Village residents reject request to build curb cut at public hearing
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Several Williamsville residents spoke out against the proposed installation of a curb cut from the Center for Plastic Surgery onto Spring Street.

The exit would go behind the existing buildings and empty onto the side street. The two existing fences would be removed and a one-way driveway would be installed pending Village Board approval.

Residents addressed the board with their concerns for pedestrian safety during the public hearing that was held at last Tuesday's meeting. Some cited the potential hazard of motorists not seeing a child dart across the road as they pull onto the side street.

The future of the Williamsville Water Mill was also a major issue residents had with the installation of the exit onto Spring Street.

The Traffic and Safety Committee unanimously rejected the proposal in May and recommended the Village Board do the same.

An attorney for The Center for Plastic Surgery said the proposal came about after a concern for patient safety was addressed. There have been three documented accidents from the current exit onto Main Street, and one included a bicyclist that was struck by a vehicle and had to be transported to the hospital.

"My concern was safety - my only concern," said owner of the center Dr. Zvi Sharf. He noted that he has spent more than $20,000 in search of a solution to the problem, and every conclusion pointed in the direction of the construction of a curb cut .

"Is safety more important than the mill," he asked, noting that he allows drivers to use his parking lot on the weekends.

"I can block this parking," Sharf said. "I do a lot in order to accommodate."

If the curb cut is approved, one parking space will be eliminated in the village.

A decision is set to be made at the next Village Board meeting to be held Monday, Oct. 23 at Village Hall, 5565 Main St.

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com