Residents question traffic study and environmental impacts of The Reserve at Clay zone change

The board opened a public hearing on Town Board Case No. 1251 — The Reserve at Clay — seeking a zone change from RA‑100 to R‑7.5 for roughly 20.18 acres at 8201 Lawton Road and adjacent vacant lands to allow future development of approximately 61 single‑family lots.

Tim Coyer, speaking for the applicant, said the project returned to the board following a Planning Board recommendation in favor of the zone change. Resident Chris Underwood challenged the relevance of the traffic study, which the record shows was conducted in November 2024, saying it does not reflect recent regional development and higher traffic volumes tied to Micron. Underwood told the board there are "serious concerns with traffic on Lawton Road including excessive speed, increased traffic and ebikes being driven by children without helmets and sometimes altered to go faster than intended." He also said there is seldom police presence on the road.

Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick said he would contact the County Sheriff’s Department to request increased patrolling and traffic enforcement on Lawton Road. Michelle Bristol asked about environmental impacts; Tim Coyer replied the applicant submitted a long‑form environmental impact statement and a mitigation plan and reiterated efforts to preserve trees. The public hearing record was closed after questions and comments.

Why it matters: the zone change would allow a denser residential layout than the current RA‑100 designation and could increase vehicle trips on a road that residents say already experiences speed and safety issues. The Planning Board’s positive recommendation shifts the matter back to the Town Board for subsequent determinations or action.