September 12, 2008

Legislator Maria Whyte and others call for the establishment of a County Planning Board

County Planning Board necessary to support strategic development in WNY over the next 50 years

WHO:

• Legislator Maria Whyte (D) Buffalo
• Legislator Robert Reynolds (D) Hamburg
• George Grasser, Partners for a Livable WNY
• Ian McPherson, Alden Economic Development Director
• Laura Smith, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
• Representatives from WNY Citizens for Better Planning

WHAT:

• Press Conference to call for the establishment of an Erie County Planning Board. Informational Meeting to discuss proposed planning board legislation in greater detail and receive feedback from the community.

WHEN:

• Press Conference at 6:45 p.m., Monday, September 15, 2008
• Informational Meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 15, 2008

WHERE:

• Hamburg Town Hall
  6100 South Park Ave., Hamburg, NY

WHY:

• The Erie Niagara Framework for Regional Growth reports that Erie and Niagara Counties have lost over 137,000 residents since 1960. Meanwhile, our developed land increased by 244 square miles from 1950 to 2000 (up nearly 200%). Simply put, fewer people are supporting more infrastructure (roads, sewers, water lines, etc.) and as a result, everyone is paying higher taxes. To help change this dynamic and focus and promote development in areas where infrastructure capacity already exists, the Framework calls for the establishment of a County Planning Board.
• A County Planning Board can:
  • Assist municipalities (especially those without professional planners) in making land-use decisions
  • Coordinate planning between and among municipalities and other County, NY State, and Federal Agencies
  • Review and comment on proposals that are of a significant size or scope and have a regional impact.
• A County Planning Board cannot:
  • Take away the autonomy of local municipalities
  • Undermine local control
• 58 of the 62 Counties in NYS have Planning Boards

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