Cheektowaga committee backs negative SEQR finding for proposed 7,749 sq. ft. daycare at 1571 (site-specific)

The Town of Cheektowaga Environmental Advisory Committee on Aug. 27 recommended a negative SEQR declaration for a proposed 7,749‑square‑foot, single‑story daycare facility (referred to in materials as project 1571) and will forward the recommendation to the Town Board.

Erie County Department of Environment and Planning submitted comments urging careful review of a proposed drive‑through/drop‑off lane to avoid conflicts among vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists; the county also recommended adequate vehicle stacking, visual and noise mitigation for adjacent Linden Street residences, and retention of mature trees where possible. “Special attention should be paid to the drive‑through lane and potential conflicts with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists,” the committee read from the county comments.

Committee members and the applicant discussed pedestrian access, internal circulation and parking. Planning staff suggested adding a painted crosswalk or other marked pedestrian route from the sidewalk to the building entrance; the applicant noted existing on‑site and nearby parking and said parents presently drop children off by vehicle more often than on foot. The committee advised the applicant to include a pavement‑marking/signage plan, coordinate utility tie‑ins, and extend the sidewalk to the entry as shown on civil sheets.

After discussion of the Erie County comments and updated drawings, a committee member moved to recommend a negative declaration; the motion carried. The committee indicated it would forward county comments and its recommendation to the Town Board, and the applicant was told to coordinate final plan details with town staff and the architect before filing the formal site‑plan application.