July 15, 2026
Friendship/Political
Friendship Holds Hearing on $2 Million Water System Grant Bid
The Town of Friendship held a public hearing on July 15, 2026, at GAR Hall Community Center to gather resident input on community development needs ahead of a possible Community Development Block Grant application. Town officials indicated they intend to seek roughly $2 million in CDBG funding for Phase II improvements to the town's water distribution system. The funding would come from a statewide pool of about $45 million New York State has set aside for eligible municipalities this cycle. The hearing gave residents a chance to weigh in before any formal grant application is submitted.
Photo: Pubdog / Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain) Ellicottville/Political
Ellicottville Town Board Approves Moratorium on Battery Storage and Data Centers
The Ellicottville Town Board approved a 12-month moratorium on new battery energy storage systems and data center facilities during its July 15, 2026 meeting, following a public hearing. Town Supervisor Matthew McAndrew said the pause is meant to give officials time to research the technologies and develop zoning and safety regulations before any projects move forward. Resident Nadine Saviano spoke during the hearing about potential environmental impacts of such facilities. The moratorium halts new applications while the town studies land-use, safety and environmental questions tied to the emerging industries.