By Carol Fisher-Linn
It is with great delight that I share this story about a friend I have known since our two daughters were in pre-K, fifty-some years ago. Nancy Rogan, an Ellicottville native, is a woman who over the years has worn many hats. In a way she grew up at the same time this town was growing up and has always appreciated the charm and authenticity of our village buildings.
A retired schoolteacher who taught Special Education and then third grade at Ellicottville Central School for a total of 35 years (including teaching in the 1887 Building), Ms. Rogan is not one to let grass grow under her feet. She and her husband Jack, also a retired school-teacher, jumped with both feet into many school activities, clubs, sports and organizations, raised two children, Tom and Jenna and devoted much of their spare time in service to their community. And then there is her lifetime involvement with the United Methodist Church, now the United Church of Ellicottville. Ordained Elder and Properties Chairperson, over the years, she has filled any slot on a moment’s notice, from leading the choir, playing for the church service, even conducting the church service when the pastor cannot be there. And, of course, there are her twenty some years involvement with the food pantry. As Benjamin Franklin said, (or was it Elbert Hubbard or Lucille Ball?), “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” No matter who said it, they were spot on. Ask Ms. Rogan to help with something and she will find a way to do it.
After thirty-five years of her involvement with the Village of Ellicottville Planning Board, Ms. Rogan has been awarded the Citizen Planner Award from the American Planning Association of Western New York Section. According to the award announcement sent to Gary Palumbo, past Town Planner for the Town of Ellicottville, “This award recognizes Nancy’s extraordinary commitment to advancing the cause of planning through her tenure as the Chairperson of the Village of Ellicottville Planning Board for over 33 years. The committee noted her exceptional ability to lead the board through complex development reviews and zoning amendments necessitated by significant tourism-driven growth. Her leadership is distinguished by a careful balance between welcoming economic expansion and maintaining a steadfast defense of the Village’s historic character, ensuring that the planning process remains fair, professional, and focused on the long-term well-being of the public arena.”
In discussing her many years of service on the Board, Ms. Rogan referred to the fact that the historic core of the village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The district includes a total of 63 structures including homes, churches and businesses which still survive from 1817 to 1935. It highlights the area’s history showcasing Federal, Greek Revival and Queen Anne styles. Of course, it includes the Village Square whose history goes back to the time Ellicottville served as Cattaraugus County seat. When speaking about her involvement in preserving and protecting our unique history there is awe in her voice when she speaks of the obligation the Planning Board has in this community. She feels the best reward for their work are the comments they hear on the street about the beauty and preserved history of this village. She quickly credits the dedicated volunteer Board Members, Damon Newpher, Greg Capelli, Blair Hamilton and Tracy Rivers, and the hired planner Gregory Keyser, and Code Enforcement Officer, Kelly Fredrickson for the teamwork they have in dealing with special use permits, site plan approvals and subdivision approval. Basically, they deal with anything that comes under the umbrella of “architecture” which even includes business signage and the move of the Ski tree from the 1887 building property to the lawn at the Post Office.
She respects her position as Chair of the Planning Board, saying it is fun and she enjoys both the team she works with and the people wanting to invest in our village. She stressed that “although we are an historic site, we must be able look to the present and future.” Ms. Rogan expressed sincere pleasure in meeting owners, architects and professionals who bring plans for new or existing properties and enjoys problem solving with them, when necessary. “Our first priority is the integrity of this beautiful historic village, and we find that most people who wish to be part of this community want the same.” Congratulations and a large thank you to Nancy Rogan for all her years of dedication to the historical integrity of our beloved village.