OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Pictured is the site of the former Lakeshore Hospital site on Routes 5 and 20, which plans to re-open as a residential mental health and rehabilitation facility under the name of New York Medical Center.

HANOVER — The Town of Hanover has been one of the more busy municipalities across Chautauqua County in the past few years, but several of the town’s ongoing projects have hit roadblocks at the same time.

At a recent meeting of the Town Board, Supervisor Lou Pelletter said, “The agenda is short and our comments are short because everything we have is pending, and there’s so many I can’t remember them all — it’s all pending.”

The projects Pelletter referenced included the planned residential mental health and rehabilitation facility at the former Lakeshore Hospital site on Routes 5 and 20, under the name of New York Medical Center; a potential hotel and conference center along Routes 5 and 20; two sewer system grants along Routes 5 and 20; and closing out of the water line improvement project, which is delayed because of the government shutdown. Additionally, the demolition of the Main Street School in Silver Creek is complete, but the construction of a senior living facility in its place will soon be “buttoned up” for the winter. Improvements to Bicentennial Park including a canopy to expand the seating area are also in the works, but not complete.

“They are all pending. I should probably make a list, because every time I talk about it, I think of something else that’s pending,” Pelletter said. “It’s hurry up and wait. Everything is done. I’m waiting for others.”

Pelletter hopes to hear back regarding grant opportunities in pursuit of a hotel on Routes 5 and 20 sometime in November.

As for New York Medical Center, the delayed opening of the facility stems from sewer system concerns from the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

In the meantime, construction is ongoing at the site, including roof work and interior remodeling in anticipation of a phased opening.

Regarding a recently completed project, Silver Creek resident Anna Frederickson was the latest resident to raise concerns of speeding and passing in the turning lane along Routes 5 and 20 since the State Department of Transportation’s lane reduction project was completed in July. Frederickson urged the Town Board to bring the concerns to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

The Town has an enhanced police protection contract with the Sheriff’s Office. Pelletter, a former Police Chief himself, stated that he will reiterate the concerns to the Sheriff’s Office, but it will be difficult to hold drivers accountable unless an officer witnesses the violation.

“I’ve seen people do that,” Pelletter acknowledged. “… but I don’t have a lot of control on their arrests.”

The Town of Hanover Boat Launch fees for 2026 pertaining to non-residents were set at $12 per day and $125 for the season for boat launch and/or fish cleaning; and $3 per day and $30 for the season for kayak, canoe, or any other non-motorized watercraft. Town residents, taxpayers of the Town, and current Town employees can purchase a season pass for $100 for boat launch and/or fish cleaning; and $20 for the season for kayak, canoe, or any other non-motorized watercraft.

Healthcare plans for eligible retirees over the age of 65 were approved by the Town Board, including plans through Independent Health and Highmark of WNY. A shared services agreement between the Town of Hanover Highway Department and the State Department of Transportation was also approved. Per Town correspondence, nine applicants expressed interest in an opening within the Town of Hanover Highway Department.

The Town Board approved payments in the amount of $375 to four organizations in honor of Veterans Day: Hanover Memorials Post 148, Silver Creek’s VFW Post 6472, AMVETS Post 6472, and J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post 953.

The Town Hall will be closed Tuesday due to Election Day; Nov. 11 for Veterans Day; and Nov. 27-28 in observance of Thanksgiving. The Town Clerk’s Office will also close at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 19 to allow for the Town Clerk staff to attend annual Chautauqua County Tax Collection training. Pelletter was also authorized to attend an employment law seminar in Celoron on Nov. 6.

The next Hanover Town Board meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.