The town of Willet is in the southeast corner of Cortland County. NY Route 221 runs from Interstate 81 to Willet. The Otselic River runs through the town of Willet and has been protected as a Wetland Area. Like the rest of Cortland County, Willet is primarily rural. Two climactic regions affect it: The Central Lakes Division, which is the driest section of the Finger Lakes Region, and the Plateau Division which is cooler and snowier.
History of the Town
Revolutionary War soldiers settled the town of Willet. The town was named in honor of Col. Marinus Willett who drew lot No. 88 of the old town of Cincinnatus situated in the southeast quarter of the township. When the division was made, the Colonel was honored by having the town named after him. The earliest settlers arrived in 1797.
Population Characteristics
According to the most recent census estimate, 884 people live in the Town of Willet, in a land area of 25.84 square miles There are 230 families.
Physical Characteristics
Natural Resources: The primary natural resources include farmland, forests, the Otselic River, and managed wetlands. There are several ponds, lakes and a variety of streams in the Town as well.
Developed Resources: Residential land use occupies about 19 percent of all land in the town. Commercial land use occupies about 0.06 percent of all the land. Community Service land use such as churches and schools occupy about 0.47 percent of the land. Recreation land use occupies 0.01 percent of the land. Agriculture land use uses 27.68 percent of all land. Open space is 39.47 percent. The Hamlet of Willet is located at the intersections of State Routes 41 and 26 with County Highway 166, on the East Side of the Otselic River. It is the center of the town with a church, the ballpark, post office, and some commercial enterprises.
Transportation
The main highways serving Willet are Interstate 81, New York State highways 221 and 41. Major regional airports are located in Syracuse and Binghamton. Cortland county Municipal Airport is useful for small, private planes. Greyhound, Trailways, and Oneonta provide intra and interstate bus service. Cortland County Bus Lines provide local service.
Community Facilities and Services
Utilities: Electric and gas are provided by New York State Electric and Gas Company.
Water and sewer: Eighty three percent of water is supplied by wells. Household sewage is primarily septic tanks.
Education: Educational services are provided by the Cincinnatus and Marathon School Districts. SUNY Cortland, Cornell University, Tompkins Cortland Community College and Ithaca College are within driving distance.
Fire/Emergency services: State police protection is available in the Town of Willet and is provided through Marathon. Willet has its own volunteer fire department. Willet is served by emergency number 911.
Health Care: Cincinnatus provides the nearest medical facilities and ambulance service. For full hospital services, the nearest location is Cortland.
Recreational and Tourist Attractions: Public access points are placed along the Otselic River. Willet has a Community Center, ball field and park.
Hotels/Motels: Woven Waters motel is located in Willet.
Land Use Plans and Regulations
The town of Willet has a planning board, zoning ordinance, a master plan, subdivision ordinance, mobile home ordinance, a noise abatement ordinance, junk yard ordinance, flood plan regulations, and road building specifications.