Sheridan Park Crematory must close within 6 months after signed bill

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Sheridan Park Crematory in the Town of Tonawanda will have to be permanently shut down within the next six months following a bill signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblyman Bill Conrad announced Monday.

The crematory is run by Amigone Funeral Home which will be allowed to continue operating at 2600 Sheridan Dr.

In 2021, legislation was passed to allow Amigone to relocate its crematory to a non-residential area without losing its grandfathered status. However, it remained in its original location, causing residents to complain of the odor and human ashes ending up in their yards.

The crematory was closed in 2020 following a pollution control system failure. From 2012 to 2018, the crematory was closed for violating state clean air laws.

A 1998 bill prevented funeral homes from operating crematories, existing ones operated by grandfathered funeral entities have been unable to relocate without losing their grandfathered status.

"The crematory never should have been approved over 30 years ago at a location adjacent to an established, residential neighborhood within our community," said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger. "That wrong has finally been righted through the efforts of a lot of people, and we are grateful that the Governor put her signature on Sen. Ryan and Assemblyman Conrad's bill, which they both fought hard to get passed."

In a press release, Sheridan Park Inc. said it is disappointed in the signing of the legislation. It said that there was no hearing and no evidence to suggest a negative environmental impact, including from the DEC.

"We consider this bill to be an unconstitutional taking and will pursue appropriate legal avenues to protect the interest of Sheridan Park Inc as well as to preserve our ability to best serve grieving families throughout Western New York," it said in the release.