Housing plan amendments aired

AMENIA — The nonprofit Hudson River Housing Inc. described amendments to their plans for the Cascade Creek subdivision at the regular meeting of the Planning Board on Wednesday, March 26.

The company is continuing to gather input and develop the conservation plan for the subdivision.

Planning Board engineer John Andrews clarified the parcel’s acreage, indicating a final determination of 24.13 acres.

Senior Planner Peter Sander of Rennia Engineering reviewed changes to the parcel plans in response to comments from residents. Preliminary sketched lot lines have been moved to avoid the existing stream corridor, Sander said.

Traffic concerns voiced by residents led to eliminating a planned subdivision entrance on Cascade Road, instead envisioning two entrances along Route 22. Also added is a community garden feature within the stream corridor.

Andrews noted that town code allows common utilities within a conservation easement such as water and sewer so long as they do not impose on the conservation area’s intent.

“This represents a positive step forward,” Andrews said of the amended conservation plan.

Board member James Walsh asked about the firmness of the plan for 28 single family homes.

“To accomplish affordable housing, you need that number to make it financially viable,” replied Mary Linge, Hudson River Housing vice president for Real Estate Development.