Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Hamburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues in development
Subdivision and Housing Development across Town
Two multi-family projects are on the agenda: seven townhomes on McKinley Parkway and apartments at Rogers Road and Southwestern Boulevard. Both would add housing options but also traffic and neighborhood change.
Commercial flex warehouses on Southwestern Boulevard
All Seasons VM Storage wants to build ten commercial flex warehouse buildings at 5225 Southwestern Blvd, and the board will hold a public hearing on the site plan. Warehouses can bring traffic and lighting changes near residential areas, so neighbors will want to watch this one.
Wetzl Development Rezoning and Environmental Impact Statement
Glenn Wetzl wants to rezone property east and south of 4255 McKinley Parkway, and the board will review the draft Final Environmental Impact Statement. Rezones set the stage for what can be built there, so this is a long-term land-use decision.
Single-Family Dwelling Variance at 6286 Old Lake Shore Rd
12 Lakeview Woods Inc. is asking for an area variance to build a new single-family home on Old Lake Shore Road. This project will shape residential density and shoreline aesthetics.
Taylor Road two-lot subdivision and shared driveway
A two-lot subdivision at 6670 Taylor Road survived concerns about a split lot and driveway access — the fire department found no problem and code enforcement stood by its precedent-based ruling. The board wants to see the draft shared-driveway easement before the November 18 hearing.
Hilbert College athletic field reduction
Hilbert is scaling back its approved field plan by dropping the track, keeping the turf field and scoreboard. The reduced impact heads to a public hearing November 18.
Southwestern Boulevard Automated Coffee Shop Proposal
A 400-square-foot drive-thru coffee shop on a vacant 0.43-acre lot has neighbors worried about traffic, noise, late hours, and tree removal. The state DOT wants more time to review its impact on the highway, so the board tabled a decision.
Woodlawn Gateway Brownfield Opportunity Area plan
The town is moving forward on the Woodlawn Gateway BOA plan, taking the lead on environmental review and setting a December 14 public hearing before possible adoption.
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Fees
The town adopted its first short-term rental law, requiring permits ($500 application, $1,500 two-year permit) and giving code enforcement and police real enforcement power for the first time. Crestwood Drive residents upset about an absentee-landlord Airbnb in their single-family neighborhood pushed for a ban instead, but the board said regulation was the balance it chose.
Proposed Short-Term Rental Law
Hamburg now has its first short-term rental law, legalizing and regulating Airbnbs/VRBOs in most residential districts — but not R1 single-family neighborhoods. Two speakers urged allowing STRs in R1 via special use permits, and the board said it will consider that feedback.
Mission Hills Phase IV Dumpster Locations
The board reviewed as-built dumpster locations for Mission Hills Villas Phase IV after engineering inspections noted unapproved placement. A public hearing was scheduled for September 2.
Southtowns Early Learning Nest Daycare Approval
A proposed daycare center at 4090 Jeffrey Boulevard seeks to serve 66 children in an industrial zone, prompting planning board review of traffic circulation, fencing, and parking.
Gateway Building Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Developers presented updated plans for condos, restaurants, hotel space, and meeting areas at the former Bethlehem Steel site, addressing parking and landscaping.
Industrial Shop Development on Lakeshore Road
A proposal to build six contractor warehouse buildings on Lakeshore Road has drawn strong community interest and detailed site revisions regarding setbacks, traffic flow, and environmental buffers.
Slade Park Building Expansion at 5600 McKinley Parkway
The Erie County Agricultural Society is proposing a new 32,850-square-foot building in Slade Park to host events year-round, replacing older structures.
Subdivision at 58 North Shore Drive
A homeowner successfully split his lot to build a home for his daughter and grandchildren returning from North Carolina. The board found the project fit well within neighborhood character without causing negative impacts.
Ten Lives Club Animal Rescue Expansion at 3747 Lakeshore Road
Ten Lives Club is seeking to expand its feline rescue services into an existing building next door at 3747 Lakeshore Road. The planning board issued a negative environmental declaration, allowing the project to proceed to the zoning board for a use variance.
Brandon Santa Warehouse Project at 0 Lakeshore Road
Residents strongly opposed a proposed six-building warehouse development in Woodlawn, citing clear-cutting of trees, increased noise, light pollution, flooding risks, and safety issues. The planning board tabled the project to April 1 to allow further review by state traffic officials and additional consideration by the applicant.
Residential Demolition and Reconstruction on Non-Conforming Lots
Homeowners seeking to rebuild aging or structurally compromised properties on tight neighborhood lots must navigate area variances to ensure modern building standards can be met.
Cedar Valley Way Subdivision Traffic and Drainage Concerns
Residents near Cedar Valley Way raised concerns that adding another home and driveway will worsen neighborhood traffic from the 144 existing homes and nearby apartments. The board agreed to consult the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and review drainage plans before deciding.