Williamsville receives $24,000 for Main Street work
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Williamsville has been awarded $24,000 of the $290,000 received by Western New York in a third round of funding from the Quality Communities Grant.

During a press conference held this past Thursday, Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue and Secretary of State Christopher L. Jacobs presented one large check to the five municipalities that received a chunk of the funds.

According to a press release from the Secretary of State Office, the village is to use the money to undertake a Main Street revitalization project, utilizing innovative public participation practices.

In correlation with the Town of Amherst, the municipalities will develop a business and marketing plan that seeks to identify high level highway and streetscape design recommendations, complementing the business district in the village.

"The village is currently in the process of completing a Community Plan to guide its future, and is also starting the first phase of the Revitalization project," said Mayor Mary Lowther. "This grant's timing couldn't be better and will provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate a corridor plan and streetscape designs for the Main Street business district into the Community Plan."

Assemblyman Jim Hayes, R-Amherst, said it is these types of projects and funding where tax money is sent back to the residents.