Town of Cheektowaga

The meeting involved discussions regarding variance requests. The first item concerned an 8-foot fence proposal at 274 Huth Road, where the applicant sought to exceed the maximum allowable height of 6 feet to ensure privacy from adjacent apartments, citing issues like direct sightlines into a backyard and pool area, and problems with neighbors throwing garbage. The board approved this request with conditions related to setbacks from the street. The second item involved a tabled discussion concerning 342 B Drive regarding a driveway setback discrepancy. The board recommended denying the motion because official surveys conflicted, leading to ambiguity about the property line; the discussion centered on whether the applicant or the town should bear responsibility for previous measurements made by a town employee that deviated from the variance requirements. The applicant contended they followed the town employee's staking, which was not customary, and suggested potential legal action if required to remedy the situation.

The meeting addressed two items under old business. The first concerned a proposal for a 115 ft monopole wireless telecommunication tower at 940 Lawson Road, which the committee recommended tabling until the applicant completes wetland delineation. The second item involved a request for site plan amendment for 3419 Broadway, a proposed 53,000 square foot commercial tire storage and servicing building, which was also tabled pending receipt of outstanding items from the DEC, including an archeological buffer review and a jurisdictional determination. Under new business, the committee reviewed the return of 4959 GE Street application, seeking to amend a previously approved site plan due to a conflict with the New York State DOT drainage system, resulting in an increase of the bio retention area size to accommodate required discharge pipe sizing. The committee voted to amend the original resolution to incorporate this new information.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation that emphasized gratitude for first responders, particularly volunteer firemen, following a personal incident experienced by the minister. Public comments covered several contentious topics. One speaker expressed concern over proposed spending for projects and equipment versus ongoing bonding, suggesting fiscal restraint is needed. Another speaker strongly urged the Board to vote on Resolution 202692 concerning interactions with ICE, citing safety concerns for citizens and referencing external legal guidance. Several citizens raised significant concerns regarding Council Member Polarski's management of the Senica Babcock Community Association, highlighting its revoked tax-exempt status due to failure to file required non-profit tax returns since 2017 and subsequent receipt of ARPA grants, questioning the Board's financial oversight capabilities. Other public comments included support for the records access officer appointment, discussions on the appropriateness of bonding for infrastructure versus paying cash, and strong objections to the separation of church and state being violated by political commentary during the invocation. One speaker vehemently criticized the Board's perceived inaction on community safety issues, contrasting it with personal efforts during a severe weather event.

The meeting involved the approval of previous minutes. Key discussions centered on agenda item 940 Lawson Road, concerning a proposal by Centerline Communications on behalf of AT&T to convert the property into an auto mechanic garage offering light mechanical services such as tuneups, brake jobs, and tire rotations, excluding collision work. The proponent noted a delay in obtaining a wetland delineation due to weather conditions. A separate discussion involved the property at 3126 Jese, where the applicant planned to establish an auto mechanic garage in the existing garage space, with minor modifications for a new office space. Concerns were raised regarding the commercial nature of the proposed use adjacent to a residential structure, though the applicant stated they had preliminary positive feedback from the building inspector regarding zoning considerations. The board ultimately moved to approve the 3126 Jese application pending final building department review.

The meeting involved the initial proceedings, including the appointment of an acting chairman due to new board members. Key agenda items discussed included tabled items, specifically application 274 (Gary Shank), which was postponed. The board then reviewed application 3695 (Anakah Coulson), seeking a use variance to establish a privatized battery energy storage facility in an M1 light manufacturing district, which is not currently permitted or defined. The variance required addressing criteria regarding alternatives and demonstrated need, supported by EAC recommendation for a negative declaration. A condition was established requiring the applicant to provide fire suppression training and necessary equipment to local fire departments. Secondly, the board addressed application 2695 (MD Vot) regarding an addition for a stairwell built directly on the property line, violating the minimum sideyard setback requirement. Relief was also sought to reduce on-site parking from 19 to 18 spaces due to ongoing construction involving a canopy. The applicant stated the staircase was required for emergency exit due to existing ramps and roof/electric system constraints, and that the location preserved the reduced parking capacity.