PRESS RELEASE:
A Joint Meeting hosted by the Town of
Wellsville
Town
of Wellsville Planning Board
Village
of Wellsville Planning Board
Allegany
County Development/IDA
7p.m.
Monday February 10th, 2020
Representatives from these three planning entities met in
the new town offices at the Wellsville Municipal Airport to provide mutual
updates and discussion. Town Board
Member and Planning Board Liaison Mike Miller organized this joint meeting in
hopes of creating synergy and continued collaboration:
"It's important for the town and village
to work together as much as possible. Sometimes there is a perception
that a rift exists between the two municipalities but that couldn't be further
from the truth. We are all "Wellsville" and we all want
what's best for our great community. If something positive happens in the
Village that is something positive for the Town as well and vice versa. I was
so impressed with the village reps and can't wait to work with them more in the
future."
Town planning board members discussed some of the most
recent group work beginning with updates to the Allegany County Comprehensive
Plan. A significant amount of time has
been spent investigating new state solar and battery storage laws. The planning board has presented the full
town board with recommendations on how to incorporate these laws into local
building code. Members of both boards
agreed that its important that village and town create seamless standards for
solar installations. New York State law
governs all solar installations over 25 megawatts, leaving local governments to
oversee smaller systems typically used by private homes.
The Village of
Wellsville planning board has been overseeing projects and looking for parking
solutions for the business district.
From converting private lots into public parking and reconfiguring Main
Street parking, this problem is still a long way from being solved. Village planners expressed optimism about a
strong real estate market and new developments downtown.
Allegany County IDA head
Dr. Craig Clarke brought a message of cohesion and coordination to the joint
board meeting. Between the county
development groups, various planning boards, chamber of commerce, and area
non-profits he believes the larger effort is being diluted. Clarke asked that municipalities coalesce
around a county development steering committee within the Office of Development. By consolidating efforts under a county
banner, we provide potential investors a clear picture instead of the ‘jigsaw
puzzle’ of the past. Plans are underway
to include members of local boards into this steering committee.
General discussion touched on common issues- excessive
taxation, poor internet service, job loss, and the future of manufacturing
facilities in Wellsville. The joint
group made tentative plans to reconvene this summer and hold regular meetings
moving forward. The last time the town
and village planning boards held a group session was over fifteen years
ago.
