Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 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 Three were granted unanimously; one was withdrawn for refiling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.