The Marilla Town Board is debating whether to table or reject plans for a commercial subdivision at Clinton Street and Two Rod Road.

Richard Rohl proposes an eight-lot subdivision, but Marie Nowak of Nussbaumer & Clarke, engineers for town, pointed to several shortcomings with the plan.

The board will ask for a vote for a 30-day extension on the project when it meets tonight, according to Supervisor George Gertz.

In other matters, the board:

Discussed a proposal for an 18-lot subdivision on land owned by Frederick Zelasko on Bullis Road, next to Greenwood Terrace, a 25-year-old subdivision. Board members agreed the proposal meets all requirements but zoning. It is currently zoned agriculture not located in an agricultural district.

Councilman Fred Specht defended the plan, noting the proposal carries out the vision of the town’s master plan.

“It is the best plan for a subdivision I’ve seen,” he said. “The question is, if not there, then where?”

Dan Handy, the town’s newest councilman, noted that despite the agricultural zoning, the land can never be farmed again. And Specht added that the town “needs some growth to keep the tax base up.”

The Town Board tonight plans to consider a negative declaration on the proposal’s rezoning issue.

Gertz noted that although sales tax and mortgage taxes are down in Erie County, the town’s income picture won’t be affected drastically. He noted income from other sources has increased and, “We are not in any financial straits by any means.”