Tim Hortons at Main & Harris Hill: Community Concerns

Neighborhood Impact and Safety Issues

A proposed business at 8503 Main Street, at the corner of Main and Harris Hill, threatens our community. Our opposition is not specifically against Tim Hortons as a brand, but against any business that would generate significantly high traffic volumes at this already hazardous intersection. The projected 114 new vehicle trips from this proposal will exacerbate existing dangers and congestion, making it a direct threat to the safety of our residents, especially children.

• The Main and Harris Hill intersection is a hazardous 5-point configuration. Already a recognized problem for state and county traffic authorities, a new high-traffic business will only worsen existing congestion.
  

  An example of existing traffic hazards in the area.

• Its immediate proximity to three churches and two schools means constant pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
  

  School pickup traffic extending into the road, highlighting existing congestion near schools.

• Alarmingly, vehicles frequently drive on sidewalks at this intersection, creating dangerous conditions. Children, even with a dedicated crossing guard present, have been nearly struck by cars navigating this unsafe intersection.
  

  Example of traffic hazards: A driver going the wrong way on Nottingham Terrace, a one-way street near the intersection.

  

  Sidewalks with no curbs, making it easy for vehicles to drive onto them.

  

  Evidence of vehicles driving on sidewalks during winter conditions.

  

  Further evidence of vehicles driving on sidewalks during winter conditions.

  

  Additional visual proof of vehicles driving on sidewalks during winter conditions.

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• A traffic study projects 114 new vehicle trips from this Tim Hortons, yet it was conducted when school was not in session. This severely underestimates peak traffic. Nearby Nativity of Mary church also holds weekday masses, further impacting morning congestion (Clarence Planning Board Minutes, 10/16/24, p. 165-174 for resident anecdotes).

It's worth asking: Who would take responsibility when increased traffic inevitably leads to accidents or injuries, especially involving pedestrians and children?

And would the approving parties or Tim Hortons pledge to regularly clean up the inevitable increase in litter where kids, families, and pets walk daily?

Existing Coffee Shop Locations Nearby:

We strongly encourage supporting our local, community-focused coffee shops and businesses. Choosing them helps foster our unique neighborhood character and strengthens our local economy.

Disclaimer: The creator of this website has no association with these local coffee shops and receives no financial compensation or benefit from their inclusion in this list. They are listed for completeness to demonstrate the existing options, and have not been contacted about this list or expressed any opinions on this matter.

Numerous coffee shops already serve the area, making another unnecessary. Here are some within a short drive:

• Tim Hortons (5390 Genesee St, Lancaster, NY): ~1.4 miles (3 min drive).
• Tim Hortons (9220 Main Street, Clarence, NY): ~1.6 miles (3 min drive).
• ☕ Prominent Coffee Co. (9135 Sheridan Drive, Clarence, NY): ~1.8 miles (3 min drive).
• ☕ Goodrich Coffee & Tea (9450 Main Street, Clarence, NY): ~2.1 miles (5 min drive).
• Starbucks (9430 Main St, Clarence, NY): ~2.1 miles (7 min drive).
• Starbucks (8100 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221): ~2.7-2.9 miles (7-8 min drive).
• ☕ Spot Coffee (5205 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221): ~2.7-2.9 miles (7 min drive).
• ☕ Great Lakes Coffee Roasters (9560 Main Street, Clarence, NY): ~2.3 miles (5 min drive).
• Tim Hortons (6687 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY): ~2.3-2.5 miles (6-8 min drive).
• Tim Hortons (7860 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY): ~2.3-2.5 miles (6 min drive).
• Tim Hortons (5140 Main Street, Williamsville, NY): ~4.4 miles (11-12 min drive).
• Tim Hortons (1060 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, NY): ~4.5-4.6 miles (10-11 min drive).

This density confirms existing demand is met. Another coffee shop at this critical intersection is unnecessary and detrimental.

Beyond immediate neighborhood concerns, the added traffic will significantly impact daily commuters on Main Street and Harris Hill Road, increasing congestion and travel times for everyone.

What Else Could Go There?

While the current building at 8503 Main Street already has a drive-thru, it does not mean that the only viable option is a high-traffic fast-food establishment. As the property owner, Benderson Development has a responsibility to the community and the capacity to attract a tenant that aligns better with neighborhood needs and existing traffic realities. They could and should be trying harder to find a more suitable tenant. There are numerous alternatives that would better serve the community and cause significantly less disruption.

• Businesses that operate during specific, more limited hours, such as a bookstore, flower shop, deli, yoga studio, or jewelry shop. These types of establishments typically generate less traffic and do not require large delivery trucks that often block local roads and encourage cut-through traffic.
• A bank is another example. Banks generally have significantly less daily vehicle traffic compared to a drive-thru coffee shop, operate during specific business hours (not early morning or late night), and do not involve large delivery vehicles.
• The community could also explore options for rezoning the property to specifically allow for commercial entities that generate lower traffic volumes, thus prioritizing public safety and neighborhood character over high-volume franchises.

The options for this commercial space are truly endless, and many would align much better with the character and safety needs of our residential neighborhood. We urge decision-makers to consider alternatives that prioritize community well-being over traffic-heavy franchises.

Town Supervisor Casilio's Inconsistent Stance

Town Supervisor Casilio's inconsistent stance on development projects is deeply concerning.

• In 2014, Town Supervisor Casilio vocally opposed a proposal for a Tim Hortons drive-thru facility with a gas fueling station and convenience store at 8250 Main Street, known as "Kenyon's" at the northeast corner of Main Street and Westwood Road. The applicant was proposing to demolish the existing structure to construct a new convenience store with a Tim Hortons drive-thru. This location is approximately 0.2 miles from his residence. He explicitly voiced concerns that "60 customers or more" would cause a "traffic jam" on Westwood Road (Clarence Planning Board Minutes, 05/14/14).
• The lot at 8250 Main Street, which was the subject of Town Supervisor Casilio's past opposition, has sat empty for nearly a decade now. This stands in stark contrast to his often-stated position about ensuring commercial lots are utilized.
• The current proposal at 8503 Main Street projects almost double that traffic (114 vehicle trips), at an intersection far more dangerous and congested than the site he previously opposed. Yet, there seems to be less opposition from him on this significantly higher-impact project.
• Adding to the irony, Town Supervisor Casilio is an executive partner with Casilio, P.A.T. Construction Management Corp. and Construction Services Group of Upstate New York, Inc., with over 40 years of experience in real estate, land development, and construction. This statement contrasts with his public stance that "The Town of Clarence is not in the development business... that area is zoned for a coffee shop. The owner... has a right to ask to open up a coffee business there."

This inconsistency undermines public trust. It is precisely the job of elected representatives to advocate for their constituents, ensure that laws and zoning benefit the community, and to initiate or support changes to regulations when existing rules lead to detrimental outcomes like this. Our elected officials must demonstrate transparency, accountability, and consistent leadership, applying the same standards across all community areas.