New Williamsville Water Mill Plaza Unveiled

Williamsville, N.Y. – A new public plaza in front of the Williamsville Water Mill was unveiled to the public for the first time Friday as the Village gears up for an exciting schedule of weekend holiday events.

The area in front of the Water Mill has been transformed into a beautiful event space with colored concrete and pavers thanks to $250,000 in funding from State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer. 

“It’s almost hard to imagine what this space looked like before,” said Mayor Brian J. Kulpa. “The investments of Senator Ranzenhofer and Senator Schumer have turned this back alley into the Village Square event space our community has always wanted.” 

"The Water Mill has always been one of the Village of Williamsville's most cherished landmarks, and the completion of this beautiful public plaza is another reason to treasure it even more," said State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer.  "I hope that Williamsville residents will take advantage of their new plaza during one of the exciting holiday events planned for this weekend."

The project, which will continue next spring, received two grants from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corp and Dept. of Environmental Conservation, made possible by Sen. Charles E. Schumer, and funding from the State Dormitory Authority, provided by Sen. Ranzenhofer. 

In Spring, work will begin on the remainder of the street, including raingardens, sidewalks, trees, pavers, a scenic overlook into Glen Park and other streetscape improvements aimed at reducing stormwater runoff into Ellicott Creek and creating an interesting public gathering space where people can eat, shop and relax. 

The Water Mill Plaza will host Saturday’s popular “Holiday in the Village” event, which includes shopping specials in all the Main Street businesses, free carousel rides all day, horse and wagon rides on Spring Street from Noon to 2 p.m., DIY pictures with Santa at the Williamsville Water Mill on Spring Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and free shuttle bus transportation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at various spots in the Village. (Park at Elderwood, 5271 Main St.)

The Candlelight Tree Lighting & Caroling at Candy Cane Lane begins at 6 p.m. at Village Hall, 5565 Main St., featuring new lighting displays and caroling by the Calvary Episcopal Church Choir. A party at the newly constructed Water Mill Plaza on Spring Street will follow, with free carousel rides, marshmallow roasting, pictures with Santa and free cookies and hot chocolate. Visit www.willvill.com or www.walkablewilliamsville.com for a holiday event schedule.

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