Cheektowaga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Cheektowaga public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ambulance Services Code Amendment
Local Law No. 8 of 2026 would update the town code governing ambulance services and the EMS Board, following a September public hearing.
Battery Energy Storage System Proposal at 3695 Broadway
Supervisor Nowak wants the town to finish and adopt its draft battery energy storage law quickly, as developers are pitching facilities across the region. Setbacks and fire suppression rules are the key issues.
Sanitation and Yard Waste Collection Challenges
Highway crews are catching up on missed yard-waste pickups, and the department is developing its own composting/mulching operation to save money and train operators.
Police Labor Agreement 2027-2031
A five-year contract with the police Captains and Lieutenants Association was scheduled for approval, affecting police compensation through 2031.
Commercial Expansion and Environmental Concerns at Carwell Corrosion
Carwell wants to subdivide, rezone and build a corrosion-protection service center at 3438 Broadway with zero-foot setbacks. A neighbor previously raised concerns about chemical exposure and property upkeep; the case was tabled again at the applicant's request while questions remain.
FY 2027 CDBG/HOME Annual Plan
The 2027 federal grant plan proposes helping seniors install grab bars and non-slip surfaces to cut 'lift assist' fire calls, which are up 13-17% a year locally. The hearing stays open through October 27.
Police Department Expansion and Community Advisory Council
The board approved a $14,419.59 grant-funded drone for search-and-rescue and crash response. One resident argued the money would be better spent on proven measures like lighting and fencing.
Fire Training Facility
The town is giving land off Walden Avenue to the Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization for a privately funded training facility serving all ten town fire companies. Construction could start next summer, improving in-service training without costing taxpayers.
Neighborhood Traffic and Parking Regulations
Residents raised concerns about speeding and on-street parking around Living Water Fellowship during church services. Police patrols will monitor the area.
Library roof asbestos survey concerns
Library caretaker Eric Zemborski said he can't get the asbestos survey for the upcoming roof replacement despite being told it exists, and worries about material staged near the public park while staff remain in the building.
Commercial Zoning Amendment and Motor Service Expansion on Transit Road
Young Development sought approval to add parking spaces close to Transit Road to address tenant turnover and leasing challenges caused by parking shortages.
Corporate Office and Warehousing Development at Union Road
Several commercial and industrial projects—including a corporate headquarters at 3150 Union Road, a rust-prevention shop at 3438 Broadway, and a zoning change at 6700 Transit Road—were reviewed and tabled for public comments.
Small Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Expansion
Two telecommunications projects—a new tower at 760 French Road and equipment upgrades at 3393 Union Road—aim to improve wireless coverage and network capacity.
Commercial Expansion and Residential Development Reviews
The town's conservation leaders are reviewing commercial and institutional expansion projects to ensure adequate landscaping and parking improvements. Recent reviews cover facility upgrades on Cleveland Drive and major tree plantings for a utility transformer project on Dale Road.
7-Brew Drive-Thru Coffee Shop on Walden Avenue
A proposed drive-thru coffee shop on Walden Avenue faced pushback over potential traffic backups, tight employee parking, and turning safety onto Peppy Place. The board wants state transportation officials to weigh in on the traffic study before moving forward.
Legal Claim Settlements Disclosure
The town board adopted a formal report detailing closed legal claim settlements, including large payouts for motor vehicle accidents and police department claims.
Town Council Appointment Controversy
The town board is considering filling an open council seat with Parvez Rahman through the end of the year, but delayed the decision.
Sanitation Department Leadership Appointment
The town board is interviewing candidates to fill the General Foreman position in the Sanitation Department, which oversees critical waste collection and neighborhood sanitation services.
Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center Expansion at 157 Cleveland Drive
Site improvements including a lot subdivision, accessible parking, and a new playground will enhance community and facility access.
Harlem Villas Affordable Housing PILOT Agreement
Developers proposed a 15-year PILOT agreement for a $35 million mixed-use affordable housing complex on Harlem Road featuring 68 units, including 30 reserved for veterans, prompting concerns from residents regarding tax exemptions.
Residential Driveway Encroachments and Setback Variances
The board addressed multiple driveway expansion requests, granting a second access point on Dubonnet Drive while reining in an oversized driveway on Temple Drive to preserve neighborhood aesthetics.
Establishment of Town Term Limits Law
The town board is considering a local law to limit elected officials to two consecutive four-year terms. A public hearing was held, and residents shared mixed views on the timing and implementation of the rules.
Support for Statewide Universal Healthcare (New York Health Act)
The town council considered and passed a resolution supporting the New York Health Act, sparking debate over potential cost savings, tax impacts, and healthcare accessibility.
Historic George Urban Mansion Use Variance
The owners of the historic George Urban Mansion at 280 Pine Ridge Road sought a use variance for neighborhood service uses, sparking intense neighborhood debate over past party disruptions and parking.
Sewer Connection Inspection Local Law
The town updated sewer connection inspection regulations in Chapter 198 of the town code to ensure proper oversight of public treatment works.
Solar Energy System Tax Exemption Repeal
The town reversed its previous decision and repealed the opt-out exemption for solar panels and green energy systems, allowing property owners to receive tax exemptions for green upgrades.
Commercial Tire Facility and Wetland Review at 3419 Broadway
A proposal to merge three parcels for a large tire storage building is paused while the town waits for state environmental and sewer capacity details.
Used Car Lot Proposal at 1310 French Road
Don's Auto Body successfully renewed its temporary permit to store and sell used vehicles on Union Road, subject to strict bans on commercial advertising signs on the property.
Hotel Bed Tax Implementation and Revenue Projections
Officials discussed the rollout of the newly enacted hotel bed tax, noting that administrative startup delays pushed full collection to July.
Streetlight Repair and Maintenance Contract
The town considered hiring an outside contractor to maintain its LED streetlights because the town doesn't have enough electricians on staff, but union concerns prompted the board to table the agreement.
Stormwater Management and Drainage from Commercial Parking Expansion
An unpermitted parking lot expansion at 7 Community Drive caused severe flooding in residential backyards due to inadequate drainage and improper snow storage. The town is working with the applicant on engineering designs for swales and basins to protect neighbors.
Stormwater Management and Flooding at 7 Community Drive
Aspire of Western New York expanded its parking lot last year without town approval, which caused rainwater to runoff and flood neighboring properties. The board reviewed a fix involving drainage swales and a detention basin to handle major storms.
Fund Balance Policy Review and Budget Pressures
Supervisor Nowak proposed reviewing the town's 2012 fund balance policy, suggesting that lowering reserve requirements from 15% could help ease property tax pressures in upcoming budgets.
Polish Festival Permit and Oversight
The board debated approving the special event permit for the 46th Annual Polish American Arts Festival amid concerns over past comments by an organizer and financial transparency. Ultimately, the permit was approved, but board members emphasized the need for future changes and independent oversight.
Union Road Intersection Turn Arrows
The commission addressed traffic backup concerns at Union Road intersections with Losson Road and William Street. Concerns regarding red right-turn arrows will be forwarded to NYSDOT.
Town Swimming Pool Funding and Operations
The board approved a $100,000 budget transfer from fund balance to keep town swimming pools open for the upcoming season, addressing community concerns over recreational cuts.
Rescission of Deputy Highway Superintendent Abolishment
The board voted 5-2 to reverse a 2023 decision that eliminated the deputy highway superintendent position. Town officials clarified that the resurrected title currently carries no salary or stipend.
Town Board Meetings
Cheektowaga just dropped its 2026 town board meeting schedule, making it super easy to track local decisions either in person or from your couch. If you care about what's happening in your neighborhood, you now have a roadmap to tune in and stay in the loop.
Election Results
Cheektowaga Democrats just swept the local election, flipping the Town Board and completely changing who's calling the shots in town government.
Election Recount
Cheektowaga's mayoral race is heading to a recount next week, leaving the town's top leadership spot totally up in the air for now. We still don't officially know who is going to be running the show.