The Penn Yan Village Board has criticized the Milo Town Board for its recent decision to deny annexation of 72 acres of land intended for a much-needed affordable housing project. The property, owned by the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center, was meant to address a growing housing shortage in Penn Yan.
Penn Yan trustees called the late January rejection “superficial and arbitrary,” expressing frustration that Milo officials failed to thoroughly investigate the annexation’s benefits. The decision has stalled progress on the project, which could have provided more moderately priced housing for the village.
The Village Board detailed several areas of concern in its response to Milo’s decision. According to Penn Yan officials, the Milo Town Board relied on unsupported claims, including an oral statement from a local realtor, regarding the availability of housing within 20 miles of the village. This, they argue, downplayed the housing needs expressed by local manufacturers and residents.
Trustees pointed out that Milo’s own comprehensive plan acknowledges the importance of expanding housing near the village. The plan includes objectives aimed at encouraging higher-density residential developments in these areas. However, the town’s rejection ignored these guidelines, according to village officials.
Additionally, the trustees refuted Milo’s concerns about agricultural preservation, noting that the disputed land accounts for less than 1% of the town’s farmland. The board also hinted that personal financial interests may have influenced the decision, as one board member currently farms the land in question.
Electric utility rates were another point of contention. Milo board members questioned whether the village offers lower electric rates than other parts of the town. Penn Yan officials countered that village electric rates are, on average, more than 50% lower during the winter than those offered by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG).
The Penn Yan trustees further accused Milo officials of failing to engage in discussions about the development details. They explained that legal procedures require site plans to be approved by the village’s planning board only after annexation is completed.
Issues related to tax revenue sharing and environmental review were also highlighted in the village’s response. The trustees maintained that agreements on property and sales taxes could have been negotiated post-annexation and accused Milo of not following state-mandated environmental review procedures.
In their summary, Penn Yan officials suggested that Milo’s rejection may have been driven by ulterior motives, as the town’s stated objections were described as “frivolous and unsubstantiated.” For now, the affordable housing project remains on hold, leaving the village’s housing crisis unresolved.
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