Development project draws resident concerns
Williamsville
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Several Village residents attended the Monday night Williamsville Village Board meeting to speak out against a development request by Richard Bergman and his company, Heartland Homes.

Bergman has requested the Village allow him to divide the property at 122 N. Cayuga Road in two so he may build two patio-style condominiums, allowing for four living units.

The concerned residents, who mostly live in the neighborhood with the property in question had a variety of worries, including stormwater drainage, sewage and two-way traffic from the driveway that would accompany the property.

"This project will be a detriment to the quality of life," said one Howard Avenue resident.

"Architecturally approved designs were not submitted," another said. "The loss of privacy and green space would have a negative effect."

A North Cayuga Road resident, who had gathered signatures from her neighbors, noted that should the board allow Bergman to divide the property, it would set a precedent for other developers to do so as well.

"There are people waiting to see how this turns out," another resident agreed. "It's just not what you want to do to a beautiful dead end street."

Several residents also called for a compromise of letting Bergman build one patio home instead of two, which would allow for two units instead of four.

The proposal has already found approval with the necessary Village committees in order to be presented before the board.

Bergman and his attorney, Sean Hopkins, addressed the residents' concerns, saying that the homes would not be built if they were going to affect drainage and stormwater and that studies had been done to ensure that it wouldn't.

"We might even create a detention area for excess stormwater to be used for gardening purposes, for example," Bergman said. "But you can't build anything anywhere without addressing that."

Bergman also said that he would look into how the property would affect the area's sewage.

As far as precedents being set by allowing this kind of development resident concerns

in the Village, Hopkins noted that each individual project should stand on its own when it comes to board approval.

"There aren't many vacant lots that are one acre or more in the Village," Hopkins said. "And if you look at the zoning, the site is properly zoned for this use."

He noted that, should the project not be approved as is, a large single family home or a double home designed for rental would be built, rather than the condominiums for sale as the project exists now.

Mayor Mary Lowther said that a decision would not be made on the project for several weeks as the Village will be approaching Erie County for its opinion. Any more concerns raised by the public can now be submitted to the board members.

In other board news:

The board approved the creation of the Village Community Response Committee.

According to Trustee Jeff Kingsley, who put the resolution before the board, the committee would serve to "ensure that information is digested in an easy way."

Such matters include safety and budget concerns of the residents, reverse 911 calls in emergency situations and emergency plans.

"Village government is very progressive and close to the people," Kingsley said. "This is one avenue that will serve to bridge the gap between government and the community."

Committee members will serve a one year term. Any person interested in joining the committee should contact one of the trustees. Accountants, emergency workers and those with social work experience are especially needed.

Trustee Basil Piazza also reminded residents that if a recycling bin is needed, they are available at Village Hall. Upon moving into the Village, if the previous homeowner did not leave the recycling bin, one will be provided free of charge. Extra bins are available for $5 each.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9 due to Village offices being closed on Monday, Oct. 8 for the Columbus Day holiday. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com