Southtowns Record

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT

Government
Town of Aurora
Board
Town Board
Meeting
Feb 4, 2026
Kind
Other
Topics
Zoning and land use, Water, sewer and drainage, Parks and recreation, Budget and taxes, Roads and traffic, Housing, Energy and data center siting, Public safety

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 7 of 154

Read the whole document on one page (all 154 pages, each with its own heading)

Comprehensive Plan  7

Regional Context

The Town of Aurora is in the Western New York (WNY) region, centrally located within Erie County, and
the broader Buffalo-Niagara Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). While the Town is characterized by its
rural charm and close-knit community, it also benefits from convenient access to major regional amenities
and employment centers. A defining feature of Aurora is the Village of East Aurora, which serves as both
the cultural and economic hub of the Town. The Village is renowned for its historical significance as the
cornerstone of the American Arts and Crafts movement, particularly through the Roycroft Campus, which
continues to attract visitors and artisans from across the region.

Aurora is well-connected through several key transportation corridors, including U.S. Route 20A, New
York State Route 240, and the Route 400 expressway. These thoroughfares facilitate easy travel to the
City of Buffalo and other neighboring communities, making Aurora an attractive residential option for
commuters. The Town also benefits from its proximity to regional transportation hubs such as the Buffalo-
Niagara International Airport and the Buffalo Exchange Street & Depew Amtrak Stations, further enhancing
connectivity to both national and international destinations. Aurora’s strategic location within the Buffalo-
Niagara MSA makes it an ideal bedroom community for those who work in larger municipalities but seek a
quieter, more rural environment. The Town offers a balance between accessibility and tranquility, providing
residents with a high quality of life while maintaining strong ties to the economic and cultural opportunities
of the greater Buffalo region.