After more than a year of studying and meetings with local stakeholders, our citizen advisory committee, the consultant team, and two public forums, Supervisor Reilich is pleased to announce that Greece’s Draft 2020 Comprehensive Plan and proposed Zoning Ordinance updates are available for review. A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 6:15 PM in the Eastman Room at Greece Town Hall, 1 Vince Tofany Boulevard, Rochester, New York 14612.
Greece’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance were last updated in 2001 and 2003 respectively. The new plan is subtitled “Land Use, Community, and Economic Development” and it serves as a capstone to a collection of studies completed in recent years covering topics such as bicycle and pedestrian transportation, utilities, parks and recreation, and resiliency, among others. The new plan draws on those efforts and will be a starting point for follow-up efforts including programs for infrastructure and technology, waterfront planning, and a focused economic development strategy. The Comprehensive Plan process should cycle at least once every ten years.
“Like many Upstate communities, Greece has experienced changes that affect housing, retail, and industry” Greece Supervisor Bill Reilich said. “These changes offer new and different opportunities and the 2020 Comprehensive Plan provides guidance to help the town keep pace with housing trends, adapt to a changing retail market, and maintain quality infrastructure. We also seek to protect community character, balance the tax base, become more sustainable and resilient, support local business, and continue to attract good-paying jobs for our highly skilled workforce”.
In conjunction with the 2020 Comprehensive Plan update, Greece is updating the town’s Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map to implement plan recommendations. The changes are designed to guide development and land use patterns, provide flexibility in a changing economy, and protect and enhance community character.
“We’ve taken a hard look at the issues shaping our community and the 2020 Comprehensive Plan presents a path forward” Supervisor Reilich said. “I’d like first and foremost to thank our citizen’s advisory committee for volunteering their time and providing critical insight during this process. Additionally, I’d like to thank our Development Services Director, his staff, and the members of my management team for their dedication toward completing this comprehensive plan. Greece is a safe community with great housing stock and a high quality of life that attracts young families. We have a skilled workforce that is attracting employment opportunities in fields like health care, food and beverage production, and clean energy, to name a few. Our solid infrastructure and services, award-winning parks, and unique waterfront areas make Greece a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Periodically, as conditions and markets change, we may need to take stock, make adjustments, and strengthen our strengths, and that’s what this plan is all about”.
Draft documents are now available on https://greeceny.gov/residents/draft-2020-comprehensive-plan-and-proposed-zoning-ordinance-updates. We welcome your input on this important process. Written comments should be provided to:
Scott Copey, Director of Development Services
Town of Greece
1 Vince Tofany Boulevard
Rochester, New York 14612