Happy New Year! The Erie County Legislature held its first session of the new year with all eleven legislators being sworn in for a two-year term. I want to thank the residents of the 6th district for the privilege of representing you once again.
As we get to work there are a number of issues to be addressed. The Erie County Parks Department made changes to the reservation process for golf leagues that included leagues only being allowed to play nine holes as opposed to eighteen. It also required they rent carts for league play. I heard from many constituents upset with this change, which prompted a meeting with the golf leagues and Parks Department. While I’m pleased they have withdrawn the cart requirement, there is still work to do with respect to allowing leagues to play eighteen holes, as they have for decades.
Erie County has submitted its Community Development Block Grant funding application, and it includes some projects in my district. Those projects include nearly $120,000 for the Village of Akron Mill Street Reconstruction, as well as a mill and pave project for Mechanic Street. In addition, there is $250,000 allocated for improvements at the Clarence Senior Center and additional revenue for various communities for rural transit transportation service. I’m hopeful this application will be approved.
A reminder that building and shelter reservations for 2024 at county parks has opened. You can secure a shelter by going to www.erie.gov and click on “Visit Our Parks,” then go to “Reservations” at the top. There are a number of events that are held in the winter months which are also highlighted on the Erie County website.
The postponement of the Buffalo Bills game serves as a reminder about the changing and often dangerous weather patterns where we live. It also highlights the importance of those organizations that can reach stranded motorists or homebound people with health challenges. Our snowmobile clubs proved most valuable during last year’s blizzard. As we surpassed the one-year anniversary of that devastating storm we must ensure that those clubs play a significant role in reaching those in need and have a seat at the table in organizing rescues and responses.
Winter is also a time where we take stock in Erie County roads. The Legislature now requests of the Administration a five-year plan so that communities can better anticipate when a particular road will be repaired. As we await the list for 2024, I want to encourage residents if you have an issue with a county road, please reach out to my office at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov or by phone at 716-858-8676. You are our eyes and ears and help to alert us to problems that need attention.
I look forward to 2024 and wish you good health and happiness.
