Residents' concerns continue on Greythorne development
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

The site of the proposed Greythorne subdivision was once again a topic of conversation at the Nov. 19 Amherst Town Board meeting.

During the public hearing, new concerns were raised regarding disrupted traffic flow as a result of the proposed development.

Brompton Road resident Denise Gagliardi pleaded with the board and with developers Marrano/ Marc Equity not to build a private road that will force more traffic onto roads such as Brompton, which connect Sheridan Drive and Main Street.

"Don't block off access to Main and Sheridan," she said repeatedly during the public hearing.

Jeffery Palumbo, an attorney representing Marrano/Marc Equity, noted that an emergency exit would separate the development from the existing Ciminelli business park, but the subdivision's roads would only serve the lots and would be able to be accessed from Sheridan Drive regardless.

"We can't take traffic off Brompton Road," he said in response to residents' concerns. "The road will only serve the subdivision, and it won't be accessed from Sheridan Drive."

Brompton Road resident Tom Giangreco was also opposed to the development's proposed gates because of the restrictions on the traffic flow between Sheridan and Main.

"People will use Brompton as a shortcut," he said. Giangreco proposed a sign banning commercial traffic and stating that the road was private and only residents should use it.

"What kind of precedent is this setting?" he asked the board.

"We can't stop anyone from putting gates up," said Supervisor Satish Mohan. "This is a private developer, and we will allow them to put up gates."

Mary Shapiro spoke out of concern for the water tower on the property.

"By changing the property, you change the view of the landmark," she said.

While the homeowner's association would be responsible for the roads in the subdivision and not the Town of Amherst, Shapiro was also concerned with who would be responsible for the water tower as well as the public's access to it as a historical landmark.

However, not all of the public feedback was negative or looking for stipulations on the development.

"This is the highest and best use of the land, especially considering what we have there now," said Hampton Hill resident Nicholas Mecca. "If it's not built, something lesser will be built there."

Those who spoke at the hearing were also concerned about the potential for blasting in their neighborhood.

"Every precaution will be taken if blasting is necessary," said Vic Martucci, vice president of land and diversification for Marrano/ Marc Equity. "The ordinance on blasting is very restrictive, so we would only use blasting as a very last resort."

The issue was tabled until the next meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville.