Sunset Bay Association News

Town of Hanover Comprehensive Plan

Kathy Burmaster — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:55:29 GMT

The 2025 Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Hanover has been finalized and is available for review. Please direct all questions or comments to Elizabeth VanCheri, the Town Clerk at elizabethvancheri@hanoverny.com.

The Town of Hanover Comprehensive Plan serves as a strategic roadmap to guide the community's future development, land use, and decision-making.

The plan outlines the Town's vision, values, and priorities, focusing on:

preserving its agricultural heritage
enhancing waterfront and recreational assets
addressing infrastructure challenges like flooding and stormwater management
fostering economic growth through tourism and mixed-use development
collaborating with regional partners.

It emphasizes improving the quality of life for residents by:

promoting active transportation
maintaining its rural character
supporting agritourism
ensuring sustainable development.

Through community engagement and actionable goals, the Town aims to create a balanced, vibrant, and resilient future for Hanover.

2025 Garbage Pick Up Schedule

Julie Romain — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:37:57 GMT

2025 Garbage Pickup Schedule - Seasonal.pdf

2025 Garbage Pickup Schedule - Annual.pdf

How to Pay for your Membership Online

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:50:00 GMT

You can pay online using either our App or on our website.

TO PAY USING OUR APP:

To download the App for iOS, tap here.

To download the App for Android, tap here.

nstructions:

1. Sign-in using the email and password you use on our website

2. Go to My Profile.

3. Click Renew.

4. Review the information on the screen and correct or add any missing information.

5. After you tap the Continue button at the bottom of the screen, choose Pay Online, a payment screen will appear. Enter your payment information to complete your renewal.

You can also choose to be invoiced. In this case you can complete your payment either on your phone or on the website. To pay on your phone, go back to your profile and click Complete. A payment screen will appear. Enter your payment information to complete your renewal.

Pay online using the Sunset Bay Association Website

Instructions:

TO PAY USING OUR WEBSITE:

1. Log in using your email and password.

2. Click on your name in the upper left corner of the screen.

3. Go to View Profile.

4. If you would like to change your membership level click Change and then choose your new membership.

Note: after May 1^st any changes to membership levels must be done by the Board. Please email sunsetbayassociation@yahoo.com to process changes after this date.

5. Click Renew.

6. Review the information on the screen and correct or add any missing information.

7. After you tap the Continue button at the bottom of the screen, you will have the option to pay online or get invoiced.

8. After clicking Update and next and confirming the renewal, you will be taken to your Invoices and payments page where you can then pay for the invoice.

Casella Pickup Schedule 2024

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:49:25 GMT

2024 Garbage Rates

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:49:09 GMT

The 2024 trash collection rates are as follows:

Annual Trash Collection: $295 (plus $25 membership fee) = $320
Seasonal Trash Collection &70 (plus $25 membership fee) = $95

Seasonal Trash Collection begins May 28th and ends September 30th.

Engineers to study coastal processes causing challenges for Sunset Bay

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:47:23 GMT

Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation has partnered with PROOF Projects to study the Lake Erie shoreline from Silver Creek to Cattaraugus Creek to understand the coastal processes that contribute to the challenges in our community including flooding, habitat loss, and the degradation of our beaches through erosion and non-sand materials such as stones and woody debris. This study will take place between now and the summer of 2024 and will result in recommended natural solutions that will enhance beach health, improve recreational access, preserve fishing habitat and mitigate impacts of lakeshore flooding.

Photos (along with the date) of flooding or of how the shoreline used to look are needed to support the study and can be sent to sunsetbayassociation@yahoo.com.

Please send all photos by October 31, 2023.

Railroad crossing repairs are scheduled for October 6-13

Kathy Burmaster — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:08:01 GMT

Railroad Crossing Repairs: Road repair and paving is scheduled to occur at the railroad crossing on Alleghany Rd. The crossing will be closed from 10/6-10/13. Please use the access road through Hanford Bay while the Alleghany crossing is closed.

We have updated our website with the hotline numbers for both the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroad companies as follows. Please use these numbers to report any issues to these railroad companies.

CSX Hotline: 800-232-0144

Norfolk Southern: 800-453-2530

Public Hearing tonight - Town of Hanover 7:35 PM

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:09:43 GMT

Tonight, the Town of Hanover will be holding a public meeting at 7:35 PM regarding the following in the Town Hall at 68 Hanover St, Silver Creek, NY 14136. If you have concerns or questions, please try to attend.

7:35PM – Public hearing for Proposed Local Law #___ of the year 2022, a local law to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Hanover, County of Chautauqua, pursuant to General Municipal Law, Section 3-c, and allow the Town to adopt a budget for general Town expenses, fire protection districts, and any other special or improvement district governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year 2024 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the levy limit as defined in General Municipal Law, Section 3-c. Upon a motion by Mr. _________, seconded by Mr. __________ and unanimously carried, the Town Board approved to recess the regular meeting and open the public hearing. Mrs. Deet, Deputy Town Clerk, certified that the notice was posted on the Town Clerk bulletin board and the Notice of Public Hearing was duly published. (Discussion regarding proposed law)

Update regarding Routes 5 & 20 Lane Reduction and Turning Lane

Kathy Burmaster — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:48:59 GMT

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) held a Public Information Meeting to review the proposed Safety and Drainage Improvements along US Routes 5 & 20 from the 5 & 20 split near Save-a-Lot to the bridge over Cattaraugus Creek. The Safety Improvements include a road diet that will reduce the lanes from four lanes (two lanes in each direction) to 3 lanes (one lane in each direction with a center turn lane) as well as drainage improvements throughout the corridor. The signals will be replaced at the 5 & 20 split and at the intersection of 5 & 20 and Allegany Road.

Schedule: Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2024 and be completed in the fall of 2025.

If you have questions about this project, please contact Scott McKay at the phone number below.

Public Comments: If you have concerns about this project, please submit a public comment. The DOT will consider comments before publishing their final plan, which may change the proposed plan based on the comments received.

All public comments must be submitted by September 12, 2023, and can be made via mail, email, or phone at the following:

Email: Scott.McKay@dot.ny.gov

Phone: 716-847-3230

Address: Sanjyot Vaidya, P.E., Regional Design Engineer

Attn: Scott C McKay, P.E. PIN 5111.97

New York State DOT Region 5

100 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

Please include your Name, Address, City, State, Zip with your comments and reference PIN 5111.97 - Safety Improvements on US 20 & NY 5; Town of Hanover in the subject of your email or letter.

As always, if you have questions, please let us know at sunsetbayassociation@yahoo.com.

Thank you!

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DEC Announces Virtual Public Meeting to discuss Integrated Watershed Action Plan for Cattaraugus Creek

Kathy Burmaster — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 21:58:46 GMT

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, July 25, to receive public comments about the Cattaraugus Creek Integrated Watershed Action Plan (IWAP).

The Cattaraugus Creek watershed spans 560 square miles and drains to Lake Erie. Ecosystem goals for the Cattaraugus Creek watershed aim to maintain, protect, and restore water quality, floodplains and riparian areas, forests, streams, invasive species management, sustainable working lands, and heritage within the ecosystem.

WHAT: IWAP virtual meeting for Cattaraugus Creek Watershed

WHEN: 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 25

WHERE: Registration link via Zoom

For more information about the Cattaraugus Creek IWAP, visit the StoryMap website. Please contact the project team with any questions at: greatlakes@dec.ny.gov.

Public Meeting 8/22/23 4-6 PM: Routes 5 & 20 Lane Reduction and Turning Lane

Kathy Burmaster — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 21:56:40 GMT

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will host a Public Information Meeting to review the proposed Safety and Drainage Improvements along US Route 20 and NY Route 5 from the 5 & 20 split to the bridge over Cattaraugus Creek. The Safety Improvements include a road diet that will reduce the lanes from four lanes (two lanes in each direction) to 3 lanes (one lane in each direction with a center turn lane) as well as drainage improvements throughout the corridor. The signals will be replaced at the 5 & 20 split and at the intersection of US Route 20/NY Route 5 and Allegany Road.

The Public Information Meeting will be held on: Tuesday August 22, 2023, from 4-6 PM

Town of Hanover Town Hall

68 Hanover Street

Silver Creek, NY 14136

Speed Limit

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 01 May 2023 18:43:39 GMT

Our request to reduce the speed limit from 30 to 25 has been denied by the Town of Hanover. The law allows villages to make this change but does not allow towns with populations less than 50,000 people to set their own speed limits unless they are designated a suburban town. We can continue to pursue this with the State, but it will take time.

Per your feedback, we have not pursued speed bumps with the Town.

Yard brush to be picked up by Town the 1st week of May

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 01 May 2023 18:42:02 GMT

The first week of May the Town will conduct a yard brush pick-up to include yard waste only. It should be stacked neatly and should be placed away from poles, mailboxes or other items so their equipment (big claw) can get in to collect it.

No garbage, construction items or metal should be included. For these items, your membership entitles you to our annual Heavy Trash Pick-up scheduled for June 5th this year.

Information on Recycling in Chautauqua County and other residential waste.

Hanford Bay Quiet Zone Moves Forward

Kathy Burmaster — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:57:48 GMT

At the recent Hanover Town Council meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss the establishment of railroad quiet zones on Hanford Road in Hanford Bay. More...

Town Board Meeting Minutes & Calendar of Meetings

Kathy Burmaster — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:25:38 GMT

The Town of Hanover has updated their website to include a calendar of meetings and minutes of the Town Board Meetings.

Book Sale at Anderson Lee Library

Kathy Burmaster — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 14:01:48 GMT

The Anderson Lee Library is having a book sale today from 10 am until 2 pm.

You can also purchase a $3 book bag starting at noon. Come to Silver Creek, stop in at the Library and enjoy the Grape Festival.

It’s a beautiful day for it!

Town of Hanover Zoning Laws

Kathy Burmaster — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 17:36:53 GMT

Please familiarize yourself with the Town of Hanover Zoning Laws. This local law regulates the location, design, construction, alteration, occupancy, and use of buildings and structures and the development of land within the Town of Hanover, outside the incorporated Village of Silver Creek, and for the purposes stated below divides the Town into Zoning Districts as enumerated in Article II of this law

Homes for Sale in Sunset Bay

Kathy Burmaster — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:54:16 GMT

Are you interested in buying property in Sunset Bay?

Click here to see a current listing of Homes for Sale in the Sunset Bay area.

Rules for Large Trash Pickup - June 6, 2022

Kathy Burmaster — Sat, 28 May 2022 13:26:47 GMT

Put your large items out to your curb by Sunday night.

RULES

*No more than 5 items per house

*Nothing over 50lbs

*No loose trash

*Make an effort to bundle items & have large items cut to 5ft lengths (except furniture)

*Not accepted: Tires, Liquids, Flammables, Medical or Hazardous Waste,

Refrigerators, Freezers, Electronics, Batteries, Light bulbs

Motor Oil, Liquid paint

Brush, Grass, Tree trimmings.

Recycling Schedule for 2022

Kathy Burmaster — Fri, 20 May 2022 17:19:18 GMT

Here is Casella's Recycling Schedule for 2022

Summer Safety Readiness Meeting - confirmed for May 18, 2022

Kathy Burmaster — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 18:49:45 GMT

Our annual Summer Safety Readiness Meeting will need to be rescheduled from May 4, 2022 to May 18, 2022 (tentatively) due to a scheduling conflict. We are waiting for confirmation from the Fire Department to finalize this date and will keep you posted.

Click here for the agenda.

Please register to join this year's meeting here.

New Gas Lines

Kathy Burmaster — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 17:44:16 GMT

Some Gas lines are being replaced in Sunset Bay and work is currently under way. If you've been in the Bay recently, you'll have noticed the flags, equipment and torn up lawns. St George has been contracted to replace lines on Ann St, portions of Allegany, and portions of Michigan. Iola Dr. is under consideration. This is expected to last several weeks depending on the difficulty of the dig and the weather. They will repair both lawns and driveways, some almost immediately and some after the dirt settles.

Flooding Update 2/17/22

Kathy Burmaster — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:35:01 GMT

As you may know a flood watch and warning is in place for Sunset Bay until 7pm Friday. Significant rain is expected along with a lot of ice melt.

Right now, there is flooding from melt and rain in all the usual low areas… yards, drainage ditches and parts of the roads. The pond and creek are high. GOOD NEWS - it’s not super windy.

The Town Highway Dept just informed me the access road has just been opened up.

The town expects a significant push of water and ice down the creek as the day continues. This will eventually cause our creek to rise and push out to the lake. As the lake is open hopefully any flooding will come up quick and then go down just as quickly.

During the week the town opened culvert pipes and catch basins from the ice packed snow in flood prone areas to prepare for this melt and rain.

Stay safe, don’t drive through flooded areas.

Town of Hanover Updates

Kathy Burmaster — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

December 11^th storm

This storm brought significant flooding up through Parsons Pond and caused some downed trees. The Town Highway Department along with aid and equipment from Sheridan and Silver Creek worked to cleanup much of the damage caused by the storm by removing debris gathered at the streets, removing downed tree limbs, plowing sand, dredging the pond and redistributing sand back along the beach front.
The Town has been discussing ideas on how to mitigate the flooding each of which will require funding.

Vactor truck

· The Town successfully bid on a Vactor truck which will be used to vacuum out the storm sewer lines which always get plugged with sand during storms. Prior to this a truck has been borrowed from another municipality. Funding for this is available via Federal Covid relief funds.

LED project

· The Town previously changed all streetlights over to LED and has just finished changing over their 7 buildings to LED in town. The town expects to break-even on this project within 14 months.

Sales Tax

· The Town’s sales tax revenue is up this year primarily because of people shopping from home due to Covid.

Covid Testing

· Chautauqua county got a supply of Covid test kits from the state and are distributing these to the Town and the village of Silver Creek. Rapid and PCR testing is still available on the Seneca Reservation. These tests are free.

Tax Collection

· Tax collection began today, and people have already been in pay. Taxes will be collected penalty free thru February 4, 2022. An ATM machine is now available in the Town building. Credit Cards are now accepted at the counter, over the phone and thru the PayGOV app. Credit cards can also be used to pay all bills (water, sewer, dog license bills, etc.) except for DEC hunting licenses.

Quiet Zone

· The Town has met with John McGowan from Hanford Bay who has been really pushing hard to get the Quiet Zone in place. The Town Board is concerned over its safety, but they are leaning toward allowing Hanford Bay to be a test case. Hanford Bay plans to move forward with this approach. They have raised money to pay for boarders that would need to go up and are getting professional drawings done. The Town’s concern for Sunset Bay is that they think it will disrupt emergency vehicles in and out of the Bay.

Parks

· Bicentennial Park (also referred to as King Rd Park) is going thru a renovation. They have been working on drainage, providing potable water, adding sewers, rebuilding the pavilion which will also house a kitchen, paving the parking lot and next year plan to add a playground. Much of the work is done and they’re hoping to finish up in the spring. Some local businesses have offered to pay for playground equipment. Entrance to the park is free. They require a deposit to use the park, but this is returned to you when you return the keys.

· Town Beach Park - The Town is working to replace the slide that was damaged in 2020. They are losing a couple of lifeguards and they have been in touch with Kelly for some recommended replacements. They are not currently adding cameras at the Town Beach, but this may be possible in the future.

· Water park - The Town is considering adding a water park in The Silver Creek village park. This is being spearheaded by Lou Pellitier and is expected to be paid for with Covid relief funds.

· Town Boat Launch - more parking has been added and they will be black topping more of the driveway. High resolution cameras with audio are also being added in response to reports of illicit activities. The launch rate will increase next year but will still be in line with the Hidden Harbor rates.