I am humbled to once again be named Minority Leader in the Erie County Legislature and am grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of the 11th District. I joined the ten other legislators earlier this month in taking our oath of office for the next two years.
I’m pleased that a number of area farms will be receiving money to help them recover from the November 2022 storm that dumped several feet of snow on our region. Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District announced nine local entities will be receiving funding to help them restore structures damaged in the storm that are not typically covered by insurance. Amoz Zittel & Sons and Eden Valley Farm in Eden, Draudt @ Sons, Lockwood Greenhouses & Farms and Miller’s Farm Market in Hamburg, Heritage Farms and Providence Farm Collective in Orchard Park, and Kwilos Farms in Derby will all be receiving funding to help rebuild greenhouses and storage buildings damaged in the storm.
I’ve heard from a number of you about proposed changes made by the Erie County Parks Department for golf reservations. Leagues that have played on the public courses for years are now being told they can only play nine holes and must rent carts. The Parks Department did ultimately walk back the cart requirement. We continue to hold discussions with them on allowing the leagues to continue playing the 18-holes, as they have for many years.
A reminder that you can now reserve shelters and buildings at county parks. Go to www.erie.gov, click on “Visit Our Parks,” then click on “Reservations” at the top to secure your shelter for 2024. There are also a number of activities planned in our parks during the winter months. The annual Winter Fest takes place at Chestnut Ridge Park on Saturday, February 3, from 10a-4p by the Casino. Live music, animals, a magic show, food trucks and more are planned. Be sure to stop by.
Congratulations to the Buffalo Bills for their big win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in what were some challenging conditions. I appreciate all those who stepped up to ensure the game could be played Monday. Many great memories have been made at the current stadium, and as construction continues on the new one, I have no doubt there will be many wonderful moments to witness there, as well. I will continue to advocate for measures that will allow for safe passage for pedestrians heading to and from the game.
This is also a good time to take note of Erie County Road conditions. We are awaiting a list the Administration agreed to provide us as part of budget negotiations that outline a five-year plan of what roads will be repaired.
If you have a county-related issue or concern, please contact me by email at John.Mills@erie.gov or by phone 716-858-8850.
I wish you all the best in 2024.
