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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS 1250 Union Road Minutes - Meeting # 2026-08 West Seneca, NY 14224 April 27, 2026 and that the project does not align with the existing neighborhood, in his opinion. Furthermore, in his opinion, the request for rezoning should have been a condition when the applicant was buying the property and believes the proposed project was planned at that time. Councilmember Robertson stated the initial communication with the community was lacking, and the process could have been more transparent with better community outreach to the surrounding residents. Councilmember Robertson stated that he is not a fan of What If security and, in his opinion, an operation that is open 24/7 should have onsite administration. In addition to security concerns, there is uncertainty whether this would be spot zoning. Councilmember Robertson then read the spot zoning clause and feels there are variables that make it unclear. Councilmember Robertson asked Mr. Hopkins if or was eliminating Phase 2 is a consideration. Mr. Hopkins stated eliminating Phase 2 has not been considered, but the applicant is amenable to the condition that they return for approval of Phase 2. Also acceptable would be Town Board review and approval of the security plan. Councilmember Robertson stated the area is largely residential and the current business exists because it is a preexisting, nonconforming use. The proposed project would change the footprint and the nature of the business. The project would alter the landscape. Supervisor Dickson stated that he listens to the residents and, in his opinion, the hotel accommodation would provide some sales and property tax benefit, noting the only dramatic benefit the town will see is the development of the Old Seneca Mall site, but every bit helps. Further, the property is already used for commercial purposes and disagrees about what intoxicated people would do, and commented that they would go back to their rooms. The proposed project would help a local business that has been there for decades. The expansion is limited in scope and can be considered an extension of its current business. The expansion would provide a few jobs. The expanded parking lot will help. There will not be a restaurant or bar. The single story style was requested. The wetlands are not affected, and the proposed plan increases the natural barriers. The Comprehensive Plan labels this parcel as recreation and entertainment, and the proposed project fits the economic plan for tourism. Infrastructure issues will be addressed by each particular agency: sewer, water, and electricity. Supervisor Dickson stated he is struggling with people not attending events using the rooms. If there was nothing on the property, zoning would never allow a hotel; but he could support adding rooms being used for people at a wedding. The neighbors share the concern over the rooms being available to anyone. The applicant has indicated that the project is not viable if they do not allow the rooms to be available to those not associated with an event. Supervisor Dickson repeated the statement that if nothing was currently there, a hotel would never be allowed. Again, if the project was intended to be an extension of the business at Kloc's would be fine. The Planning Board also discussed this. Councilmember Robertson asked what Check-In would look like, for example, similar to an Airbnb. Mr. Hopkins stated he anticipates the check-in process would be virtual, noting the family owns the facility and would be onsite. Councilmember Robertson stated while he appreciates Mr. Hopkins' information, he feels the onsite presence would be limited and sporadic, and anticipates the rooms would be utilized more frequently than just the venue itself. Councilmember Sherman stated that when she heard of the proposal, it was to have space available for overnight for the guests of the facility, and it seemed like 24 rooms would be adequate. To then need Phase 2, which would be many rooms for a wedding venue. Councilmember Sheman asked how the rooms would be managed for guests of the facility. Mr. Hopkins stated the applicant could 7 Page 11 of 280