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.
Woodlawn Gateway Brownfield Opportunity Area plan
The board may designate itself lead agency for the Hamburg Woodlawn Gateway Brownfield Opportunity Area plan and set a public hearing, moving redevelopment planning for this corridor forward.
Youth Services
A resolution urging New York State to amend criminal procedure law for repeat juvenile offenders and restore judicial discretion — a statement to state government, not a town law change.
Riley Boulevard traffic concerns
A traffic safety matter at 3901 Jeffrey Boulevard, associated with the Penn Dixie site, was introduced. Details and outcome are not on record.
Tim Tam Trail stop sign request
A request for a stop sign on Tim Tam Trail was on the agenda. The board often weighs sight lines, speeds, and crash history before recommending signs.
Parker Road crosswalk
The board has been looking at a crosswalk on Parker Road. A marked crossing could improve pedestrian safety in the area, but no decision is on record.
Lakeshore Road Speed Study & Traffic Safety
Lakeview Road was again before the board. The nature of the concern and any outcome are not on record.
Railroad quiet zones
Quiet zones would reduce train horn noise at rail crossings, but they typically require upgraded crossing safety equipment. The status of this effort is unknown.
Sowles Road traffic concerns
Sowles Road was introduced as new business. The specific concern and any outcome are not on record.
Senior and Community Center Construction
Change orders added $280,093 to the project budget, but the gymnasium steel is up and the building is becoming visible — residents are encouraged to check out the site.
Unsafe Building Demolition at 5036 Lakeshore Road
Demolition of the unsafe Lakeshore Road house is on hold while the owner repairs it under nine strict conditions — including a new roof by June 30, 2027 — or the town will tear it down.
McKinley Parkway Improvements
Erie County is repaving and upgrading McKinley Parkway with drainage, pedestrian and signal improvements; the town signed on to a cooperative agreement.
Town Hall East Wing & ADA Renovation
The town is bidding out a renovation of town hall's east wing, ADA holding cells and bathrooms; bids open November 12.
Brush Pickup
Got yard waste piling up? The Town of Hamburg is running its regular brush pickup service right now, so just check the schedule to see when they're rolling down your street.
Brush Collection Schedule
Got yard waste piling up? The Town of Hamburg just dropped its 2026 brush pickup schedule, so check the dates before dragging your branches to the curb if you want to dodge a surprise fine.
Hazardous Waste Collection
Got old paint or chemicals taking up garage space? Hamburg is hosting a hazardous waste drop-off day on November 7, 2026, to help residents get rid of dangerous materials safely.
Building Permits
Planning a home remodel in Hamburg? You can easily grab all the forms and info you need straight from the town's online building permit portal.
Leaf Collection
Got leaves? Starting October 1st, Hamburg is shifting to mandatory paper bags for fall leaf pickup, so you'll need to ditch the plastic bins.
Alumni Park Improvements & SEQR Review
The town transferred $150,000 from park funds to replace damaged playground equipment at Taylor Road Park.
Southwestern Boulevard Automated Coffee Shop Proposal
The board evaluated a new drive-thru coffee shop at McKinley Mall, focusing on vehicle stacking, pedestrian safety, and mall parking lot coordination.
Mission Hills Phase IV Dumpster Locations
The board reviewed as-built dumpster locations for Mission Hills Villas Phase IV after engineering inspections noted unapproved placement. A public hearing was scheduled for September 2.
Southtowns Early Learning Nest Daycare Approval
A proposed daycare center at 4090 Jeffrey Boulevard seeks to serve 66 children in an industrial zone, prompting planning board review of traffic circulation, fencing, and parking.
Radius Federal Credit Union Proposal
Radius Federal Credit Union is proposing a new 2,460 square-foot branch with a drive-thru at 5505 Southwestern Boulevard. The planning board reviewed parking and traffic stacking before scheduling a public hearing.
Fire District Litigation
The New Hamburg Fire District is facing a new lawsuit over alleged workplace misconduct and retaliation. Since it's a public district, local taxpayers could end up footing the bill if things go south in court.
Tree Clearing Permit at 4735 Southwestern Boulevard
Dr. James Dragonette applied to clear-cut 0.6 acres behind his medical office to clean up brush and prepare for potential future property sale. The board raised questions about clear-cutting healthy trees and requested aerial mapping.
Subdivision at 58 North Shore Drive
A homeowner successfully split his lot to build a home for his daughter and grandchildren returning from North Carolina. The board found the project fit well within neighborhood character without causing negative impacts.
Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations Overhaul
The town is updating its subdivision and site plan review rules to streamline development and clarify approval stages.
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.
Residential Demolition and Reconstruction on Non-Conforming Lots
Homeowners seeking to rebuild aging or structurally compromised properties on tight neighborhood lots must navigate area variances to ensure modern building standards can be met.
State Clean Energy Overreach and Home Rule
A resident expressed concern over state legislation overriding local home rule regarding clean energy projects like solar and wind power, urging the town board to coordinate with other towns.
Eagle Crest Speeding Concerns
Residents brought forward concerns regarding speeding vehicles in the Eagle Crest park, requesting the deployment of a portable speed radar unit and increased enforcement.
Severe Weather Advisory
Winter storm warnings in Hamburg mean half a million folks are being told to stay home and stay off icy roads. Expect major public transit delays and widespread commuting headaches all day.
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.
Town Clerk Election
Natalie Nitsche narrowly defeated Brad Rybczynski in a close rematch for the Hamburg Town Clerk position. This leadership change means you might see some fresh faces and new ways of doing things at the local government office soon.