The following article ran in the February 17, 2000, issue of the Daily
Messenger and is reprinted here with permission.
Developers listen to residents' concerns
Residents are worried The Drumlins subdivision would be a detriment to the environment and their neighborhood.
By KRIS DREESSEN
Messenger Post Staff
VICTOR -- Residents who met with developers of a proposed apartment complex in The Drumlins subdivision
last night were able to have some of their questions answered, but still voiced concerns about the project.
Overall impact on the area's appearance, existing landscape, noise, traffic and other detractions and home
values topped the list of concerns from
the 30 or so residents who attended the informational meeting with The Pioneer
Corp. "We care about your concerns... that's why we're sitting here tonight," said developer
Chris Calabro, who owns Pioneer with Dana Hoffmann, also in attendance.
The Cortland-based developers want to build 154 upscale apartments on 49 acres in The Drumlins. The apartments --
renting from $800 to $1,200 each -- would be located in the existing Drumlins subdivision between two
tracts of single family homes. About 55 clustered town homes are also in the subdivision. A clubhouse with a
business office and pool are also planned. Plans originally called for 172 apartments, but the project has been
scaled down, said Jerry Goldman, an attorney for Pioneer.
Drumlins Concerned Citizens, a committee made up of Drumlins residents and other residents opposed
to
the complex, recently submitted a petition with about 150 signatures to the town voicing opposition to the project.
Many residents feel townhomes are better suited for the site, and are what was originally planned.
Using site plans, Calabro and Hoffman showed residents what the proposed complex would look like, and what areas
would be protected and what areas would be changed. Existing wetlands won't be impacted, they said.
Wellington Road resident Marsha Senges and several other residents said they were concerned that much of the land would be cleared to build the
apartments, and much of the existing slopes and landscape would be lost. Noise, traffic, building maintenance, and
many other concerns were also raised.
Residents also asked whether there is a demand for more rental housing in the area.
Market studies do show "a large, pent-up demand" in the overall region for upscale
apartments, Goldman said, especially for older couples whose children who have moved
away, and young professionals who want to rent, and have amenities.
Residents also said they are concerned that land on the opposite side of Wellington
Road, where a pond is now located, would be developed in the future. Calabro said Pioneer
doesn't have any current plans to develop there.
Developers are expected to also present plans at the Feb. 29 Planning Board meeting at Victor
Town Hall.
