|
Home / Fact Sheet / View Comments / Add Comments / Articles / Related Links / Area Map / Elected Officials / Weekly Fact / Contact |
Frequently Asked Questions
(please click on a question for the answer)
1. How large is the Mall On Paul Project?
It is very large! A strip mall on 53 acres with 345,000 square feet of retail space, to fit 2 Big-Box stores, 2 medium outlets, 3 bank/restaurants and 2 rows of smaller stores. And 1600 parking spots!
2. Where exactly is the Mall On Paul project being proposed to be built?
In the midst of a residential area on land that is now zoned residential and "Planned Neighborhood Overlay District" (PNOD ) on the south side of Paul Rd. west of Archer Road and east of Wegmans
3. Has anyone proposed any other use for this land?
Yes! The alternative proposal is for a very nice development that has been described as very similar to the College Greene across from Roberts Wesleyan but with some small retail also allowed. It would have a more positive impact on the the property values of homeowners in the immediate area than the Mall. The alternative proposal is also consistent with the current planned use for this land and the Town's Master Plan. The Mall is not and would require rezoning and other changes to the Town's plans.
4. Is low-income, subsidized housing the proposed alternative to the mall?
Some people are trying to frighten us by saying that some sort of undesirable, "low income" subsidized housing will be built if the mall isn't. This is a common scare tactic as no such proposal has ever been made! The proposal made by the developer is outlined in Planning Board minutes as " similar to College Greene"... "targeting early retirees from 45 and 50 and up, empty-nesters that have the means monetarily to maybe purchase in a neighborhood like this, and also have the desire to be in a planned neighborhood that offers all of the amenities like close proximity to the banks and Wegmans"... "the specific target is kind of a mid to high income level of retirees". The proposal also includes office space and small retail.
5. What do nearby residents think about this project?
Nearby residents are opposed to the rezoning of these properties and the proposed development of an outdoor mall. The declining resale value of their homes, the complete change in the character of this area, substantial increases in traffic, noise and the potential for increased susceptibility to flooding due to loss of natural wetlands are just a few of the reasons
6. Will our taxes go down if we build the mall?
Absolutely not! Politicians and developers may promise increased tax revenues, but the hidden truth is that other costs will offset these benefits. Potential loss of locally-owned community stores and restaurants and the potential increase in local crime rates alone will be a big drain on our economy. Chili Paul Plaza and K-Mart are just a couple of examples of businesses that will be adversely effected. Future needed improvements in infrastructure that will not be paid for by the developer could be very costly. Our neighbors in Gates were made all kinds of promises about tax revenues from the development of Wal-Mart, Applebees, Perkins, Staples and other new retail establishments. But instead Gates has experienced a 45 percent increase in taxes in the last 4 years according to Douglas Ross (Gates-Chili Post; May 3, 2006). He goes on to point out that Gates, with it's 15 percent increase in property taxes in 2006, now has the second highest property tax rate in Monroe County! The Mall on Paul proposal is a huge risk to our town and it will not result in lower taxes for Chili residents.
7. Is the developer, North American Properties, a reputable company?
Yes. North American Properties is a reputable company who develops very nice outdoor shopping malls. Unfortunately they are not a local company as they operate out of Atlanta and Cincinnati. This is their first project in New York State. We do not know how long they will continue to own or operate the mall if it is built. They are currently looking to sell four of their shopping malls in Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle; "All four metro Atlanta shopping centers North American Properties has put up for sale still are under construction, and some centers have vacant space." Two of these shopping centers have a Target. Who knows who might end up owning and operating the proposed mall on Paul over the long run and who knows what their reputation or standards might be.
8. What about jobs? Won't the mall create new jobs?
Unfortunately most of the jobs will be low wage jobs and lots of part-time jobs. Some area jobs will also be eliminated as businesses in Chili Paul Plaza, K Mart and other existing businesses struggle to compete with the mall. Statistics show that for every part-time job that is created, one full-time job is lost. In addition, recent articles have indicated that Target may be cutting it's health benefits.
9. Is the Mall on Paul proposal consistent with Chili's Master Plan?
Despite the developer's claims to the contrary, the Mall proposal does not fit with the Town's Master Plan (also known as the "Comprehensive Plan"). For example, the three passages below from the Master Plan's 2001 Update (the most recent one approved by the Town Board) clearly indicate the Master Plan's intention to utilize this property as a buffer from the more intense commercial uses that lie to the North-West of this property:
"The 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update Map shows conservation/open space areas that are generally parallel to and Southeast of Chili Ave and form part of the boundary of the commercial core. These areas correspond to regulated freshwater wetlands and federally designated floodplains. They are recommended for retention not only for their natural benefits, but also for the excellent buffer they would provide between the commercial and residential developments in the area...."
Paul Road (east of Chili Ave)
The Chili Center Subarea includes another area where a mix of Planned Neighborhood Overlay District and General Business District would be used leaving the wetland area and the single family residences toward Archer Road. A PNOD District is recommended to replace the existing restricted business and single family residential zones in this area." (from Chapter 5- Plan Update Synthesis and Implementation, February 2001. 5-6)
And this:"In Subarea 3, Chili Center, the Plan Update recommends rezoning an area located near Archer and Paul Road, bordered on the east by Archer, Paul Road on the north, the West Shore Branch on the south and continuing west to the General Business zone at Chili Avenue/Paul Road/Coldwater Road. This area is recommended to be developed as Planned Neighborhood Overlay District so as to buffer adjacent single family neighborhoods and to complement the more intense commercial uses such as occurring within the Wegman's Plaza" (from Chapter 1 Executive Summary February 2001. 1-12)
Home / Fact Sheet / View Comments / Add Comments / Articles / Related Links / Area Map / Elected Officials / Letters / Weekly Fact / Contact