Housing plan back before board in Perinton

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A proposed housing project in Perinton that drew the ire of neighbors is back before the town, although the updated version reflects some of their concerns.

A presentation from the developer, Victor-based Pride Mark Homes, is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday before the Town Board. The builder is seeking to rezone nearly 40 acres of property on Mason Road, north of Route 31, in the hamlet of Egypt.

The new plan is somewhat scaled back over what was proposed last November. Instead of 28 bungalows, 26 are now proposed. Instead of 88 apartment units in four three-story buildings, 66 units are now proposed.

Although 60 town house units are now proposed — up 10 from a previous proposal, the same number of nursing-home style buildings, four, are now proposed.

Overall, 168 housing units are now up for consideration, down from the 182 housing units.

Neighbors spoke out against the project as proposed last year, citing traffic and drainage concerns.

In addition to scaling back the plan, the developer has proposed moving the senior facilities farther away from neighbors than first proposed, said Perinton Supervisor James Smith.

The builder also has presented a better plan for buffering the project from neighbors, Smith said.

A community center also has been moved, and the building also will see a design change to better reflect the character of the Egypt neighborhood, Smith said.

A traffic report has been amended and reviewed by the town, although the issue will be further discussed as the plan moves along.

Overall, the configuration of the building layout is different than proposed earlier and better meets town planning documents and incorporates input from neighbors, said Mike Doser, director of the town’s code enforcement and development department.

“I think it’s a better project than the last time,” Smith said.

Pride Mark Homes President James P. Barbato was not immediately available for comment on the revised plan, but has said the project will be targeted to empty-nesters and senior citizens. Prices range from $800 a month for apartment rent to up to $1,800 for the bungalows.

Board members most likely won’t make a decision Wednesday night. A public hearing on the rezoning also would need to be scheduled before a vote is held.

The property is zoned residential. The developer is seeking a change to planned development district.

“It’s still a proposal and we have a fairly detailed process,” Smith said. “By no means is it a foregone conclusion.”