Southtowns Record

Planning Board Regular Meeting, Feb 4, 2026 — Minutes

Government
Town of Hamburg
Board
Planning Board
Meeting
Feb 4, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Budget and taxes, Parks and recreation, Roads and traffic, Water, sewer and drainage

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 7 of 8

Town of Hamburg Planning Board Minutes  February 4, 2026

Corners intersection” may need additional traffic improvement. One of the
recommendations for this area that stems from the Comprehensive Plan includes
investigating the potential for a new zoning district and zoning map revisions along the
north side of Southwestern Boulevard. The Comprehensive Plan denotes that the north
side of Southwestern Boulevard is a commercial area but suggests that it needs uses
and restrictions that protect the surrounding residential areas.

History of the Site and the Rezoning request

This site is located on a 4.14-acre parcel at the intersection of Southwestern Boulevard
and Big Tree Road, between McKinley Parkway and the Thruway. The property is
currently zoned C-1. The site is currently vacant and does not have curb cuts on either
road. There have been previous projects proposed on the site over the years, but none
have come to fruition.

Recommendation on the Rezoning Request

As discussed above, it appears that the rezoning is in accordance with the Town’s
Comprehensive Plan because the project is in alignment with the existing commercial
development that exists on both sides of Southwestern Boulevard. C-2 property exists
to the east and south of the Project Site so rezoning the property to C-2 would not
create a spot zoning issue. Similar commercial uses exist in the area, and a gas
station/traveler center would not create a significant change to the character of the area.
Special consideration should be given to residents on Burke Parkway, and traffic
concerns along Southwestern and Big Tree should also be addressed with NYSDOT,
with input from the Town’s Traffic Safety Advisory Board.

The Planning Board recommends a rezoning from C-1 to C-2 with the following
conditions:
  • An adequate landscape buffer shall consist of a landscaped area, adjacent to Big
  Tree Road. The width and the landscaping to be provided in the landscaped area
  shall be determined by the Planning Board during the site plan review process.
  • The Board asked for a traffic flow/circulation study to help aid the Town Board’s
  SEQR decision, which has subsequently been provided (see attached).

The Planning Board also made the following comments:
  • The Board was concerned with the amount stacking spaces of the drive-thru,
  especially on Bills gamedays, and believes there are not enough parking spaces
  as presented on the current site plan
  • The Board believes traffic from Bills game should not be used as an impediment
  for development.

The Planning Board will submit minutes from the 12/17 and 2/4 meetings to the Town
Board.

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