Villas by Barone Clears Environmental Review
Homeowners near Villa Fina Drive should expect more construction as 61 homes move toward approval.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Ontario Planning Board has determined that Sections 3 and 4 of the Villas by Barone subdivision would not have significant adverse environmental impact, so no full environmental impact statement is required for them. Together the two sections add 61 homes off Villa Fina Drive.
Why it matters
The finding clears an environmental hurdle for the next phases of the development, which could bring more housing supply to the Ontario area. Homeowners nearby should expect continued construction activity as approvals move forward.
Section 3 includes 18 single-family patio homes and 20 townhouse units, totaling 38 homes, while Section 4 adds 23 patio homes. The Oct. 28 state notice covered both sections, and the Planning Board continued the Section 3 application into October at the developer's request.
The players
Barone Land Development Inc.
The applicant for Section 3 of the Villas by Barone subdivision in Ontario.
Ontario Planning Board
The local board reviewing subdivision and site plan applications, including the Villas by Barone sections.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The state agency that issued the Oct. 28 notice finding no significant adverse environmental impact for Sections 3 and 4.
The details
The Oct. 28 notice from the state Department of Environmental Conservation found that neither section would have a significant adverse environmental impact, which is why no full environmental impact statement is required. Subdivision approval and site plan approval are separate decisions from this environmental finding, so the project still moves through local review steps. The project sits south of Ridge Road and west of LaFrank Drive, with the original preliminary subdivision dating to 2006.
Timeline
2006: Original preliminary subdivision approved.
May 2023: Section 2 received final site plan approval.
Feb. 27, 2025: Town Board authorized Section 2 easements by a 4-0 vote.
Oct. 28: DEC notice found no significant environmental impact.
The Home Front
Under New York's SEQRA framework, a finding of no significant adverse impact lets subdivision phases move forward without a full environmental impact statement. Local approvals for subdivision and site plans still have to be completed before construction proceeds.
If you live near Villa Fina Drive, Ridge Road, or LaFrank Drive, expect construction traffic as later phases move forward. Homeowners considering a purchase nearby should confirm current subdivision and site plan status with the Ontario Planning Board before making decisions.
The takeaway
A no-significant-impact finding removes one hurdle, but local subdivision and site plan approvals still determine when homes are built. Keep track of Planning Board agendas if you live near the project.
Further reading
For context on how local projects like this fit into home building and upkeep, see Home Renovation coverage in Ontario.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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