Ellicottville Sets a Cannabis Standard
Ellicottville Sets a Cannabis Standard
Public Hearing on 12 Month Processing of Potential Cannabis Facilities
Photo / ellicottvilleNOW
The Town Board of Ellicottville gathered on March 20th for their monthly meeting in which various topics were discussed, such as Local Law No. 1 Cannabis Moratorium, multiple upcoming fundraisers, short-term rentals and more. To start, Town Supervisor Matthew McAndrew called the meeting to order and lead into conversation on the current agenda.
CANNABIS MORATORIUM
A public hearing had been made for Local Law No. 1 Cannabis Moratorium. The topic has been continuously discussed in hopes to set a high standard in regulation and knowledge. The Town of Ellicottville holds a position where they allow the sale of cannabis but are also able to control the aspects of sales through their zoning laws. With the public hearing, residents in attendance had a chance to address the Law, voice any concerns or ask questions.
The moratorium states that there will be a “12 Month Moratorium on the processing of any applications for, approvals, or permits for the siting of any facilities for use or distribution of cannabis”. While this can lead to confusion from the Town opting in for the sale of cannabis, it has been made to be sure that the Town can assess and safely plan for the proper handling in this new territory of retail. Once these points were addressed and explained, the Town Board made the motion to close the public hearing.
The Cattaraugus County Planning Board has also shown their support for the 12 month moratorium with the understanding that it will not have any substantial countywide inter-community effects. Finally, Local Law No. 1 was put to a vote with all “ayes” set in motion. It will become effective once filed with the Secretary of State.
SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Keeping on track with local laws, a brief update was made to the Short-Term Rental Committee. Presented to the committee was a drafted law that applies to the handling of short-term rental properties in the Town of Ellicottville. There was some feedback made to Mr. Keyser, Town Planner, who will be taking these revisions into account. Once the necessary adjustments are made that all parties can agree on, the revised law will be sent along to the Planning Board for review as we wait to see what the final decision will be.
Short-term rentals prove to be a popular choice for visitors during all seasons in Ellicottville. The Town, however, understands that there needs to be a standard set on how those rentals are handled in a way that does not disrupt the community.
UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS
A few new fundraisers are in the mix and here is what to look out for. The Town Board was approached by Priscilla Snider, who presented a Boot Drive to benefit the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. The Board agreed all in support of the event which will take place on May 25th from 8:00am-12:00pm. In coordination with the event, the Ellicottville Police Department will assist to be sure all goes well.
Another date to mark on your calendars is May 5th, as the EVGV Trail plans for its 5K Trail Run fundraiser at HoliMont. The Board expressed their support as planning for the event continues. To follow along on the progress being made with the EVGV Trail and all other additional information, you can reach out to their official website at www.evgvtrail.org.
MONTHLY REPORTS
The meeting continued over brief points and discussions. Presented by the Department heads were the monthly reports involving the Clerk’s, Justice, Building Inspector’s, and Police. These were accepted by all members without any issue to adjust. Continuing were the heads of the Police, Highway, Planning, and Engineering, who also presented their reports with minor updates made regarding the Town. These were received by the Board, again without issue.
As the evening came to an end, Supervisor Matt McAndrew called to adjourn the Town Board meeting. The Board will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of the month. To follow along for scheduling and public notices, go to www.ellicottvillegov.com.