is going to be critical not only for the health of Canal Ponds but for the future development of Northampton Landing as well.” ADAPTING TO CHANGING HOUSING NEEDS Greece’s housing strategy involves a nuanced understanding of evolving market demands while respecting existing neighborhood character. “We adopted a new zoning district called Planned Residential for those infill parcels within existing infrastructure that are slated for development,” Copey explains.“What it allows for is higher density, even townhomes, in areas surrounded by singlefamily residents who often get concerned about high-density development in their neighborhood.” The town’s creative approach permits higher density in the interior of new developments while maintaining compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. “We allowed for up to 75% of the units in those areas to be townhomes. And then around the perimeter, where it adjoins single-family residential, the developer must build single-family residential,” Copey says. “When it became clear that we put this district in place to address residents’ concerns while still providing for higher density and more affordable housing stock, I feel like we hit the nail on the head.” With a median household income of approximately $77,278 and a poverty rate around 9.9%, Greece recognizes the importance of diverse housing options. Nearly 70% of Greece residents own their homes, with the median property value estimated at $173,752. The town’s demographic trends, including an aging population and changing household sizes, further reinforce the need for varied housing types. The town has also doubled down on maintaining existing housing stock through rehabilitation programs. “We completely overhauled our home rehabilitation program in the last three or four years, making it more efficient and successful,” Copey notes. “We gave out nearly a half million dollars in home renovation funds last year, a combination of HUD funds, since we’re an entitlement community, and a grant from ESL Bank that matched our program, giving us double the money compared to the year prior.” LEVERAGING NATURAL ASSETS Greece possesses an extraordinary natural resource in its waterfront areas, notably the 2,500-acre Braddock Bay Fish and Wildlife Management Area. This extensive wetland ecosystem, located remarkably close to Rochester’s urban center, offers recreational opportunities while requiring careful management to address environmental challenges. 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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