More than meets the eye on Mill
The Williamsville School District budget of $145,255,205 and the three proposed propositions were passed on May 15. As a resident and taxpayer on Mill Street, I want to thank the voters who voted "no" on Proposition No. 2.

The $4.5 million Mill Street Campus Bond Proposition was promoted as a low-cost tax impact issue with student safety in mind, while redesigning the traffic flow and transportation facility at Mill Middle.

None of the several pieces of literature or articles handed out or mailed to our homes mentioned that a "yes" vote would turn the front of the Mill Street campus into a parking lot for the sometime use by parents, staff and visitors. While talking to voters on voting day, many were shocked to learn all the details. They "had no idea."

Not only would our residential properties be devalued, but so would our future quality of "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness," the very reasons why we chose to live here, would be lost forever. Some of us have invested 30-, 40- and 50-plus years to establish this community. To destroy it would be devastating and expensive in more ways than just monetary.

We know there is a major traffic problem and student safety needs to be addressed. However, we are concerned for our safety as well. A front parking lot would not change the number of cars dropping off and picking up students.

We have lived through all the projects, loss of privacy, dirt, noise, fumes, disruptions, renovations, repaving and major construction the last few years. We would like to work with the school district and planners for a better solution for all. We pay high taxes to give students a top-notch education. We hope to continue to be here 24/7 for a long time to come. Consider us, too. We are part of the established community.

Bonnie Farrell

Mill Street Williamsville