Tonawanda · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Tonawanda public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Tentative Town Budget and Tax Levy
The town's draft 2027 budget — including special districts and the assessment roll — is now the Preliminary Budget and will face a public hearing on November 5. This determines what residents pay in town taxes next year.
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.
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.
Environmental Impact Review for River Road Concrete Plant
A proposed concrete batch plant at 4885 River Road could significantly impact water quality, air quality, traffic on River Road and the Empire State Trail, and the scenery near Niawanda Park. The board is requiring a full environmental impact statement before anything moves 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.
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.
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.