Ellery supports Bemus Creek dredging application
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The town of Ellery is supporting a county grant application that would pay to dredge a portion of Bemus Creek.
Dave McCoy, Chautauqua County Department of Planning watershed coordinator, recently addressed the Ellery Town Board regarding the county’s pursuit for a state Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant application to dredge a portion of Bemus Creek. The estimated project cost is $400,000, with $300,000 requested from the state, $70,000 from the county and $30,.000 from the town.
McCoy asked if the town would support the effort with $30,000 worth of in-kind work. McCoy discussed the history of prior recommendations regarding dredging Bemus Creek and the 2026 Bemus Creek Sediment and Debris Management Plan. McCoy said the county will do as much as it can with the grant money, which he said should be enough to get through the delta and the outlet. If the application is approved, the dredging will take place in 2028.
McCoy stated a requirement for the grant application process is for the Ellery Town Board to pass consistency review for the proposed project. In addition, McCoy stated the board needed to endorse a resolution to apply to the state for grant funding. The board unanimously approved the request.
John Michael of Maple Springs addressed the board about Japanese knotweed that is growing between the Whiteside Creek bank and Rivulet Avenue in Maple Springs. As requested by the board, Michael has been in contact with the DEC, which said because the knotweed is not growing in the water, a DEC permit to eradicate it is not needed. Michael provided the board with a map showing the treatment locations along with letters from area residents in support of the application of a pesticide treatment. Greg Hallberg, town highway superintendent, told Neil Robinson, town attorney, that Hallberg is OK with treating the knotweed. Michael said Eco’s Cooperative of Buffalo, a licensed pesticide business with aquatic and vegetative certification, will complete the pesticide application.
Robinson stated the town needs to be named as an additional insured on the applicator company’s insurance. The town needs to have a copy of the Insurance Certificate prior to the start of the application process. The board signed the permission letter for pesticide treatment as long as the conditions discussed by Robinson are met and property owners are notified before the pesticide is applied.
Pastor Greg Buzzanco of Triumphant Life Church addressed the board to share the plans for the property the church purchased on Beck Road. Buzzanco said the church’s focus is youth ministry. They want to provide Bible study to kids in a rural church setting, bringing in children from their other churches located in Erie and Jamestown for services and retreats. Buzzanco indicated their primary goal is to train leaders. They would like to, occasionally, have church services under a tent. Eventually, a permanent structure may be built on the property large enough to provide Bible study for 40 to 70 kids.
There have been several town residents who have raised concerns about a church camp being located on the Beck Road property. Buzzanco stated the church is not planning to run a church camp. Discussion followed regarding the need for a Special Use Permit. Anne Golley, town zoning officer, said the church will need to come before the town board to request a Special Use Permit because whether the use of the property is determined to be a church or school, a Special Use Permit will still be needed. A Special Use Permit will also be needed because the property size is 60 acres, and the church plans to utilize all 60 acres.
John Ford, representing the Chautauqua Lake Association, thanked the board members for their support this year. Mark Schlemmer, board member, thanked Ford for the CLA’s efforts in Bemus Bay, with board members agreeing the lake has been much better this year. A discussion followed regarding the Town Board supporting both the Chautauqua Lake Association and the Chautauqua Lake Partnership. Ford said if the Ellery Town Board makes a donation of support, all nine towns and villages will be supporting the CLA this year. Board members said they will commit to supporting both the CLA and the CLP, though the amount will be decided upon when the town takes up its budget since no funding was budgeted in 2026.
Councilmember John Cresanti led a brief discussion regarding two Revolutionary War graves in Red Bird Cemetery that are unmarked and another one that is severely damaged. Hallberg, who is also the cemetery supervisor, and town Historian Cherie Clark will be made aware of the graves that need attention. It was also mentioned that the Veteran’s Administration might be able to help.