Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
27 issues with medium priority
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 Three were granted unanimously; one was withdrawn for refiling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Veterans Exemption Local Law
The town is enacting new tax legislation to provide an alternate property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans.
Elmwood Avenue Waterline Improvements
The town approved a $151,982 change order to improve waterline meter pits using remaining federal ARPA funds.
Pool Renovation
Tonawanda just locked down state funding to renovate Kohler Pool, so get ready for a much better swimming season this summer. This grant means the community pool is getting the upgrades it desperately needs without draining local taxes.
Neglected Rental Properties and Code Enforcement
A resident brought attention to the growing issue of unmaintained long-term rental properties, citing overgrown lawns, garbage accumulation, and health hazards. They requested proactive rental registration and inspection ordinances.
Industrial Rezoning
Residents in North Tonawanda are fighting a plan to trade a bitcoin mine for a noisy, energy-hungry AI data center in their backyard. People living nearby are worried about the constant hum and the massive strain this new facility will put on the local power grid.