Drive‑thru‑only Seven Brew proposal in Cheektowaga raises traffic and sidewalk questions

A drive‑thru‑only Seven Brew coffee shop proposed at 1593 Walden Avenue drew detailed questions from the Environmental Advisory Committee about vehicle queueing, curb cuts and whether pedestrian access or sidewalks should be required.

Applicant presentation and code: the applicant said the 0.53‑acre site is in the CM zone where drive‑thru uses require a special use permit; the proposed building would be 792 square feet with 35 stacking spaces (town code requires 16). The applicant is seeking a setback variance and said the project team will coordinate with the traffic safety commission and DOT on traffic management.

Traffic concerns: committee members raised practical concerns about ingress/egress geometry and the potential for vehicles to back up onto Walden and nearby intersections. One member noted the distance from the curb cut to Walden is about 66 feet, which covers roughly three to four cars to the signal; the committee asked the applicant to seek DOT input on signal timing and the effect of peak queueing.

Pedestrian access and sidewalks: planning staff reminded the EAC that pedestrian access and sidewalk requirements can be evaluated during planning board review. The applicant said the business does not focus on pedestrians but would serve a walking customer if encountered; staff said sidewalks are often required to accommodate employees or transit riders and that the planning board could require them or ask for a waiver.

SEQR and EAC role: staff noted the project may qualify as a Type II action under local SEQR (non‑residential construction under 4,000 sq ft with no zoning change), which would not require an environmental review. Committee members discussed whether that status changes the EAC's advisory role; given traffic concerns, the EAC ultimately moved to table the item until traffic safety and DOT comments are available.

Next steps: the applicant will seek DOT input and traffic safety commission comment and return with any recommended mitigation or revised site geometry; the planning board will review the special use permit and variance application.