Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues with critical priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proposed Data Center Development and Town Moratorium
Residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about noise, heavy water and power demands, and potential pollution from a proposed massive data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site. Officials noted that environmental reviews with state agencies are ongoing.