Tonawanda · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Drive-up ATM at Sheridan-Eggert Plaza
A bank wants to add a stand-alone drive-up ATM in the plaza's parking lot at 2309 Eggert Road. The environmental committee found no significant environmental impact, but the Zoning Board may still need to weigh variances for vehicle stacking and setbacks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Industrial and Commercial Solar and Facility Expansions
General Motors is adding 21,000 square feet of office space at its Vulcan Street plant. After months of revisions on fire access and pedestrian connections, the project got the green light.
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.
River Road Apartment Development
Developer Giuseppe Holdings clashed with the planning board over how phase one of a 40-unit apartment project is presented on drawings. The board rejected the revised plans because they included future building pads and unapproved county parking.
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.
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.
Grocery Store Development at 281 Kenmore Avenue
The town board scheduled a public hearing for May 4 on a special use permit application for a grocery store larger than 5,000 square feet.
Development Services Center Relocation
The town approved spending $33,375 for moving services to relocate the Development Services Center to 5949 Camp Road.
Redevelopment and Cleanup of Former Tonawanda Coke Site
Developers presented plans for a massive 500,000-square-foot artificial intelligence data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site on River Road, alongside ongoing state-supervised environmental cleanup. Community advocates raised concerns about the massive energy consumption of the data center and urged careful alignment with waterfront development goals.
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.