Town of Henrietta amends zoning code to help revitalize SouthTown Plaza, others

HENRIETTA, N.Y. (WROC) — To revitalize some of its plazas and vacant properties, the town board of Henrietta has passed zoning code changes.

Those changes would allow some industrial tenants and residential units in plazas and developments in certain overlay districts.

Town supervisor Stephen Schultz says these changes came after the developer of SouthTown Plaza came to the town, hoping to put in a major tenant.

“One of the uses of that major tenant is not allowed in that district,” Schultz said. Shortly after, Schultz and the board passed a handful of changes.

SouthTown on West Henrietta Road, like a handful of Henrietta plazas, Schultz said, is struggling with vacancy and tenant turnover. Fewer businesses means less tax revenue for the town.

With this new zoning change, developers can add certain light industrial tenants — think self-storage — and affordable housing units to these plazas. With more development options, developers can solve vacancy problems.

Marketplace Mall is using a similar model. The new senior apartments have just finished construction across the URMC orthopedic center. Schultz believes other developments can have similar success.

Mixed-use developments reduce suburban sprawl, and by unlocking incentive zoning rules for these plazas, businesses will be more inclined to move into these already built spaces.

By adding residential as well, Schultz says it can help combat another issue towns face with development: residents saying that there’s a need for affordable housing, just “not in my backyard.”

“They’re on the bus loop, restaurants, drug stores… It’s a good location for affordable (units),” Schultz said.

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