Four local heroes were honored during this week’s Chautauqua County Legislature meeting.
County Executive PJ Wendel issued four separate Certificates of Recognition to Steve Smouse, Mia Goot, Joe Pollaro and Arden Johnson.
Smouse is the first assistant chief of the Lakewood Fire Department. On March 11, there was a structure fire at 2481 and 2477 Keller Road in Busti. One home was destroyed and another was severely damaged. Seventy-eight individuals responded to the call, which impacted eight structures total. Smouth coordinated the response.
“This is an example of strong work ethic, leadership, and community dedication,” Wendel said.
Goot was honored for rescuing a Portland man from the Barcelona Harbor on March 29. “Heroics acts like this inspire kindness and solidarity across Chautauqua County. Her heroic actions are appreciated not only by the residents, myself but also the individual, whose life she saved,” Wendel said.
etichy@post-journal.com
A developer is seeking to repurpose the former Fluvanna Elementary School near Route 430 in the town of Ellery into apartments. The Ellery Zoning Board of Appeals has granted a use variance for the project, though town board members are looking for more information.
P-J photo by Eric Tichy
FLUVANNA More information is being sought by Ellery Town Board members on a proposal to repurpose the former Fluvanna Elementary School into short- and long-term apartments.
The town’s zoning board of appeals already has granted a use variance for the project. However, town board members during meetings in February, March and April discussed needing more details from its developer before making a decision.
jwhittaker@post-journal.com
CHAUTAUQUA The Chautauqua Institution is pushing back against the town of Ellery’s assertion that it shouldn’t be part of the Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency board.
In a letter sent to county officials on Monday, Michael Hill, institution president, addressed some of the comments submitted and read aloud during a recent CLPRA meeting. One of the letters read during the meeting came from Arden Johnson, Ellery town supervisor, with a request that Chautauqua Institution no longer have a seat on the CLPRA because it is duplicative and because the institution is outspoken against the use of herbicides on Chautauqua Lake.
jwhittaker@post-journal.com
ELLERY The town of Ellery wants a potential taxing district for Chautauqua Lake to be approved by the public.
Arden Johnson, Ellery town supervisor, sent a letter to Pierre Chagnon, R-Bemus Point and chairman of the Chautauqua County Legislature and other members of the Chautauqua Lake Protection and Remediation Agency asking for several changes to be considered before a taxing district for Chautauqua Lake is finalized.
“Require a referendum to be held, including all those who will be taxed,” Johnson wrote. “Enact CLPRA district taxation only if a majority of those to be taxed vote and a majority of those voting support the formation of the taxing district.”
nholland@post-journal.com
Ellery Town Supervisor Arden Johnson, second from left, is pictured with Robert Freeburg, John Cresanti and Sherri McCall in September 2020 during a dedication at the Ellery Town Park. Johnson has been supervisor for several decades.
File Photo
ELLERY Ellery Town Supervisor Arden Johnson, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, is believed to be the oldest and longest tenured town supervisor in New York state.
Johnson graduated from Brocton Central School in 1949 and has a past filled with dedication to public service and local politics. In 1948, Johnson originated the Young Republican Club in the town of Portland.
From 1955 to 1957, he served as Brocton fire chief and served on the village board from 1957 to 1960.