Planning board starts SEQR review for PB Investors transit-road density increase

The Clarence Planning Board voted to accept the Part 1 Environmental Assessment Form and to seek lead agency status under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) for PB Investors LLC's proposal to increase residential density on a previously approved mixed-use project at 5695 and 5731 Transit Road.

John Bloor introduced the concept: the applicant proposes adding 10 multifamily units (raising the total from 84 to 94 units) by replacing detached garage buildings with three four-unit townhomes and one additional townhome. Chris Wood of Carmine Wood Design told the board that the revised townhomes are set farther from the north property line than the originally approved garages, noting "the detached garages used to be 45 feet from the property line" and that the proposed townhomes sit about 84 feet from the line.

Board members asked why the change was proposed now; a developer representative said rising construction costs made a modest density increase economically necessary. The applicant provided an updated traffic analysis based on the added 10 units and said it remained a minor change that did not exceed thresholds requiring a new full traffic-impact study. The board voted to accept the Part 1 EAF and begin coordinated review among involved and interested agencies, a procedural step that will allow the town to act as lead agency for any subsequent environmental review.

The motion to accept Part 1 and seek lead agency status was made by board member Jason Giesling and seconded; roll-call voting recorded unanimous approval. The coordinated review/SEQR process and any required variance or zoning-board actions will be next steps before final approvals or permits.