Churchville officials green light project proposal

Churchville officials green light project proposal

Members of the Churchville Village Board learned about plans for a professional business building at the corner of East Buffalo Road and Washington Street during their meeting on Monday, September 24. Landowner Jerry Spotts presented preliminary plans for the 4,800-5,000 square feet single-story building that would house from three to five businesses. Plans include 35 parking spaces as part of the development.

Spotts said he wants the project to relate to the "gateway" at the eastern entrance to the village that is part of the village's Charrette. He's even been thinking about a name, "I've been toying around with this being 'east point'," he said.

Spotts would like the building to have the same architectural style and look of the village hall. "We are pleased with the appearance of the village hall and would like to tie its look to the village hall. I'm really excited about the project."

The development would be located on the northwestern corner of the intersection and would serve as an "anchor" at the eastern entrance to the village, Spotts explained. Plans call for landscaping and trees along East Buffalo Road and Washington Street and a gazebo on the Buffalo Road side of the property. "It would create a corner focal point," Spotts said, "a gateway that is absolutely, totally attractive to the community."

Development of the site would require demolition of a house that sits near the corner. "I talked with (village historian) Ron Belzcak and he said there is no historical value to the house," Spotts said. He said he tried to donate the house to Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford but they were not interested and he also felt the house was not in good enough condition to hold up to a move.

Village Trustee Diane Pusateri noted that Spotts was active in the village's Charrette process. She said she was enthusiastic about the plans. "I can picture it in my head ... that it would be aesthetically pleasing to drive by."

Mayor Nancy Steedman said she was very impressed with the presentation. "I agree with Diane. Jerry always takes things a few steps further. He has a complete plan for the property."

Arthur Minery, a physical therapist and owner of Churchville Physical Therapy, attended the meeting. He has his office on North Sanford Road but is excited about moving it to the new professional building. He said he is committed to staying in Churchville and liked the "small town feel" that the new building would have.

Members of the village board were in agreement in their support for the plan and gave the project their blessing. Steedman told Spotts he could move forward with his plans and present them to the village planning board. "We appreciate everything you are doing," she said.

In other business, board members discussed the proposed Westshore multi-use trail. Fran Reese, a project consultant with Lu Engineers, made a presentation to board members at their September 10 meeting. At that time she requested feedback from board members by October 1 on several issues: The path the trail route should take through the village; where and how access should be restricted; where the trail head and parking should be located and what to do about a portion of private property on North Street. "I think these are four large topics and I don't know if they can be addressed by October 1," Steedman said.

Steedman said she has asked Village Trustee John Hartman to get a community group together who could help put some answers together. "We need to take a little bit more time to make a decision on a trail head. I really like the idea of us being the trail head but it is going to take a little time to do it and do it right. I want to make sure residents are okay with this."

Village Trustee Don Suter suggested an alternative route that the trail could take through the village. It would start at the municipal parking lot next to the village hall, ... and then go across Buffalo Road along the (proposed) boardwalk long Black Creek, up around the cemetery to Park Road and then meet up with the Westshore trail. It would take care of the problems on Fitch and Howard Streets," he said. Other board members said they liked Suter's alternative and were also supportive of development of the trail.

"I can get back to Fran with some of this information," Steedman said. "I would also like to team up with the Town (Riga). Dave Thomas (Riga Recreation Director) is interested in this."