Mayfield housing project proposed

By KAYLEIGH KARUTIS, The Leader-Herald
MAYFIELD — A builder wants to divide a parcel of land his company owns into more than 50 lots and put homes on them.

His plan would require approval by the towns and villages it would affect.

Geoffrey Brooks of Brooks Heritage Custom Builders in Clifton Park wants to put “moderately priced homes” on the land. Half of the 101 acres is in the town of Mayfield and half in the village of Broadalbin. Bellen Road runs across the property.

He wants the village to annex the town portion of land so he can receive water and sewer services. He already has approached the village board, which he says received his plan with enthusiasm.

Last week, he spoke to the Town Board, trying to ease its fears over a possible loss of tax revenue.

Using a map and slide show, Brooks showed Town Board members the annexation would result in an increase of at least $110,000 in tax revenue for the town once all the parcels are developed.

Brooks said if the land is not annexed, he would be able to put 36 lots on the property, 18 in each municipality. If annexation is permitted, the number of lots would be 58.

“There’s also less of an environmental impact,” he said. “We won’t have to put in wells and septic.”

Town assessor Kathy Hillock and town attorney Carmel Greco said they were confused about how land annexed by the village could bring tax revenue to the town.

Brooks said he has spoken to several county officials who have told him the land technically would be in both municipalities, and homeowners would pay taxes to the town and village.

Greco said he didn’t believe the land could be considered to be in both municipalities.

The homes would cost about $200,000 to $250,000, Brooks said.

He said his plan is still in the early stages.

Mayfield Town Supervisor Herb McLain said he is happy about the possible development.

“We’ll gain a ton,” he said. “It’s good for the town financially.”

Board member Richard Argotsinger agreed.

“I don’t see any problem with it,” he said.

Brooks said he’s happy the town seems open to his plan.

Before any legal action can be taken, the town must first conduct a public hearing on the land annexation.

The public hearing will be scheduled at a later date.



Kayleigh Karutis covers rural Fulton County. She can be reached at ruralnews@leaderherald.com.