Meaghan M. McDermott

@meagmc

Sometime within the next year, residents of Penfield will likely have their say on whether or not they want to permanently protect 214 acres of land formerly known as the Shadow Pines Golf Club.

During a meeting last week, the town board extended for 12 months a building moratorium that would block redevelopment of the site while discussions about a possible purchase by the town continue.

News last year that property owners The Dolomite Group was hoping to sell Shadow Pines caused deep community concern, sparking the initial moratorium and spurring town leaders to put together a committee of stakeholders to determine what might be the best use for the site.

Concerns are that if the parcel were to sell to a residential developer, hundreds of new homes could be erected on the site. Residents say that would forever alter the essential nature of that section of Penfield, and would cause tremendous strain not only on the school system, but also on roadway and sewer infrastructure.

FILE VIDEO (June 2016):

During last week's meeting, town board member Andy Moore said the impact of such a project on the town's infrastructure "could be staggering."

A citizen's advisory committee in September recommended that Penfield purchase the Shadow Pines property in order to preserve open space and recreational opportunities for residents.

According to communications between Town Supervisor Tony LaFountain and the advisory committee, town officials have been negotiating with The Dolomite Group over the past few months.

"Ultimately, at the end of this process, the town's actions will be determined by the will of Penfield residents through public referendum," he said in a letter dated Feb. 8.

No date has yet been set for a referendum.

MCDERMOT@Gannett.com