Majority rules - Klein Road will not have sidewalks
Board tables moratorium
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Residents on Klein Road told the Amherst Town Board they don't want sidewalks, and the members listened.

In a 6-1 vote, the board denied the request for installation of sidewalks on the south side of Klein Road from numbers 221 to 1071. The proposal was started by the Price family, who requested that sidewalks be considered for safety reasons.

"The majority is not in favor," Council Member Shelly Schratz said, adding that upon looking at Klein Road she realized the large number of obstacles in the way that could drive the cost of the project.

She thanked the Price family for bringing their concerns and highlighting the speeding issue, as well as the need for repair to the shoulder of the road.

Council Member Deborah Bruch Bucki voted in favor of the project, citing safety concerns as the reason for her vote.

During the meeting, nine residents spoke against sidewalks, one presenting a petition of 62 names opposing the project. Many of the residents stated cost as the reason for not wanting the sidewalks. The figure was estimated at more than $3,000 per household.

Klein Road resident James Walker said he couldn't be responsible for the maintenance of the walks, especially in the winter, should they be installed.

"This is not a necessary project. There are trees and poles in the way," he said.

A few residents who have lived on Klein for 40 to 50 years enjoy the country-type atmosphere from not having sidewalks on their properties. One resident said there have never been sidewalks, nor any incidents.

Also during the meeting a public hearing was held in regard to the 800-foot cul-de-sac and dead-end law, which would require new developments to stay within that length for safety reasons.

Several residents near the proposed Fieldstone Estates development spoke in favor of the proposed six-month moratorium on the issuance of public improvement permits and building permits that exceed that measurement.

Sean Hopkins, of Hopkins, Garas & Sorgi, PLLC, said the town has already lost in three Supreme Court rulings about the 800-foot rule in regard to Fieldstone Development, proposed by CF&L Development.

"Don't go back a fourth time; enough is enough," he said about the motion before the board.

The rule had been changed last year, along with a large number of zoning code changes. According to Council Member Bill Kindel, the board was told it could amend certain laws after approving the new zoning code.

He has been pushing for the 800-foot rule to be in place for safety reasons involving emergency vehicles' ability to reach homes quickly and efficiently.

The board voted to table the resolution, a vote of 4-3, for 30 days.

With that motion, Hopkins approached the board, announcing a request for variance in regard to the 800-foot law, would be withdrawn from Tuesday's Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

The next Amherst Town Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6 at Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville. Visit www.amherst.ny.us for agenda information.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com