By a single vote, the Marilla Town Board has approved the town’s first subdivision since Franklyn Heights more than 10 years ago.

The vote Thursday night came after the board approved Councilman Fred Specht’s amendment requesting the subdivision be limited to 18 lots.

Specht joined fellow board members Dan Handy and Barbara Spanitz in setting the stage for the project — voting to rezone 42.6 acres of land on Bullis Road, next to the Greenwood Terrace subdivision, which was developed in the 1970s.

Supervisor George Gertz and Councilman Warren Handley voted against the rezoning.

The rezoning clears the way for Frederick Zelasko of Cheektowaga to develop the 18-lot subdivision.

Some residents spoke out against the subdivision.

Shirley Limpinsel said she was disappointed in the board’s vote and asked how board members would like a subdivision in their backyards. Another resident thanked Gertz and Handley for their opposition.

Handley and Gertz opposed the plan for other reasons.

In a prepared statement, Handley said he wanted the town to maintain its rural nature and worried that farming noises and smells would annoy homeowners in the area. He said he fears future development along Bullis would harm the farming community.

Gertz said he is opposed to the project because of a cul-de-sac, saying it is an impediment to firefighting equipment.

Specht said that the new subdivision is good for the town in the long term and that it met most criteria for approval. Handy pointed out that the Planning Board had approved the project twice, and he never votes against the recommendation of the Planning Board.

Spanitz said the town needs controlled growth to support the tax base.

In other matters, the board:

Tabled, for 30 days, voting on a commercial development plan for eight lots at Clinton Street and Two Rod Road owned by Richard Rohl. Rohl’s engineer, John Schenne, asked for the extension so plans can be revised to meet town code before the board considers the project. Officials had said the plan was unclear and lot sizes were not accurately marked.

Approved dairy farmer Rick Janiga as chairman of the Planning Board. He replaces Nathan Barnard.

Announced that on July 26, beginning at 7:30 a. m., Two Rod Road from Coleman to Williston roads will be closed to traffic to accommodate the sixth annual Marilla Car, Truck & Cycle Show. Visitors to the show will be able to park at Berners Nursery on Clinton Street and take a shuttle to the show.