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Town of Hamburg Planning Board Minutes September 16, 2026 Chair Gronachan stated the original project that was presented to the Planning Board was a full subdivision with sixty-five (65) houses, with a difference between the As-of- Right and Cluster being only six (6) houses. There are buffers for both plans however she feels that the As-of-Right offers more for the homeowner. Chair Gronachan added she believes the backyard is larger, which allows the homeowner more freedom to what he/she wants to do. After being on the Planning Board for many years, she has heard many complaints that people are unaware of the limitations in the use of their property in cluster developments. Chair Gronachan stated that the cluster development may add greenspace to the outside of the homeowners’ lot, but limits to the use of the property (there may be situations where lots are not big enough for a deck). If approved, she explained she wants stipulations that need to be made very clear that advertising of the subdivision needs to clarify what a cluster is, and what exactly is allowed to be built on that lot. Member Chmura questions if it is the right of the Planning Board to comment on that. If a plot is advertised to a potential buyer, is it not the responsibility of the developer to communicate what is available and what is possible? Chair Gronachan said that no, it is not the Planning Board’s responsibility that the information is told to the buyer. However, due to the past problems cluster developments have caused in the Town of Hamburg, this is something that she believes should be addressed. When talking about the economic aspect, in her opinion, she feels that having the number of houses in the As-of-Right, because they are bigger and there will be more, is actually an increase to the economic balance. Member Stewart agreed with Chair Gronachan. Member Clark added that there is an opposing position on the larger lots from a Town standpoint. With the larger lots, there are more roads that get turned over to the Town for maintenance as well as more utilities. The smaller cluster home development is better economically for the Town, as it generates a smaller expense of infrastructure. Member Geraci stated when it comes to marketability, the cluster homes have a better opportunity to be sold than the bigger homes due to cost. Member Stewart added that he feels that Hamburg is a desirable location with people looking to move here. He does not want to lower the Town’s standards as far as what type of residential homes are being built. In the future, he asked will building As-of-Right lots (which offer bigger lots/square footage) be neglected and the status quo become building cheaper priced homes? The project was then tabled to the October 7th, 2026 Planning Board meeting. 8