Lewiston Town Board approves moratorium on special use variances/permits

Die testing continues on Morgan Farms sewers

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

The Town of Lewiston had a productive session Monday, with plans for a public hearing on Dec. 8 to approve a six-month moratorium on special use variances and permits, and updates on the Morgan Farms sewer testing project among the newsmakers.

Al Bax, attorney for the town, discussed the parameters of the moratorium, which is intended to adjust conflicts with the special use variance/permit procedure and the town’s zoning law. Bax said he had concerns with current wording, particularly as it relates to seasonal operations. The town reached an agreement earlier with a Townline Road Halloween-related business that had been operating seasonally in conflict with zoning regulations and use.

“I found it very awkward and the general issues with precedents,” Bax said.

He went on to present Local No. 2 for board review. The measure establishes “a six-month moratorium on the processing of applications and approvals for special use variances and issuance of special use permits by the Town of Lewiston Planning Board.”

According to the proposed law, the purpose of the moratorium is “to allow time for the research, development and adoption of amendments to the town code … which regulates these types of applications. This time will give the Town Board the ability to complete all reasonable and necessary review, study analysis and, if warranted, revision to the Town of Lewiston Zoning Code as may be necessary to promote and preserve the health, safety and welfare of the Town of Lewiston and its residents.”

By a 4-0 vote, the board approved a public hearing to be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, to consider enactment of the Local Law No. 2 moratorium. Council member Sarah Waechter was absent for the vote. If approved, Bax said the measure would be in effect for six months, with the option to be extended by the Town Board.

In other news:

•Jeff Ritter, administrator of the Lewiston Water Pollution Control Center, updated the board on the town’s ongoing smoke testing of the Morgan farms sewers.

“Referring to the die testing, we’ve been doing the farms area. We found a couple of yard rates (from private properties) directly connected to the sanitary sewer,” he said. “We’re still looking at our flow data. There’s some suggestions that (it) could be cross connections or something (with the sewers). We’re still looking and tying it to close-circuit TV.”

•Recreation Director Tim Smith said the town’s holiday skating program is ready to start next month at Niagara University’s Dwyer Ice Arena. The first open skate is from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and sponsored by NU.

“Welcoming you back to our open skating events. Skating rentals are $3 and admission is free,” the Rec Department posted on social media.

The town reports additional open skates are from noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30; and 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, to coincide with the start of the Lewiston Christmas Walk.

Smith event sponsors for the Christmas season program are still being sought. For more information, visit the Lewiston Recreation Department on Facebook.

•Councilman Jason Myers reported that upcoming holiday events at the Sanborn Farm Museum include a “Farm members sing-along” from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7; a “Christmas at the Farm” holiday party, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, with family programs both days; and “Caroling at the Farm,” Sunday, Dec. 20.

The holiday programs are hosted by the Farm Museum and the Sanborn Business and Professional Association, and take place at 2660 Saunders Settlement Road. For more information, contact Bonnie at 716-957-4851.