Development News for Cheektowaga, New York

MPT Expansions Involve Multiple Parcels with Complex Environmental and Zoning Challenges

The committee reviewed multiple parcels related to "MPT" (likely referring to a company, possibly "Micro Transformer" or similar based on later context) for expansions and renovations. The primary focus was on parcels 1747 Dale Road and 1755 Dale Road on the south side of the street, and parcels 1746 and 24 Anderson across the street. Parcels 1746 and 24 Anderson are proposed to be combined. Parcel 1747 is within a New York State Superfund site, and 1755 is a brownfield cleanup property, necessitating environmental easements and deed restrictions that prevent merging these specific parcels. Parcel 1746 was in a voluntary cleanup program and is now designated as a superfund site requiring additional assessment. The project involves utility corridor extensions, including water and firewater, on 1747, and a bathroom renovation on the same parcel. A one-way access drive and contiguous loading/receiving areas between 1747 and 1755 were approved by the ZVA. The project aims to accommodate increased demand for transformers and an anticipated increase in jobs. Parking strategies utilize shared parking provisions across common parcels. Discussions included stormwater management, with plans for underground detention and a bio-retention basin on 1746, and a standalone system for 1747 connecting to an existing pipe. The pond on 1755 is an existing retention pond that will be cleaned and its outlet modified to meet redevelopment regulations, but will not infiltrate due to its brownfield status. Plans include new site lighting and parking, though 1755 will see a reduction in parking spaces. Temporary and permanent crosswalks were discussed. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around environmental remediation, including the handling of berms (east berm removed, west berm containing trace concentrations), super fund site designations, brownfield cleanup, and the need for sub-slab depressurization systems in new construction. The process of merging properties with environmental designations and the associated complexities with the DEC were detailed. Concerns were raised about potential storage of materials like kerosene and waste, with a 10,000-gallon tank potentially located outside, which is still under design review and may require further permits. The committee recommended a negative declaration for 1747. The discussion on 1746 was tabled pending outcomes from the zoning board of appeals and traffic safety commission. The project for 1755 involves demolishing berms, constructing a "winding addition" (21,000 sq ft) and an "assembly edition" or "donut hole" infill (30,000 sq ft) for manufacturing space. Parking will be reduced on 1755 but supplemented by new parking near a former berm location. Concerns about site lighting spillover were addressed with updated photometrics. Existing utilities for 1747 will remain largely separate from 1755, except for fire protection. The existing retention pond on 1755 is large and will be cleaned and modified but will remain a retention pond due to its role in water quality management for the brownfield site.

100 McKesson Parkway Proposal Faces Scrutiny Over Variances, Parking, and Environmental Concerns

The committee discussed a proposal for 100 McKesson Parkway, seeking to construct 160 residential housing units across four five-story buildings with a two-story clubhouse. The project involves several variances related to building height, lot area, and parking. Originally, four variances were filed, but a subsequent code review identified a need for a new set of variances due to the redefinition of the lot's front property line. The applicant added a small building for amenity and leasing space, which resulted in the loss of one garage space, reducing enclosed parking to 39 from 40. The planning board previously voted to approve the project, but the motion failed. Concerns were raised regarding parking shortages (estimated at 100 spaces under code), public transportation access, sidewalk connectivity, trash enclosure plans, snow removal, and the use of a bio-retention basin for snow storage. The project also involves underground stormwater detention and a bio-retention basin. Regarding environmental impacts, the New York State DEC agreed to lead agency status, and Erie County referred to previous comments on zoning amendments. Discussions also touched upon a potential downstream capacity analysis for water usage, with plans to re-evaluate metering data. Truck turning templates for garbage trucks and fire trucks were discussed, as was the placement of school bus pickup points. The applicant plans to avoid dumpsters by utilizing garage bays, which would further reduce parking. The site is currently barren with mature growth along the creek.