Southtowns Record

Planning Board Regular Meeting, Jun 3, 2026 — Minutes

Government
Town of Hamburg
Board
Planning Board
Meeting
Jun 3, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Water, sewer and drainage, Roads and traffic, Housing

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 8 of 15

Town of Hamburg Planning Board Minutes  June 3, 2026

Public Hearing- 7 P.M., Chris Van Leaven- Requesting Preliminary Plat Approval
on a proposal for a 4-lot subdivision to be located at 4261 Lake Shore Road (SBL
#: 159.17-1-16.1)

Chris Van Leaven appeared on behalf of the project.

Mr. Rogers reiterated that this project is looking to take the overall parcel and break it
into four (4) buildable lots. The zoning of the parcel is R1, single family residence
district, which means that what would be built on the lots at most would be a single-
family residence. There would be no retail development, no apartments, storage or car
washes.

Member Geraci read the following Public Hearing Notice:

“Notice is hereby given that the Town of Hamburg Planning Board will conduct a public
hearing on a proposal for a four-lot subdivision to be located at 4261 Lake Shore Road
(SBL# 159.17-1-16.1). The Public Hearing will be held on June 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in
Room 7A/7B of Hamburg Town Hall.”

Member Chmura declared the public hearing open.

  1. Margie Riggan of Beach Avenue. “The parcel is currently an 8.5-acre estate with
  mature grounds, open space and historic residential character. My concern is
  not just that I live nearby but that this decision is permanent and once the parcel
  of land is split, it cannot be recreated. Once the estate is divided into four
  separate parcels the landscape, open space and character of the property are
  changed forever. The decision affects more than one backyard and more than
  one property. Tree preservation and drainage are not side issues as the Town’s
  own subdivision process recognizes wooded areas, mature trees, drainage,
  wetlands and stormwater as issues and I am asking that those issues be fully
  reviewed before any preliminary approval is granted. This is not about stopping
  responsible development but asking whether the permanent breakup of an 8.5-
  acre estate is the right decision for Hamburg. I feel that the decision sets an
  important precedent, due to the fact that if this historic estate can be divided
  without serious review other large historical properties in Hamburg may become
  vulnerable. I respectfully ask the Planning Board to deny the 4-lot plan as it is
  presented. At a minimum, please table this application and require the applicant
  to return with a less invasive plan that preserves more of the estate landscape.”
  2. Greg Makelke of Beach Avenue. “I knew the original owner, and she kept the
  place immaculate. Every tree, every flower, everything that she trimmed and did
  there would be taken out and it is not going to be an estate. It will just be another
  house. When you travel down Route 5 you notice the house because it is
  beautiful. It will also have an impact on the lifestyle of the neighbors. The noise

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