“The Town of Clarence has created a new zoning designation that will encourage developers to repurpose sprawling indoor malls such as the Eastern Hills Mall into town centers with smaller, upscale shops in a walkable community with new housing,” reports Nancy A. Fischer for The Buffalo News. “The concept, called Lifestyle Center Districts, is designed to promote planned developments that could include upscale shopping, hotels, entertainment and restaurants, along with townhouses or housing in mixed-use buildings, and green spaces. Big box stores, self-storage facilities, dog kennels and single-family homes could not be part of the planned developments under the town’s code.” “Town Supervisor Patrick Casilio said as many as 10,000 people could live in these new areas.” “Casilio unveiled the town’s recently adopted Lifestyle Center District zoning classification recently during his State of the Town address to the Clarence Chamber of Commerce. The town passed the zoning amendment following a public hearing Jan. 17.” “Casilio said the Eastern Hills Mall site would be ideal for a Lifestyle Center, but noted that these ‘overlay districts’ can be encouraged at other sites, such as the Transitown Plaza.” “He said the town it’s not trying to close existing stores, but hoping to make smaller stores more viable. Casilio said existing businesses could be grandfathered into any Lifestyle Center zones.”
An image of Crocker Park Lifestyle Center near Cleveland, Ohio. The Town of Clarence is hoping developers will transform Eastern Hills Mall and possibly other sites into designed town centers like this. (Image credit: Buffalo News / Town of Clarence)
An image of Crocker Park Lifestyle Center near Cleveland, Ohio. The Town of Clarence is hoping developers will transform Eastern Hills Mall and possibly other sites into designed town centers like this. (Image credit: Buffalo News / Town of Clarence)
