By Jeff Martin
Dawn Westfall of the Ellicottville Historical Society said this week, the organization is grappling with a pressing need for storage and office space. Currently, overflow records are dispersed across various members’ homes, posing logistical challenges for the society’s operations.
Westfall shared that the historical society had explored the option of expanding their existing space but faced a setback last year when their grant application was not successful. They plan to reapply for a grant this year in the hopes of securing funds to expand their facilities.
In an effort to address their storage constraints, the historical society has approached town officials, specifically inquiring about the possibility of utilizing the Mansfield Municipal Building. This building, once the home of the now disbanded Mansfield Historical Society, could provide a solution to the issue.
Another potential option under consideration is the expansion of the area at the Highway Barn, currently used by the Historical Society. This alternative is being explored as part of their comprehensive strategy to secure additional space for their records and activities.
To fund these expansion initiatives, the historical society is exploring various fundraising events. They hope that with the support of the community, they can gather the necessary resources to realize their goals.
Any suggestions or assistance from the town are welcomed and would be instrumental in overcoming their current challenges.
In addition to the need for physical space, the discussion also touched upon the importance of creating an inventory of assets for insurance purposes. Westfall assured that the historical society has detailed records of their assets. Furthermore, there is consideration of drafting a “hold harmless” agreement to protect the town from potential insurance claims related to property stored on town premises.
As the historical society navigates these challenges, they remain optimistic about finding collaborative solutions with the town and the community at large. The shared goal is to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the area, Westfall said.
Short-Term Rentals
In other news before the board, Chuck Parenti, a local resident, took the opportunity to address the board on a matter that hits close to home for many town residents — the proliferation of short-term rentals, commonly associated with platforms like Airbnb.
Parenti, concerned about the impact of these rentals on the community, expressed the need for regulations to ensure the well-being of the town. During his address, he brought forward several suggestions aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the growing trend of short-term rentals.
The resident emphasized the importance of creating a framework that strikes a balance between the economic opportunities presented by short-term rentals and the preservation of the community’s character.
Parenti highlighted issues such as noise disturbances, safety concerns, and potential impacts on property values as reasons why regulation is imperative.
The town board said it has taken proactive steps to address the issue. It was revealed that the town has enlisted a consultant who will be responsible for drafting a local law specifically addressing short-term rentals within the village. This move is seen as a proactive measure to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of the community members are taken into account during the regulatory process.
The town board said that once the draft of the local law is completed, there will be a public hearing to allow community members to provide feedback and voice their opinions on the proposed regulations