Golfview rezoned as PDD overlay

Staff Reports

The Grand Island Town Board, at its Monday meeting, voted 3-2 to rezone a parcel of land for the Golfview mixed-use housing project at Whitehaven and East River roads.

The zoning will change to a PDD (Planned Development District) overlay from the previous zoning that combined R-2 residential and B-1 business zones.

The Golfview site consists of 65.5 acres, 51.1 of which had been zoned R-2; and 14.4 acres that had been zoned B-1.

Paul Koppman and Hank Cushing were among residents who have spoken out against the PDD zoning for Golfview at Town Board meetings. They had called for a 100-foot buffer zone between Golfview housing and that of homeowners in the Timberlink Drive area, as well as calling for a lower population density for the housing development.

The Town Board agreed to a maximum of 288 units in the housing development, with 220 town homes. In previous iterations of the planned development, 292 units had been the target density for the developer.

The board also approved, by a vote of 3-2, to issue a negative declaration for Golfview, affirming there are no significant adverse environmental impacts from the development under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

During the public comment period of Monday’s meeting, 10 residents voiced their opinions about Golfview. Also commenting was Sean Hopkins, attorney for Golfview developer Frank Grebenc.

In other news:

 •The Town Board approved in increase in sewer rent rates from $6.30 per 1,000 gallons of usage to $6.70 per 1,000 gallons, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

• The Town Board will meet at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, for a public hearing for the Grand Island Fire Co. contract.

•Town Hall will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24 and 25, for the holidays. Town Hall will close at noon on New Year’s Eve.

•The DMV mobile unit will not be in Town Hall on Dec. 24 or 31.

•The first Town Board meeting of January will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.

The Town Board issued a certificate of appreciation to Town Board member Christian Bahleda for serving as a council member from 2022-25. Bahleda did not seek reelection. The certificate was presented “with great appreciation of your service/ dedication

and invaluable contributions to the Town of Grand Island.” From left in the photo are: Council member Tom Digati, Bahleda, Supervisor Peter Marston and council members Jose Garcia and Dan Kilmer. (Photo by Jenn Pusatier)

The Town Board issued a certificate of appreciation to Rhonda Diehl for her service as assistant to the supervisor from 2020-25. Diehl was elected to a four-year term as council member in the Nov. 4 election. The certificate read: “Your expertise added great value to the Office of Supervisor, the town and our entire community.” From left in the photo are: Council members Christian Bahleda and Tom Digati; Diehl; Supervisor Peter Marston; and council members Jose Garcia and Dan Kilmer. (Photo by Jenn Pusatier)