About Pendleton

Community Description

The Town of Pendleton extends from the central part of Niagara County, New York State, to the southern boundary which is Tonawanda Creek. The town straddles the Erie Canal. The town enjoys a mixture of residential and agricultural areas.

Historical Facts

The Town of Pendleton was taken from Niagara on February 2, 1824. The town was named after Sylvester Pendleton Clarke, Ex-Governor of Grand Island. The first settlement was made by Jacob Christman. Early settlers included Martin Van Slyke, and John and Adam Fulmer.

Population & Demographics

According to the US Census, the Town of Pendleton has a population of 6,050 (2000), up from the 5,010 residents living here in 1990, but up and impressive 28% from 1980. According to the 2000 Census, 5.8% of the population was under five years of age, 24% was between the ages of five and nineteen, 33.7% was between twenty and forty-four, 25.2% was between forty-five and sixty-four and 11.4% was the age of sixty-five or over. The median family income is $45,596.

Housing Activity

The Town of Pendleton enjoys a mixture of agricultural lands and modern subdivisions. More than 2,162 housing units are within the town boundaries. The median value of owner-occupied homes in the town is $84,600 (1996-97). This is lower than the New York State figure of $111,700 but higher than the Niagara County figure of $72,500. This makes the Town of Pendleton not only economical but a very desireable place to purchase a home. It's proximity to Buffalo, Amherst and the University of Buffalo place the Town of Pendleton at the gateway to one of Western New York's most active markets.

Employment

Major Employers include:

* Chameleon Color Cards
* JM Canty, Inc
* Pivot Punch Corporation
* Lockport Mattress Company, Inc
* First Niagara Bank

Public Safety & Healthcare

The Town of Pendleton draws its water from the Niagara County Water District. The sewerage is tied into the county sewer district. The town has enhanced 911 (E911) service for fire and emergency calls.

Educational Resources

The Town of Pendleton is served by the following school districts:

* Lockport City Schools
* Starpoint Central Schools
* Nearby Niagara County Community College, Niagara University and the University of Buffalo offer specialized degrees and continuing education for full and part-time students.

Recreational Assets

The historic Erie Canal traverses the town, engaging visitors and local residents alike to appreciate and enjoy this 19th century wonder and 20th Century heirloom. West Canal Park provices quiet recreation where picnicking, boating, launching and fishing are available for visitors and residents alike. Pendleton Town Park has in addition to the Historical Society building, picnicking & shelters, play area, bicycle trail, hiking, rollerblading path and tennis. Eleanor Depeau Park has a roller hockey area and tennis courts.

Agriculture & Environment

The surface of the town is level or gently undulating; in the southern part, its boundary is Tonawanda Creek. Sawyer Creek crosses the west part. The Erie Canal runs generally in the northeasterly direction througfh the Town of Pendleton. The soil is a clayey loam.