continue SEQR coordination, review LaBella technical comments, examine traffic and grading alternatives, and solicit additional public input at future meetings.
