ORCHARD PARK
Permit for Angel Flight fundraiser still up in the air
A crucial permit for a fundraiser to benefit Angel Flight remains up in the air, with the event in Orchard Park less than two weeks away.
The group, which flies patients to faraway medical centers for treatment, expects about 3,000 people at its planned fundraising event Sept. 13.
The Orchard Park Town Board tabled action on the event permit at a work session Wednesday. The decision was put off a week, giving building inspectors time to have a final look at the site at 3964 California Road.
The problem arose when event organizer Joseph DeMarco built a 5,000-square-foot pavilion on the site to house the party, which was held last year under tents. The construction bypassed the site planning and building permit process, town officials said.
On Wednesday, DeMarco said he had supplied architects’ drawings to the town. However, the Planning Board lacks the time and information for a regular review, officials said.
The Town Board did approve De- Marco’s application for a commercial parking permit on the site, removing one hurdle to the event. DeMarco’s application was one of 29 commercial parking permits issued.
The parking approval came over the objection of building inspector Andrew Geist.
“It’s not about the building itself, it’s the use of the property,” he said. While the building is likely to pass final safety inspection, he questioned how the large building would be used in the future.
DeMarco would restrict customers of his football parking site from the pavilion, his attorney Terry Loretto said, in response to concerns that tailgating parties would migrate to the building.
The board should act to tighten the use of the parking permits in general, Councilman Mark Dietrick said. Originally intended to allow off-site parking during Buffalo Bills games, the permits are sometimes being stretched to allow other uses, even car sales, he said.
In other action, the Town Board:
• Approved a requirement for private roads within proposed development sites to be 21 feet wide, one foot more than the current standard. The unanimous vote came after no one spoke at a hearing on the issue.
• Agreed to place a donated statue at a park adjacent to the town library at 4570 S. Buffalo St. The statue of a Quaker farmer, depicting the town’s history, is expected to arrive in October, Councilwoman Nancy W. Ackerman said.
• Referred a request for a “no parking” sign on Bieler Road to the Public Safety Committee for review.
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