Supervisor Patrick Casilio's October column published in The Clarence Bee
Often on social media the Town of Clarence is criticized, claiming that there is “over development,” which is the furthest thing from the truth. Applicants go through several boards and several years of meetings with the Town before a major development is approved.
Woodland Hills, a project which still hasn’t started, was first proposed to the Town 23 years ago. The most recent was the Heise/Brookhaven sewer agreement, where 1,000 taps were traded for a new sewer line to the Hollow, which was under a state DEC consent order. Fifteen years later, the final homes as part of that agreement are being planned and built. There are no new major home developments like Meadowlakes or Spaulding Green, planned for the Town of Clarence now or soon. The Town has very limited sewer capacity and no large land plots zoned for residential development.
During my tenure as an elected official, I have never rezoned agricultural property to residential, assuring no new large residential developments. Any small residentially zoned parcels due to septic requirements are probably going to be large lot developments. There are still some peanut-line sewer taps from the late 80s that may be used in Clarence Center.
As a result of everything mentioned above, as well as high lending rates, housing starts this year are at a record low. Since the Town has been keeping electronic records, new housing in Clarence is at a 30-year low. As of this writing, there are 26 house permits. I don’t expect the rate of permits to change much by the end of the year. High interest rates have not only slowed new home construction but has also slowed apartment development. Existing home sales have slowed drastically also, which is affecting tax income for the Town. The Town has enough funds to cover any loss in income.
Other notes …
I noticed in the news some municipalities are celebrating the planting of a few trees along their roadways. Clarence has always been a leader in controlling development and preserving open space and has also taken the lead in planting new trees along our roadsides. Through the years many of our trees along our roads have been removed for one reason or another. Some are due to disease. Others have been removed by NYSEG due to encroachment into their power lines.
Led by Councilmen Paul Shear and Robert Geiger, the Town has planted 118 trees along our right of ways this year. This far exceeds what other municipalities have planted. 140 residents have welcomed the tree planting in Clarence Center, Harris Hill, and the Hollow. More trees are coming next year with both spring and fall plantings. The Town has funded this project to date but is seeking grant money to expand the program.
At the Nature Center Paul and Bob have organized a planting of 500 multi-species tree saplings. Thank you, Dr. Zeb Memon and Dr. Osman Farooq for donating the coniferous and deciduous saplings. Coupled with over 1,700 acres of Green Print property and farming development rights no other Town has made the effort Clarence has to stay green forever.
Fallfest held a few weeks ago by the merchants of Clarence Center was a huge success. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for such a great event. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event the best ever. A special thanks to first-year Event Planner Deborah Bohm.
A friend, neighbor and Fire Fighter of 49 years, David Parezo, passed away suddenly a few weeks ago. This was a big loss for our community – especially for our firemen. Our town was blessed to have such a devoted hero like Dave. He will be sorely missed by his friends and family. Please keep David’s family in your prayers.