Housing committee urges streamlining zoning and clearer historic‑district review in Seneca Falls

At the meeting, Nathan Moly said one practical barrier to downtown housing conversions is the town’s current codes and the way historic‑district reviews are handled. "We need to start looking at some of the codes that might be a little too strict that don't suit today's needs," he said, urging a review and update of zoning and historic‑district regulations to reduce friction for investors.

Moly said the committee favored clearer, faster processes and a point of contact to answer investor and prospective homeowner questions. He reported that one suggestion—"not by majority"—was to require a new‑buyer historic‑district acknowledgement disclosure so buyers understand constraints up front. He cautioned that any additional paperwork risks deterring investment if it is not paired with proactive outreach and incentives.

The transcript contains recommendations but no record of a formal vote or an adopted ordinance; details about who would draft regulatory changes, timelines or funding were not specified in the meeting.