Marilla officials played defense Tuesday night when the developer of a senior citizen complex took issue with the rezoning of only 10 acres of a 32- acre lot targeted for the project.

Developer Greg Willey and Robert Blood of Lauer-Manguso and Associates, Amherst, appeared before a Town Board work session to discuss the proposed project, targeted for 32 acres at Clinton Street and Two Rod Road.

Willey, who has placed a deposit on land owned by Marilla Development, has plans to build senior citizen housing there. However, town officials stood by their decision to limit the rezoning to 10 acres, in addition to what is need to accommodate a septic system.

Blood said this rationale would result in an extra burden for applicants due to engineering design and other costs.

Willey asked the board why he should buy the entire 32 acres if he can only use 10 acres?

Supervisor George Gertz defended the decision, which, he said, will need at least two public hearings on the rezoning and two on the project.

“Even though this is a private project, there are costs to the town,” Gertz said. “This is a very rural community, and a 32- acre project of this size will impact people a lot — especially the fire department.”

Willey and Blood said they would get back to the board, after they rethink the restriction.