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The Town of Clay is considering a proposal to transform the old Hinerwadel's Grove property into a residential area. The plan involves developing the site into single-family homes, pending approval from the Town Board and Planning Board. A public hearing was held on Monday (November 17) to discuss the zoning change required for the redevelopment.
The property, located on Taft Road, has been vacant since Hinerwadel’s closed in 2018. Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick expressed optimism about the proposal, stating it aligns with the town's vision for the area. However, some local residents, like John Smith from nearby Wally Road, voiced concerns about potential changes to their neighborhood's character. The plan includes building a connecting road to Wally Road, which has raised some hesitancy among residents.
A traffic study is underway to assess the impact of the proposed development on the already busy Taft Road. The decision on the zoning change will depend on the study's findings. If approved, a traffic light may be installed to manage increased traffic flow.
The developer, Alberici & Sons, also plans to build a commercial building on the property, which would house The Learning Experience, a child educational academy. This would be its first location in Upstate New York. The proposal includes about 80 single-family homes on the 30-acre lot. Previously, the town rejected a similar proposal for being too intensive for the site.