Hamburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Hamburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Single-Family Dwelling Variance at 6286 Old Lake Shore Rd
12 Lakeview Woods Inc. is asking for an area variance to build a new single-family home on Old Lake Shore Road. This project will shape residential density and shoreline aesthetics.
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.
Camp Road corridor safety
The Camp Road corridor remains on the board's docket as a safety concern. Any recommendations would likely go to the town and highway department.
Wetzl Development Rezoning and Environmental Impact Statement
The board is diving into the environmental impact statement for a rezoning project near McKinley Parkway, balancing growth with environmental protection.
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Fees
The town adopted its first short-term rental law, requiring permits ($500 application, $1,500 two-year permit) and giving code enforcement and police real enforcement power for the first time. Crestwood Drive residents upset about an absentee-landlord Airbnb in their single-family neighborhood pushed for a ban instead, but the board said regulation was the balance it chose.
Benderson Development Tree Clearing and Drainage on Camp Road
Resident Peter Samardak raised alarms about Benderson's plan to clear-cut 30 acres at the old Leisure Land site, citing the town's tree management code and comprehensive plan. The board said it has received emails, inquired with planning consultant Josh Rogers, and will investigate further.
100% Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Implementation
Hamburg adopted the state's 100% total and permanent disabled veterans property tax exemption. Veterans advocates thanked the board and said they'll keep pushing to extend benefits to all veterans and seek county and federal cost-sharing.
Proposed Short-Term Rental Law
Hamburg now has its first short-term rental law, legalizing and regulating Airbnbs/VRBOs in most residential districts — but not R1 single-family neighborhoods. Two speakers urged allowing STRs in R1 via special use permits, and the board said it will consider that feedback.
Town-Wide Drainage and Stormwater Management District
The town created a dedicated stormwater district to fund drainage repairs and meet tougher permit rules as heavy precipitation increases. It cleared SEQRA with a negative declaration and is subject to a permissive referendum.
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.
Retail Cannabis Dispensary Security and Design at Lakeshore Road
The board approved a new cannabis dispensary on Lakeshore Road with strict conditions on operating hours, security, tinting, and a ban on outdoor lounges to ensure neighborhood compatibility.
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.
Procurement Policy Threshold Increase
The town raised its non-competitive purchasing threshold from $3,000 to $10,000 to reduce administrative burdens and streamline routine purchases.
Police Department Technology Grant & Fair Operations Report
The police department launched a voluntary security camera registry to help investigators quickly identify footage during criminal investigations.
Lakeshore Historic Survey SHPO Submission Request
Residents voiced intense opposition to splitting an 8.5-acre historic estate on Lake Shore Road into four residential lots, arguing it destroys irreplaceable community character and worsens Route 5 traffic safety.
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.
Residential Garbage Collection Fee Concerns
Modern Disposal is stepping up its start date for trash and recycling collection in the town to help avoid gaps in service.
Commercial Site Plans: Seven Brew Coffee and Camp Road Retail
Commercial developments including a new Seven Brew Coffee drive-thru and as-built site plan compliance for a Camp Road retail plaza were evaluated for traffic, layout, and site maintenance.
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.
Gateway Building Mixed-Use Redevelopment
Developers presented updated plans for condos, restaurants, hotel space, and meeting areas at the former Bethlehem Steel site, addressing parking and landscaping.
Subdivision and Housing Development across Town
The planning board reviewed multiple subdivision proposals for single-family homes and duplexes in Hoover Beach, Scranton Road, and Cedar Valley Way, addressing lot sizes, setbacks, and neighborhood character.
Downtown Revitalization Grant
Hamburg just secured a massive state grant to give downtown a serious makeover. Expect major glow-ups for your favorite local hangout spots and public spaces real soon.
Town Beach Jetty Repair and FEMA Reimbursement
The town awarded a $1.17 million contract to repair the beach jetty, with 75% covered by FEMA disaster funds and the rest from the town fund. Work is expected to be completed by late summer or early fall.
Ten Lives Club Animal Rescue Expansion at 3747 Lakeshore Road
Ten Lives Club is seeking to expand its feline rescue services into an existing building next door at 3747 Lakeshore Road. The planning board issued a negative environmental declaration, allowing the project to proceed to the zoning board for a use variance.
Slade Park Building Expansion at 5600 McKinley Parkway
The Erie County Agricultural Society is proposing a new 32,850-square-foot building in Slade Park to host events year-round, replacing older structures.
Highway Garage Roof Emergency Repair
The town approved using federal ARPA funds to fix a badly leaking roof at the highway garage.
Blasdell Volunteer Fire Department Merger
The town supported the Village of Blasdell's legislative effort to merge its volunteer fire department into the Big Tree Fire Protection District due to declining volunteer enrollment.
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.
Streetlight Maintenance Contract Default and Emergency Replacement
The town is canceling its streetlight maintenance contract due to missed deadlines and unaddressed work orders, planning to hire an emergency contractor.
Highway Department Road Salt Budget Transfer
The town approved transferring over $155,000 from fund balance to purchase road salt after heavy winter storms depleted budgeted supplies.
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.
Cedar Valley Way Subdivision Traffic and Drainage Concerns
Residents near Cedar Valley Way raised concerns that adding another home and driveway will worsen neighborhood traffic from the 144 existing homes and nearby apartments. The board agreed to consult the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and review drainage plans before deciding.
Trash Collection Transition
Modern Disposal is stepping up its start date for trash and recycling collection in the town to help avoid gaps in service.
Town Supervisor Election
Election season is officially underway in Hamburg, and voters are weighing their options for town supervisor. It's time to check out who's running and where they stand before heading to the ballot box.