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Owners of 172 North Saw Mill River Road propose 65‑unit, net‑zero multifamily project; board debates rezoning and tenant protections
Summary
Property owners presented a plan to replace an aging eight‑unit building with a roughly 65‑unit, largely all‑electric development that would dedicate 15% of units to workforce housing and claim roughly $587,000 in projected annual tax revenue; the board discussed rezoning, tenant displacement and whether to wait for a comprehensive‑plan update.
Sarah Marandy and co‑owners Reza and Esperanza Morandi presented concept plans to the town board for a 65‑unit multifamily development at 172 North Saw Mill River Road, saying they want a community‑centered, green building with a workforce set‑aside.
"We are the owners of 172 North Saw Mill," Sarah Marandy told the board, describing a vision of a fully electrified, LEED‑oriented building with solar panels, a green roof and community space. The owners said they increased a proposed workforce housing set‑aside to 15% (above a referenced 10% baseline) and proposed a mix of studios, one‑ and two‑bedroom units.
Marandy presented preliminary unit sizes and AMI framing and tied the proposal to potential town revenue: she said the development could generate nearly $587,000 in annual taxes if built to the proposed scale. "If we were to go through with this development, we'd bring in nearly $600,000 in taxes annually," she told board members.
Board members raised several concerns. Several questioned whether the existing tenants in the current eight‑unit building could afford new rents and asked for more concrete relocation or affordability guarantees. The owners said they intend to prioritize long‑term tenants for replacement units or temporary arrangements but provided limited details on binding commitments.
Staff explained the site currently sits in a CB commercial zoning district that does not permit the proposed density as‑of‑right; any project of this scale would require rezoning or a variance and that rezoning while the town is preparing a comprehensive‑plan update risks creating a perceived "spot zone." Several board members urged broad community outreach — including an open house and discussions with villages, the school district and neighborhood groups — before any rezoning is advanced.
No formal vote was taken; owners said they are prepared to file plans soon if the board gives a green light to proceed and the board encouraged community engagement and coordination with planning staff.
