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.
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.
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.
Briad Development Traveler Center on Big Tree Road
Two separate projects — an automated coffee kiosk and a travel center with fast food and fuel pumps — are proposed along the Southwestern Boulevard corridor. Together they signal growing commercial pressure at a busy gateway intersection.
Town of Hamburg Ambulance District Establishment
The board will consider an order formally establishing a town ambulance district, a step in how emergency medical services are organized and funded locally.
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.
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.
2027 Town and Fire District Budgets
Amendments to the 2027 Supervisor's Budget are on the agenda, along with several department-level transfers for police, highway, buildings & grounds, and recreation.
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.
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.
Sowles Road traffic concerns
Sowles Road was introduced as new business. The specific concern and any outcome are not 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All Seasons VM Storage Commercial Warehouses
A proposal for ten commercial flex warehouse buildings on Southwestern Boulevard is up for review, which could expand local business space but also change the look of the corridor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Battery Energy Storage System Proposal at 6433 Railroad Avenue
Residents strongly opposed a proposed battery storage facility on Railroad Avenue, raising intense concerns about toxic fire hazards, proximity to homes and schools, train vibrations, and lack of community benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.