East Aurora residents file lawsuit after trees cut down for development

Residents of East Aurora have filed a lawsuit in Erie County State Supreme Court against the village and a development company, claiming the approval process for a new residential development was flawed. The lawsuit centers on the classification of the project as a “minor subdivision” despite requiring a 194-foot sewer extension, which, according to village code, should have triggered a more rigorous review as a “major subdivision.” The residents, identifying themselves as ‘The Piners,’ argue this misclassification bypassed necessary evaluations of the project’s impact on infrastructure, traffic, tree loss, and neighborhood character.

A key concern raised by the residents is the removal of trees, including a large oak tree, to accommodate the development. The village board’s environmental assessment acknowledged tree loss but deemed it typical for residential construction. The lawsuit seeks a temporary injunction to halt construction and tree clearing, a reclassification of the project to a major subdivision, and a full state environmental study.

As of the time of this report, the East Aurora Village Board has not responded to requests for comment from WIVB News 4.

(Source：Wivb)