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 81 of 154

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

Comprehensive Plan  81

Industrial Innovation

The Industrial Innovation (II) land use designation would permit light industrial, clean energy production,
advanced manufacturing, and artisan-scale production within the Town’s underutilized C-3 District along
Route 240 as well as additional adjacent parcels that are not currently within the district. To promote
economic diversification, the area should be thoughtfully designed, consider low-impact development
that incorporates green infrastructure, shared amenities, and uses strong environmental buffers to protect
surrounding rural land uses. New residential development will not be permitted in this designation, ensuring
potential odors, noises, and other noxious nuisances do not affect the residential population, and the area
remains focused on employment-generating uses that align with the Town’s projected demand for over
173,000 sq ft of industrial space in the coming decade.

Preferred Uses:
•  Light manufacturing
•  Advanced manufacturing and technology
•  Utility-scale solar energy production
•  Artisan-scale production
•  Research and development facilities
•  Warehousing and distribution centers
•  Business incubators or tech flex spaces
•  Industrial support services
•  Office space accessory to industrial operations

Other Considerations:
•  Examine the feasibility of tying into the adjacent sewer district in the Town of Orchard Park to support
  expanded operations limited only to industrial uses.
•  Encourage green infrastructure practices, such as stormwater retention basins, bioswales, and
  permeable pavement, to manage runoff and reduce environmental impact.
•  Encourage site layouts that support shared infrastructure and amenities, such as shared access roads,
  parking, or logistics facilities.
•  Encourage multi-tenant buildings or business incubators to support startups, small-scale producers,
  and flexible industrial growth.
•  Promote low-noise operations, and require noise mitigation measures (e.g., sound walls, equipment
  location) where needed.

Open Space & Recreation

The Open Space & Recreation (OSR) land use designation applies to existing parks, public lands, and nature
reserves that should remain undeveloped to protect the Town’s natural resources and provide recreational
opportunities for residents and visitors. This designation supports passive recreation and expanding trail
connections, including the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail and other trails to connect the Town’s parks and
neighborhoods. Aurora’s abundant open space is a defining characteristic and highly valued by residents.
Preserving and enhancing these areas ensures continued public enjoyment, safeguards environmental
quality, and strengthens the Town’s investment in accessible, connected green spaces.

Preferred Uses:
•  Public parks, trails and green spaces
•  Nature preserves
•  Scenic overlooks

Other Considerations:
•  In addition to the areas mapped on the Future Land Use Map, the Town should consider mapping and
  regulating other open space and natural resources for continued conservation. These areas may include