Mayor looks for funds to 'ReGreen the Village'
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Williamsville Mayor Mary Lowther has suggested the village institute a "ReGreen the Village" fund, which would go toward reforesting areas where trees had to be chopped down after the October storm.

The village lost at least 100 municipal trees after the storm's heavy snow, which severely damaged the trunks, making it dangerous to leave them standing, Lowther said during Monday's Board of Trustees work session.

The tree stumps must be ground out and replanted, Lowther added. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the village for the removal of the severely damaged and dangerous trees but will not pay for stump grinding or tree replanting.

Residents have told village officials they are willing to donate to such a fund, Lowther said.

Estimates from Mike Parker, village Department of Public Works crew chief, put preliminary costs at between $400 and $500 per tree. This includes stump removal and new tree planting. The village budget does not have $40,000 to $50,000 available for a reforesting project, the mayor stated.

Residents and businesses can make a donation to "ReGreen The Village" c/o Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville, and any donation amounting to $200 or more will be added to an appreciation plaque that will hang in Village Hall recognizing those donors.

Donors can make special requests in writing that the village will consider and try to accommodate when using the funds.

However, Lowther said, the first order of business will be grinding out existing stumps, to be followed by tree planting. The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently awarded the village $4,200 to help with replanting efforts.

"The loss of over 100 trees is devastating, but we will work along with our residents to 'Re- Green The Village,'" Lowther said. Direct any questions to Lowther at 632-4120, ext. 3006.