Cheektowaga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Cheektowaga public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
McKesson Parkway Multi-Unit Residential Development
A proposal to merge two parcels and build 144 apartments — nearly double the 73 units zoning allows, with 50-foot buildings — has now been tabled three times because the applicant keeps missing meetings. The board warned it may withdraw the case if he doesn't appear in November.
2027 Municipal Budget and Tax Cap Override
The proposed 2027 budget carries a 9.8% tax increase, and the board adopted the tax-cap override law 5-2 to allow it. Residents — especially seniors on fixed incomes — pleaded for cuts, a pay freeze, and line-by-line spending review; the board will hold budget public hearings October 27.
Highway Department Equipment Purchases and Paving Schedule
With an American Rock Salt shortage looming, the supervisor asked the board to approve buying and storing 2,000 extra tons of salt on town property. New plow trucks are on back order for equipment fitting; the board must decide soon.
Expansion of Flock Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
Residents presented FOIL'd event logs showing former officers retained access, joke hotlists tracking co-workers, and disabled multi-factor authentication, after three officers were suspended for misusing the system to stalk a town employee. Speakers demanded the cameras come down, an independent audit, and a local ALPR law; Supervisor Nowak said the board must seriously consider the system's future in 2027.
Good Cause Eviction Law Proposal
Councilmember Nowicki introduced a discussion on opting into New York State's Good Cause Eviction law to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes and unjustified evictions, prompting debate over local housing stock and landlord impacts.
Industrial Expansion for Niagara Power Transformer on Dale Road
Niagara Power Transformer is investing heavily to expand its manufacturing footprint across multiple parcels on Dale Road and Anderson. The project will add over 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space, create dozens of new high-paying engineering and assembly jobs, and help meet surging national demand for power transformers.
Abolishment of Town Comptroller Position
The town board voted to abolish the appointed comptroller position established in 2024, reallocating remaining funds to the general fund.
Creation of Civil Engineer Position
The town created a new civil engineer title to help handle engineering and highway tasks and prepare for upcoming retirements.
Ethics and Censure Resolution for Councilmember Pilarski
Residents and council members debated a resolution to censure Deputy Supervisor Brian Pilarski following reports that he failed to file IRS Form 990 nonprofit forms for the Seneca-Babcock Community Association.
Consolidated Sewer District Improvements and Bonding
The town is moving forward with major sanitary sewer manhole rehabilitation and lateral lining across multiple sewer sheds, utilizing state WQIP grants to comply with DEC consent orders.
Town Police Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE)
Residents and activists pressed the town board to end local police collaboration with ICE, citing civil rights concerns and recent federal enforcement actions. Counter-speakers defended police cooperation with federal agencies to ensure public safety.