Cheektowaga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Cheektowaga public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.