Tonawanda · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Overnight Parking Ban Delay
North Tonawanda is delaying its seasonal overnight street-parking ban, while nearby towns are still starting Nov. 1. If you park on the street overnight, don’t assume the old date applies—check your town’s rules before you get a ticket or tow.
Residential Property Variances
Homeowners requested zoning variances for property improvements including a generator placement, driveway widening, home addition, and an accessory structure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Veterans Exemption Local Law
The town is enacting new tax legislation to provide an alternate property tax exemption for seriously disabled veterans.
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.
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.
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.
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.