Fiscal impact analysis and housing study continue to shape long term planning decisions in the Town

Penfield, New York – A comprehensive effort to better understand local growth, housing pressures, and long-term financial sustainability is now well underway, as Town officials continue working alongside economic consultants on a detailed fiscal impact analysis and housing study.

Earlier this year, the Town brought in RKG Associates, a firm specializing in economic development, to take a closer look at how current conditions—and future choices—could shape the community’s trajectory. The study is not just a routine review. It aims to paint a full picture of where the Town stands today and where it might be headed, especially as development pressures continue to evolve.

At its core, the project is designed to answer a pressing question: how can the Town grow in a way that supports residents without placing undue strain on public resources?

To get there, the consultants are examining multiple layers of data. That includes a close look at the Town’s existing tax base and how it feeds into the annual budget. Officials are also seeking clarity on market demand—both current and projected—for housing and broader economic activity. The idea is to avoid guesswork and instead rely on solid evidence when planning future development.

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Equally important is understanding the trade-offs. Not all development brings the same benefits, and not all costs are immediately visible. By comparing different land use scenarios, the study will outline which approaches may offer the strongest return while limiting financial burdens, particularly when it comes to property taxes.

Back in March, the consulting team shared an initial snapshot of the housing landscape, and the findings offered both reassurance and cause for reflection.

The Town, according to the assessment, continues to experience steady and moderate growth within the region. On the surface, that suggests stability. But beneath it, a more complex dynamic is unfolding.

Housing supply has not kept pace with demand, creating tighter conditions for buyers and renters alike. Prices have climbed, and competition has intensified, making it more difficult for some residents to find suitable options. This imbalance is not unique to the Town, but it is becoming increasingly noticeable locally.

The multifamily housing sector, in particular, remains strong. Demand has held firm across the broader market area, even as other segments fluctuate. Vacancy rates are still relatively low, pointing to sustained interest and limited availability. While rent increases have slowed somewhat, they continue to sit above typical metro-area benchmarks, underscoring the ongoing pressure in the market.

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Recent construction activity has been focused in specific corridors, rather than spread evenly across the Town. That pattern may influence future planning decisions, especially as officials weigh how to distribute growth more effectively.

The study, still in progress, is expected to dive deeper into these issues in the coming months. Future development scenarios will be tested to see how different choices could impact not just housing availability, but also the Town’s overall fiscal health. The goal is to ensure that growth today does not create financial challenges tomorrow.

Ultimately, the findings will serve as a roadmap for decision-makers. Infrastructure investments, zoning decisions, and economic development strategies will all be shaped, at least in part, by what the analysis reveals.

Town leaders anticipate receiving the final report in early summer. Until then, the work continues—quietly but critically—laying the groundwork for decisions that could define the community’s future for years to come.