Arcade offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and modern-day convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Located in the western part of New York, Arcade is a town that embraces its rich history while fostering a vibrant community spirit. Whether you're strolling through the picturesque downtown or exploring the scenic landscapes surrounding the area, Arcade never fails to impress with its beauty.
Residents often speak of the welcoming atmosphere that defines life in Arcade. Here, acquaintances quickly turn into lifelong friendships as the community values strong connections and neighborly support. Local events, such as the Arcade Farmers’ Market, provide perfect opportunities for residents to come together, enjoy delicious goodies, and support local artisans.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Arcade offers plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind. From hiking trails to nearby Letchworth State Park's "Grand Canyon of the East," adventure enthusiasts will find an array of activities to enjoy. Education thrives with well-regarded schools that nurture young minds and develop future leaders.
Arcade is a town where past and present intersect seamlessly, offering an idyllic lifestyle for all age...
Arcade
4 | HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue
Arcade: A Small Town with a Heartwarming Charm
Arcade offers a delightful blend of small-town charm and modern-day convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Located in the western part of New York, Arcade is a town that embraces its rich history while fostering a vibrant community spirit. Whether you're strolling through the picturesque downtown or exploring the scenic landscapes surrounding the area, Arcade never fails to impress with its beauty.
Residents often speak of the welcoming atmosphere that defines life in Arcade. Here, acquaintances quickly turn into lifelong friendships as the community values strong connections and neighborly support. Local events, such as the Arcade Farmers’ Market, provide perfect opportunities for residents to come together, enjoy delicious goodies, and support local artisans.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Arcade offers plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind. From hiking trails to nearby Letchworth State Park's "Grand Canyon of the East," adventure enthusiasts will find an array of activities to enjoy. Education thrives with well-regarded schools that nurture young minds and develop future leaders.
Arcade is a town where past and present intersect seamlessly, offering an idyllic lifestyle for all ages. Embrace the tranquility and warmth of Arcade, where community matters and every day brings a new opportunity to appreciate life’s simple joys.
Hello Arcade, New York • Summer Issue |5
Arcade
What to Know Before You Dig: Planning a Pond on Your Property
Building a pond might look like a simple excavation project, but there’s much more to it than just moving dirt. A well-designed pond can enhance your landscape, support wildlife, and manage stormwater, but only if it’s built on a site that’s properly evaluated and prepared.
Every job site is
different. Before any digging begins, it's important to understand your soil type. Certain soils, like clay, naturally hold water well. Others, such as sandy or rocky soils, may allow seepage and require a liner to keep water levels stable. Skipping this step can result
6 | HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue
What to Know Before You Dig: Planning a Pond on Your Property
Building a pond might look like a simple excavation project, but there’s much more to it than just moving dirt. A well-designed pond can enhance your landscape, support wildlife, and manage stormwater, but only if it’s built on a site that’s properly evaluated and prepared.
Every job site is different. Before any digging begins, it's important to understand your soil type. Certain soils, like clay, naturally hold water well. Others, such as sandy or rocky soils, may allow seepage and require a liner to keep water levels stable. Skipping this step can result in a pond that drains faster than it fills.
Location is also key. Ponds collect runoff from the surrounding area, and larger basins can fill quickly after a heavy rain. If not properly graded, this can lead to overflow or erosion. Understanding the flow of water across your property helps prevent unintended drainage issues and ensures your pond supports, and doesn’t disrupt, your landscape.
Big ponds collect more runoff, so water levels can change fast, and you’ll need access for routine maintenance. Plan ahead for stable paths that can support equipment such as tractors, dredgers, or pumps. Without proper access, maintaining the health of the pond becomes more difficult and costly over time.
Another critical factor is how the pond will affect the broader environment on your property. Ponds can influence drainage patterns, attract wildlife, and even shift soil behavior nearby. These changes can be beneficial when properly managed, but they require planning to avoid unexpected consequences.
Finally, think long-term. A well-built pond should require minimal intervention once established, but proper construction from the start is what makes that possible. Knowing your site conditions, planning for access, and managing water flow are all essential steps to creating a lasting feature that works with your land.
Know your site before you dig. A successful pond project starts with a solid plan and the right expertise to execute it properly.
Jeff Phair
helps prevent unintended drainage issues and ensures your pond supports, and doesn’t disrupt, your landscape.
Big ponds collect more runoff, so water levels can change fast, and you’ll need access for routine maintenance. Plan ahead for stable paths that can support equipment such as tractors, dredgers, or pumps. Without proper access, maintaining the health of the pond becomes more difficult and costly over time.
Another critical factor is how the pond will affect the broader environment on your property. Ponds can influence drainage patterns, attract wildlife, and even shift soil...
in a pond that drains faster than it fills.
Location is also key. Ponds collect runoff from the surrounding area, and larger basins can fill quickly after a heavy rain. If not properly graded, this can lead to overflow or erosion. Understanding the flow of water across your property
A well-built pond should require minimal intervention once established, but proper construction from the start is what makes that po...
About the Author
Jeff Phair is the owner of Phair Excavation, Inc. Since 1987, Jeff and his team proudly provide excavation, land clearing, snow removal, pond construction, and demolition services. Jeff takes pride in their friendly, professional customer service and strives to do a quality job for a fair price.
HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue |7
Septic System Excavation: Planning Before You Dig
Installing a septic system is a critical part of property development, but it’s not just about bringing in heavy equipment. Successful septic excavation depends on detailed planning, a solid understanding of local regulations, and an assessment of the land itself. Digging for a septic system takes more
than equipment. Every site is different, and getting it right from the start can prevent costly mistakes down the road.
The first step is ensuring the soil is suitable for a septic system. The soil needs to pass a percolation test to show it can safely absorb
8 | HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue
Septic System Excavation: Planning Before You Dig
Installing a septic system is a critical part of property development, but it’s not just about bringing in heavy equipment. Successful septic excavation depends on detailed planning, a solid understanding of local regulations, and an assessment of the land itself. Digging for a septic system takes more than equipment. Every site is different, and getting it right from the start can prevent costly mistakes down the road.
The first step is ensuring the soil is suitable for a septic system. The soil needs to pass a percolation test to show it can safely absorb water. This test determines how quickly water drains through the soil, which directly impacts how the system is designed. Poor percolation may require alternative system types or additional drainage accommodations.
Placement is another key factor. Septic tanks need to follow setback rules from wells, homes, and property lines to protect drinking water and comply with health codes. These regulations vary by location, but ignoring them can result in failed inspections, fines, or long-term risks to your property’s safety and value.
Depth is equally important. Septic lines must avoid freezing and still drain properly, especially in regions with harsh winters. Pipes must be placed deep enough to be insulated from frost, but with the proper pitch to allow wastewater to flow naturally into the tank and out to the drain field.
And while the tank gets the attention, don’t forget about the drain field. This is where treated wastewater filters back into the ground. The area must be carefully sized and placed based on the results of the percolation test and the volume of water the household will produce. Improper grading, poor soil, or high groundwater can compromise performance.
Septic excavation involves far more than digging a hole; it’s about engineering a complete system that works with your land and meets all regulatory standards. When you plan before you dig, you set your septic system up for long-term performance and reliability.
Jeff Phair
rules from wells, homes, and property lines to protect drinking water and comply with health codes. These regulations vary by location, but ignoring them can result in failed inspections, fines, or long-term risks to your property’s safety and value.
Depth is equally important. Septic lines must avoid freezing and still drain properly, especially in regions with harsh winters. Pipes must be placed deep enough to be insulated from frost, but with the proper pitch to allow wastewater to flow naturally into the tank and out to the drain field.
And while the tank gets the attention, don’t...
water. This test determines how quickly water drains through the soil, which directly impacts how the system is designed. Poor percolation may require alternative system types or additional drainage accommodations.
Placement is another key factor. Septic tanks need to follow setback
Septic tanks need to follow setback rules from wells, homes, and property lines to protect drinking water and comply with health codes.
About the Author
Jeff Phair is the owner of Phair Excavation, Inc. Since 1987, Jeff and his team proudly provide excavation, land clearing, snow removal, pond construction, and demolition services. Jeff takes pride in their friendly, professional customer service and strives to do a quality job for a fair price.
HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue |9
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Arcade who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
12 | HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Arcade who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Proudly Partnering with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors
At HelloNation, we are honored to serve as America’s Video Magazine, bringing to life the stories of over 40,000 towns and cities across the country. Our mission is to celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and opportunities in every community, creating a digital platform that informs, inspires, and connects residents, businesses, and newcomers alike.
We are deeply proud to have the support and endorsement of two of the
nation’s most respected organizations: the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Through their partnership, the NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors affirm their confidence in HelloNation’s vision and our shared belief in the power of storytelling to highlight the unique character of each community.
Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
HelloNation
18 | HelloArcade, New York • Summer Issue
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Hello Arcade, New York • Summer Issue |19
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
