Legislative Authority

 

The configuration of boundaries, as well as any subsequent modification of those boundaries, is governed by provisions set forth in Article 18-B of General Municipal Law (Sections 955-969), and in regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Economic Development. Within those rules and regulations, zone communities have the ability to add or remove individual properties according to locally developed criteria, including target areas, target industries and impact on the quality of life for residents in or near the zone. 

 

 

Prior Revisions

 

The Town of Tonawanda has completed a series of boundary revisions since the original boundaries were approved in November, 2001:

 

·          The first revision, approved in 2003, included the addition and deletion of several parcels.

·          The second revision was approved  specifically for the addition of GEICO

·          The third revision was approved specifically for the addition of Definity Health.

·          The fourth revision was approved by the Town Board in March, 2005, but subsequently changed due to the provisions of new legislation passed in April, 2005.

 

The most recent revision was adopted by the Town Board on December 19, 2005. It puts into place requirement of new legislation for all zones to re-designate their 1,280 acres into three or fewer ‘contiguous areas’.

 

 

Future Revisions

 

As of February, 2006, the ZAB does not plan to begin any revisions to the boundaries until the re-designated boundaries are approved by the state, and new guidelines are issued with respect to any subsequent revisions.