Southtowns Record

PBM 8.13.26 FINAL

Government
Town of West Seneca
Board
Planning Board
Meeting
Aug 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Posted by publisher
Oct 1, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Water, sewer and drainage, Roads and traffic, Public safety, Budget and taxes

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 5 of 6

o  Eric Sailor questioned about an entrance driveway leading directly into parking.
  o  Response: Widening, center turn lane, sidewalks, and new/upgraded signals, all
  paid by the developer.
  o Tim Hayes asked about the "surcharge" concept.
  ▪ Response: It refers to placing a weight of soil to consolidate subsurface
  soils, not related to stormwater or environmental issues.
  o Margaret Bebak asked about the status of the traffic study with NYSDOT.
  ▪ Response: The County is satisfied; awaiting DOT feedback on the latest
  version. A DOT work permit is required before off-site work can begin.
•  Public Comments:
  o Unnamed Resident: Concerned about existing traffic congestion and requested
  clarity on the traffic study's effectiveness.
  ▪ Response (Board/Engineer): The study is extensive and coordinated with
  Erie County/NYSDOT. The proposed improvements at every surrounding
  intersection are expected to address current issues.
  o Jeff Quain: 1) Recommended alignment with the town's comprehensive plan. 2)
  Asked for certainty on Costco as the tenant, citing a news article. 3) Requested
  communications with the West Seneca School District be made public to
  understand impacts, especially regarding planned work near an elementary
  school.
  o Evelyn Hicks (Seneca Creek Road): 1) Asked for clarification on "surcharge."
  2) Requested the Board delay voting to allow residents more time for review. 3)
  Asked about the integrity of the 40-50+ year old discharge pipe. 4) Asked about
  potential soil contamination from the former mall.
  o Peter Spilsbury (Fire Commissioner, West Seneca Fire District No. 5):
  Expressed strong support, citing benefits to the district's budget.
  o Joseph O’Donnell: Asked about traffic mitigation coverage, agency responses,
  legal prerequisites, and project phasing.
  o Mary Sherman (Caldwell Drive): Asked about improvements near the Route
  400/Seneca Street exit.
•  Motions:
  o Motion to close the public hearing.
  ▪ Motion by: Chairperson Margaret Bebak
  ▪ Seconded by: Joseph Sherman
  ▪ Ayes: All
  ▪ Noes: None
  ▪ Abstain: None
  ▪ Motion carried
  o Motion to approve the site plan for both the overall site and Costco.
  ▪ Recommendation: Approval subject to: 1) Completion of requirements in
  the letter from the Town Engineering Department; and 2) NYSDOT
  approval and issuance of the DOT work permit prior to off-site work.
  ▪ Motion by: Chairperson Margaret Bebak
  ▪ Seconded by: Joseph Sherman
  ▪ Ayes: All
  ▪ Noes: None