Williamsville Water Mill receives $50,000 state grant

The historic Williamsville Water Mill has been awarded a $50,000 state grant to help pay for costs associated with the Village Board's purchase of the building and its preservation.
In 2005, Village of Williamsville trustees purchased the historic landmark for $450,000 from the mortgage holder, M&T Bank to ensure the mill stays a part of the community for years to come.
"Purchasing the Mill to ensure its preservation was a bold step by the Village Board," said Assemblyman Jim Hayes, R-Amherst,  who secured the grant for the village.
"It is my hope that this grant will be the catalyst for additional grants from other levels of government  and the private sector -- to help secure the future of the Mill as an important symbol of our community's heritage," he added.
 The Mill is located at 56 E. Spring St. Its preservation and redevelopment is seen as an integral part of a Main Street revitalization plan currently under study by Village officials.
"Positive and progressive steps will return the Mill to its original glory and keep it as a jewel for generations to come," Williamsville Mayor Mary E. Lowther said, noting the renovation is costly.
Originally built in 1811 by Jonas Williams, the mill helped attract settlers to the area and a bustling network of commercial enterprise was soon formed.  "Williams Mill" grew into Williamsville with generations of villagers visiting to enjoy apple cider and a family outing in neighboring Glen Park with its sweeping waterfall.
The mill is protected by the Village's Historic Preservation Code and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.