Amherst · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Amherst public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Pending Town Landmark Nominations
Two local landmark nominations, including the Architect Building and One Poster Court, are moving forward for town board review on July 27.
MacArthur Drive Home Business Special Use Permit
Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, parking near a busy intersection, and precedent-setting commercial activity in a residential neighborhood when an applicant requested to run a home hair salon.
Historic Preservation Code Amendments for Building Alterations
Commissioners are working with planning staff to strengthen code enforcement and clarify procedures for historic properties.
Multi-Family Residential Development at 4795 Sheridan Drive
LMK Realty Associates is seeking to rezone 3765 Sheridan Drive to build two three-story apartment buildings. Nearby residents voiced concerns about potential tree removal, building height, and loss of green space buffering.
Town Divestment of Former Eggertsville Community Center
The Town of Amherst is rezoning 4110 Bailey Avenue from community facilities to general business so it can sell the former community center via an RFP while placing covenants on prohibited uses.
Historic Landmark Designation for 4467 Main Street
The historic preservation commission and property owners clashed over proposed local landmark designation for the historic Bank of Snyder building at Main and Harlem.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Zoning Regulations
The town is proposing a new zoning rule to allow large-scale battery energy storage facilities in industrial districts to support the electrical grid, raising questions about fire safety and technology safeguards.
North Forest Road Multi-Family Development Rezone
Developers are seeking to rezone several parcels on North Forest Road to allow them to be combined with an adjacent parcel for a three-building, 144-unit multifamily residential project.
Comprehensive Plan Update Award
The town awarded the Comprehensive Plan update contract to Interface Studio LLC for over $726,000 to guide future town development and land-use policies.
Boulevard Central District SDGEIS Review
The town opened a public hearing on environmental impact reviews for the Boulevard Central District before adjourning it to July.
Muir Woods Site B Townhome Development
Developers are seeking to amend environmental findings for Muir Woods Site B to build 160 townhomes instead of student housing, with residents calling for updated traffic and environmental studies.
HPC Code Revisions and Landmark Nominations
The town is planning to review and update the local historic preservation statute. Officials will coordinate with the Town Attorney to draft and discuss proposed changes.
Mixed-Use Design Guidelines and Checklist Revision
The town is updating its design guidelines for mixed-use districts to make expectations clearer for developers. The changes tighten rules around pedestrian walkways, public amenity spaces, and art requirements to ensure new buildings enhance neighborhood walkability and appeal.
Invisible Dog Fences and Neighbor Disagreements
A resident raised concerns about gaps in town code regarding invisible dog fences installed right along property lines, leaving neighbors fearful of approaching dogs. Town leadership promised to investigate and follow up on potential regulatory remedies.
North French Road Proposed Development
Developers presented a scaled-down 88-unit for-sale housing project on North French Road, responding to wetland constraints and community feedback. While council members appreciated for-sale housing options, concerns about market affordability remain.
450 N. Ivyhurst Road Townhouse Variances
The board pushed back on a proposed 4-unit townhome on N. Ivyhurst Road because the requested setbacks and lot size variances were too extreme for the neighborhood.
21 Forest Stream Drive Garage Variances
A homeowner sought retroactive approval for a detached garage built higher and closer to property lines than permitted. Neighbors voiced strong opposition regarding privacy and loss of property value, but the board ultimately approved the variances with conditions.
Historic Landmark Designation for 305 Brompton Road
The commission advanced the nomination of 305 Brompton Road to a public hearing, moving closer to protecting the Colonial Revival property despite owner opposition.
Wehrle Drive Rezoning for 270-Unit Residential Development
A developer is proposing to rezone nearly 25 acres at 2190-2200 Wehrle Drive from office building to multi-family residential, sparking local resident discussion about neighborhood impact.
Whirly Drive Multi-Family Rezoning
Developers and neighbors discussed a revised 270-unit residential project at 2190-2200 Whirly Drive, highlighting reduced building heights and ongoing water pressure concerns.
Northtowns Cardiology Expansion at 190 Maple Road
Northtowns Cardiology received approval to expand their medical office building by about 2,000 square feet and add parking spaces to accommodate patient needs.
95 Snowberry Rezoning Proposal
A proposal to rezone property at 95 Snowberry from Suburban Agriculture (SA) to R-3 was reviewed, with a public hearing closed and a final decision scheduled for late February.
Sheridan Drive Rezoning for Pizzeria Take-Out Service
A property owner is seeking to rezone a portion of a residential parcel at 5122 Sheridan Drive to Neighborhood Business to operate a small take-out pizzeria. Nearby residents raised concerns about increased traffic and light reflection.
Town Code Chapter 121 Revisions and Procedures
The commission is planning to form a working group to fix confusing timelines and out-of-order steps in the town's historic preservation code.