Community Tribute Takes Center Stage as Village Board Tackles Housing, Water, and STR Court Cases
Community Tribute Takes Center Stage as Village Board Tackles Housing, Water, and STR Court Cases
Community pays tribute to Zach Golley as Village Board addresses housing, water, and local projects.
PHOTO CAPTION: A strong turnout of Zach Golley’s loved ones and colleagues helped honor his memory at the recent sign dedication. photo / Village of Ellicottville
The Ellicottville Village Board met Tuesday, Sept. 23rd to review updates on parks, projects, and recent community activity. Mayor John Burrell opened the meeting with “Good News” regarding the long-vacant 1887 Building. Two developers, who were not named, have submitted an offer to purchase the property with plans for workforce housing, offered at what they described as ‘very good rates,’ along with retail or community space on the ground floor. They also proposed repurposing the old basement gym, which was built with high ceilings, by adding a second floor to create more usable space.
Honoring Zach Golley: The recent dedication of Zach Golley Drive, leading into the Ellicottville Village Park, drew a strong community turnout. Trustee Sean Lowes described the event as “a very special day,” and Village Clerk Amy Hayward reported that it reached more than 13,000 views on social media. Zach, an employee of the Village DPW, lost his life in a tragic accident earlier this year. During the meeting, the board approved a memorial sign for the Village’s wastewater treatment facility. The proposed sign features brushed metal lettering and an eagle design based on a photo taken by Zach’s mother. In addition, a new bench has been installed in his memory outside the Ellicottville Fire Hall.
PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Trustees passed resolutions supporting pro-housing initiatives tied to the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application, as well as formally adopting Cattaraugus County’s hazard mitigation plan. Adoption makes the village eligible for certain state grant funding.
Village engineers reported successful cooperation with the Town on recent Elk Street projects. The Department of Public Works will begin its fall hydrant flushing program next week.
HoliMont is prospecting for a new water source to support future snowmaking needs, beginning with a test well at the base of Greer Hill. However, the DEC has encouraged that they explore additional sources, and connecting to the Village water system is not feasible. As Mayor Burrell explained, the chlorine used in the Village’s treated water would prevent the active ingredient in snowmaking materials from working effectively. Water Division Supervisor Jesse Klahn advised the board that once the new test well is drilled, the water department will monitor the well to ensure it does not impact the community’s supply.
At the wastewater treatment plant, the board discussed the need for an RFP for dredging work, pump and liner upgrades, and UV improvements, along with permit renewals required by the DEC.
OTHER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Short-term Rental Enforcement: Village Code Enforcement reported that recent cases involving short-term rentals were dismissed in county court, in part due to insufficient filings and disclaimers from property owners. Trustees discussed creating a village-run registry and potentially seeking home rule authority to collect a local bed tax for better enforcement.
Parks and Beautification: Trustee Sean Lowes highlighted the popularity of our local village park, noting the recent success of the lacrosse festival. Board members discussed ideas for new recreation facilities, including pickleball courts and even a community amphitheater. The concepts are being considered as part of grant applications for the DRI and NY Forward programs. Lowes commended the Alley Katz group for completing their fall decorations at the Gazebo. The board expressed their appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts and agreed they did a wonderful job.
Events: Villaggio requested approval to close Monroe Street on Wednesday of Fall Fest week (October 8th) for its 10th anniversary party, although no additional details were provided. While the board approved the request contingent on a number of caveats, members stressed that future applications must be submitted at least 30 days in advance and include detailed plans. The annual EVL Half Marathon & 5k scheduled for October 25th was also approved.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Burrell updated trustees on fire department facility needs, including a proposed $3 million renovation and addition to the 32-year-old fire hall, along with a $2 million truck replacement. Grant opportunities are being explored.
The mayor also addressed delivery truck complaints on Elizabeth Street. The board approved drafting a letter for local businesses and installing signage to direct deliveries onto Monroe and Washington Streets instead.
The next Village Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 at 6:00pm at Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Additional information can be accessed at the Village’s official website, villageofellicottvilleny.gov.
