Ellicottville Village Sets September 22 Public Hearings
Ellicottville Village Sets September 22 Public Hearings
Public hearings on a proposed occupancy tax, 24 Rockwell Avenue sale and Maybee Alley traffic change set for September 22
Three public hearings will take center stage at the Ellicottville Village Board’s next meeting, including a proposed 5% occupancy tax within the village.
During its August 18 meeting, the Board scheduled hearings for Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00pm to gather public input on the proposed sale of 24 Rockwell Avenue, the possible return of Maybee Alley to two-way traffic, and a new local law establishing the village occupancy tax.
Returning Maybee Alley to two-way traffic would require the village to rescind Local Law No. 1 of 2007. All three hearings will be held at the Ellicottville Town Hall.
GRANT APPLICATIONS
Village Clerk Amy Hayward also updated the board on several grant applications awaiting decisions. The village expects to hear in late October about a NY Plays Grant application for an all-inclusive playground and a New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Engineering Planning Grant.
A decision on a Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant is anticipated in November or December. Additional applications under review include funding for the playground and trail system, a proposed amphitheater, and infrastructure improvements along Park Street and Fillmore Drive. Decisions on those applications are expected between December and January.
Hayward said the village may also consider applying for funding through the next round of RESTORE New York and a third round of infrastructure grants, both expected to be announced this fall.
The Board approved a Certificate of Referendum related to a New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation grant for the village wastewater treatment plant.
Mayor John Burrell updated trustees on an Empire State Development grant previously connected to the 1887 Building. The state did not approve transferring the grant to another project, but the funding opportunity will remain open until July 2027. Village officials remain hopeful that progress involving the historic building will allow the grant to be used before it expires.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
The Board approved the 2026 Fall Festival with no changes from the previous year. Deputy Mayor Doug Bush, who oversees special events, was absent and did not participate in the vote.
Trustee Jolie Newpher reported that the newly formed Special Events Committee is working to schedule its first meeting to review the village’s event application and approval process. An update is expected at the September board meeting.
Work also continues on the village’s eCode project. Hayward said Village Attorney Richard Stanton and Village Planner Greg Keyser have completed an organizational analysis and returned it, along with other final documents, to the company. The Village is now awaiting the next steps in the process.
The Board approved Mayor Burrell, Hayward, and incoming Deputy Clerk Sonya Handmore to attend the New York Conference of Mayors Fall Training School. Village offices will be closed September 14-18 while staff members attend the conference. Handmore is scheduled to begin her new position September 1. She will work from 8:00am-4:00pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The Ellicottville Village Board’s regularly scheduled September meeting is being moved from its usual date because of the NYCOM conference. It will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 6:00pm, beginning with the three scheduled public hearings. All meetings take place at the Ellicottville Town Hall at 6:00pm. For additional information, go to villageofellicottvilleny.gov.