Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Residential Property Variances
Four homeowners asked the ZBA for relief from zoning rules covering generators, driveways, sheds and home additions. Three were granted unanimously; one was withdrawn for refiling.
SBA Disaster Loans for September Storm Damage
The SBA has set up at the Elwood Fire Hall offering low-interest disaster loans for homes, businesses, and nonprofits damaged in the September 3, 2026 storm and flooding. In-person applications run through next week.
Sanitary Sewer Lining and Infrastructure Upgrades
The board approved several change orders: water treatment plant filter upgrades (two decreases totaling about $34,000), Old Town waterline improvements, and an $11,527 concrete replacement increase. Filter upgrades came in under budget.
Leaf Collection and Storm Sewer Protection
Ten highway crews are collecting leaves over the next three weeks, and Councilman Szarek reminded residents not to rake leaves into the street — it's illegal and clogs storm sewers. The highway department also fixed 33 concrete spots recently.
Riverwalk Parkway Extension to Fire Tower Drive Bids
The board authorized state/federal funding for the Riverwalk Parkway Trail and called a November 23 hearing on stop sign, speed limit, truck route, and parking changes tied to the Riverwalk Parkway extension.
EV Charging Stations and Golf Dome Improvements
The board approved about $320,000 for electric vehicle charging station equipment and a $1.515 million bid for golf dome improvements. The tracer bays at the dome are already installed and open to the public without reservations.
New York Health Act Resolution Request
Resident Anthony Bainey presented roughly 2,000 signatures and asked the board to pass a resolution urging the state legislature to pass the New York Health Act, citing upcoming federal healthcare cuts and a 2026 cost-savings white paper.
Drive-up ATM at Sheridan-Eggert Plaza
The board approved a special use permit for a standalone drive-thru ATM kiosk for Empower Federal Credit Union at Sheridan Eggert Plaza. It comes with basic landscaping and a new light pole, and no residents objected.
New Planning Director Hired
The town filled its long-vacant planning director position through the personnel resolutions. Interim Supervisor Flynn praised Randy, who had covered the role for nearly six months, and welcomed new hire Heika Jacob.
Englewood Avenue Comprehensive Plan Outreach
Resident Ken Winger criticized the comprehensive plan update process, saying an Englewood Avenue neighborhood walkthrough had no actual residents or business owners from the street despite claims that 800 notices went out. He's rallying neighbors through Crime Watch to get involved.
Winter Overnight Parking Ban Delayed
The town's winter overnight parking ban normally starts November 15, but Supervisor Flynn extended it to December 1 because there's no snow in the forecast. He acknowledged the back-and-forth is inconvenient but said it balances street clearing with residents' needs.
Delinquent Water Charges and Highway Cleanup Levied on 2027 Tax Bills
About $1.37 million in unpaid water bills and highway cleanup charges will be added to next year's Erie County tax bills for the responsible properties.
New non-tax revenues
The town is chasing money beyond property taxes: over $250,000 in advertising revenue from Paddock Park and the field house in 2027, plus more than $500,000 this year from the ambulance corps, with more expected.
2027 Tentative Town Budget and Tax Levy
The town's 2027 budget is adopted with a 3.9% tax increase, raising about $1,648 in town taxes for the average homeowner. Rising health insurance, retirement, police contract, and road salt costs are driving the increase, and the interim supervisor is pushing the state to tie the tax cap to inflation.
Industrial and Commercial Solar and Facility Expansions
Gear Motions was seeking review for a large 56,000-square-foot new building at 75 Pirson Parkway, including an environmental (SEQR) determination. It's a significant industrial investment in the town.
Sheridan Drive commercial and residential development
Two Sheridan Drive projects were on the action agenda: a second-floor addition for a diet studio at 2560 Sheridan and a 12-unit apartment building at 2415 Sheridan with a parking waiver request. What the board decided would shape the look and parking on this busy corridor.
River Road Apartment Development
Several discussion items covered industrial activity along River Road — a concrete batch plant, a PeroxyChem water intake and pump station, and a Uniland manufacturing addition — plus a change of use at Steaksters on Brighton Road. These touch on industry's place near the Niagara River corridor.
Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome Storm Resiliency Bond
The town is moving forward with facility upgrades at the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome, receiving two competitive construction bids ranging from $1.5 million to $1.67 million.
Transition of Automated License Plate Readers to Axon
Residents raised concerns during public comment regarding data security, immigration searches, and oversight of the town's ALPR camera systems.
Youth Parks and Recreation Department Supply Bids
The town failed to receive any bids for pool chlorine supplies needed by the Youth Parks and Recreation Department, raising questions about how to source these materials moving forward.
Dollar Tree conversion of former Rite Aid
The Elmwood Avenue plaza's former Rite Aid will become a Dollar Tree, with the drive-thru removed, upgraded landscaping, and a new crosswalk for pedestrians.
Environmental Impact Review for River Road Concrete Plant
A proposed concrete batch plant at 4885 River Road could significantly impact water quality, air quality, traffic on River Road and the Empire State Trail, and the scenery near Niawanda Park. The board is requiring a full environmental impact statement before anything moves forward.
Zoning Code Revisions and BESS Regulations
The town is finishing a broad update to its zoning code, but new State rules force removal of the battery energy storage (BESS) section. The rewrite is tabled until that's done.
Commercial Retail Expansion at 2865 Elmwood Avenue
Benderson Development received approval to open a Dollar Tree retail store at the former Rite Aid site, bringing vacant commercial space back into use with upgraded landscaping and improved pedestrian access.
Tonawanda Rail Trail Enhancements Bidding
Residents expressed concerns regarding a proposed bike path entrance near Gettysburg Avenue and ongoing speeding and traffic enforcement issues at neighborhood intersections.
Corner Lot Fence Regulations and Height Limits
Recent changes to town zoning code reclassify corner lots to have two front yards and two side yards, effectively banning tall fences. Homeowners are seeking variances to build 6-foot privacy fences.
Driveway Vision Clearance and Traffic Safety
The board wrestled with balancing homeowner convenience against public safety when fences or equipment obstruct clear views near driveways and intersections.
Vacant Commercial Property Blight
A resident highlighted long-standing blight and safety hazards at the former Kenwell Manor nursing home at 2456 Delaware Avenue, which has been vacant since 2019, accumulated over $400,000 in back taxes, and failed to sell at tax auction.
E-Bike Safety and Regulatory Enforcement
Residents raised concerns about reckless e-bike riding, traffic speeding on residential corridors like Parker Boulevard, and issues with vehicle license plate readability.
Neighborhood Crime and Property Security
Residents voiced serious concerns about neighborhood safety, citing recurring car break-ins, recent home intrusions, and an armed robbery. Town officials discussed local law enforcement efforts, youth accountability challenges under state laws, and crime prevention measures.
Waterfront Development
Tonawanda is dropping $500,000 on a brand-new waterfront overlook, so you'll soon have a much nicer spot to hang out by the water. It's a quick win to make our local scenery a bit more enjoyable for everyday hangouts.
Highway Department Tree Supply Procurement
The town is buying about 250 new trees to plant this spring, and officials just opened competing bids from two nurseries to find the best price.
Annual Patron Appreciation Picnic
The library's annual picnic is set for Friday evening, September 18, at the Kenilworth branch — free fun with a DJ, kids' games, and food.
Kenmore branch roof replacement
The Kenmore library's roof replacement remains unresolved. Trustee Carl Szarek will keep pressing the Town Board on the issue.
Revised Rules of Conduct policy
The library board adopted updated rules of conduct that will be posted at both branches. It sets expectations for visitor behavior at the Kenmore and Kenilworth libraries.
Park and Downtown Upgrades
North Tonawanda just dropped $1 million to revamp Charles R. Fleischmann Park and Webster Street. Now locals have way nicer spots to hang out and enjoy downtown.
Financial Disclosure Compliance
The ethics board checked financial disclosure forms from local officials and found several missing submissions for recent years, prompting staff to send out follow-up notices.
State Audit FOIL Request
Staff informed the board about a public records request regarding the 2020 state audit and the town's adopted ethics action plan.
Residential Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Siting
Community Services for Every 1 sought permission to install a heat pump condenser in the side yard of a residential group home on Lorelee Drive due to piping constraints. The board approved the variance with a condition allowing slight placement flexibility up to the garage line.
Driveway Expansion Standards
Two residents received approval to widen their driveways beyond town limits to accommodate family vehicles and avoid street parking. One application prompted neighbor concerns over traffic flow near a school bus stop, but officials determined side-by-side parking actually improved sightlines.
Nonconforming Use Extension at 971 Englewood Ave
The estate of a long-term collision shop owner requested an extension of the one-year nonconforming use limit to allow time to sell the property to another automotive business.
Kenilworth Library ADA Restroom Renovation
The Kenilworth library reopens August 17 after bathroom construction. Staff are preparing the space with fresh paint, cleaned carpets, and newly delivered materials.
Banking practices and grant funding
The board decided to stick with paper checks rather than online banking, and skipped applying for a state construction grant for the Kenmore roof — instead exploring Town funding. These choices shape how library money is handled and spent.
Property Reassessment
North Tonawanda is shaking things up with a fresh property reassessment, which means your future tax bill could look pretty different soon. Keep your eyes peeled for updates as the city rolls out this new process.
Special Use Permit Hearings for Commercial and Telecom Projects
The board recommended approval for a new public café at 1530 Military Road, expanding dining and coffee options in a mixed-use industrial district.
Commercial and Industrial Site Plan Reviews
The Planning Board reviewed several commercial expansions and new businesses, ensuring proper landscaping, parking, and safety standards are met.
Proposed Data Center Moratorium
Residents strongly supported a one-year town moratorium on data centers, raising concerns about excessive water use, noise pollution, and electrical grid strain from large-scale facilities.
Police Contract
Tonawanda just locked in a fresh contract for its police force. You'll likely see shifts in local public safety spending and the town budget as a result.
Marina Concession Buyout
Tonawanda is ditching a failing marina contract at Riverside Marina to take better control of the waterfront. The city bought out the old deal so they can reset how the property is managed.
Environmental Cleanup
The cleanup of the Tonawanda Coke Superfund site is moving into its next phase this month. This means we're finally getting closer to clearing out that toxic land for good.