Prospectus: Williamsville A Detailed Look at the Exciting Projects for the Village in 2016

What’s Ahead

Feb. 22, 2016 Mayor Brian J. Kulpa will give his annual State of the Village Address at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Village Meeting House, 5658 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221. Village Agenda is Jam-Packed for 2016

 Manage budget within constraints of 0.12 percent tax cap May 2016:  Youngs Road interchange at State Thruway Weather permitting,  Close out & transfer title to Williamsville Water Mill the Village will  Pathway through Amherst continue construction  Complete Picture Main Street project design (Construction 2017) on the Spring Street  Complete Spring Street green infrastructure project Green infrastructure  South Long Street green infrastructure project project, which will see o Park improvements the continued o Stormwater infiltration revitalization of the  California Drive (Darling) residential project area surrounding the  Roneker Building (Marty’s) historic façade restoration project Williamsville Water  Westwood park creation (with the Town of Amherst) Mill.  Consolidate sewer department with Amherst or Erie County

In addition, the Village anticipates putting the historic building back on the tax rolls with a sale to the owners of Sweet Jenny’s Ice Cream, who have occupied the building on a month to month basis for the last few years.

Improving

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Picture Main Street The signature streetscape project of the Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

A Grassroots Movement

Picture Main Street was never just a plan drawn up by Village officials or state representatives who Picture Main: A Campaign for a Better Way to Live wanted to make Main Street a better place. Picture Main Street started as a streetscape plan. It was – and remains – It developed into a mindset. a grassroots And then, finally…it became a campaign for a better way to live. movement initiated by Talk to anyone on Main Street in the bustling Village of Williamsville the citizens of the and it’s likely they know about the initiative to improve the pedestrian Village of Williamsville. experience of the busy thoroughfare with $3 million in upgrades. Inspired by the 2010 The plan includes elements that will: referendum to reject  Improve the walkability of Main Street. dissolution of their  Create a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. beloved Village – and  Support economic development and community life in the Village. empowered by the  Create a signature street identity with bulb-outs, pedestrian refuge creation of a new islands and crossing signals, crosswalks, street greenery and a Community Plan – H.A.W.K. signal – one of the first of its kind in New York State. Villagers pushed their elected leaders to finally do something about the noise, traffic and unsafe conditions on Main Street. What resulted was a coordinated effort among residents, elected officials, state representatives and transportation experts who all had a hand in creating the plan.

Improving

February 2016 – Picture Main Street -- Village of Williamsville, N.Y. – PictureMainSt.com

Main Street: A Place for Cars People Williamsville to Canalside

The Picture Main Street plan includes a Village of Williamsville, NY

“Water Mill Plaza” and second shopping district on Spring Street anchored by the historic and recently restored Williamsville Water Mill and the natural beauty of Glen

Park and Glen Falls. Design work is underway on the majority Taking Back Main of the project, while Spring Street Street for the People construction began in 2015 and Main Street Exploring New

construction will begin in 2017. Pathways The $3 million project is now fully funded thanks to the efforts of U.S. Sen. Charles E. Williamsville to Canalside

Schumer, who has championed the project caught fire in the media with stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities from its inception. The Village of Williamsville Schumer helped secure funds that will be Amherst Bee along with TV Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: “took back Main Street” and radio coverage. Culture is used to install bulb-outs and curb Objective: Restore Access to H.A.W.K. Signal allows pedestrians to changing. People want Saturday evening. extensions, which are elements that will stop traffic mid-block by pressing a The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It No torch and pitchforks multiuse paths that connect make it easier for pedestrians to cross Main is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for required – this act of civic button. This will prevent dangerous destinations. The current Street by lessening the distance between everyone. upheaval was state-approved crossings that happen frequently while terminus of the Amherst Bike sidewalks on both sides of the street. Action 1: Gather stakeholders and 100 percent family- also opening up parking areas on both Path at Maple and North Another key element is the pedestrian- The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on friendly. sides of Main Street. Forest does not provide a activated H.A.W.K. Signal, which will be this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, Kids played street hockey View the full plan at destination. Building the final placed in the Village’s central core. The sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the and couples wheeled strollers connections to the Village of www.PictureMainSt.com. Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to in the middle of the usually Williamsville will fulfill a vision Canalside. to connect Williamsville to busy five-lane street during Canalside! Picture Main Street Live, a block party thrown in celebration of the pedestrian- Improved friendly changes coming Pathways soon.

“It’s kind of amazing to see For over 400 years people

have walked a path along it come to life right in front of you,” Tricia Browne said. Ellicott Creek to the North of -The Buffalo News Glen Falls. The current dirt path is blocked by fallen trees Village of Williamsville and difficult to traverse 5565 Main Street

Williamsville, NY 14221 because of exposed tree roots and rocks. It is time to make it

accessible to everyone.

Spring Street Project Restoration of the Historic Williamsville Water Mill and new Village Square

Award-Winning Project

Even before the Summer 2015 groundbreaking of the Spring Street project, the Village of Turning a Forgotten Back Alley into a Destination Williamsville streetscape plan The story of the Historic Williamsville Water Mill – and the Spring Street garnered honors as a area that surrounds it – is really the story of the Village of Williamsville. model for the region That’s because the Water Mill is the reason for the Village’s existence. and New York State. Built by Jonas Williams along the banks of mighty Ellicott Creek, the The green Mill used the rushing waters of the creek to power commerce and early infrastructure plan innovation in the bustling Village that would come to bear Williams’ name. received an Then, as time wore on, the grand old building seemed to slip into Environmental decay, a sad remnant of its former self. Excellence Award It took a community effort and the foresight of residents, volunteers, from the Erie County Village and State leaders to bring the iconic Water Mill back to life. Environmental Now the future is unlimited for the structure that anchors the Spring Management Council Street corridor – due in no small part to the $3 million green infrastructure in May 2015. The plan project taking shape outside its front door. includes $3 million worth of raingardens, sidewalks, trees, pavers and other streetscape improvements aimed at reducing stormwater runoff into Ellicott Creek and creating an interesting public gathering space where people can eat, shop, relax and visit with their neighbors.

Improving Pathways

February 2016 –Spring Street -- Village of Williamsville, N.Y. – WalkableWilliamsville.com

Spring Street: The New Event Space Williamsville to Canalside

The Spring Street project includes the Mill Village of Williamsville, NY

Plaza, a hub of activity centered on the restored 1811 Williamsville Water Mill and a “Village Square” pedestrian plaza. The plaza was formerly a “dead zone” of

unmarked asphalt that took on the New Connections uninviting and unsafe look and feel of a to Glen Park service alley. Now it is a place to gather. Work began in 2015 and will continue in Exploring New Funding for the Spring Street project Spring 2016 on streetscape work that will Pathways includes grants of $1.9 million (NYS DEC improve pedestrian safety and accessibility – Sen. Schumer), nearly $800,000 (NYS and will serve as a model of green Williamsville to Canalside EFC – Sen. Schumer), and $250,000 infrastructure and stormwater management. caught fire in the media with (DASNY – Sen. Ranzenhofer). Walkable/Bikeable Communities Stormwater collectors will stop polluted stories in the Buffalo News, Most people don’t realize it, The Spring Street project has been a water from entering Glen Park. Amherst Bee along with TV but Spring Street and the Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: template for how construction on the and radio coverage. Culture is Water Mill are physically Most notably, the historic Williamsville Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek upcoming Picture Main Street project will changing. People want disconnected from one of Water Mill has been restored with $500,000 The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It be carried out. The Village has had multiuse paths that connect Williamsville’s most popular in funding from the New York State Historic is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for regular communication with businesses destinations. The current attractions: Glen Falls. Preservation Office. everyone. who have been affected by the terminus of the Amherst Bike That’s right: the park that Public investments are spurring Action 1: Gather stakeholders Path at Maple and North hosts the mighty falls, while temporary changes and the natural The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on economic development. The Village is Forest does not provide a contiguous to the Water Mill disruption of construction. The Village this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, selling the Water Mill to Sweet Jenny’s, destination. Building the final and Spring Street, offers no gives businesses updates after every sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the which has opened an ice cream/candy shop connections to the Village of simple way for curious construction meeting and has staff Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to and a comic book shop. In addition, Moor Williamsville will fulfill a vision pedestrians to venture members ready to take any questions Canalside. Pat craft beer bar and Billybar restaurant to connect Williamsville to between the two sites. that the businesses may have. have opened nearby. Canalside! The Village would like to

acquire funding to help The Village has had regular Improved connect these two communication with Village businesses Pathways destinations for pedestrians who have been affected by the temporary changes and the natural and to make the attractions disruption of construction. The Village For over 400 years people more accessible for those gives businesses updates after every construction meeting have walked a path along with physical limitations and Ellicott Creek to the North of disabilities. Glen Falls. The current dirt No torch and pitchforks path is blocked by fallen trees Villagerequired –of this Williamsville act of civic 5565 Main Street and difficult to traverse upheaval was state-approved Williamsville, NY 14221 because of exposed tree roots and 100 percent family- and rocks. It is time to make it friendly. accessible to everyone. Kids played street hockey

and couples wheeled strollers

in the middle of the usually busy five-lane street during Picture Main Street Live, a

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Historic Village Meeting House A model of preservation in the Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

Timeline

1835 -- The Disciples of Christ establish a chapter in Williamsville at Eagle and North Ellicott streets.

1870 – The Disciples’ local congregation had grown to nearly 200 Landmark’s Story is the Village’s Story members. If only the walls of the Williamsville Meeting House could talk. 1871 – The Disciples They would recall the first prayer of the Disciples of Christ, who in 1871 built sold the original the prominent worship hall on Main Street as a beacon of faith for their growing church to the congregation. Lutherans for $1,000, The faith and devotion of that first prayer was a welcome respite for the mix of bought new property settlers and world-weary travelers who called Williamsville home. The buzzing of on Main Street from sawmills lined up along Ellicott Creek were as much a sign of life as the weekly Christian Rutt and baptisms the church held in the rushing waters. constructed what is known today as the Surely, those walls would recall that glorious day, the date since lost to time Williamsville Meeting and memory, that James A. Garfield, who House. would become the 20th President of the United States, sermonized as a traveling preacher at 1894 – Only 116 the Williamsville location. members of the Disciples remained The future never seemed so bright that day, due to the loss of local and perhaps it never would be again. manufacturing and Gradually, the population that made up the exodus to the growing vibrant congregation made its way to the up- City of Buffalo. and-coming City of Buffalo, and when those jobs disappeared, on to greener pastures 1948 –Weakened roof beams forced removal across the country. of the original 40-foot Sadness and neglect took the place of faith wooden steeple and and worship as the congregation’s numbers bell tower. dwindled and the building had to be sold. Those brick walls couldn’t help but be 1976 – The congregation lost embarrassed that fateful day in 1976 when the membership to the Village of Williamsville bought the Meeting point that it was House from the church elders. The final disbanded and the purchase price – some said a generous one – Village purchased the was a grand total of $1. church for $1. Calls to demolish the structure came from 1986 -- Meeting House many quarters, from business people thirsting was named a Village for more parking to concerned taxpayers yet of Williamsville Historic uneducated in the value of historic Landmark. preservation. Slowly, and surely, a smile would return to her face.

January 2016 – Village Meeting House – Model of Preservation in Williamsville, N.Y.

Meeting House Has Seen Rebirth, But Needs Funding for Repairs Williamsville to Canalside

Slowly, and surely, a smile would return to her face. Village of Williamsville, NY

First the Williamsville Historical Society, and then the Village government

itself, would take steps to restore the Meeting House to its original grandeur.

It was designated a local landmark. Then the bell tower – with help from

New York State – was rebuilt, along with the signature steeple that soon towered

over Main Street.

By the early 2000s, 95 percent of the Meeting House had been restored to

Timeline its original 1871 condition with support from the State Historic Preservation Office

and village officials applied for the structure to be registered on the National

1997 – With approval Register of Historic Places. from SHPO, the Village Soon the public wanted to have a look inside the old beauty. Exploring New hired International The Williamsville Historical Museum set up shop upstairs and volunteer Chimney Corp. to Pathways construct and install a committees filled the downstairs each weekend with plays, concerts, weddings, replacement steeple and funerals and of course meetings. People began to stream in by the dozens. Williamsville to Canalside bell tower ($70,000). With so many people filling up the Meeting House for different events,

those old walls – proud as ever but a little worn -- needed a bit of a facelift. caught fire in the media with 1998 – Ninety- five In 2014, a skilled craftsman from the Village Department of Public Works stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities percent of the Meeting painted the previously off-white trim in the downstairs of the Meeting House. In Amherst Bee along with TV House had been restored to its original addition to the new colors, which accentuate the ornate trim and give the rooms a Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: and radio coverage. Culture is 1871 condition. more historical feel, attractive tile was also laid in the rear meeting room. Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek changing. People want A new sound system and video projector was donated by the Jolly Boys The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It 2002 -- Placed on the multiuse paths that connect charitable organization for community events. National Register of the is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for Historic Places. The Meeting House is again a joyous symbol of what makes the destinations. The current everyone. Williamsville community great. terminus of the Amherst Bike Action 1: Gather stakeholders 2000s -- The building But once again it is at a crossroads. Path at Maple and North housed the Williamsv ille The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on Historical Society The roof is in dire need of repair and the Forest does not provide a this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, museum and t he lower stained glass windows – including the ornate destination. Building the final portion of the building rose window above the main entrance – are in sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the connections to the Village of began to hold concerts, danger of falling out and shattering. Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to weddings, meetings , Williamsville will fulfill a vision The Village has pumped thousands of Canalside. plays and voting for local to connect Williamsville to elections. dollars into its regular upkeep but requires Canalside! historic preservation grant funding to ensure a 2013 – Chosen as the stable future for the grand old building. centerpiece logo of If only those old walls could talk, they Improved Picture Main Street, the would have a gem of a story to tell. Village’s $6 millio n Pathways pedestrian improvement The next chapter in that story remains project. unwritten. For over 400 years people

2014 – New interior paint have walked a path along job, flooring and Ellicott Creek to the North of sound/video system are installed. Glen Falls. The current dirt path is blocked by fallen trees 2015 – SHPO informs Sources: Village Historian and Former Village Mayor and difficult to traverse the Village that its Mary Lowther, National Register of Historic Places application for an EPF application, Direct observation, Village budgets. because of exposed tree roots Grant was not selected. and rocks. It is time to make it

accessible to everyone.

Investing in Our History Roneker Building – 5550 Main St., Williamsville, N.Y. 14221

Basic Facts:

Built: Mid-1800s Materials: Brick The Roneker Building – Gateway to Williamsville Height: 3 stories History Historic uses: In 1854, the building at 5550 Main St. -- known as the “Roneker Building” or “Brick Building” -- was the Carriage shop tallest commercial building in Amherst, containing three stories. Originally a carriage shop, this building also School room housed a school room, E.H. Smith’s general store, Bill Measer’s grocery store, Howard G. Brittings’s general General store store, Clara Walter’s Village Shoppe, Bancroft’s Village Shop, Roneker’s Mens and Boys Wear, and R.J. Wells Grocery store Co. Vintage shoppe In the early 1900s, this building also housed the telephone switchboard for Amherst’s 40 phones and Men’s Wear was the Village Post Office. The second floor was used as a court room, meeting rooms, and housing during a

shortage in World War II. The third floor was used as an entertainment hall and later Odd Fellows Hall.

On Feb. 2, 1987, due to its historical significance, the building was designated as a local landmark by

the Village of Williamsville. It is one of the most visually significant landmarks on Main Street in the Village today.

Modern Use & Future

In 1997, Mr. Martin E. Zwierzchowski, proprietor of Marty’s Formal Wear, a tuxedo and men’s clothing Current owner: emporium, purchased the building and has leased it at consistently high occupancy in the heart of the Village. Martin E. Tenants of the building now include (First floor) Marty’s Formal Wear, Muleskinner Antiques, which sells fine Zwierzchowski antique wares, (Second floor) law offices, and (Third floor) Tonic Hair Salon, which was recently renovated to Tenants: include exposed brick walls, modern finishes and antique signage that give the space a “historic downtown feel.” Marty’s Last summer, leaders of the Congress for the New Urbanism toured Main Street and complimented the Village on Formal Wear its array of historic buildings but said buildings such as the Roneker Building displayed storefronts that looked Muleskinner “old and tired” and were not in keeping with the historic character of the Village’s Main Street. Antiques Since then, Mr. Zwierzchowski has announced plans to “freshen up” the outside of the building by Law Offices replacing the windows facing Main Street, which are worn and expose peeling paint. This project would cost Tonic roughly $45,000 and Mr. Zwierzchowski intends to finance this himself. Hair Salon However, after visiting the Amherst Museum and discovering historic photos of the building, Mr. Assessed value in Zwierzchowski realized that much of the historic detail that makes the building unique in the Village is covered up Town of Amherst: by modern finishes. Mr. Zwierzchowski would like to hire professionals to uncover and restore those details, $428,700 which include a detailed brick cornice, brick pillars and brick archways above the first floor commercial space. To

restore the building to its full grandeur would cost roughly $150,000, a cost that Mr. Zwierzchowski is not able to

bear at this time.

September 2015 – Roneker Building – Investing in Williamsville, N.Y. History

Comprehensive Strategy for Encouraging Historic Redevelopment Williamsville to Canalside

The Village is searching for ways to help Mr. Village of Williamsville, NY • The upcoming adoption of New York’s latest Zwierzchowski – and other owners of historic Model Historic Preservation Law. In the properties in the Village – to “close the gap” 1980s, the Village Historic Preservation that exists in funding these projects, which are Commission adopted the state’s Model often expensive but contribute greatly to the Historic Preservation Law, which has since historic character of the Main Street district been revised. The HPC is working with the and the identity of the Village itself. Old building, New New York State Office of Parks, Recreation Mr. Zwierzchowski has a roughly $100,000 uses, bright future and Historic Preservation to adopt the most funding gap to close. This is particularly recent version of the Model Law. difficult given the fact that Mr. Zwierzchowski Exploring New • Proactive steps to preserve historically is not a real estate developer and is not Pathways significant buildings. On November 10, 2014, capable of taking on these improvements on the Village Board designated 23 structures as his own without hiring historic preservation Williamsville to Canalside local landmarks, which protects them from professionals. He is a valued small business caught fire in the media with demolition and showcases them as historical. owner who simply wants to improve the stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities • The creation of Historic Landmark Design building he operates in the historic Village Amherst Bee along with TV Standards, a “roadmap” that encourages Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: core. and radio coverage. Culture is Tonic Hair Salon is a prime owners of historically significant buildings to Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek Additionally, avenues typically taken by changing. People want example of what historically reinvest in their properties. The Historic The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It developers of historic buildings – such as multiuse paths that connect sensitive redevelopment can do Landmark Design Standards were created by is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for historic tax credits -- would likely be of no use destinations. The current to attract tax-paying businesses Flynn Battaglia Architects, with assistance everyone. to Mr. Zwierzchowski since the building is not terminus of the Amherst Bike that create jobs and contribute from Julian W. Adams, Coordinator of the Action 1: Gather stakeholders likely to garner many credits and Mr. Path at Maple and North to the vibrancy of the local Certified Local Government program of the The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on Zwierzchowski would be unable to use these Forest does not provide a economy. The hair salon State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, credits himself without selling the credits. destination. Building the final recently opened on the “loft Preservation. On September 30, 2014, they sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the The Amherst Industrial Development connections to the Village of level” of the historic Roneker were made available to property owners. Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to Agency has met with Mr. Zwierzchowski and Williamsville will fulfill a vision building. Were the building to • A more streamlined regulatory process in Canalside. Village officials and is interested in exploring to connect Williamsville to be restored to its original the Village for owners of historically significant ways to help Mr. Zwierzchowski and other Canalside! grandeur, it is likely that properties who wish to invest in their buildings. Village property owners to restore their building would attract similar In the past, owners of local landmarks were properties, but initial estimates still leave a Improved interest from the business required to seek approval from the Village significant gap in financing. Pathways community while serving as a Planning and Architectural Review Board and Most significantly, this project would shining example of the type of the Historic Preservation Commission before operate not in a vacuum that benefits one For over 400 years people historic redevelopment the commencing a project. The Village modified property owner but as part of a have walked a path along Village is looking for in its this unnecessarily complicated process by comprehensive strategy undertaken by the Ellicott Creek to the North of historic central core. giving members of the Village Historic Village that would benefit multiple owners -- a Glen Falls. The current dirt Preservation Commission – who have Village of Williamsville strategy that has included: path is blocked by fallen trees backgrounds in historic preservation -- the full 5565 Main Street and difficult to traverse authority to approve or reject modifications to Williamsville, NY 14221 because of exposed tree roots local designated landmarks. and rocks. It is time to make it

accessible to everyone.

Sources: Williamsville Historic Preservation Commission, Village of Williamsville Trustees, Mr. Martin E. Zwierzchowski, Tonic Hair Salon.

Williamsville to Canalside Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

Exploring New Pathways

Williamsville to Canalside caught fire in the media with stories in the Buffalo News, Amherst Bee along with TV Creating Walkable/Bikeable Communities and radio coverage. The Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: culture is changing. People Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek want multiuse paths that The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen connect destinations. The trees, roots and rocks. It is a difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is current terminus of the to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for everyone, including walkers, bicyclists, parents and Amherst Bike Path at Maple children with strollers, seniors and those with disabilities. and North Forest does not Action 1: Gather stakeholders provide a destination. The Village of Williamsville is already working with officials from the Town of Amherst, County of Building the final Erie and State of New York on this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to connections to the Village of create real connections through multiuse paths, sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williamsville will fulfill a Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the Amherst State Park, vision to connect which is a first step toward the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to Canalside. Williamsville to Canalside! Action 2: Work with Amherst and New York State to secure land use rights The land is currently owned by New York State. The Village of Williamsville is prepared to Improving assume responsibility through an agreement similar to the one signed between Amherst and Pathways New York State for the Amherst State Park. Action 3: Secure Grant Funding For over 400 years people The Village of Williamsviile will have walked a path along act as lead agency working with Ellicott Creek to the North of the Town of Amherst and the Glen Falls. The current dirt State of New York in securing path is blocked by fallen funding through the CFA to trees and difficult to traverse design and build the half-mile because of exposed tree path that will run between the roots and rocks. It is time to Glen Park area and the northern make it accessible to parts of Amherst State Park. The everyone. Village of Williamsville will apply before the 2016 deadline.

June 2015 – Williamsville to Canalside – Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

Walkable and Bikeable Communities Williamsville to Canalside

Walkable and bikeable communities that Village of Williamsville, NY

are desirable places to live, work, learn and play are a key component of smart growth. Their desirability comes from two factors. Walkable and bikeable communities make

alternative activity possible, thus Williamsville Board expanding transportation options, and Commitment creating a streetscape for a range of users

– pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and Exploring New

drivers. To foster walkability and rideablity Pathways

communities must mix land uses and build

compactly, as well as ensure safe and Williamsville to Canalside

caught fire in the media with inviting pedestrian corridors. It is incumbent stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities upon public and private sectors to facilitate development of walkable places. Land use Amherst Bee along with TV Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: and radio coverage. Culture is The Village of Williamsville is and community design play a pivotal role in Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek The Village of Williamsville’s commitment changing. People want committed to fulfilling the encouraging pedestrian environments. By The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It to Picture Main Street, Spring Street and multiuse paths that connect objectives laid out in our building places with multiple destinations is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for South Long are creating a destination for destinations. The current Comprehensive Plan. These within close proximity, where the streets everyone. walkers and riders. New multiuse paths terminus of the Amherst Bike objectives are centered on and sidewalks balance multiple forms of Action 1: Gather stakeholders will expand opportunities to create Path at Maple and North smart growth principles and The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on transportation, communities have the basic Forest does not provide a creating a walkable community. economic opportunity and create a better framework for walkability. this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, quality-of-life for our residents. destination. Building the final The Village Board unanimously sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the connections to the Village of supported the idea of creating a Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to Williamsville will fulfill a vision multiuse path between Glen Canalside. to connect Williamsville to Park and the Amherst State Canalside! Park at a May 2015 meeting.

The Village Board is willing to Improved take the lead on designing and Pathways building the multiuse path. The

Village Board looks forward to For over 400 years people working with the Town of have walked a path along Amherst (above map) and New Ellicott Creek to the North of York State on this project. Glen Falls. The current dirt

path is blocked by fallen trees Village of Williamsville and difficult to traverse 5565 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 because of exposed tree roots

and rocks. It is time to make it

accessible to everyone.

Westwood: A Green Future Creating a “Central Park” at Country Club site in Amherst, N.Y.

Timeline

July 2014: Mensch Capital submitted plans to the Town of Amherst for the $238 million redevelopment of the Westwood Country Club site.

September 2014: A once-in-a-generation chance at preservation Town officials deem the environmental impact statement for The future of Westwood Country Club is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. the development as Rather than approving a $238 million mixed-use development of the former country club site, incomplete due to officials from the Town of Amherst have proposed using state funds to purchase the property concerns about as part of an elaborate plan to preserve precious green space in the heavily developed town. increased traffic, use of the sanitary sewer The project would greatly benefit from New York State Environmental Protection Fund system and residential funding for acquisition costs. impact. It would create a continuous greenway from beyond the southern border of the Town of

August 2015: Town Amherst, north through Island and Glen parks in the Village of Williamsville, through Amherst Board begins to State Park and through two Country Clubs (Park and Westwood). examine the possibility This Greenway would connect to the already existing Town of Amherst and University at of negotiating with Mensch Capital to Buffalo bike path systems, which connect to the Niagara River Greenway system all the way acquire all or part of south to Canalside in downtown Buffalo. the former Westwood Country Club property Creating an Amherst/Williamsville greenway would link to the UB system and would allow to be used as a town cyclists to travel to the busy Canalside district in Buffalo – an idea that was wildly popular when or state park. proposed in May 2015.

November 2015: The purchase of Westwood by the Town of Amherst would help make that plan a reality – Amherst Supervisor but it would do so much more. proposes elaborate land transfer of It It would would give give this this suburban suburban center center of 122,000 of residents the grand Central Park it has multiple golf courses always lacked – a bastion of green in the center of asphalt urbanity. This vision is in keeping 122,000 residents the grand Central Park it that would pave the with the comprehensive plans of both the Town and the Village. way for the Westwood has always lacked – a bastion of green in the property to be turned center In preserving of asphalt Westwood urbanity. – This one visionof the last is in large greenfields in the town -- the state would into a state park. also help protect the watershed of the immediate area. The golf course property currently serves as a keeping with the comprehensive plans of both December 2015: thenatural Town floodplain and the for Village. rain storms and snow melts – a crucial element of the viability of the surrounding Town Board accepts residential In preserving area. Westwood – one of the last the environmental While proposed development plans for the Westwood property contain drainage elements for impact statement but large greenfields in the town -- the state would the future of the alsocontrolling help water protect on site, the they waterdo not shedaccount of for thewater that floods in from Cheektowaga and other areas development plans are that sit above the rushing waterfall of Glen Falls. undecided. immediate area. The golf course property currently At serves a time as when a natural cities floodplain across the for country rain are daylighting creeks that are buried beneath Source: Amherst Bee stormsdeveloped and areas snow – lookmelts no –further a crucial than elementScajaquada of Creek in Buffalo – New York has an opportunity at Westwood to not only preserve greenspace but to protect a natural, authentic creekshed area. the viability of the surrounding residential area. Preserving the former country club as green space would also increase the quality of life and

January 2016 – Preserving Westwood – Town of Amherst and Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

Investing in the Environment Williamsville to Canalside Village of Williamsville, NY the viability of the surrounding residential neighborhoods. While proposed development plans for

the Westwood property contain drainage

elements for controlling water on site, they do not account for water that floods in from Cheektowaga and other areas that sit

above the rushing waterfall of Glen Falls. Westwood Park could fulfill this gap in

the region’s current offerings while Exploring New At a time when cities across the country are daylighting creeks that are buried preserving one of the last few large open Pathways beneath developed areas – look no further parcels of land in the sprawling Town of Williamsville to Canalside than Scajaquada Creek in Buffalo – New Amherst. caught fire in the media with Widespread Public York has an opportunity at Westwood to not The vision for a vibrant and protected stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities Support only preserve greenspace but to protect a Westwood as that signature green space Amherst Bee along with TV Mensch Capital Partners natural, authentic creekshed area. meets objectives ranging from preservation Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: and radio coverage. Culture is had planned to develop the Preserving the former country club as of green space to environmental Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek changing. People want former Westwood site into a sustainability to smart use of existing The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It green space would also increase the multiuse paths that connect sprawling town center with infrastructure. is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for quality of life and property values of the destinations. The current many of the same offerings everyone. surrounding homeowners by preventing The Environmental Protection Fund’s terminus of the Amherst Bike that already exist in Action 1: Gather stakeholders increases in vehicle volume in the mission appears to be very much in line Path at Maple and North Amherst and Williamsville. The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on neighborhoods, on busy arterials like with this proposal and its involvement in a Forest does not provide a That plan was met with this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, Sheridan Drive and North Forest Road and joint funding plan with the Town of Amherst destination. Building the final resistance by Amherst sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the and the Village of Williamsville would help connections to the Village of residents, who have pushed in the already traffic-clogged Village of Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to Williamsville. ensure a green – and bright – future for this Williamsville will fulfill a vision instead for the creation of a Canalside. special place. to connect Williamsville to grand park on the site. In In addition to preventing the overuse of Canalside! fact, they have created a the town’s existing sewer system, the

citizens group supporting preservation of Westwood would allow the Improved the creation of a park. The buildings on the site to be retrofitted to fill Pathways group, named “Keep existing needs of the community. Creation Westwood Green,” has of a small banquet or conference center For over 400 years people spread its message through could be an ideal way to make the have walked a path along the Amherst area. preservation plan economically viable. Ellicott Creek to the North of

Despite its series of neighborhood Glen Falls. The current dirt

parks, the Town of Amherst lacks a grand path is blocked by fallen trees

and difficult to traverse central location for its hundreds of because of exposed tree roots thousands of residents to gather and enjoy. and rocks. It is time to make it

accessible to everyone. The vision for a vibrant and

protected Westwood as that signature

green space meets objectives ranging from

preservation of green space to

Water & Sewer Consolidation Finding cost savings and efficiencies in the Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

State Partners

Some local governments see New York State as an Water Consolidation Complete, Village Looks to Sewer adversary when it comes to Times are tough for local The Village made an agreement consolidation, but the governments across New York to consolidate its Water Department Village of Williamsville State. with that of the Erie County Water has experienced just Gone are the days when Authority. the opposite. Village taxpayers agreed to pony up each Consolidation decreased the leaders have met with budget cycle to support ever- water rate that Village users pay representatives from growing expenses and inefficient from $5.81 to $3.00 per 1,000 the Department of service delivery. gallons consumed. State, Division of Local Village of Williamsville leaders A surcharge of $1.87 was added Government Services, began to realize this years ago, and to the $3.00 water rate to cover to discuss ways to find while they had already maintained consolidation and existing debt short-term and long- one of the lowest tax rates in costs, resulting in a total rate of term cost savings Western New York, they began to $4.87. through consolidation. look for even more savings. Beyond the immediate savings, Village officials The Water Department was an consolidation will result in lower traveled to Albany in obvious first choice. It made no water rates in the future and the November 2015 to sense for a small Village staff to be village will save money long-term. attend the Local spending resources to maintain a Now, consolidation of the sewer Government water system where infrastructure department is the next logical step. Innovation aged and water rates would Conference, which increase far into the future. provided innovative Instead, Village leaders had a case studies and new desire to prioritize their above- ideas for finding cost ground infrastructure – which savings in Village Village residents actually see on a operations. The daily basis – and to find economies Department of State is of scale for its below-ground a great partner. infrastructure.

February 2016 – Water & Sewer Consolidation -- Village of Williamsville, New York State

Consolidation with Town of Amherst Sewer Would be the Next Logical Step Williamsville to Canalside Village of Williamsville, NY In the Village of Williamsville’s Sewer System, Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) has caused the sewer rate to be erratic and unpredictable in the past few years. These

issues need to be taken care of and consolidation would appear to be a way to Making New York achieve this worthwhile goal.

Affordable The Town of Amherst has an entire Exploring New Sewer Department that is much better Pathways equipped to handle sewer issues than that

of the Village of Williamsville. Currently, Williamsville to Canalside sewer issues in the Village are incorporated The Village is already sharing caught fire in the media with into the existing Department of Public Walkable/Bikeable Communities treatment services with the Town through stories in the Buffalo News, Works staff, which performs many other Amherst Bee along with TV “We’ve made tremendous an inter-municipal agreement and this tasks, including street repair and Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: progress over the past five and radio coverage. Culture is plan would be the next logical step to maintenance; park maintenance; storm Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek years to make New York changing. People want realize total consolidation, which is a The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It more affordable, and this water and sanitary sewer collection; brush multiuse paths that connect stated and worthwhile goal of Gov. is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for year we are going to keep pickup; tree maintenance; buildings and destinations. The current Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration. everyone. that momentum going from grounds and community beautification. terminus of the Amherst Bike Action 1: Gather stakeholders the ground up. This The consolidation would save Village Path at Maple and North A consolidation of the Village Sewer The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on competition will help local taxpayers money. Village sewer rates Forest does not provide a System would be the first step in finding this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, governments find innovative increased 6.8 percent in the most recent destination. Building the final regional economies of scale when it comes sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the ways to reduce costs and fiscal year and the recent Inflow & connections to the Village of to wastewater treatment. Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to Williamsville will fulfill a vision lower taxes for their Infiltration Study determined that the Canalside. constituents – which will A recent Inflow and Infiltration study was to connect Williamsville to Village system requires $2.9 million make it cheaper to live, work completed by utilizing a Strategic Planning Canalside! worth of upgrades. and thrive in their & Feasibility Study grant from the Empire

communities. This is about State Development Corporation. The study Improved building a stronger and more found several areas in need of Inflow & Pathways

prosperous New York over Infiltration remediation, including South and the long haul, and I am eager For over 400 years people North Ellicott streets; Main Street; North to help our local partners have walked a path along Long and Reist streets. across the state move Ellicott Creek to the North of The Town of Amherst is a willing partner forward .” Glen Falls. The current dirt - Governor with the Village and the long-term goal path is blocked by fallen trees Andrew M. Cuomo would be to upgrade the town’s sewer and difficult to traverse

treatment facility. because of exposed tree roots and rocks. It is time to make it

accessible to everyone.

Youngs Road Interchange Infrastructure improvements will help fix Main Street congestion

Thruway Partners

The New York State Thruway Authority for years has been Much-Needed Ramp Would Solve Multiple Problems criticized for the placement of the Williamsville leaders are creating Village officials traveled to Williamsville Toll partnerships to work for a Thruway Albany in November 2015 to speak Barrier. Village officials interchange at Youngs Road that with state officials about the in the past few years would alleviate traffic congestion in possibility of such an interchange at have refrained from the Village while creating direct the busy Youngs Road location. adding to that criticism Thruway access to Buffalo Niagara Thruway Authority leaders and instead have International Airport. historically have supported such an worked to develop a The game-changing project, the interchange but have said the local relationship with benefits of which would extend to all community – Amherst – and Erie Thruway officials. That of Western New York, has been on County must support the plan relationship has the area’s wish list for years while because Youngs Road is a county resulted in better development has steadily expanded road. communication, in southeast Amherst – clogging After returning to the Village, regular meetings and Village streets with traffic and officials created partnerships with great cooperation. The pushing Village leaders to end the Erie County and with the Town of Thruway Authority has inertia. Amherst. The Erie County been responsive The Youngs Road-Wehrle Drive Executive and the Amherst during the recent area, which is home to large Supervisor both said they would bridge painting and employers such as Ingram Micro, support such a plan. landscape Northrop Grumman and the Erie improvements on Community College North Campus, Wehrle Drive and the draws thousands of office workers Village looks forward from Buffalo, Cheektowaga and to continuing this nearby towns. Absent a convenient relationship. Thruway exit, they are forced to worth of raingardens, drive on Village streets, which sidewalks, trees, creates a traffic nightmare at peak pavers and other rush hour times. streetscape February 2016 –Youngs Road Interchange Project -- Village of Williamsville, N ew York

The Time is Now For a Youngs Road Interchange, officials say Williamsville to Canalside

The project to build a Youngs Village of Williamsville, NY “The Village is not going to throw Road interchange may be eligible our hands up and wait for

for funding through airport someone else to do this,” Williamsville Mayor Brian J. Kulpa Passenger Facility Charge funds, said. “We are going to pull together

which are collected by the Niagara a team and get to work – we are interested in solutions and we see Project Has Frontier Transportation Authority this as helping a regional traffic Long History and are only eligible to be used on problem.”

airport-related projects. Exploring New

Pathways

Williamsville to Canalside

caught fire in the media with

stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities 1996: The Amherst Chamber of "(It) is a great idea," Amherst Bee along with TV Commerce comes out in said Amherst Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: and radio coverage. Culture is support of the idea of a new Supervisor Dr. Barry Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek A. Weinstein. "The changing. People want Thruway interchange at The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It powers that be multiuse paths that connect Youngs Road. is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for rejected it many years destinations. The current everyone. ago, and it's been on terminus of the Amherst Bike 1997: Consultants were hired Action 1: Gather stakeholders the backburner ever Path at Maple and North not only to look at relocating since.” The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on Forest does not provide a the Williamsville Toll Barrier but this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, destination. Building the final also to build additional sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the connections to the Village of interchanges, possibly at Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to Williamsville will fulfill a vision Youngs Road. Canalside. to connect Williamsville to

Canalside! 1997: Town Board agrees to

study interchange issue. Improved Opposition begins to surface Pathways and the idea is even tually dropped. For over 400 years people

have walked a path along Since then: Many more Ellicott Creek to the North of workers have been hired in Glen Falls. The current dirt Wehrle Drive office parks. The path is blocked by fallen trees Village brings the issue up and difficult to traverse again. because of exposed tree roots

Village of Williamsville and rocks. It is time to make it

5565 Main Street accessible to everyone. Williamsville, NY 14221

No torch and pitchforks

required – this act of civic upheaval was state-approved Re-Tree Williamsville Restoring rights-of-way and returning green to the Village

By the

Numbers

Trees planted on the streets and in parks in 2015. A Green Village is a Safe, Healthy, Valuable Village

It’s hard to imagine the Village of Williamsville without the lush, towering trees that form canopies over the classic Village neighborhoods.

They are also a ubiquitous part of the landscape on Main Street, providing refuge that has Trees restored to the a calming effect on drivers passing by and shoppers walking from store to store. Village right-of-way in three years. And nothing beats a beautiful Village home with a mature tree in the front yard.

Just a few short years ago, though, all of this was The project would greatly benefit from New York State Environmental Protection Fund under attack. funding for acquisition costs. The slow neglect of time was the first factor to It would create a continuous greenway from beyond the southern border of the Town of blame. Amherst, north through Island and Glen parks in the Village of Williamsville, through Amherst Square-feet of green Tree pits lay barren up and down Main Street, one State Park and through two Country Clubs (Park and Westwood). space restored. more reminder that the Village’s primary economic This Greenway would connect to the already existing Town of Amherst and University at and social center had undergone a stark transition Buffalo bike path systems, which connect to the Niagara River Greenway system all the way from a special place to a state highway. south to Canalside in downtown Buffalo. Also forgotten were the value of common street Creating an Amherst/Williamsville greenway would link to the UB system and would allow trees, which over the years had been cut down and cyclists to travel to the busy Canalside district in Buffalo – an idea that was wildly popular Linear feet of sidewalk paved over for additional parking areas on side area restored. when proposed in May 2015. streets near the business district. The purchase of Westwood by the Town of Amherst would help make that plan a reality – It all added up to a physical landscape that was but it would do so much more. uninspiring and continued to deteriorate with each It would give this suburban center of 122,000 residents the grand Central Park it has passing year. always lacked – a bastion of green in the center of asphalt urbanity. This vision is in keeping Then came the wrath of mother nature in October Different species of with the comprehensive plans of both the Town and the Village. trees planted in 2015. 2006. In preserving Westwood – one of the last large greenfields in the town -- the state would The trees that did remain in the Village’s also help protect the watershed of the immediate area. The golf course property currently serves as a neighborhoods and parks were destroyed in one fell natural floodplain for rain storms and snow melts – a crucial element of the viability of the surrounding swoop when the freak snowstorm descended on the residential area. Village, leaving destruction and more than 30,000 While proposed development plans for the Westwood property contain drainage elements for Municipal ash trees. dead trees in its wake. controlling water on site, they do not account for water that floods in from Cheektowaga and other areas 27 slated for removal, Enter the Village of Williamsville Tree Board. others treated. that sit above the rushing waterfall of Glen Falls.

At a time when cities across the country are daylighting creeks that are buried beneath

developed areas – look no further than Scajaquada Creek in Buffalo – New York has an opportunity at February 2016 – Re-Tree Williamsville Right of Way Restoration – Village of Williamsville, N.Y.

Street trees increase property values Williamsville to Canalside Village of Williamsville, NY The group, made up of volunteer laborers and dedicated Village officials, decided enough was enough.

In 2007, they began an aggressive tree- planting program to start replacing the trees that were lost during the storm but also to

fill in the spots that had become barren over Exploring New time. Pathways Since then, more than 1,000 trees have The Village uses a unique system where been planted and a total of 12,232-square- the DPW digs the holes for new trees, Williamsville to Canalside

feet of asphalt has been restored to green which are then planted by Village caught fire in the media with

volunteers. stories in the Buffalo News, Walkable/Bikeable Communities space. Amherst Bee along with TV Fighting the Williamsville to Canalside Objective and Actions: That amounts to 1,443 linear feet of The Tree Board had a tree survey and radio coverage. Culture is Emerald Ash Borer Objective: Restore Access to Ellicott Creek completed by SUNY Buffalo State interns. changing. People want The Village of Williamsville sidewalk space – nearly a quarter mile that The current path that provides access to Ellicott Creek is rugged and often blocked by fallen trees, roots and rocks. It Every tree on public property has been multiuse paths that connect has taken up the fight had been taken away by asphalt. is difficult path even for able-bodied persons to hike. The objective is to provide better access to Ellicott Creek for identified, and data such as size and health destinations. The current against the Emerald Ash everyone. were included. The survey, to be completed terminus of the Amherst Bike Borer, an invasive species The reclaimed green space reduces Action 1: Gather stakeholders Path at Maple and North that has decimated the stormwater runoff to prevent flooding in this year, will also identify areas in need of The Village of Williamsville is already working with the Town of Amherst, County of Erie and State of New York on Forest does not provide a population of ash trees Ellicott Creek, makes the village healthier, tree planting. this project. It will take stakeholder commitments and action to create real connections through multuse paths, destination. Building the final throughout the Northeast more visually appealing and ensures sidewalks and bike lanes. The Village of Williiamsville is prepared to take the lead in connecting Glen Park to the connections to the Village of United States. The Village Educational efforts have also expanded Amherst State Park, which is a first step towards the larger goal of connecting the Village of Williamsville to separation between cars and people for a Williamsville will fulfill a vision inoculated 74 municipal ash under the guidance of the Tree Board, Canalside. “walkable village.” to connect Williamsville to trees in 2015 and 27 are whose members passed out 120 potted Canalside! slated to be removed. Those There were 154 trees planted on the seedlings of six different native species on that are slated to be streets and in the parks in 2015. Twenty- Earth Day/Arbor Day 2015. Improved removed were not inoculated five of those were replacement trees in the Pathways due to their condition and/or scope of the Safe Routes to School project, Please feel free to log on to the Village location. The Village will which added sidewalks to increase website to browse the tree page or visit For over 400 years people save or replace as many pedestrian safety for schoolchildren in the http://www.walkablewilliamsville.com/trees. have walked a path along trees as possible. Village. html to request a tree. Ellicott Creek to the North of

Glen Falls. The current dirt

That figure also includes some path is blocked by fallen trees

and difficult to traverse replacements of trees on Main Street that because of exposed tree roots didn't make it due to the extreme deep and rocks. It is time to make it freezes of winter in 2013 and 2014. There accessible to everyone. were 11 different species planted in 2015.

ng