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Developer consultant argues density changes are needed to spur Main Street redevelopment
Summary
An AOG consultant told the board that current lot-size and parking rules make small Main Street projects financially infeasible and urged lowering the 1,250-sq-ft figure; residents and other speakers disagreed about the effect on community character and parking needs.
Erin Helly, who identified herself as a consultant for AOG, told trustees the draft rules still leave practical economic barriers for developers, saying, “I work for AOG as a consultant... And in in order to do that, we have to change the law because the way the law is written, no 1 can come in here and develop.” She warned that at the current 1,250 square-foot lot-area standard some small Main Street parcels could not support economically viable housing above retail.
Several residents and long-time business owners pushed back, arguing the village should preserve its small‑town character and prioritize bringing businesses back to first floors. Speakers debated whether minimum square footage per unit or parking requirements (discussed as 1.5 spaces per apartment) are the more effective tool to control density and compatibility with existing neighborhoods. The board agreed to present clearer numbers and visual aids — a plain map and a simple table summarizing heights, setbacks and lot requirements — before the next hearing session.
Why it matters: the debate frames how the village might balance encouraging investment on Main Street against protecting neighborhood character and managing parking and public services.
