The Albion Village Planning Board took a significant step Thursday toward reshaping the zoning map, forwarding recommendations for five distinct parcel changes to the Village Board for final approval. Meeting shortly after 5 p.m. on April 9, 2026, the board focused exclusively on the review of these zoning changes, which aim to realign land designations with current or intended usage in the village. The most substantial change involves parcels 62.19-3-35 and 62.20-2-41. The board motioned to recommend these properties shift from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to LI (Light Industrial). This designation generally allows for manufacturing and warehousing uses, marking a shift from residential usage to industrial activity for those lots. Conversely, the board recommended moving parcel 62.18-2-61.1 from GC (General Commercial) to RC (Residential/Commercial). According to the village zoning codes, the RC district is designed to blend residential uses with offices and limited business, potentially limiting the scope of commercial activity compared to the General Commercial designation. Two sets of parcels were recommended for an expansion of commercial zoning. The board forwarded a positive recommendation for parcels 73.6-3-21 and 73.6-3-23 to change from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to GC (General Commercial). Additionally, parcel 73.10-1-24 was recommended to shift from RC to GC. If approved by the Village Board, these changes will amend the village's official zoning map, which was last revised in 1999. The map delineates specific districts ranging from the Central Business District (CBD) to residential zones and the Canal Overlay district. In other business, the board formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting held on March 12, 2026. The Planning Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at 35 East Bank Street. The Village Board will ultimately decide on the proposed zoning changes at a future meeting.