Southtowns Record

Town Board minutes — March 23, 2026

Government
Town of Aurora
Board
Town Board
Meeting
Mar 23, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Budget and taxes, Public safety, Parks and recreation, Water, sewer and drainage, Roads and traffic, Energy and data center siting

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 5 of 11

Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | March 23, 2026
  recommended action; and
  (f) A Climate Vulnerability Assessment prepared in accordance with the New York
  State Climate Smart Communities Program requirements; and
  (a) WHEREAS, the Plan establishes five overarching goals for the Town of Aurora:
  (1) Goal 1: Support Housing for All Life Stages and Incomes;
  (2) Goal 2: Strengthen Environmental Stewardship and Resilience;
  (3) Goal 3: Preserve Rural Character and Open Spaces;
  (4) Goal 4: Invest in Smart, Sustainable Infrastructure; and
  (5) Goal 5: Enhance Mobility and Connectivity; and

WHEREAS, the Plan takes into consideration the applicable Erie County Central Agricultural
District No. 5, in which 24 parcels totaling approximately 2,143 acres within the Town are
enrolled, and the Erie County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, as required by Town
Law §272-a(10); and

WHEREAS, the Plan was referred to the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
pursuant to General Municipal Law §239-m at least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing,
and the County recommended approval with modifications, and the Town Board has
considered those recommendations; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board completed a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) of the
proposed Plan, as more fully set forth in a resolution adopted on March 23, 2026, and issued
a Negative Declaration finding that adoption of the Plan will not result in any significant
adverse environmental impacts; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board held a duly noticed public hearing on March 9, 2026 at the
Aurora Municipal Building, 575 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, New York 14052, at which all
interested persons were given an opportunity to be heard, and the Town Board has
considered all comments received at and in connection with such hearing; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has carefully reviewed the proposed Plan, considered the
community input received throughout the planning process, reviewed the environmental
record, and considered the recommendation of the Erie County Department of Environment
and Planning; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board finds that:
  (a) The Plan was prepared in accordance with the requirements of Town Law §272-a;
  (b) The Plan reflects the shared vision, goals, and priorities of the Town's residents as
  expressed through the extensive community engagement process;
  (c) The Plan provides a sound basis for future land use regulation and decision-making
  within the Town;
  (d) The Plan adequately considers regional needs, the plans of other governmental
  entities, agricultural districts, and natural resource protection;
  (e) Adoption of the Plan is in the best interests of the health, safety, and general
  welfare of the Town and its residents; and
  (f) All procedural requirements under Town Law §272-a, SEQRA, and General
  Municipal Law §239-m have been satisfied.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Aurora, Erie County,
New York, as follows:

Section 1. Adoption. The Town of Aurora 2025 Comprehensive Plan, including all text, maps,
figures, tables, appendices (including Appendix A: Climate Vulnerability Assessment,
Appendix B: Public Survey Summary Report, and Appendix C: Stakeholder Interview
Summary Report), and the Future Land Use Map, a copy of which is on file with the Town
Clerk, is hereby adopted as the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Aurora pursuant to Town
Law §272-a.

Section 2. Effect. Upon adoption, all land use regulations of the Town of Aurora, including
but not limited to zoning, subdivision regulations, and site plan review, shall be in
accordance with the Plan as required by Town Law §272-a(11). The Plan shall serve as the
guide for evaluating the merit of capital projects, development proposals, and regulatory
changes, including updates to the Town's zoning code.

Section 3. Future Land Use Map. The Future Land Use Map adopted as part of the Plan is a
planning tool to guide long-term land use decisions and does not have immediate
regulatory authority. Separate legislative action by the Town Board shall be required to
amend the Town's zoning code, zoning map, subdivision regulations, and other local laws to
implement the land use designations and recommendations set forth in the Plan.

Section 4. Periodic Review. Pursuant to Town Law §272-a(12), the Plan shall be reviewed by
the Town Board at intervals not to exceed ten (10) years from the date of adoption, and at
intervals not to exceed ten (10) years from each subsequent review. The Town Board may, in
its discretion, review and amend the Plan more frequently as conditions warrant. The
Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (CPIC), once established, shall assist the
Town Board in monitoring implementation and preparing for periodic review.

Section 5. Implementation. The recommendations contained in the Plan, including the
Action Plan and implementation matrix, are intended to guide future decision-making and
prioritization by the Town Board, its committees, and Town staff. Adoption of the Plan does
not constitute an appropriation of funds, a commitment to appropriate funds, or an
authorization to undertake any specific project or expenditure. Each recommendation
requiring an expenditure of Town funds shall require separate budgetary approval in
accordance with applicable law.

Section 6. Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee. The Town Board shall establish a
Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (CPIC) to assist with plan implementation,

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