Ellicottville Village Board Discusses Traffic Safety, Historical Society, and Farmers Market Changes
Ellicottville Village Board Discusses Traffic Safety, Historical Society, and Farmers Market Changes
Village officials reviewed traffic concerns near the park, upcoming changes to the Ellicottville Farmers Market, Historical Society programming, infrastructure updates, and proposed occupancy tax legislation.
The Ellicottville Village Board covered a variety of community topics during its regular meeting on Monday, May 19, including traffic safety concerns, updates from the Ellicottville Historical Society and Ellicottville Farmers Market, along with infrastructure reports and proposed occupancy tax legislation.
Mayor John Burrell called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ellicottville Historian Ellen Frank presented an overview of the Ellicottville Historical Society’s recent activities and progress. Frank reported that the Historical Society welcomed 1,436 visitors between May and December 2025, representing 31 states and nine countries. She also said the organization is preparing for another active summer season with ghost tours, educational lectures, and new exhibits planned. The Historical Society is currently open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-4:00pm through September, with accommodations available for special tours and group requests. She noted that the organization operates with the help of 18 dedicated volunteers and encourages residents and visitors to follow the Historical Society on Facebook for updates and information.
Village resident Chuck Parenti also addressed the board regarding traffic safety concerns on Parkside Drive and surrounding streets near the village park. Parenti expressed concerns about speeding vehicles and drivers running stop signs in the residential area.
Mayor Burrell explained that the Village Board has been discussing possible signage improvements and other measures to improve safety, though traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Town of Ellicottville Police Department. Parenti was encouraged to attend the following evening’s Town Board meeting to share his concerns directly with Town officials and Officer-in-Charge Jim Bouchard.
Ellicottville Farmers Market Director Caitlin Croft also attended the meeting to discuss changes planned for the upcoming market season. Croft shared a new logo and branding initiative that will transition the market to the name, “Makers Market,” a move intended to broaden participation opportunities for artisans, musicians, and other vendors.
According to the discussion, the market will move from Fridays to Tuesdays and will operate during the hours of 3:00-6:00pm beginning in June. Croft noted that organizers are also working with the Tri-County Arts Council and other community partners in hopes of increasing participation and expanding programming.
In other meeting highlights, updates were shared regarding the village’s ongoing sewer and utility projects, with officials noting that utility companies continue working on system-related upgrades and coordination.
Village officials additionally discussed the status of proposed occupancy tax legislation currently under review at the state level. Board members noted that the proposal continues to move through the legislative process and would ultimately require approval from Gov. Kathy Hochul if passed.
The meeting also included routine committee and departmental reports before adjournment.
The Ellicottville Village Board meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at the Town Hall, 1 W. Washington St. For additional information including previous meeting minutes and upcoming agendas, go to villageofellicottvilleny.gov.
