Water Mill remains a critical topic
by DARLENE M. DONOHUE Reporter

The village will need some outside help to move forward with any plans for the Williamsville Water Mill parcel, according to Trustee Jeff Kingsley, the Village Board's liaison to the Mill Restoration Committee.

At Monday's board meeting, Kingsley said the village is still awaiting $200,000 in state grants, which the board accepted last summer, but that the village has to consider other options.

"We have a partnership with the State Historical Preservation Office, but we need help from other entities to decide what is best for the Mill and the village," said Kingsley.

"I am optimistic that the Mill can be restored and used for a number of beneficial purposes, but the village can't rely solely on the Mill Committee," he said. "The village owns it, so they need to be responsible. We need professional services to help in this process."

Kingsley is calling for assistance from the Amherst Industrial Development Agency, local businesses and residents. There will be an open house on Saturday, May 24, at the Mill so the public can visit the building and offer their ideas.

"We have to consider any realistic options that will help us decide how to proceed," said Kingsley. "I would like to see this structure restored and preserved. Also, using it for village business, leasing or selling it are all options."

In other action, the board discussed restricting parking on Willowbrook Drive.

Trustee Brian Kulpa said the Traffic and Safety Committee recommends parking on one side of the road because there is a concern that the limited street width makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to travel on the street when there are vehicles parked on both sides.

Kulpa requested that parking be restricted to the south side of the road. He will present a resolution at the next meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Village Hall, 5565 Main St.