Webster, N.Y. — John Kohut watched his retirement home burn to the ground on Christmas Eve. His home at 185 Lake Road in Webster was among the seven destroyed by fire. Since that day he has been trying to figure out how he can rebuild.
“It was my residence, it was my retirement home,” said Kohut.
Thursday night, town leaders in Webster voted to waive fees associated with demolition, zoning application fees for the properties located 177-195 Lake Road.
“They are anxious to get going and we want them to get going as fast as they can,” said Ronald Nesbitt, Webster Town Supervisor.
Town leaders are not the only ones lending help to those who want it.
Rochester Home Builders Association C.E.O. Rich Herman said he has fielded calls from numerous members who are interested in helping the displaced homeowners.
“They’ve offered to coordinate crews that work with them, and that subcontract with them,” said Herman. Some of the crews would include roofers, electricians, flooring companies and plumbers.
Over the next four to six weeks, Herman will come up with a list of the builders and services being offered for free or at a discounted price and submit that to town leaders.
“Some of them are investors so that may be a different story, but certainly the families who have been affected need help,” said Herman.
