M/ile Sports in the Town of Hamburg does not need sprinkler system

The M/ile Sports Complex is one step closer to reality after owner Michael D’Amico told the Hamburg Town Board Monday (Feb. 13) that New York State’s building code says a sprinkler system is not required for an operation like what he is working on completing.

D’Amico is attempting to get the sports complex project completed inside of the former Sweeney Metal Facility on Lake Shore Road (Route 5).

“We did get permission,” D’Amico said.

“Often times the sprinkler issue is the big issue because it’s the most expensive issue,” said John Lydon, president of Left Coast Design and Architecture, P.C., who is working with D’Amico. “This particular project is exempt from sprinklers.”

When it is complete, it will house indoor sports leagues and serve as a practice facility for area high schools.

The project has been in the works since last summer, when D’Amico approached the Hamburg Industrial Development Agency before going before the Town of Hamburg’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board.

“I hope we can keep this on the fast track,” said D’Amico. “It’s cost me a lot of money.”

Lydon said the next step is to file for work permits.

D’Amico gave his update to the board during the work session.

During the regular meeting, Town Supervisor Steven Walters said the plan for “Blast on the Beach” is on schedule to be held at Town Park again this year.

Walters was asked by resident Steve Strnad whether there was an update, after a discussion was held during the Jan. 23 meeting.

“A while back, a suggestion was brought to the town board,” said Walters. He noted that because the Town of Hamburg assumed control of Woodlawn Beach State Park in 2011, it was suggested that the town board look at moving the annual event to Woodlawn because it was a larger venue.

In reference to the Jan. 23 meeting, Walters said “unfortunately, it blew up a little.”

He said the town is moving ahead as planned and that the town board has yet to even discuss the matter.

Also during the meeting, Town Councilman Joseph Collins questioned why there was a resolution to give Town Attorney Kenneth Farrell a pay increase from $60,000 to $62,500.

Farrell said there is an overall decrease of $2,500 in salary in his department as new Deputy Town Attorney Brian Attea would be receiving a pay of $25,000, which is $5,000 less than former Deputy Town Attorney Brian Doyle.

Farrell told Collins he has picked up additional responsibilities involving insurance and risk management.

“We’re a small department,” said Farrell, adding that the town still hires independent contractors to help with certain cases.

Farrell pointed to claims against the town by Collins as an example of why the town needed to hire outside legal counsel.

According to Farrell, more than $70,000 of the approximately $100,000 fees for outside counsel were a result of claims made by Collins against the town.

Walters said if Farrell’s department has a conflict of interest such as a “sitting councilmember” filing a claim against the town, the board needs to contract services for an attorney.

Collins, who voted against the raise, said it does not seem like a lot of money, but that it is his understanding the town lost nearly $800,000 in revenues last year,

“We have a deficit for the first time in years,” said Collins.

Walters refuted Collins’ claim. that there is a deficit.

“The town did not run a deficit last year,” said Walters. “We did not run an $800,000 deficit.”

The Hamburg Town Board will hold its next meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, beginning with a work session at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.