Hamburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Hamburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Residential Setback Variances and Property Improvements
Homeowners secured variances to expand living arrangements for family care at Second Street and build personal storage space at Lakeview Road.
Zoning Code Amendments on Attendance and Alternates
The Planning Department is bringing forward various zoning code amendments for the board to discuss at the work session. Changes to the zoning code can affect what can be built where across the town.
Parker Road Residential Subdivision
Parker Road Developers is proposing 59 new homes in a cluster subdivision south of Big Tree Road. That's a significant addition to the area's housing stock, with implications for traffic, schools, and open space.
Proposed Data Center Moratorium
The board is considering pausing all new large-scale data center approvals for a year while the Code Review Committee updates zoning rules for these power- and water-hungry facilities. It's about protecting residents, infrastructure, and neighborhood character while the town figures out the right regulations.
Woodlawn Industrial Warehouse and Concrete Barrier Concerns
Woodlawn residents raised serious concerns regarding a newly approved industrial warehouse on Lakeshore Road, citing potential contamination from historical industrial dumping and unsightly concrete jersey barriers placed along property lines.
Opposition to County Planning Board
The town board adopted a resolution opposing the creation of an Erie County Planning Board or Commission to protect local zoning and land-use control.
Stadium Impact Area (SIA) Zoning Proposal
The town is applying for a $97.4 million NYSDOT grant to fund transportation enhancements near the new Bills stadium, committing a 20% local match.
Comprehensive Site Plan Review Zoning Code Revision
The town is updating its subdivision and site plan review rules to streamline development and clarify approval stages.
Chris Van Leaven 4-Lot Subdivision at 4261 Lakeshore Road
Neighbors strongly opposed a plan to split an 8.5-acre historic estate at 4261 Lake Shore Road into four residential lots, warning of increased traffic hazards on Route 5 and the permanent loss of open space and community character.
Unpermitted Pigeon Coop and Rodent Complaints on Sixth Street
Homeowners applied for variances to keep 32 show pigeons and an accessory structure after building without proper permits. Neighbors testified at length about severe rat infestations, foul odors, and burn barrel hazards, leading the board to deny the request.
Warehouse Complex and Outdoor Storage Proposal on Lakeshore Road
A proposal to build six contractor warehouse buildings on Lakeshore Road has drawn strong community interest and detailed site revisions regarding setbacks, traffic flow, and environmental buffers.
Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations Overhaul
The town is updating its subdivision and site plan review rules to streamline development and clarify approval stages.
Temporary Moratorium on Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems
The town enacted a 12-month moratorium on large solar projects and battery storage facilities while updating its local codes to address safety and land use concerns.
Eighteen Mile Solar Project Proposal
Residents expressed concern over solar farm installations on agricultural land, prompting discussion on siting solar panels on rooftops instead.
Commercial Signage and Wayfinding Approvals
The board reviewed sign variance requests for commercial businesses and new residential subdivisions to help customers find hidden locations while managing visual clutter.
Proposed Smoke Shop and Vape Shop Regulations
The town is moving forward with a local law to restrict smoke shops and vape shops to C-2 commercial districts and set minimum distance requirements from schools and parks.
Camp Road Mini-Storage Outdoor Storage and Variance Compliance
The developer of the mini-storage project on Camp Road wants to use unbuilt building footprints for temporary outdoor boat and trailer storage. The board paused the request to verify if their previous zoning board approvals allow outdoor storage.