The applicant for Walnut Brook LLC, formerly known as Maybrook Lodge, returned to the May 5 Rochester Town Board with a request for an economic enterprise overlay (EEO) for the parcel located at 5688 Route 209, in Accord.

The purpose of an EEO is to further economic development, modify land use, and incentivize employment using or reusing new development or underdeveloped properties, as per Rochester Town Code.

The EEO that Walnut Brook requested was for an adaptive reuse, construction, and re-zoning authorization to build a multifamily housing community, with a combination of one, two, and multifamily rental units.

The applicants for Walnut Brook hoped that they would be granted the EEO so that they may proceed to the Rochester Planning Board for final site plan review. As the board had just received the documents necessary for the EEO, Walnut Brook was advised to return once the board had a chance to look them over. Walnut Brook assured the board that any missing documents, or comments, would be provided “soon.”

Next item on the agenda was the supervisor’s financial report. The town took in more revenue than was budgeted and it took in more revenue than was spent. Any additional revenues would be put back into the community to offset local tax expenditures.

Also on the town agenda was a proposal for the establishment of a Housing Advisory Committee to delineate the needs of the town and citizens of the Town of Rochester, to further improve housing options, and establish ordinances that may preserve the needs of the community.

The inspiration behind the initiative was to foster a more diversified range of housing opportunities for citizens of all incomes; to encourage social and economic equality for the sustainability of the community.