Confusion over the particulars of a proposed law to require permits for certain public events caused the Grand Island Town Board to table the issue for further review and public input.
A handful of residents spoke against the law at Monday night’s town board meeting, calling it “overreaching.”
Residents were worried the law would pertain to things like large, private graduation parties, funerals and VFW meetings.
They wouldn’t, according to the Town Board and Town Attorney Peter Godfrey.
The draft of the law outlined requirements concerning insurance, inspection and safety obligations and requiring a special use permit for public events drawing more than 100 people. Permits would be required for events open to the public but not consistent with what the properties they are being held on are zoned for.
In practice, the town already requires most of what the law outlines. The law just gives the town a formal plan to follow and share with residents.
“We’re already expected as a town to enforce the state fire code. This law gives us some method of doing that,” said Town Supervisor Mary Cooke.
Also at the meeting, the board:
• Approved the purchase of a 2013 Dodge Charger for $24,997 to be used as a police vehicle.
• Waived site plan requirements for a former TCBY restaurant at 2457 Grand Island Blvd. A planned bar and restaurant on the site constitutes a “change of use” for the property, but the only change in requirements (an additional number of parking spaces) has already been met.
A handful of residents spoke against the law at Monday night’s town board meeting, calling it “overreaching.”
Residents were worried the law would pertain to things like large, private graduation parties, funerals and VFW meetings.
They wouldn’t, according to the Town Board and Town Attorney Peter Godfrey.
The draft of the law outlined requirements concerning insurance, inspection and safety obligations and requiring a special use permit for public events drawing more than 100 people. Permits would be required for events open to the public but not consistent with what the properties they are being held on are zoned for.
In practice, the town already requires most of what the law outlines. The law just gives the town a formal plan to follow and share with residents.
“We’re already expected as a town to enforce the state fire code. This law gives us some method of doing that,” said Town Supervisor Mary Cooke.
Also at the meeting, the board:
• Approved the purchase of a 2013 Dodge Charger for $24,997 to be used as a police vehicle.
• Waived site plan requirements for a former TCBY restaurant at 2457 Grand Island Blvd. A planned bar and restaurant on the site constitutes a “change of use” for the property, but the only change in requirements (an additional number of parking spaces) has already been met.