Board to seek public input on new traffic standards for MFO zoning after SEQRA changes

At the meeting the board voted to schedule a public hearing to consider amendments to the zoning code that would tighten traffic standards and special-permit requirements in the Multifamily Office (MFO) district.

A staff speaker identified as Mary explained that recent state changes to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) exempt many multifamily projects from SEQRA review, and that "the governor signed um into law a number of amendments to the state environmental quality review act." She said the village's site-development, stormwater and special-permit standards cover many prior SEQRA concerns but that traffic standards should be beefed up for the MFO district, in part because the district includes sensitive traffic areas and a recent application at 76 North Broadway prompted extra review.

The board described work by consultant AKRF to draft more robust traffic criteria and noted that additional work may be needed for other multifamily districts; the edits are intended to clarify roadway access, safety, and the specific considerations formerly reviewed under SEQRA so that staff and boards can evaluate how a project will safely fit in the community.

The board set the public hearing for Oct. 5, 2026 at 7 p.m. and directed the clerk to provide statutory notice. The hearing will give residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed traffic standards and the draft local law.