OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Ed Schintzius said the town of Hanover was “missing out” on opportunities to capitalize on tourism without a hotel in the area. That might not be the case for much longer.

HANOVER — The Town of Hanover might not be “missing out” for much longer.

After years of wishing for a hotel in the area, the Town of Hanover moved forward with a study to see if its hopes were actually a possibility.

So far, so good.

A feasibility study by Spurrier Contracting was submitted to the Town Board that found significant development opportunities do exist along Routes 5 and 20. Town Clerk Elizabeth VanCheri described the study as “very favorable” for the Town’s prospects for hotel development.

The study was approved by the Town Board at a cost not to exceed $4,900 back in November. If it turned out that more significant development along the Routes 5 and 20 corridor was not feasible, the Town could have cut off the study early at a cost of $3,000.

That was not the case, as the Town saw it through to the end and learned that its dreams could soon become a reality.

There is nothing set in stone yet regarding a potential hotel in the region. However, Supervisor Lou Pelletter has stated that a developer has inquired about the region to potentially build a hotel. Pelletter and Town Councilman Ed Schintzius each stated earlier this year how vital a hotel would be to the region.

As he has stated since 2017, Pelletter remains hopeful for the construction of a hotel in Hanover. He believes a hotel would serve as “an anchor” in the region. Schintzius expressed that the Town is “missing out” on capitalizing on out of town anglers looking for a place to stay on fishing trips to the region.

The comments made by Pelletter and Schintzius caught the attention of a developer who reached out to the Town, which prompted the Board to reach an agreement with Spurrier Contracting due to its experience with hotel management. The Town will continue to evaluate its possibilities in the coming weeks.

Another topic of discussion in recent meetings will also remain on the Town’s radar moving forward. The Town will meet with Brad Pinsky, an attorney focused on Fire and Emergency Service agencies, and Noel Guttman, Chautauqua County Emergency Coordinator, regarding fire district consolidation. The Town will meet with Pinsky and Guttman on Feb. 25 to discuss the pros and cons of consolidating fire districts.

At the organizational meeting of the Town Board, salaries for Town Officials were set for the year. Pelletter makes $17,500 as Town Supervisor. Council members Bernard Feldmann, James Feldmann, Aimee Rogers and Ed Schintzius earn $8,200. VanCheri earns $59,750 as Town Clerk. VanCheri appointed Hazel Deet and Lorry Schneider as Deputy Clerks.

Highway Superintendent Peter Pelletter makes $72,000, while Deputy Highway Superintendent Brandyn Griewisch earns an hourly rate of $28.83. Sewer and Water Superintendent Rob Weiskerger earns $82,365. Weiskerger is also the Town’s Coordinating Director of Disaster, with James Tyka Jr. and Todd Johnson serving as assistants. Weiskerger is also the Town’s Fire Warden.

John Grennell was re-appointed as Town Attorney at a cost of $28,000 in 2025. Andrew Kehrer is the Town Prosecutor at $13,000 in 2025.

The Town Board also approved a secondary contract for care of canines with the Chautauqua County Humane Society upon the recommendation of the Town’s Dog Control Officer, Timothy Christian.

The Town has also moved its regular meetings up a half-hour for 2025. Regular meetings of the Town Board will be held every second and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. A workshop will be held prior to each meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Town Board is Monday, Jan. 27.