Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
35 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kenmore branch roof replacement
The Kenmore library's roof replacement remains unresolved. Trustee Carl Szarek will keep pressing the Town Board on the issue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lead and Copper Pipe Inventory Grant (Job 3095)
The Town is applying for a $2 million grant to map out lead and copper pipes and meet state Department of Health reporting rules.
Victoria Place Apartments Affordable Senior Housing
The town authorized a $1.04 million HOME grant agreement to help fund the construction of the Victoria Place Apartments, a 37-unit affordable senior housing complex in Kenmore.
Data Center Moratorium Proposal
The town is considering a proposed $2-3 billion transactional data center. The Supervisor noted that while the project could replace lost tax revenue from the Huntley plant closure, the board must address significant resident concerns regarding noise, energy consumption, and environmental impact.
Traffic Safety and Speeding on Creekside Drive
Residents of Creekside Drive raised urgent safety concerns regarding dangerous speeding and multiple severe accidents along the residential street, which runs adjacent to Ellicott Creek Park and the Empire State Trail. They requested a comprehensive traffic and speed study from the town.
2026 Town Operations and Organizational Setup
The town board approved its annual organizational resolutions, setting rules of order, meeting schedules, employee salaries, benefits, and board appointments for 2026. These foundational decisions keep town departments running smoothly and establish clear administrative guidelines for the year.
Retirement of Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger
Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger announced his retirement effective May 13, 2026, after years of service to the town.
Immigration Enforcement Concerns and Colvin Woods Facility
Residents voiced alarm over a federal immigration holding facility operating at 600 Colvinwoods Parkway, demanding that the town enact a 'New York for All' resolution and prohibit local police from collaborating with ICE. Town officials stated they had previously investigated local zoning powers and confirmed police policy restricting immigration status checks.
Highway Department Generator and Fuel System Upgrades
The town is borrowing $2 million to replace 30-year-old emergency backup generators and fuel storage tanks at the highway department, with 35% of the costs covered by the Consolidated Garbage District.
Commercial Property Subdivision and Variance at 2250 Military Road
John Stevens requested to subdivide a commercial property at 2250 Military Road and sought a rear setback variance, which was tabled for further review.
Water Treatment Chemical Procurement
The town is buying chemicals like liquid alum and sodium silico fluoride to keep the water treatment plants running smoothly. Officials opened bids from multiple suppliers to find the best pricing for the community's water and wastewater divisions.
Elmwood Avenue Reconstruction Parking Restrictions
The board scheduled a public hearing to update parking and stopping signs along Elmwood Avenue to match Erie County's upcoming curb-to-curb reconstruction design.
Commercial Cannabis Dispensary Expansions
The town board approved special use permits for two large retail cannabis dispensaries on Military Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard, adding new commercial options while setting operational hours and neighborhood buffers.
Kenmore Community Trail Grant & Construction
The town is applying for a $5.4 million state grant to build a multi-use trail connecting local schools and the Tonawanda Trail, with school district funds covering the required local match.
Job 3193 Concrete Replacement Bids
The town is reviewing four contractor bids ranging from $617,835 to $698,125 to handle concrete replacement work for the water and sewer division north and south of Sheridan Drive. These repairs are essential for maintaining local utility infrastructure and roadways.
Commercial Redevelopment of Former Bon Ton into Medical Offices
Benderson Development is transforming the old Bon Ton store on Sheridan Drive into a modern medical office. The Planning Board approved the site plan modifications for parking and building access.
Police Department Leadership Transition
The town appointed a new Police Chief following the retirement of Chief James P. Stauffiger. The transition includes a multi-week shadowing period to ensure operational continuity.
Annual Town Board Organizational Structure and Appointments
The town board set up its committee assignments, appointed officials and board members, and established operational rules for 2026. These foundational steps ensure town services, departments, and boards can function smoothly throughout the year.
Mayoral Election
Tonawanda just voted out incumbent Mayor John White, paving the way for a brand new administration and a potential shake-up in City Hall policies. Expect some fresh faces and new priorities guiding local government moving forward.