Board raises preservation questions for Nike Base and seeks help saving large honeybee hive

Board members reviewed prior evaluations of the Nike Base property and reported the 2017 resource evaluation found the site meets historic-eligibility criteria even though it has not been formally claimed or designated. Members urged caution about demolition at the site and said some pre-existing buildings remain and foundations are visible; they suggested contacting a military historian to verify reports that some structures may date to wartime anti‑aircraft emplacements.

Separately, a member described a large honeybee infestation inside a mash building, reporting thousands of bees streaming from multiple openings. The board discussed options for humane removal and salvage, including contacting Western New York Honey Producers, Cornell Cooperative Extension and local beekeepers on Grand Island. Members said they preferred rescue and relocation to extermination where possible and volunteered to make outreach calls to local honey-producer groups and beekeepers to arrange safe removal.

On legal and structural questions about Nike Base, members said they had sought a response from the town’s attorneys and had followed up repeatedly; the board agreed to continue pushing for an attorney response and to bring legal staff into any executive-session discussion if needed. No demolition orders or final preservation actions were decided at the meeting.

Board members asked staff to continue outreach to historical authorities, to compile prior evaluation documents, and to coordinate with potential beekeeper partners to remove the hive safely and preserve pollinators where feasible. The board did not approve any demolition or removal work during the session.