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Letter to the Editor: Planning Board didn’t cop out on Tops
Letter: Susan Gregg
Monday, November 29, 2025
This is in reference to the editorial in the Tonawanda News, contending that the City of Tonawanda Planning and Zoning Board “copped out” in its decision regarding the proposed gas pumps at Tops Market on Niagara Street.
In the first place, there was no “cop out” on the part of the board. This committee has been studying and reviewing this issue since January 2003. We held a hearing in 2003, and another one on the sub-division in 2004, followed by the rezoning hearing in November.
The members of the committee all did their homework. As is important on any Committee, each of us had different concerns and questions, did our research, and stood behind our convictions. Many hours were spent, both at meetings and on our own, gathering facts pertaining to the issue. At no time did anyone on this Committee regard this issue lightly, nor did we close the door on any new issues brought forth.
The fact that the vote resulted in a two-two tie is only because one of our Board members was out of state for the birth of his grandchild. We had consulted with the city attorney as to having the member vote by proxy, but were advised that the practice was not allowed. Cop out? I don’t think so.
One member was unable to arrange transportation to the meeting. Because of the importance of the issue, special arrangements were made with the Fire Department to pick him up so he could be present for the vote. Cop out? I don’t think so.
The Planning and Zoning Board recognized the importance of the issue and addressed it head-on, just as we had in 2003. Personally, I was proud of how the board responded and stood up to the plate when necessary.
Once again, the decision lies with the Council. Now is the time for the Council to MAKE A DECISION, one way or the other, and move on. To do anything else would be a “cop out” on their part.
Susan L. Gregg
Chairperson
City of Tonawanda Planning and Zoning Board
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Reader Comments
Sue (12/3/2026)
I dont feel a city the size of Tonawanda needs two Tops nor two of there stores with gas pumps. They are now putting up gas pumps on the Young St location.One set at a Tops is enough. We need stores where you can buy sock, thread small items like that. Not more super markets in this city and not more gas pumps. Didnt you think that you could possibly end up in a tye when there were 4 of you? Think. You could have waited for all memebers to be there.Do we really need gas pumps in a residental area? This city needs so so much more. Lets drop the gas pump issue and maybe fix the water?,streets?,abandoned cars,trailers,boats. Or would that touch some of the big named people in Tona. Where or where could they put their trailers and boat that the tax payers paid for?????
So much more important stuff----schools. We are closing one, what happens to those jobs?
former resident (12/1/2026)
I'm Glad I moved out of the City of Mayberry, err..Tonawanda. Don't miss it one bit.
J.C.MERCURIO (11/30/2004)
IT'S THE SAME OLD SAME OLD IN THE CITY OF TONAWANDA. I LOVE THE CITY, BUT NOT THE POLITICS. IT'S A SHAME THAT THEY ALWAYS ALLOW A MINORITY RUN THE CITY. SOME DAY THEY
WILL WAKE UP WHEN THE
CITY LOSES MORE CITIZENS, AND MORE TAXES. WE NEED A LOT
OF COMPETITION IN THE
CITY, AND WE'RE NOT GETTING IT. MAYBE A
BIG CHANGE IN THE ELECTED OFFICIALS MIGHT DO SOMETHING MORE POSITIVE TO HELP
PUT SOME LIFE IN A
CITY ON THE DOWN SLIDE---LET'S TRY THAT AT THE NEXT ELECTION.
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