After months of inaction, the pace of a controversial Brighton development is picking up.

Last week, the Town Board completed the environmental review for A.J. Costello and Son's the Reserve, which would consist of 337 units - single-family homes, loft apartments, and condominiums off South Clinton Avenue along the Erie Canal.

Next up for the project is an incentive zoning proposal; Costello needs the town to allow higher densities and to grant height variances.

In return for the zoning changes, Costello would build a boat launch on the canal, make improvements to the Erie Canal trail, and make other parks improvements - a list that is smaller than what town officials expected.

Another sticking point: the project does not include affordable housing.

"The Comprehensive Plan is very clear that they want, in any development, some affordable housing component," board member Ray Tierney says.

Developers argue that affordable housing units won't fit with the development's high-end concept. Instead, Costello proposes a contribution of $5,000 a year for five years to the Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, to try to entice the organization to start a Brighton-specific program to help seniors make home repairs.

Another alternative may be for Costello to put up funds for an affordable housing program in Brighton.

Supervisor Sandra Frankel says that the Town Board will not make a decision on the Reserve until it receives input from the Planning Board. Too, the town is still accepting public comment on the proposal.

If the Town Board signs off on the zoning changes, Costello will have to present the plans to the Planning and Architectural Review Boards for their approvals.