GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals recently approved 18 units of senior housing for Carman Road.

The board at its March 4 meeting unanimously approved the project as well as a variance request from the town zoning code that would require the new structures to be set back 100 feet from the single-family lots on either side of the property. 

The 18 units of housing for people at 55 and older at 3400 Carman Road — directly across the street from 12 senior-living units currently under construction — are to be spread across two buildings, in 10- and 8-unit townhouse-style structures, each with an attached garage. 

The housing will look similar to developer Robert Abbatiello’s project on Curry Road in neighboring Rotterdam, where the rent is about $2,000 per month.

The proposal received enthusiastic public support during the meeting's public comment period.

John Haluska, a resident of nearby Long Pine Road, urged the board to approve the project, arguing that it represents a good plan that will bring green space to a currently dilapidated lot. Board members echoed Haluska’s sentiment, stating that the design is attractive and fits well with the character of other similar buildings located up and down Carmen Road.