Trustees pause adaptive‑reuse code change after zoning, height and process concerns

The board opened a public hearing on an amendment that would allow buildings currently used for religious or educational purposes to be used for multifamily housing if the owner chose to change use. Trustees and public commenters pressed whether the draft would exempt such properties from existing multifamily zoning bulk, density or height restrictions.

"The way the language that's in there now says that it cannot expand beyond the structure that is there now," a staff member explained. Trustees repeatedly said they did not want to give owners a blanket exemption from ordinary multifamily zoning standards and asked staff to redraft the local law so adaptive reuse remains subject to applicable multifamily zone rules.

Speakers raised examples including schools and churches and noted the village planner’s intent to preserve historic shells while ensuring projects remain consistent with neighborhood character. After extended discussion the board determined the current draft had substantive differences from what was publicly noticed and agreed to issue a new public hearing once the changes are incorporated.

The chair told the public the amendment would not be decided tonight and that a new notice and public hearing will be required: "We'll need a new public hearing," the chair said. Trustees directed staff to work with the village planner on clear language that ties adaptive reuse to existing multifamily standards and, where appropriate, special‑use review.