📐 Planning Board
Town of Clay Planning Board Fast-Tracks Equestrian Center and Church Proposals
The Town of Clay Planning Board convened briefly on January 28, 2026, to defer decision-making on two significant development projects, including a new Equestrian Center on Black Creek Road and an expansion of the Northside Baptist Church. Both applications were adjourned without opposition to allow for further preparation.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Case #2025-054 (Clay Equestrian Center): Public hearing adjourned to February 25, 2026 (Vote: 7-0).
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Case #2025-056 (Northside Baptist Church): Amended site plan review adjourned to February 11, 2026 (Vote: 7-0).
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Meeting minutes from the previous session on January 14 were unanimously approved (Vote: 7-0).
The Town of Clay Planning Board moved swiftly through its agenda Wednesday night, prioritizing efficiency over deliberation as they continued two high-profile site plan reviews.
Meeting for less than ten minutes at Town Hall, the board unanimously voted to adjourn both the Clay Equestrian Center proposal and the Northside Baptist Church expansion. The decisions, made at the request of the applicants, will push the next public hearings into February and March.
**Equestrian Center Takes Center Stage**
The most substantial item on the agenda involved Case #2025-054, a site plan for the proposed "Clay Equestrian Center" located at 9605 Black Creek Road. The project, submitted by applicant Cheryl D. White, has been on the board’s docket since late last year.
According to the minutes, the applicant requested a continuance to finalize details ahead of the next review. The board granted the request, moving the public hearing to February 25, 2026.
While specific details of the center's scope were not discussed during the brief session, the Black Creek Road location represents a significant undeveloped parcel in the town's northern sector. Residents interested in the impact of the commercial equestrian facility on local traffic and zoning will have another opportunity to sound off at the rescheduled date.
**Church Expansion Continued**
In a shorter proceeding, the board also handled Case #2025-056, an amended site plan for the Northside Baptist Church at 7965 Oswego Road (State Route 57).
The applicant for the church project also requested additional time. Board member Paul Graves made the motion to adjourn this specific case to the board’s next meeting date, February 11, 2026. The motion carried 7-0.
This adjournment ensures that the church's expansion or alteration plans will be ready for formal review later this month. The Oswego Road corridor is a major commercial artery in Clay, and site plan modifications for religious organizations often require careful parking and traffic analysis.
**Meeting Details**
Wednesday’s session was marked by a distinct lack of public comment or board discussion, a stark contrast to typical planning reviews which often last hours. Chairwoman Michelle Borton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and presided over a unanimous board.
Members Russ Mitchell, Karen Guinup, Hal Henty, Paul Graves, Jim Palumbo, and Al McMahon were present, along with Brian Bender, the Commissioner of Planning & Development.
The board will next convene on February 11, 2026, where the Northside Baptist Church plan is expected to return for potential action. The Equestrian Center will follow on February 25.
Coverage of the Planning Board meeting on 2026-01-28,
Town of Clay, NY.
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