Upcoming Festival Schedule & Road Closures
Upcoming Festival Schedule & Road Closures
Village Board Reports Great Use of New Parking Lot, Upcoming Events and More…
Photo / Village of Ellicottville
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Village Board came together to review and talk through the evening’s agenda. Mayor John Burrell started discussions by calling the meeting to order and sharing some good news within the Village of Ellicottville.
First to be announced, the Taste of Ellicottville was a success and welcomed locals and tourists alike to sample the fine culinary offerings of the area. The festival brought in an estimated 4,000 visitors, with that Saturday being the highest attendance on record to date. The Village was also happy to see that the new addition of the Mill Street parking lot was utilized and had reached its maximum capacity. Organizers and vendors did a fantastic job, and congratulations are in order for this year’s category winners: The Silver Fox, West Rose Restaurant, Cupcaked Bakery, EBC Tap + Bottle & Taqueria, and The Gin Mill!
Coming back to the Mill Street parking lot, the electrical vehicle chargers are starting to show positive earnings which are now up to 8%. These chargers have been recognized as an impactful addition to the area and “we hope to continue to see their popularity grow.”
The Village Board opened Privilege of the Floor. Two topics were addressed, starting with Robert Flemming, a representative of Collier Engineering, who was joined by two Department of Transportation (DOT) representatives, Mario D’Alfonso and Brian Dankert, to talk about any future work for the culvert on Washington Street. A preliminary plan was presented for the Spring of 2026 with details including an 8-week project time and detours to be made for street alternatives.
Neighborhood representatives were in attendance to follow up on their concerns regarding short-term rentals. They expressed a concern regarding a local bed & breakfast and an incident that involved a response from Ellicottville Police and local sheriff, who addressed the noise after the property manager was said to have done nothing. Residents took a moment to thank the Board and the Mayor in what they have noticed as positive change being made. It was also noted during the meeting that several short-term rentals operating without a permit were fined $1,000 each and resulted in removed listings on VRBO and Airbnb. Local real estate and rental agencies will be made aware by letter from the Village government to remind them of the current policies in place and the penalties that will be strictly enforced. For those looking for credible, properly permitted rentals, they can look to the Village’s website which now lists approved short-term rentals and will be updated as needed.
The Mayor’s report came with some topics to be addressed. The New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has an upcoming event to be held on September 16-20, 2024. These dates conflict with the monthly Village Board meeting and for Mayor Burrell to be in attendance. It was agreed that Trustee Doug Bush will sit in for Mayor Burrell during his leave so that the Board meeting can stay as scheduled, however, the October meeting will be rescheduled to the 8th of the month.
In other news addressed by the Mayor, there will be a grant meeting held September 21st with HoliMont, Iskalo Development, and other necessary personnel. Within these talks they hope to pursue grant funding from the NY Forward to benefit the Village of Ellicottville.
Other department reports were presented and approved without issue. Engineering and Planning were brought to attention by Greg Keyser who discussed the recent needs and projects of the Village. An update was made that the Elizabeth Street project continues to move along as scheduled, but with one conflicting matter being addressed. During the weekend of the Rock’n Roll Festival, Elizabeth Street will have to remain closed. The Board approved for the official closure of Elizabeth Street during the festival.
Special events had some updates to be made to the Village Board, including the Annual Ellicottville Fall Festival request as well as the EVL Half Marathon & 5K. Both of these events come with plenty of preparation and draw thousands to the area to join in on the fun.
The Fall Festival, which will be held October 12-13, 2024, stays true to its yearly application with little change beyond a request from the Ratchet Hatchet. They have asked for the approval of a 40’x30’ tent similar to those used by other businesses. The Board granted the request.
The EVL Half Marathon & 5K will be celebrating their 10th year running. With an estimated 2,500 runners returning for the event, organizers have prepared year-round to welcome a safe and successful event. The Board approved the event without issue.
Another event request was made that had been previously brought to the attention of the Board. The Farmers Market, which has been a wonderful weekend addition each summer, will now extend this year for three additional dates. Mark your calendars for 9/13, 9/20, and 9/27 to enjoy some of the last offerings of the Farmers Market for the year.
Concluding talks, Mayor Burrell called the evenings meeting to adjourn. The Village Board will reconvene on September 17, 2024 at 6:00pm at the Village Hall. Stay up-to-date at ellicottvillegov.com.