Town of Brighton
The Town Board took steps Wednesday night to further regulate "McMansions," in which older homes are demolished in established neighborhoods and replaced with much larger residences.Board members unanimously approved a new law regarding demolitions and held a public hearing about a proposed law regarding construction. The construction proposal is scheduled for a vote during the next Town Board meeting, on Aug. 9.
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The demolition law passed Wednesday has four main components, said Public Works Supervisor Thomas Low:- A public process now will be involved for "substantial demolition" of properties, including a public hearing before the Planning Board. The process formerly was done administratively. "Substantial demolition" involves 50 percent or more of a building.
- The town's Historic Preservation Commission will be informed of any planned demolition, and it would advise the Planning Board if the property was protected or under review for protection.
- The demolition would have to include a restoration plan and a letter of credit. "You can't just tear down a building and leave a hole in the ground, and say you'll return in a few months," Low said. The property owner would have to, for example, reseed the area with grass, but would not necessarily have to rebuild.
- The Planning Board now has site-plan approval for single-family homes on any existing lot.