Tonawanda · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EV infrastructure upgrade
Tonawanda just used state grant money to upgrade its electric vehicle chargers, making it easier and cheaper to juice up around town. If you drive an electric vehicle, fueling up just got a whole lot more convenient and affordable.
Home Repair Grants
Homeowners in North Tonawanda and Lockport can now apply for financial assistance grants to help fix up their properties. If your house needs some TLC, this is a great opportunity to get some free cash for repairs.
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.