Amherst · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Amherst public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Town E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations
Town officials discussed ongoing public input for new regulations regarding electric bicycles and e-scooters. The board decided to keep public comments open and delay any final voting decision until November 30 to gather more feedback from local cyclists and residents.
Lafayette Boulevard Speeding and Traffic Calming
People living on Lafayette Boulevard are frustrated by drivers speeding to beat the traffic light at Main Street. The board suggested that neighbors could look into organizing a pilot program for speed bumps if they want to slow drivers down.
North Amherst Fire Company Storage Building
The North Amherst Fire Company is looking to build an 80x60-foot storage building for trucks. The board approved the project with conditions to ensure the building's exterior matches the area's rural aesthetic.
Neglect of Historic Property at 22 Chateau Terrace
Residents complained that a historically significant home on Chateau Terrace has been neglected and damaged by adjacent construction.
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions
A disabled veteran inquired about the town's plans to opt into the new New York State 100% veterans property tax exemption.
Retention Pond Erosion Mitigation and Private Costs
A long-time resident asked the town to contribute financially toward expensive erosion repairs next to a town retention pond that threatens his driveway.
Auxaire Drive Traffic Concerns
Residents are worried about drivers rolling through stop signs and speeding near children playing on Auxaire Drive. Data shows speeds are mostly under the limit, but the board plans to request police patrols.
Economic Development
Amherst just broke ground on a massive $50 million sports and entertainment complex. This huge new 716 Sports Complex is going to completely shake up the local recreation scene.
Audubon Golf Course Improvements and Bond Allocation
Residents debated the allocation of $500,000 in bond funding for Audubon Golf Course, suggesting funds would be better spent on cart paths, driving range drainage, and dispensing equipment rather than a par-three building.
Childcare Facility Development on Transit Road
A developer wants to demolish an older home on Transit Road to build a new 10,000-square-foot childcare facility, which will bring more early childhood services to the area.
Special Needs Preschool Expansion at 25 Chateau Terrace
Bornhava sought variances to expand its special needs preschool facility to accommodate a waiting list of over 175 children, drawing minor neighborhood questions regarding drainage and parking.
Sidewalk Repair Citations and Town Trees
Residents criticized the town's removal of an ADA curb ramp near local schools without installing a corresponding ramp, forcing children and walkers into the street.
Harlem Road Community Center Historic Front Door Restoration
The town is restoring the historic front entryway and doors at the Harlem Road Community Center using federal grant funds. The project involves careful wood restoration, hardware replication, and transom window preservation.
Budget error on board's 2026 budget
The comptroller's office charged a 2025 expense to the arts board's 2026 budget. The treasurer will get it removed so it doesn't shrink this year's spending power.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Pilot Program Expansion
Homeowners are utilizing the town's ADU pilot program to build separate living spaces for family members. The board approved two separate permits for properties on Getzville Road and Wayside Court.
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.
Pedestrian Safety at Paradise Road and Haymarket Square
Residents are concerned about children crossing the street to catch school buses where no sidewalks or crossing beacons exist. The board referred the issue to the sidewalk review committee to explore potential infrastructure solutions.
Historic Preservation Commission Vacancy
The board interviewed candidates to fill an open seat and recommended Kayla Clark to join the commission.
Board Vacancy and Candidate Interviews
The commission is interviewing candidates to fill an open spot on the historic preservation board.
Repeal of Local Freedom of Information Law
The town board initiated proceedings to repeal its local Freedom of Information law in favor of relying entirely on New York State Public Officers Law and town administrative policy, drawing questions from residents about transparency.
Evergreen Park Improvements and Bond
The town wants to build a small 2,100-square-foot playground and parking area at 75 Tupelo Lane. Neighbors and board members raised questions about ADA parking and garbage truck turnarounds, prompting a delay until May.
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.
Transparency for Historic Properties
The commission wants to make sure prospective home buyers know if a house has a historic 'blue rating' before they buy it. They discussed adding these designations to real estate listing data to prevent surprises for new owners.
Coronation Drive Parking Restriction Relief
A longtime resident with mobility issues asked to remove parking restrictions on one side of Coronation Drive so visitors and service providers can park closer to his house.
Board Quorum and Member Attendance
The traffic safety board discussed chronic attendance issues that have prevented voting quorums, leading them to recommend replacing an absent member.
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.
Senior Center Pickleball Glare and Safety Concerns
Senior pickleball players raised ongoing concerns about blinding sunlight glare reflecting off windows at the Northwest Center facility, creating safety hazards and injury risks.
East Amherst Fire Department New Firefighter
The board processed the appointment of a new firefighter for the East Amherst Fire Department.
Harlem Road Community Center Auditorium Air Monitoring
The town authorized air monitoring services for ongoing auditorium renovations at the Harlem Road Community Center.
Design Advisory Board Rules of Order
The advisory board reviewed its operational rules and procedures to streamline how it handles meetings and reviews projects.
Holland Heights 17-Lot Subdivision
The board finalized the 17-lot residential subdivision on Dodge Road, ensuring all easements and drainage agreements are properly filed.
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.
Solar Facility Access Road Variance at 1050 New Road
National In Design received a lot width variance to create an access road for an approved solar project, matching neighborhood standards without causing negative impacts.
Callodine Avenue and Heim Road Traffic Restrictions
The town established new parking restrictions on Callodine Avenue and Heim Road to manage traffic flow and improve neighborhood safety.
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Summer Air Show
Representatives from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station promoted the upcoming June air show, featuring the Thunderbirds and Snowbirds, and encouraged local community support and volunteering.
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.
South Linden Street Multi-Family Townhouse Development
A 28-unit multi-family townhouse development with garages is planned off Wehrle Drive, serving as a transition between commercial areas and single-family homes. The board approved the site plan, negative declaration, and a sidewalk waiver for McIntire Road.
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.
Police Department Staffing Levels
Residents questioned police department staffing levels, and town leadership noted a regional decline in civil service exam applicants while emphasizing rigorous vetting standards.
Police Shooting
An Amherst police officer shot a woman holding a knife during a tense confrontation, instantly sparking local debate over police tactics and neighborhood safety. This high-profile incident puts our city's emergency response procedures under the microscope.
Migrant Housing
A recent stabbing at the Amherst Red Roof Inn has residents and local leaders asking tough questions about safety and the town's ongoing migrant housing plan. It's bringing the whole relocation effort under a harsh spotlight as people worry about community security.
Urban Renewal
Amherst wants to turn a dead mall into a brand-new downtown hangout spot. It's a massive makeover that's going to totally change where you shop and spend your free time locally.