Dear _______________:

We write as very concerned residents in the towns of Canandaigua and Farmington, NY. We strongly oppose the proposal before the Farmington Town Board, requesting a zoning change to property at the NE corner of the New Michigan Road & Canandaigua-Farmington Townline Road intersection. 

This zoning change, referred to as the “Estates of Beaver Creek West Incentive Zoning” would allow for:

 1) a convenience store, gas station, possibly a barbershop and nail salon to be built on the corner

 2)  the residential development on that corner (which is currently zoned "R80 Residential" for 41 housing lots) to be increased to 145 lots, consisting of 73 single family homes, and 72 townhomes.

Both #1 and #2 above require a zoning change or they cannot happen.

1.     Impact on local area: the current zoning was put in place for a reason. 

·      Why does it have to change?  

·      Are we trying to turn this area into another Henrietta Road? 

·      Is this really in the best interests of the current residents of Farmington and Canandaigua?

·      What about preserving the rural aspect in our towns?  There are several farms, including crops, horses, goats and cows on this road.  The proposed changes do not fit the character of this rural area.   We would like to preserve what little green space is left.

2.     Gas station:  who except the developer, thinks we need a gas station on this corner, when there is a Hess station less than 2 miles away and 2 additional gas stations at the corner of Rtes 332 and 96?  We are also concerned about the environmental concerns associated with fuel tank storage, as many of us are still using well water.

3.     Safety – the current level of traffic is already significant on these roads. This proposal would only increase the congestion in the area, and to what gain? Route 332 is designed for this type of development---not New Michigan or Canandaigua-Farmington TL Rd. 

4.     “Free Amenities”: The developer is promising to provide $371,000 worth of improvements for the town of Farmington – primarily water and sidewalk work.  Perhaps this is just preparation for even more development down the road.

5.     Convenience Store:  we are intensely concerned with the documented increase in crime littering, traffic, pollution, and loitering associated with convenience stores, as well as the lighting issues that come with the possibility of a 24-hour operation. We feel this type of business (selling fuel and beer and being open late hours) will be a safety/ pollution/ environmental concern for our families. This business will also bring chemical, noise, light, and trash pollution to our neighborhood. Furthermore, there is a quality grocery store (Wades) and several convenience stores within a few miles.  There is a small plaza on 332 that has held a convenience store, a Denny’s restaurant, among others, and most have failed. That available space should be utilized before converting any rural zoning areas to commercial.

We were dismayed to learn that, clearly, much work has already been done on this project and none of us have ever been notified. 

1.  The Farmington 2011 Future Land Use Maps have been adopted, and clearly indicate a commercial intent for that corner.

2.  The 2011 Farmington Comprehensive Plan recommends this proposal. (Page 4-11)  

"… the lands located east of New Michigan Road and north of the Canandaigua/Farmington Town Line Road. The Plan recommends a small scale convenience store with gasoline distribution facilities, oriented to serve the daily needs of adjacent residential neighborhoods."

3.  Detailed maps of the exact housing/commercial plan for that corner have already been drawn up and presented to the Towns of Farmington and Canandaigua

Currently, this matter is before the Farmington Planning Board, who will be making a recommendation to the Farmington Town Board at the end of November.  However, this area borders the Town of Canandaigua, and Farmington has asked for input from Canandaigua.   

We are imploring both towns to fight this zoning change.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Concerned Residents of Farmington and Canandaigua