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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.