VCR Committee meeting update...

     Results of the regularly scheduled Gowanda VCR Committee meeting held July 12, and that was attended by Tom Dearing of Erie County Planning, are as follows:

     Dearing attended the VCR meeting to give an update on a new “Commercial Center Improvement Program” with goals: “to improve the physical appearance of older commercial center areas by providing a consistent treatment of exterior building improvements” and “to improve the quality of life for surrounding low/moderate-income residential neighborhoods by enhancing the appearance of frequently visited retail structures.”

     He explained in general how funding was to work, what were “eligible activities,” “eligible areas,” who were “eligible applicants” and detailed requirements. He further indicated that he and another person would be out to identify potential buildings/businesses that might be eligible for this program.

     Dearing further requested that the mayor send him an official letter requesting that Gowanda be considered.

     Mike Hutchinson reported that Wendel-Duchscherer was unable to attend due to sickness, but that the bid package for the street lighting would be in the village hall on July 15.

     It is recommended that the village board approve submitting the requests for bids immediately with a bid opening set for Aug. 5. After discussion, that date may have to be moved in order to comply with all the bid posting requirements. Wendel-Duchscherer is coordinating this with Erie County Planning.

     Michele Tow reported that the Main Street Program is here again and that she will provide more details as they become available. This might be another chance for funds for the South Water Street Project.

     It was decided to continue to wait to send the streetscape amenities bids out until after the committee at least has the Wendel-Duchscherer cost estimate on the lighting or the bids in.

     The next VCR meeting will be scheduled for a date after the bid documents are received.