Cheektowaga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Cheektowaga public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Commercial Rezoning and Retail Expansion on French Road
The lot would be redistricted from Light Manufacturing to General Commercial, opening it to a wider range of commercial uses.
UTECH Waterproofing Commercial Development at 0 Broadway
An 8,000-square-foot office building and 9,000-square-foot warehouse are proposed for UTECH Waterproofing's operations and storage.
Proposed wireless telecommunications tower at 760 French Road
The committee was scheduled to review a proposed 109-foot cell tower with ground equipment on leased land. Environmental advisory input feeds the town's decision on the special use permit.
Stiglmeier Park Casino Building Demolition
The town is moving toward demolishing the deteriorated, unused Losson Park Casino building, with a public hearing set for November 10. Grant money and a possible three-season shelter replacement are on the table.
West Herr dealership at 6700 Transit Road
West Herr wants to rezone the former Clarion Hotel site at 6700 Transit Road to build a 28,000-square-foot car dealership, paired with a related project over the line in Amherst. The hearing was continued for corrected notice; the rezone vote was pulled from the agenda.
Tadio Parkway Speed Limits
The board revisited lowering town speed limits from 30 to 25 mph but reached no decision. Members split on enforcement versus signage, discussed road diets, and flagged problem roads like William Street and Cleveland Drive.
Walden Galleria Electric Vehicle Display and Test Driving
The mall can now park up to five Teslas outside near the old Sears wing for a year so shoppers can view and test-drive them on mall property. The board weighed holiday traffic and pedestrian safety against a new retail draw, and limited the permit to one year for review.
Veterans Day Planning and Community Events
Committee members reported on ongoing community outreach, including nursing scholarships, book donations to Willow Lodge Bingo, donations to the Be The One veteran suicide prevention program, and efforts to rename a pedestrian bridge over Route 198.
Cemetery Expansion and Sustainable Stormwater Management
Mount Calvary Cemetery is proposing a new above-ground columbarium and niche expansion using permeable pavers to reduce stormwater runoff.
Community Survey
Cheektowaga wants your opinion! The town is running a quick community survey to figure out what local projects and priorities residents actually care about.
Board Vacancy
Cheektowaga needs a new member for the Board of Assessment Review, the crew that handles local property tax disputes. If you've been looking for a way to dive into local government, now is your chance to apply for the gig.
Research Committee for Highway Department Conversion to DPW
The town established a research committee to study whether transitioning from an elected Highway Superintendent to an appointed Department of Public Works would improve operational efficiency and cost savings.
Home-Based Business Permit for Candle Manufacturing
A resident sought a special permit to operate a small-scale, part-time home bakery selling goods online without customer walk-ins.
Scajaquada Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project
The board discussed a $6.7 million federal and state aquatic ecosystem restoration project for Scajaquada Creek before pulling the resolution to review funding and bonding interest responsibilities.
Veterans Disability Tax Exemption Evaluation
The assessor reviewed the newly enacted state option providing 100% property tax exemptions for permanently and totally disabled veterans, noting an estimated $14.4 million in current assessment shifts.
Financial Disclosure Statement Review
The board went over returned financial disclosure forms from town officials, noting one was missing a signature.
Long-Term Temporary Permitting for School Bus Depot on Aero Drive
Student Transportation of America received another two-year temporary permit for its bus depot at 850 Aero Drive, continuing a decade-long arrangement due to M-2 manufacturing zoning rules that exclude bus storage. The board pressed the applicant to work with town officials on a permanent zoning fix.
Stormwater Management and Drainage Concerns on Transit Road Accessory Structure
A neighbor raised strong concerns about flooding and roof runoff from a proposed large 6,-bay accessory structure at 4832 Transit Road. The board approved the variance only after requiring the applicant to tie new drain tiles into existing storm sewer lines.
Commercial Truck Restrictions on Residential Corridors
Residents on Dean Road, Hyland Avenue, and Standard Parkway reported that heavy commercial trucks are ignoring weight limits, leading to planned police monitoring.
Support for New York Health Act
The board debated a resolution supporting a single-payer state healthcare system, with proponents citing major town budget savings and opponents raising tax and government-run care concerns.
Shared Services and Municipal Cooperation with Village of Sloan
The board debated and ultimately approved a shared services agreement for sewer inspections with the Village of Sloan, while tabling a road paving assistance agreement.
Cultural Community Center Proposal at 3095 Genesee Street
A nonprofit group wants to turn a building into a cultural center providing language classes and social services, but the board raised concerns about parking availability and crowded site plans.
Commercial Truck Parking Expansion at 2370 Walden Avenue
Hunter Truck is expanding its storage and parking area by about 1.8 acres to accommodate growing business needs, adding stormwater basins and a solid fence for neighbors.
America 250 and Independence Day Celebrations
The board debated planning and logistics for the upcoming America 250 semi-quincentennial celebration, discussing whether to hold town fireworks on July 3rd or July 4th.
Cell Tower Proposal at 940 Losson Road
AT&T wants to build a 155-foot cell tower disguised as a pine tree, but the review is delayed until spring weather allows soil and wetland checks.
Walden Galleria Mall Security and Crime Concerns
Residents raised safety concerns regarding incidents at the Walden Galleria Mall, prompting town officials to report on recent walkthroughs, security measures, and multi-agency cooperation.
Stormwater Management Modification at 4959 Genesee Street
A commercial project had to double the size of its rain garden because state highway engineers required a smaller drain pipe size. The committee approved the adjustment so construction can move forward without delays.
Privacy and Fencing Near Commercial Properties
Homeowners at 274 Huth Road sought an 8-foot fence to gain privacy from an adjacent 32-unit apartment building and its parking lot. The board approved the fence with height limitations near the street to balance privacy needs with traffic visibility.
Development on Nonconforming Subdivided Lots
Several homeowners requested variances for driveways, shed placement, garage construction, and fence extensions. The board evaluated each request based on neighborhood character, lot constraints, and impact on adjacent properties.
George Urban Blvd Traffic Calming and Re-striping
A proposal to re-stripe George Urban Boulevard to reduce speeding will be forwarded to the county highway department.
Traffic Signal Confusion at William Street & Union Road
Drivers are confused by red right-turn arrows installed by the state, causing road rage. NYSDOT has been notified of the issue.
Veterinary Clinic Expansion at 2409 Union Road
The owner of a local vet clinic is expanding to add much-needed staff offices, an ADA restroom, and storage space.
Park Shelter Rental Fee Increases
The town increased rental rates for the Lions Pavilion mega-shelter at Town Park to $400 for residents and $600 for non-residents and businesses to cover rising operational and personnel costs.
Youth Mental Health and Online Safety Initiative
The board established youth mental health, online safety, and preventative education as municipal priorities to support adolescents and position the town for state grant funding.
Genesee Street Motor Service Rezoning
An application to change a commercial property's zoning to allow light automotive mechanical work and vehicle inspections.
Standard Parkway Signage and Turnaround
Residents requested a dead end or no outlet sign and a vehicle turnaround on Standard Parkway. The commission noted existing signage and that a turnaround would require town funding.
Immigration Policy
Cheektowaga residents are pressuring town leaders to sever ties with federal immigration enforcement agencies. If successful, this grassroots push could fundamentally change how local police interact with federal immigration authorities.
Zoning Amendment and Commercial Auto Repair at 3126 Genesee St
A local business owner wants to open a light mechanical repair shop at 3126 Genesee Street. The planning board supported the zoning change needed to make it happen, pending final checks from the building department.
Dell Hydraulics Expansion and Wetland Permits
Dell Hydraulics is seeking a SEQR negative declaration for a building and parking expansion on Stradtman Street while they wait on DEC wetland permits.
Police Shooting
A Cheektowaga police officer shot and killed a man in Buffalo, sparking major questions about local law enforcement accountability. It's a high-profile incident that's got everyone talking about how police operate outside their town lines.
Commercial Foreclosure
Cheektowaga's biggest shopping hub, the Walden Galleria, is facing potential foreclosure, which could shake up local tax revenues and town business. This massive property is in jeopardy, meaning big changes could be coming for our local economy and public services.
Political Election
A Democratic Socialist just pulled off a major upset to win the top office in historically conservative Cheektowaga. This unexpected win could mean a massive shake-up for local politics moving forward.
Migrant Housing
Cheektowaga is suing DocGo over migrant housing, a move that could kick people right out of their current living situations. It's a messy legal fight that's putting local officials and housing providers at direct odds.