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Neighbors and Southline Little League clash over fences and noise; zoning board allows existing fences and netting
Summary
After extended public comment about noise, lights and a 20‑foot netting topping, the Cheektowaga ZBA granted Southline Little League’s request to retain existing outfield fences and netting at Lawson Park, citing longstanding use and financial burden of relocating fields.
The Cheektowaga Zoning Board of Appeals voted Nov. 19 to allow Southline Little League to retain existing outfield fences and 20‑foot netting at Lawson Park’s Diamond Z and the adjacent diamonds, rejecting arguments from several neighbors who said the structures violate setback rules and have increased noise and late‑season activity.
Brian Hymanowski, who said he is on the Little League executive board, told the board the largest diamond had been built in the early 2000s and that the fences and netting were installed to prevent balls from entering neighboring yards. "I'd rather have the kids on the ball diamonds than on the streets," Hymanowski said, urging the board to weigh the youth-sport benefits and long community history of the league.
Several residents urged denial or changes. Gloria Battaglia, who lives at 21 Woodgate Drive, described years of disturbed evenings and property impacts: "This is my home. This isn't entertainment for me," she said, citing repeated noise, lights and grading dust that she said have made her backyard unusable during the season. Other neighbors said netting and fences sit closer to homes than the 50‑foot setback the code requires for recreation areas abutting residential districts.
Mike Kanick, a former league president who helped develop the large diamond decades ago, said the association previously secured permits and invested tens of thousands of dollars in field improvements. League representatives said relocating fences or reconfiguring diamonds would be a significant financial hardship and that the netting reduces the risk of balls reaching houses.
After hearing petitions from both sides and reviewing the site history, the board voted to grant the variance for the existing fences and 20‑foot netting. The decision included no immediate physical changes to the fields but leaves open other town oversight avenues regarding noise, scheduling and code enforcement.
What’s next: The variance lets the Little League continue using the diamonds as configured for the coming season; residents can continue to raise operational concerns with league leadership and town code enforcement.
