Town of Wheatfield Board discusses battery storage and building additions

By Madeline Dorobiala

The Town of Wheatfield held its board meeting on Sept. 14. There were two public hearings before the discussions on road repairs and upcoming community events.

Battery storage systems

The first public hearing dealt with enacting a temporary delay on all battery storage systems. The current law allows one megawatt and was enacted four to five years ago. Questions remain regarding smaller sizing and safety. The council is aware that the law requires an update due to advances in technology.

Building additions

The second public hearing focused on zoning amendments for building additions. Building Inspector Christopher Jordan explained that, before the law was changed, the total height was 14 feet and then increased to 20 feet, causing concerns in the subdivisions.

“So, therefore, we’re back to looking over townwide and going from there,” Jordan said.

Supervisor Don MacSwan spoke about how a property line was an element that needed to be considered and how the board was looking into modifications.

The public hearing could not advance because the board needed to complete the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process.

The public was able to give remarks and express concerns.

Resident and homebuilder Anthony Barone gave his perspective on the issue.

“Because of the lot sizes, I live on a 12,000-square-foot lot, which isn’t big to the town’s standard,” Barone said. “So, I think the town might want to recognize any residential building lot 20,000 square feet or smaller, with the right to an accessory building. It should not be allowed on the side yard of the lot lines; it should strictly be to the rear of the property.”

Barone mentioned he was not against accessory buildings, but they should be favorable to the people in the neighborhood.

Passing of William Ross

The board addressed the passing of William Ross, followed by a moment of silence. The board expressed its sympathies, as well.

“I’m particularly saddened to learn the passing of Bill Ross – many called him ‘Coach,’ and in fact he was my first coach,” MacSwan said. “He served on our Town Board and was the longest-serving chairman of the Niagara County Legislature. He was an honest man and accomplished all things with the highest moral standard.”

MacSwan made a motion at the end of the meeting to put the flag at half-staff to honor Ross until the end of the week.

Road repair and preparing for winter

Highway Department Superintendent Paul Siegmann spoke about the department beginning the last road repair of the year and preparing for the winter months.

“Salt barns are full; I did it three weeks ago,” Siegmann said. “Hopefully it’ll be full three months from now, too.”

New fast-food chain

Church’s Chicken is a fast-food chain that is setting up on Niagara Falls Boulevard, specifically the old Dunkin’ location.

“They did start their permitting process to put up new signage, and things of that nature, and then submit a floor plan to revamp the area to see what permits are required,” Jordan said.

He also mentioned the business does not plan on changing the structure of the building.

School tax increase

Assessor Kelli Coughlin spoke on school tax increases, the state taking people’s School Tax Relief (STAR), and how she is handling the concern.

“So, if they bring their income into me and prove that they’re eligible,” Coughlin said. “I’m trying to email the state, but they’re saying that the people have to pay the full amount of school tax, show me a paid receipt, and then I can email the state that I would send those people a refund.”

Bunny Bunch Daycare

Town Engineer Timothy Zuber provided an update on Bunny Bunch Daycare.

“The applicant proposes to construct a 6,280-square-foot addition to their existing 4,795-square-foot building at 7334 Townline Road,” he said. “An engineering report on the water service sizing and retention pond for operation is required.”

Honoring Sept. 11 first responders

Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey mentioned different events that occurred in memory of 9/11, including honoring the first responders who were involved with the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The first responders and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office participated in a stair climb at the gorge in Whirlpool State Park.

“The (Twin) Towers had 112 stories, 1,980 steps, so they replicated that – and they, in full gear, went to the gorge in honor of the first responders,” Godfrey said. “They had a really, really good turnout, a lot of people.”

Upcoming events

•Kidz ‘N’ Kites will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Town of Niagara Veteran’s Memorial Park, 7000 Joe Rotella Way. More information can be found on the Niagara County website.

•There will also be an employment and career fair from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Oppenheim Park. Godfrey said 70 different businesses will be in attendance.

•A muzzleloader course will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Town of Wheatfield Community Center, 2790 Church Road. The course does not require a fee.

“A certificate will be issued to those taking the course,” Town Clerk Kathy Harrington-McDonell said. “There are no refreshments, but you can bring your own; and the course is open to anyone 14 years and older. 14 to 17 need to be with a parent or an adult.”

For more information, call the clerk’s office at 716-694-6441. There is a note on the clerk’s website, as well: https://www.wheatfield-ny.gov/172/Town-Clerks-Office.

Weather

MacSwan commented on the ongoing rain and stated Niagara County has reached 100% saturation – and there is still standing water.