The Albion Village Planning Board took significant steps Tuesday regarding both future housing development and the village’s long-term vision, moving a subdivision proposal forward and agreeing to an accelerated timeline for updating the Comprehensive Plan. Meeting for just over 20 minutes, the board focused its attention on a property at 334 Hamilton Street. The board opened a public hearing for the site at 5:01 p.m., though the minutes indicate no members of the public spoke during the session, which was immediately closed at 5:02 p.m. The property, located on Tax Map 73.13-1-6 and 73.13-1-2.2, is slated for a subdivision. Following the quick hearing, the board unanimously voted to become the Lead Agency for the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) act for the project. This designation allows the village to oversee the environmental review process directly rather than deferring to the county or state. The board also voted unanimously to send the subdivision application to the Orleans County Planning Board for review. This referral is a standard step in the process, ensuring county officials have a chance to weigh in on the proposal before the village grants final approval. While the specific details of the subdivision—such as the number of new lots or the scope of construction—were not detailed in the available minutes, the project represents a potential shift in the Hamilton Street neighborhood. In addition to the new business, the board discussed the status of the village’s Comprehensive Plan. Chair Karen Conn told the board that she had recently attended a village budget hearing where Mayor Eileen Javier emphasized the need for progress on the plan. According to the minutes, Mayor Javier is seeking "significant progress" on the Comprehensive Plan within the next year. To facilitate this, the mayor has approved a request for the Planning Board to meet up to twice a month. These meetings will be combined with sessions of the Comprehensive Plan Committee to ensure the document moves forward effectively. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for the village’s future growth, zoning, and land use. Updating it is a rigorous process that typically involves community input sessions and extensive drafting. The shift to a bi-monthly schedule suggests the administration is prioritizing this update to better position the village for future state and regional funding opportunities. The board adjourned at 5:21 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Albion Village Planning Board is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Village Board Room.