Williamsville
Damage assessed at nearly $1 million; parking ban effective through Saturday
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

The Village of Williamsville suffered a significant amount of damage during the early winter storm that ripped through Western New York Oct. 12 and 13.

Mayor Mary Lowther said the preliminary estimate of damage was assessed between $850,000 and $1 million. These numbers have been given to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but as cleanup efforts continue, the total damage amount could change.

"I am astounded at how good the village looks," Lowther said, noting that maintenance crews have been working 12-hour shifts every day.

The towns of Lewiston, Niagara and Porter sent workers on Oct. 15 to assist in the cleanup, and they stayed for exactly one week.

A parking ban has been instituted for side streets from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice. Lowther estimated the ban could be lifted by the end of the week, but she advised residents to look for a confirmation on the bulletin sign outside Village Hall, 5565 Main St. in Williamsville.

When crews began removing brush, residents started parking on the streets again, Lowther said. However, this has slowed the cleanup efforts. Also, in order to get FEMA assistance, the brush must be removed as soon as possible, Lowther said.

She noted that cable and telephone lines are still down, and they could take longer to repair because no outside crews have been hired by the companies in the area.

The Department of Public Works will not pick up piles of leaves this year due to the storm cleanup schedule. Residents should place leaves in bags or cans and put them at the curb on their regular garbage day.

For more information, call Village Hall at 632-4120.