Falconer Mayor Announces Creation Of Redevelopment Committee In Wake Of Devastating Fires

FALCONER – Village Mayor James Rensel recently announced the creation of a nine-member advisory committee assigned to the redeveloping of the W. Main St. section that suffered two devastating fires in as many years. 
Committee members were reportedly given a map of the current block, which detailed current property ownership.
Village Attorney Greg Peterson provided the Village with a brief update on the status of each property, including the plans to work with the Chautauqua County Land Bank to clean-up the remaining debris pile. Peterson said, “The space offers unique opportunities,” and asked members to “consider all options” while working to develop a plan.
Members of the advisory committee include Carmella Catanese, village resident; Brian & Kay Nelson, affected property owners-Falconer Vac Shop; Charlie & Kelly Moss, affected property owners-Servis Plumbing; Steven Sandberg, architect-LaBella Associates; Gary Henry, Jr., owner of Fancher Chair, Dan Heitzenrater, Town of Ellicott Councilman; and DeEtte Dispenza, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Falconer.
Catanese will act as the committee’s chair.

Falconer is known to have one of the busiest intersections in the county, as County Route 380 (North and South Work Street) and NY Route 394 (West and East Main Street). The village says that the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is providing a consultant, Harry Sicherman of The Harrison Studio of Lockport, NY, to assist through the redevelopment and funding process.
The committee plans to meet weekly with a targeted plan deadline of May 15th. Information from the advisory committee will then be presented to the village board.
All suggestions or inquiries regarding this downtown development project should be sent to: Village of Falconer, c/o Carmella Catanese, Advisory Chair, 101 W. Main Street, Falconer, N.Y. 14733.