Developer wins board approval to reclassify North Forest Road parcels for 144‑unit complex

The Amherst Town Board voted to reclassify four parcels on North Forest Road to allow a mixed residential development of two four‑story buildings totaling 144 apartments, the board announced after a public hearing on July 27.

Rob Savarino of RAS Development LLC told the board the site is just under 5 acres and described the plan as “a unified residential community” adjacent to UB’s North Campus. He said the traffic impact study prepared by Pacero Associates (dated July 2) projects 53 morning‑peak and 55 afternoon‑peak trips and concluded the three proposed driveways would operate at level‑of‑service C or better. “The project site consists of just under 5 acres, 4.88 to be exact,” Savarino said during his presentation.

Town staff and the planning board had reviewed parking, environmental and cultural resource studies and recommended approval. Planning staff and consultant reviews, including a Phase 1A/1B archaeological assessment, found no significant cultural or environmental constraints; staff reported the planning board unanimously recommended the reclassification and a SECRA negative declaration in April.

Board members asked about construction timing; Savarino said the developer anticipates roughly 14 months of construction to align leasing with warm weather. After public comment and a final motion, the board approved the SECRA determination and the rezoning ordinance by voice vote.

The resolution approved does not yet finalize site‑plan level conditions; the developer must complete site‑plan review and address any comments from the town’s technical review during the permitting process. The board set no additional requirements beyond the standard site‑plan conditions recorded in the motion.