Niagara Community Forum

Our Gain??

2012-01-27T09:13:00.000-05:00

Click to read Mark Scheer's Gazette article on redistricting

“I look forward to improving the economic development climate in the Falls. It isn't very good right now,” Maziarz said.

I don't like to get into politics, but Senator Maziarz saying he is going to improve Niagara Falls' economic development climate is, at best -- ludicrous.
Senator Maziarz has taken every opportunity to demean Niagara Falls in every way possible. While among others, attempting to dilute the efforts of USA Niagara, opposing the Holiday Market, standing in the way of the Culinary Institute in downtown Niagara, and...worst of all, standing directly in the way of reclaiming our waterfront.

Welcome to Niagara Falls Senator. I hope the Democrat majority sees to it your career as a State Senator is terminated in the next election.

Casino Follies

2012-01-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

Click to read the Niagara Gazette account of Casino lobbying Group

Thank you Councilwoman Grandinetti for exercising sound judgement and casting the lone vote against this rash decision to form a lobbying group to address what our local State Representatives should take responsibility for!!!

AGAIN, The way to settle this dispute for the municipalities, is for either the state to pay the communities their share, OR allow the Senecas to pay without prejudice in the mater of the exclusivity agreement.

Going off "Half Cocked" without a full understanding of the issues will help NO ONE!
If we had gone to the root of the problem in the first place -- instead of blaming it on cigarettes, threatening a blockade and passing resolutions demanding our money from the wrong source -- this issue may have been settled before we ran out of funds.

Own up -- It's not our Fight

2012-01-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

Click here to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News article about lobbying the state and the Seneca Nation for casino funds

Again, it is pretty straightforward. The state pays the municipalities; we do not receive casino funds directly from the Senecas. Therefore, the state should pay the city the amount they owe them. If the state wins their case it will not matter, if the state loses, it was never the city's fault in the first place -- We didn't negotiate the contract and we did not break it.

History of Urban Renewal

2012-01-18T12:14:00.001-05:00

Click header to view presentation

Land Banks

2012-01-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

Full article in 1/17/2012 Gazette

More about Land Banks from USA Today

Save and preserve for future generations. No more Hope VI; where some people get rich, no home ownership and the rest of the city's great homes deteriorate.

Put ALL the Cards on the Table

2012-01-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

Niagara Gazette: Upcoming report will reveal removal costs for Robert Moses Parkway

OK, so the scoping report is going to give us some direction as to what the cost of removing the redundant sections Robert Moses Parkway will be -- Now, how about completing the process by including the -- Economic Impact!!!

Due Diligence

2012-01-14T11:29:00.000-05:00

Click here to read Mark Scheer's Gazette article

The airport needs to be more than shuttle service to select cities in Florida and Myrtle Beach. We should have done feasibility studies before we poured $42 million into it -- Something often referred to as "Due Diligence." You know -- stuff like designed capacity, infrastructure requirements, potential market and market share, competition..... So far, all we know is it has a nearly 10,000 foot runway and we can provide cheap flights between here and Florida.

If you follow the history, the greatest potential for the airport (and the greatest benefit to Niagara County) would be for shuttle service between MAJOR cities and International flights. Not competition with Buffalo and Toronto or shuttle service between here and Florida.

The other side:
Falls airport looking to find its niche Buffalo News
Hoping Niagara Falls Airport will Fly Buffalo News
USA Niagara 2004 Market Analysis

The Robert Moses Saga

2012-01-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Gazette Photo circa 1962

Falls Report on Parkway to be Aired 1984
The plan recommended to the city calls for:

Improvement of Whirlpool Street between Main Street and Findlay Drive.
Conversion of the northbound lane for use by a "view-mobile-type people mover and a bicycle path: That section extended from Rainbow Bridge to Devil's Hole State Park.
Removal of the parkway bridge's twin span over the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge.
Maintaining the Northbound parkway lanes for two-way traffic from Findlay Drive to the north city line at reduced speeds of 35 MPH.
Construction of intersections for the parkway at reduced width and speeds a four city streets.
Provisions of vehicle and pedestrian access to existing and proposed scenic overlook areas from Whirlpool ~ Arch Lowery, Buffalo News circa 1984

Niagara Waterfront Master Plan 1992

2,800 New jobs, accounting for $56.6 million per year
$7 million a year in new sales tax receipts - $1.3 million for Niagara Falls and 2.1 million for Niagara County.
$850,000 a year in additional room tax receipts for Niagara Falls.
A $150 million yearly boost in retail sales. -- Enough to support about 200,000 square feet of additional retail space.
Enough new tourists ever year to support 1,100 hotel rooms

The Parkway Problem, Buffalo News, Feburary 2000
"We need to put theheat on Albany to give us back our river," said Paul A.Dyster, a rookie city councilman who says removal of the parkway is his No. 1priority. Dysteris part of a new group called the Niagara Waterfront Revitalization Task Force,which plans to hold a public meeting Feb. 29 to gain support for the plan. ~ The Parkway Problem. BILLMICHELMORE Buffalo News Feb, 20th 2000

After all that, the state responds with the:
Parkway South Final Scoping Report 2009
Incomplete Parkway North Scoping Process << Open and page down for progress.

Wall of Shame

2012-01-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

Buffalo Waterfront makes Project for Public Spaces Hall of Shame

Our Wall of Shame

Out of Touch??

2012-01-09T09:11:00.001-05:00

Officials hope State will include Falls projects << Click to read Charlie Specth's Buffalo News article.

"Ceretto thinks attention should be paid to Niagara Falls International Airport, which just received nearly $1 million for its master plan completion."

While the governor's intentions are unclear, there could be no better economic stimulus for the city of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Frontier's tourist industry than to reclaim the city's waterfront. THAT... Assemblyman Ceretto would provide incentive for private investment. By car, by bus, by rail or by air, it does not matter how tourists get to the city. Before we pour more money down what could very well be an endless pit, we should do some serious research on the growth potential of the Niagara Falls airport.

For Better or Worse?

2012-01-06T18:18:00.000-05:00

Click title for more

Facebook, The Niagara Falls Historian, 1929 photo

2012

I don't know, all those factories, railroad tracks, and canals. But then, where did the city go??

Boon or Bust

2012-01-05T18:36:00.000-05:00

Niagara Falls Library Photo circa 1974

The Buffalo News Archives

UN-CONVENTIONAL
DISREPAIR AND HIGH LABOR COSTS HAVEPUSHED THE CENTERPIECE OF NIAGARA FALLS' TOURISM INDUSTRY INTOTHE BACKGROUND AMONG COMPETING CITIES IN NEW YORK STATE

Publishedon October 29, 2000
Author: ANDREW Z. GALARNEAU

A quarter-century ago, the Niagara FallsConvention and Civic Center waspromoted as the answer to a city's dreams. Under its rainbow-archedroof, city fathers believed, crowds of conventioneers would help Niagara Falls cement its place in theforefront of American tourist destinations.

But since 1975, when Elvis Presley left thebuilding for the last time, the centerpiece of Niagara Falls' tourism downtown has become a heartbreakamid hotels. Dogged by a leaky roof and relatively high labor costs, theconvention center is on track to play host to about one convention or tradeshow each month this year.

Urban renewal helpedbuild six hotels near the convention center over the years, but failed to fillvacant lots nearby with tourist-friendly shops, restaurants and attractions.Entertainment possibilities play a significant part in convention planners'decisions, experts say.

The cash-strapped city,hobbled by dropping population and shrinking industry, has been unable toinvest in major building repairs. The roof needs replacing, at a cost of $10million according to a city study, but there's no sign where the money mightcome from. Union contract termshave left the convention center charging up to 40 percent more for events thanregional competitors, according to Niagara Falls Redevelopment, the city'smaster developer and operator of the center. Covered under the city laborcontract, workers at the building earn overtime rates for night and weekendwork -- key times for conventions -- which drives up the prices charged toorganizers, according to spokesman Roger Trevino.
"This conventioncenter can still play a significant part in the future of the Niagara Falls tourism industry,"said Trevino. "But it's going to take some serious investment before thatbuilding can attract the kind of business that will make a real differencehere."

The convention centeritself is officially owned by the state. But it's operated by the city, whichpays its workers and maintains the building. The city has contracted withNiagara Falls Redevelopment to manage the building. Niagara FallsRedevelopment has, in turn, hired Aramark Venue, a building managementspecialist, to book events and run the day-to-day operations. The building's conventionmarketing is handled by the Niagara Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau andthe marketing staffs of local hotels.

The convention center'smain mission was to play host to large-scale conventions that fill city hotelswith participants, especially in the off-peak months from September to May,said Fred Caso, vice president of the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce."During the summer months, the hotels can fill their rooms," Casosaid. "The convention center is for the off-season."

Its decline hascontributed to a Niagara Falls hotel occupancy ratethat ranks dead last among New York State cities and regions in arecent survey released by the New York State Hospitality & TourismAssociation. Niagara Falls came in behind Syracuse, Rochester and Albany/Schenectady,all communities served by more-modern convention centers. In coming years,competition for convention business could increase, if business leaders in Niagara Falls, Ont., and Buffalo are successful in plansto build new state-of-the-art convention centers.

This year, 13conventions or trade shows were scheduled at the building, said conventioncenter Marketing Director John Oliver. City hotels were scheduled to play hostto about four times as many smaller events, according to Niagara FallsConvention and Visitors Bureau documents. Convention and VisitorsBureau President Stan Rydelek did not return phone calls seeking comment. The convention centerhas been host to many more nonconvention events, such as banquets, consumershows, dance and sporting events. Including conventions and trade shows, therewere 81 events scheduled for the convention center in 2000, using the buildingfor 213 days.

Despite its problems,the building's solid attributes still attract business, such as the Fashion Focus2000 beauty industry trade show, which opened last week, Oliver said. Next weekthe New York State Nurses Association will bring about 2,000 delegates to town. Youth for Christ, aChristian group that has been meeting in Niagara Falls for six years, isreturning this year to the convention center for its largest gathering yet,Oliver said. Some 8,000 people are expected to fill hotel rooms citywide duringthe convention in December, Oliver said.

Like most conventioncenters, the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center runs at a deficit. Thecity spent about $1.3 million to operate the building this year. The building'stotal budget is about $5.4 million, city records show, including its annualmortgage payment of about $3.3 million, which the state pays. But a 1999 study by cityconsulting engineers found that the building needed about $35 million inrepairs and rehabilitation to come back to top shape. Building officials saysome of the repair recommendations are less crucial, or more expensive than necessary. No one argues that the$10 million roof repair is optional, though, and that's not a sum the city canpay by itself right now, said Mayor Irene J. Elia. "We're in theprocess of doing our budget now, and we've got some hard choices ahead,"said Elia. "The convention center is one of several important things wehave to worry about, but our first priority has to be passing a budget thatrestores the city to a sound financial foundation."
A tour of the building,which cost about $40 million to open 26 years ago, highlights several mainfactors for the building's relative lack of success.

"One of the mainthings convention planners look for is plenty of entertainment and diningchoices for their delegates at night," said Trevino. "Until we bringdowntown Niagara Falls back again, that'ssomething that hurts." Other top factors aresuitability of the building and costs, Trevino said.

Shortly after this article appeared in the Buffalo News the Convention Center became the focus of attention for use as a Native American run Casino. The convention business actually picked up in 2001, but dropped of again when it became apparent the buildings days as a Convention & Civic were numbered.

More on the economic impact of Convention & Civic Centers

Our Share

2012-01-05T09:28:00.001-05:00

Is the Falls in on Buffalo's billion << Click to read Mark Scheer's Gazette article.

Economic stimulus that will bring hundreds of construction jobs to Niagara Falls and transform the economic landscape for years to come -- Finish what we started:
https://www.nysdot.gov/recovery/sponsors/tiger/repository/Niagara%20Falls%20NY%20Application.pdf

Where we Failed

2012-01-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

Where others use the Niagara Gorge to their advantage; We use it as an expressway out of town. Where others used the Niagara Gorge for commerce and quality of life; we displaced homes and put up a repair shop. Where others valued their views of the Niagara Gorge; we placed a bridge.

Broken Promises -- NFR

2012-01-03T09:17:00.001-05:00

Years of broken promises << Click to read Buffalo News.com Niagara Views article by staff writer Dan Herbeck.

"April 1997: Niagara Falls Redevelopment, headed by Toronto developer Edwin Cogan, unveils $130 million development proposal that includes four- and five-star hotels and other attractions. "There's no reason we can't do here what Disney World did for Orlando," a company lawyer says."

"July 2006: New York State seizes 17-acre Splash Park property and gives the land to the Seneca Nation for casino-related expansion. Land is taken off tax rolls. The Senecas later pay a company controlled by NFR $18 million for the property, and NFR goes to court seeking an additional $75 million."

And the list goes on >>>

New life for the Turtle.....NOT << More from the Buffalo News Archives

Honestly, we must all share some of the blame, but...Will 2012 be the year we end the trail of broken promises???

Plan Carefully

2012-01-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

Officials hope Holiday Market shops take root << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News Article.

There is a big difference between Falls Street and Faneuil Hall in Boston. Namely, the fact our buildings do not interact with the public. It is not the street vendors that bring 4 million to this Marketplace in Boston -- it's the fact it is the perfect "Public Space."

"The city should be careful not to out-price its residents, as happened in the Rainbow Centre Mall, said City Councilwoman Kristen Grandinetti. “But, by the same token, I’m concerned that we don’t go the other way and have it be some sort of a flea market or some low-end retail that won’t be appealing to the tourists or the locals, she said." I think Councilwoman Grandinetti put it in the proper perspective. In the words of Jane Jacobs -- "A place for Natives and Tourist alike!"

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T13:03:00.001-05:00

Have a safe and Happy New Year. 2012 shapes up to what could be a transformational year for the economic development of city on Niagara Falls, NY.

There could be bulldozers on the South end of the Robert Moses Parkway making way for private investment along the upper river.

There could be stores in the long empty Falls Street Station.
There could be a developer for 301 Rainbow Boulevard.
There could be developers for the long empty Rainbow Centre.
The Culinary Institute could be open for business.
The inter-modal Transportation will be well underway.

It doesn't mean we should let up, but is good reason to celebrate the coming year!

An indepth look at Urban Renewal

2011-12-30T20:19:00.001-05:00

History of Urban Renewal << click to read The TiTi Tudorancea Learning Center encyclopedia look at Urban Renewal

In the mistakes, lie the answers.

Political Hay

2011-12-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

Ceretto questioning whether IDA grant to Unifrax was due to competition << Click to read Mark Scheer's Gazette Article.

Instead of making political hay using this industrial building -- located adjacent to one of the natural wonders of the world -- wouldn't it be a whole lot better for our city, county and state legislators to be fighting to remove those viaducts that scar the scenery in the background???? Maybe then, someone would be interesting in using this site for something more suited to the environment around it. You know; on the order of the building to the left, which offers spectacular views up and down the Niagara Gorge from the falls to the Whirlpool.

Sometimes... You just have to wonder if this city will EVER WAKE UP!!!

Another Piece to the Puzzle

2011-12-28T08:16:00.001-05:00

Seven a lucky number for balloon site proposals << Click to read Michele Deluca's Gazette Article

Niagara Falls, ON

Words of caution
As we rebuild -- and repopulate -- downtown, parking will eventually reemerge as an issue. We do not have the luxury of adding a parking lot to every development in the heart of the tourist district. On the other hand, we do have plenty of open space outside the main tourist district to build high rise hotels, and apartment buildings.

We should also keep in mind, we currently have two development projects underway that will rely on tourism and housing industry to get off the ground. It probably would not be wise to provide unnecessary competition at this point.

Lessons From Madrid

2011-12-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

In Madrid's Heart, Park Blooms Where a Freeway Once Blighted << Click to read Michael Kimmelman's NY Times Article.

Only in New York State can we be that naive!!

Progress and Disappointments of 2011

2011-12-26T08:48:00.000-05:00

Progress

Funding in the works for reconnecting the city to the Upper River — One of the glaring mistakes of the 1960's will be corrected when the overpasses and berms are removed and the upper river is reopened to the views, that promote private development, by raising the aesthetic value of waterfront properties.
Norampac Expansion — Another example of how Public/Private investment can create living wage jobs of the future.
WNY Regional Economic Development Council — A regional approach to economic development funding resulted in $100 million in local economic stimulus.
Culinary Institute underway — A transformational project to bring commerce and educational facilities to an eyesore in the very heart of the tourist district.
A developer for the Fallside and Niagara Hotels — New hope for two neglected development opportunities.
Holiday Market — A place for Natives and Tourists alike ~ Jane Jacobs
Falls Street Station walkway — Good conversation from the city council, administration, and owner about a permanent solution to one of the glaring mistakes of the past. A place for Natives and Tourists alike.
Underground Railroad Interpretive Center and Transportation Station Progress — A Transformational project for the city's north end is well underway.
Gorge Rim Study — These study results will undoubtedly put new emphasis on preserving the beauty of the Niagara Gorge.
Four more years of stability in the Mayors office — Admittedly, the other guy did not support the type of public funding that makes the above economic development possible.

Disappointments

Lack of progress in reconnecting the city to the Niagara River Gorge — We need to reconnect the City to ALL of its waterfront assets as a means to spur private investment and bring commerce back to our business districts.
WNY Regional Economic Development Awards — That's it!!
John Daly Extension — Needs to be part of the South end Parkway Project.
Deveaux Woods State Park — Although the trash pile has been picked up, and hope for some of its historic structures may be in the works, this part of Niagara's history remains an underutilized potential for economic growth.
Turtle — Shame on us all! From the developers, to City Hall, and the public. Is this any way to the show the world what we think of our Native American Heritage?

Note: At the time of this post, The complete Gorge Rim Study results have not been released.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-23T19:02:00.000-05:00

Next post: Progress and Disappointments of 2011

A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-21T12:46:00.001-05:00

A most wonderful time for city places < < Click to read Kaid Benfield's blog

Don't trash it -- Improve it! Someday maybe we will make the list of wonderful destinations for the Holidays

Blast from the Past

2011-12-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Urban renewal Niagara style

(Click on Picture to re-size)

Lessons from Ottawa?

2011-12-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

Roll out the sidewalks: horizon 2067 aims to give Ottawa more pizazz << Click to read National Post Article

“The clear message we got from the younger generation is: ‘We want to experience the culture of Canada. We don’t necessarily want to see a wooden panel that talks about New Brunswick. We want to live it, we want to taste it, we want to really experience it,’ ” said Ms. Lemay

“We’ve become a city of destinations, and it’s those destinations that drive the image of New York,” he said. “I would say the same for Ottawa: You need to define where those great — or potentially great — destinations are. You’ve got the market area, the canal, and you’ve got Rideau Street — those could be a lot better, but there’s three already.”

"Some have suggested covering the road with glass so people can browse comfortably in the winter, but that experiment failed several years ago on Rideau Street, where a five-block enclosure attracted homeless people and threatened the shops whose storefronts were no longer visible."

"He suggested borrowing ideas from cold European cities such as those he has visited in Scandinavia, where pedestrian streets are peppered with free-standing heaters, and where cafés hand out blankets so customers can enjoy a warm drink outside. That, he said, creates “a sense of ambiance.”

Are we doing enough to promote all we have to offer?
Visable Storefronts!
Ways to make the region attractive year around!

Niagara Falls Redevelopment

2011-12-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

Click to visit NFR Website

A boon waiting to happen. We are just as much to blame as they are.

Niagara Venture

2011-12-16T08:16:00.002-05:00

Arguably, one of the worst Urban Renewal development projects....Ever.

^
^

Click to Expand Business First of Buffalo July 1991 article

News Flash

2011-12-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

A new and exciting approach to parkway woes

More Walkway Follies

2011-12-13T10:46:00.002-05:00

Old Falls Street walkway work outlined to council << Click to read Rick Forgione's Gazette article

Come on!! What is it: Storefronts or Vendor Stations? Permanent Stores or seasonal opportunity? Garage doors or window shopping? And, why is it they never mention the 90,000 Square Foot of retail space and the owner of the building.

What ever it is -- Let's get it out from behind closed doors and into the public.

Just saying

Progress

2011-12-13T09:08:00.001-05:00

Schumer pushes to demolish Moses Pkwy.: wivb.com << Click for text of story.

Providing funding does come to fruition, this is monumental news for the city.
However -- Don't stop here. If you believe the views from new hotels along the upper river are spectacular, think about how valuable the views and access to the Niagara Gorge would be from hotels along Whirlpool!

And while we are at it, bring out that $4,000,000 plus dollars we got for the John Daly Extension and reconnect the river to Little Italy and the Memorial Park Neighborhood!

Where are your priorities?

2011-12-12T11:14:00.000-05:00

Click on Chart to Expand

http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/niagarafalls/published_documents/Human%20Resources/ComprehensivePlan2009.pdf << This is the plan we all agreed would be the path for rebuilding the city of Niagara Falls. The Comprehensive Plan -- The Master. It took 7 years of talking and planning to finalize. The Comprehensive Plan may not fit everyone's agenda, but it is what the citizens of Niagara Falls paid their public officials to do. The word "Waterfront" is mentioned more than ninety (90) times and, is the number one BIG MOVE. I think we have an obligation to stick to the plan and NOT divert any resources to premature projects such as the Niagara Experience Center (NEC).

This community would be a whole lot better off if its public officials -- City, Town, County, State and Federal -- would just come together and deal with parkway issue. Then... We might just create an atmosphere that will attract private funding for the NEC. Not only the NEC, but Falls Street, Niagara Street, Third Street, Main Street, Whirlpool, John Daly, and......

***Update...Senator Schumer just announced funding may be on the way to correct the South section of the parkway from John Daly boulevard to the State park!!
Schumer Press Release

Disconnect?

2011-12-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

Click to expand

Grand idea for Falls again sent begging << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News article.
Fixing the Falls Missing the Experience << Click to read Mark Scheer's Gazette article.

"The experience center was originally envisioned as the keystone of the larger Niagara Falls Heritage Park, which called for the transformation of under-used commercial property near Niagara Falls State Park into an “attractive, world-class resort destination.” A feasibility study was performed by Economics Research Associates, which analyzed local and comparable attractions in other cities and developed projections for typical attendance and spending characteristics, concluded that the experience center, if built, could sustain itself without the need for annual operating subsidies from the public sector. The analysis also suggested the center and the park project would have a positive fiscal impact on the community while creating several hundred jobs."
"Initial designs for the center include not just an interactive museum, but a themed lodge hotel and a performance pavilion as part of the larger Niagara Falls Heritage Park. “Going forward, will we do all of those?” DeSantis asked. “If we can, we will. I think there will be some additional evaluation.”

Where, What and How -- The whole Niagara Experience Center thing is a difficult sell when no one seems to have any specifics. Especially what you are investing $80-$100 million on a single venture.

Remember Rapids Boulevard, Gazette 1984

2011-12-08T18:23:00.001-05:00

More of the Never Ending Story

WNY Regional Economic Development Awards

2011-12-08T12:24:00.001-05:00

Cuomo Anounces $785 Million in Economic Development

Strategic Plan & Regional Awards << Click read entire plan

Niagara County Awards- click chart to expand

Economic Development Strategy

2011-12-05T12:13:00.001-05:00

Former Aqua-Falls site focus for Experience-Center < < Click to read 2006 Gazette article.

"The initial estimate of the cost of the proposed center was $75 million."

Best stimulus?? You have just been given $75 Million to promote economic growth in the city of Niagara Falls, NY. How would YOU do it? Use the comments below to tell us how.

* Keep in mind this is a project (not politics or philosophy) and must provide immediate economic impact as well as further incentive for private sector growth. Also, not a discussion -- just present your case. This does not rule out the Experience Center but you must provide justification for it.

Happy Holidays for Niagara Falls

2011-12-03T07:09:00.001-05:00

Niagara Holiday Market has visitors flocking to the Falls << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News Aritcle

Bob Baxter's letter to Commissioner Harvey

2011-12-02T15:17:00.001-05:00

Dear Commissioner Harvey--

Please be aware that The Western District of OPRHP is treating a widely supported initiative here for Niagara gorge-rim parkway removal with less than even-handed behavior, in spite of having spent over three quarters of a million dollars on a scoping study (still underway) designed to evaluate total removal, among other options.

Beyond the "full-steam-ahead" rebuilding job and other behaviors outlined in the letter-to-the-editor below (published 1 Dec 2011 in the Niagara Gazette), large OPRHP trucks routinely run up and down the closed section of the parkway (set aside for hikers, joggers, bicyclists, dog walkers, and other foot traffic) for no apparent reason; a new exit onto the gorge parkway south, from a private village road, has been constructed in Lewiston, New York, for the convenience of summer concert-goers, to "ease congestion" that lasts for little more than an hour; and now we are informed of plans that involve transporting people back and forth in trolleys along the gorge rim parkway to and from a six-hour New York State Power Authority holiday pr "party" event. (on 10 Dec, 2011)

These behaviors appear to be designed to discourage use of the closed section of the parkway, even putting the walkers and others there at risk, and to depict the continued existence of this redundant parkway as useful.

The Niagara Heritage Partnership has the organizational support of over 80 groups with a combined membership of over one million who want this parkway to be totally removed and the natural landscapes restored. Over four thousand additional individuals have signed petitions in support of this.

We expected help from your office in accomplishing the task of total removal which, we have demonstrated, and continue to demonstrate as more evidence accumulates, has great potential for environmental and economic benefits to our region.

Would you please inform us what your office intends to do to stop the contrary, negative, and obstructive behaviors originating from the Western District?

Sincerely,

Bob Baxter

Conservation Chair

Niagara Heritage Partnership

www.niagaraheritage.org

"What ever your position the parkway alternatives, we all have to agree the citizens of Niagara Falls have long been neglected by NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Until the time they seriously recognize their obligations to the city I am afraid we will never fully reach our potential, neither as a city, nor as a region. ~ NCF"

Thats it????

2011-11-30T08:03:00.001-05:00

WNY council to make pitch on funds for development << Click to read Buffalo News article

"If we can create an environment where people want to live and work and visit, we can keep building on that," he said.

Agreed. Although I would go a little further to, state: "If we can create an environment where people want to live, work, visit and INVEST, we can keep building on that."

So.... The Niagara Experience Center is the best we can come up with? Where, When, How, and What? Our history of the last 50 years are riddled with this stuff. Half baked notions that, either never come to fruition, and/or use up a ton of taxpayer money and spur ZERO private investment.

More run-a-round from New York State

2011-11-29T07:40:00.001-05:00

State official explains parkway plan << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News Article

“I can’t say,” he said. “It depends on the alternatives, the outcome of the scoping and preliminary design and public input. It’s just way too soon.” It is not too soon for the Parkway South, which has been through the scoping and design stage and was scheduled for construction this year. The city needs both the North and South sections of the parkway reconstructed and or removed from the waterfront to take full advantage of its natural resources and spur PRIVATE INVESTMENT!

Secondly -- I guess Mark Thomas did not take into consideration the city's Comprehensive Plan and study the alternatives around the Discovery Center when they arbitrarily decided this would be the entrance to future Cultural Center parking.

Furthermore -- It would be nice to know what State Parks plans are for Deveaux Woods, the Historic Red Barn, Power House and Schoellkopf Hall are?

Oh well, Maybe next time????

Robert Moses and other Missteps

2011-11-27T13:42:00.001-05:00

HBO to focus on Robert Moses << Click to read Don Glynn's Gazette collumn.

Gazette photo circa 1962

"In a message released to the media, Eva Nicklas, a village resident and longtime member of the Lewiston Council on the Arts, stated in part: “Look at any successful town or city that uses their historic ambiance to attract visitors. You won’t find a sports complex in the middle of their historic district,” she added. Maybe not a recreation facility but the City of Niagara Falls had no qualms at all about approving the Teletech Holdings call center downtown, a short walk from the nation’s oldest state park."

And, how about the Corporate Headquarters welcoming visitors to the Honeymoon Capital. As to Robert Moses' greatest debacle, how many tourist destinations would have a limited access four lane highway -- however scenic -- cutting off development along its natural resources??

A Lesson in History?

2011-11-24T10:01:00.001-05:00

Slump a Worry in Niagara Falls << Click to read New York Times article

"We have been drifting downhill for a long time, said a local banker. But the people are just now realizing it. Something has to be done."

What Went Wrong?

2011-11-21T13:15:00.001-05:00

What's wrong with this picture?

Here is a clue:
http://www.pps.org/downtowns/

Catlyst for Future Development

2011-11-20T12:08:00.001-05:00

Click on picture to get a better view of Nicholas Mattera's Lifestyle article.

Maybe in a few years will be on par with Niagara Falls, Ontario and we will both extend the Fall Tourist season right into the new year!! Niagara Falls Festival of Lights

Pie in the Sky??

2011-11-19T17:53:00.001-05:00

Click to read cost analysis

This is not high in the sky apple pie hopes... This is Dollars and Sense.

Still Waiting

2011-11-17T11:15:00.001-05:00

FIXING THE FALLS --Study results should paint better picture << Click to read Mark Scheer's March 2011 Gazette article

Any news yet????
Read More

New York NOW?

2011-11-16T16:19:00.001-05:00

Watch Niagara Falls Eyes Comeback on PBS. See more from NEW YORK NOW.

I don't know -- Seems to me a lot of talk with no solutions. Unless we can sue New York State for a piece of the park revenue or, we expect a circus act will to bring long range prosperity.

Comming Soon to Downtown Niagara Falls

2011-11-15T15:09:00.001-05:00

Site Map

Gloomy Days

2011-11-15T07:43:00.001-05:00

Mortgage Holder Sues Niagara Falls << Click on text to read Thomas J. Prohaska's Buffalo News Article

More gloomy days for the city of Niagara Falls and One Niagara. There are a lot of unanswered questions here. Who's to blame? Why can't the owners get an occupancy permit? Some have said they want this building to fail so they can build the Niagara Experience Center on this spot. On the other hand, what are the owners intentions? The original plans called for retail on the first two floors with office space above.

IDK -- Is this what we want on our doorstep in the first place?

The Urgency of Now

2011-11-13T10:53:00.001-05:00

Niagara falls, ny– city of missed

Now that the elections are over, and we have another four years of stable government, the time is right to grab those..."Missed Opportunities."

Give Us A Plan

2011-11-11T08:54:00.001-05:00

One Niagara Seeking IDA funding << Click on text to read Thomas J. Prohaska's Buffalo News article.

"Although the company’s IDA application promises only 17 new jobs in the first year, Grenga said there could eventually be 800 people working in the building.
His ideas include tourism-related businesses ranging from a theater and museum to interactive exhibits similar to those at the Power Vista. He also said part of the building could be used for apartments or a small bed-and-breakfast."

The range of applications is all over the map and some of them are in direct competition with other plans for the area. First of all, we need to get everybody on the same page. Then, One Niagara needs to submit a valid site plan and conform to it.

Not so Fast -- More Detail

2011-11-10T10:25:00.001-05:00

Click to read Gazette Article

This Buffalo News article reported $7.5 million in potential economic development funding for the city of Niagara Falls
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/buffalo/article626525.ece

We are all for development funding that adds to the economy and spurs Private Development, but a pig in a poke we are not. How is this different than Visitors Center we already paid $2.5 million for, where is the proposed building site, and what will we doing with the Native American Center for Living Arts since it was originally built as part of the Niagara Experience.

WIBV Channel 4 -- New Visitors Center

MY view -- Remove the damn road, develop the Cultural District and find a use for the Turtle.

International Transportation Center

2011-11-09T09:16:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge Wendel Duchsherer artist conception

What is the difference between the "Train Station" and the Niagara Falls International Airport?

Two Words -- Golden Horseshoe (No one caught it??)
Location -- On the Niagara Gorge
In a DOWNTOWN business district.
Connected to the Underground Railroad Interpretive Center.
Although they are both methods of travel and the attraction is the falls and (someday) the city, the Train station has a bigger potential of bringing tourists INTO the city.

FYI -- Niagara River Greenway

2011-11-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

Greenway Grant Application Guidelines
NYPA Re-licensing Greenway Funds Applications

Promises Promises

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000-04:00

Invariably, every election season in the city of NiagaraFalls, brings up the same old tired rhetoric -- Implying, I will fix more roads,fight more crime, make more improvements to neighborhoods, create more jobsthan anyone out there and -- I will do it all while cutting TAXES!

I will cut all property TAXES and, I will eliminate the two-tierTAX system. Did I mention, I am going toprovide MORE services. {Everybody in theaudience gives a loud round of applause.}

HEY, have you ever done the math???

The city's Property Tax Income is $28,116,518. The (rounded off) Homestead portion of the tax income is 55 percent. The Non-Homestead portion is 45 percent. If someone is going to reduce the Non-Homestead portion to eliminate the two-tier system, they will have to generate approximately 6.3 million dollars in additional revenue, or they will have to RAISE TAXES on the poorest people in this city.

Use Casino funds?

Below is a breakdown of Casino fund expenditures as published in the Niagara Gazette on January 9, 2010:

Budget($14,222,785)
- 2004 budget for debt: $915,705
- 2005 budget for debt, reduction in assessments, police and fire: $2,173,427
- 2006 budget for debt, reduction in assessments, police and fire: $1,997.229
- 2007 budget for debt, reduction in assessments, police and fire: $2,417,557
- 2008 budget for debt, reduction in assessments, police and fire: $2,270,736
- 2008 budget for debt, reduction in assessments, police and fire: $2,270,737
- 1/2 2009 budget for debt, reduction in assessments, police and fire:$2,177,394

Economic Development projects ($8,088,914)
- Urban Renewal Agency and NFC Development Corp. (business grants and loans)and Planning Department: $7,200,760*
- Customhouse restoration: $500,000
- Parks/DPW/Police/Fire overtime for concerts:$120,000
- LaSalle Facade program: $100,000
- Century Club: $50,000
- Purchase of former Lotus Spa, 446 Third St.: $55,154
- Ezekial Project: $42,000
- National Urban Fellow Program: $21,000
* Among the allocations was $250,000 for the newly opened Rapids Theatre onMain Street.

Street/sidewalk repair ($7,995,325)
- Deveaux sidewalks: $98,910
- Citywide streets and sidewalks: $375,139
- Patching materials for DPW: $28,000
- 2006 street paving: $100,000
- 2008 additional sidewalk plan: $15,000
- 2008 capital list (pay as you go): $160,088
- 2008 capital list (pay as you go): 2,163,415
- 2008 rental of Pothole Killer: $130,000
- 2008 additional paving by DPW: $165,000
- 2009 partial capital plan: $1,525,000
- Federal stimulus project - Design of roads: $300,000
- DPW/Parks clean team and hot and coldpatching for 2009: $207,124
- DPW/Parks small equipment needs in 2010budget: $124,000
- DPW/Parks street openings for 2010 budget:$100,000
- 2009 road repair: $1,022,800
- DPW/Parks capital equipment for 2010:$1,339,100
- Additional funding for consultant service for design of three new roads:$90,000

Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. ($4,809,739)
- 2004: $936,232
- 2005: $944,724
- 2006: $1,012,545
- 2007: $1,311,802
- 2008: $604,436 (first half)

HOPE VI housing project: ($4,000,000)
- First $1 million payment in 2007 as per memorandum of understanding
- $3 million since, including earmark for ash removal cleanup

Niagara FallsInternational Airport ($3,705,175)
- 2006: $1 million to Niagara County IDA
- 2007: $1,000,000 to airport
- 2007: $1,000,000 to Niagara County IDA
- 2008: $705,175 to NFTA (first half)

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center ($2,994,431)
- 2004: $468,060
- 2005: $472,305
- 2006: $750,000
- 2007: $750,000
- 2008: $554,066 (first half)

Niagara Falls School District ($2,994,431)
- 2004: $468,060
- 2005: $472,305
- 2006: $750,000
- 2007: $750,000
- 2008: $554,066 (first half)

Building improvements ($2,215,192)
- LaSalle facility roof: $77,981
- Old Public Safety Building: $200,000
- Building assessment for 3123 Highland Ave.: $12,000
- Central garage and salt dome roof: $572,052
- New gas tanks as part of matching local government efficiency grant: $35,418
- Public bathrooms at City Hall - ADA compliance: $13,000
- Royal Avenue Fire Hall drainage: $26,578
- Fire halls restoration project: $500,000
- Repairs to other city building roofs: $300,000
- Citywide ADA compliance: $280,000
- City Hall storm event flooding study: $21,500
- New equipment for the new PSB - Parks/DPW request: $100,000
- Royal Avenue Fire Hall tile replacement: $5,754
- LaSalle Library renovation project: $26,000

International Train Station ($2,170,400)
- $1,170,400 (out of 2005 casino funds)
- $1,000,000 (out of 2006 casino funds)

Demolitions ($1,278,430)
- 2006 emergency demolitions: $103,430
- 2008 demolitions: $200,000
- 2008 additional demolition funds for Inspections Department: $150,000
- 2009 demolitions: $700,000
- Demolitions for Inspections Department: $100,000
- Demolition of former Lotus Spa, 446 Third St.: $25,000

Non-Profit groups ($1,049,335)
- Niagara Arts and Cultural Center: $500,000
- Family & Children’s Services: $250,000
- Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for emergency parking ramp repairs:$287,335
- Ezekial Project - to satisfy project indebtedness: $12,000

Niagara County ($976,894)
- 2006: $103,689
- 2007: $873,205

Parks ($933,290)
- Cayuga Creek cleanup: $46,299
- Hyde Park splash pool: $19,800
- Installation of a check meter for West Mall: $1,450
- Repair lights at Griffon Park boat docks: $3,984
- Clean Neighborhood Team: $49,295
- LaSalle recreation trail: $15,000
- Two new Clean Neighborhood Teams for downtown, plus citywide equipment:$60,000
- Consultant for the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion: $294,822
- Downtown streetscape landscaping services: $32,640
- Parks citywide fencing: $75,000
- Landscaping for city gateways: $10,000
- South Junior installation of playground equipment and landscaping: $27,000
- Basketball courts: $250,000
- 11th Street basketball court design phase: $28,000

Police ($880,952)
- Vehicle purchases in 2008: $796,500
- Modify police fire range exhaust system: $13,452
- Police 2010 budget accounts: $71,000

Fire Department ($364,638)
- Fire engine: $302,338
- Royal Avenue Fire Hall repairs and new furniture: $3,100
- 2010 budget accounts: $59,200

Underground Railroad ($350,000)
- 2009: $350,000

Computer upgrades ($325,000)
- 2008: Citywide computers: $150,000
- 2009: Citywide computers: $175,000

Bridges ($312,383)
- Pedestrian bridges over Cayuga Island: $294,383
- Bridge Preventative Maintenance Plan: $18,000

Forestry ($145,657)
- Tree Removal Plan: $52,200
- 2009 Tree Removal Program: $93,457

Concerts/Events ($195,000)
- Boundary Waters Concert co-sponsored by Hard Rock: $9,000
- Third Street Blues Festival: $6,000
- Hard Rock Sugar Ray Concert: $40,000
- Hard Rock Rusted Root Concert: $40,000
- Hard Rock New Year's Eve Gibson Guitar Drop: $50,000
- War of 1812 Celebration and consultant for historic chimney: $50,000

Golf Course ($89,335)
- Fencing: $50,000
- Tables and chairs for Mullegan’s Restaurant: $8,100
- Bar stools for Mullegan’s Restaurant: $1,235
- Air conditioning repairs for Mullegan’s Restaurant: $30,000

Engineering Department ($18,600)
- CADD and Survey: $18,600

SOURCE: NiagaraFalls Controller’s Office.

One could certainly dispute the expenditures, but -- even if you could legally do it --

putting all these funds into the general fund to reduce taxes, will not change the expenses of running a city and providing basic services. It all sounds good on the campaign trail, but there is a good reason why taxes are seldom cut -- and when they are -- they usually come back in some other form.

Of course, the best way to reduce the tax burden is by raising the tax base while, keeping a close eye on expenditures and ROI. The best way to raise the tax base -- and create opportunity -- is through Economic Development. We have a plan in place to do just that. I would rather "Fast Foward" then "Reinvent the Wheel!"

More on Casino Funds from the Niagara Gazette

The Tax Excuse

2011-11-02T10:12:00.001-04:00

Non-Homestead Tax Rates
Town of Niagara                   $39.064 per $1,000
Wheatfield                            $30.78 per $1,000
City of Niagara Falls            $30.57 per $1,000

Can you explain again how taxes are a determent to downtown and not Niagara Falls Boulevard or Military Road.

http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/orpts/under_eqrates.pdf << RE: the Comment. About Equalization Rates. I am not sure how that applies to this post.

What makes a Building Ugly?

2011-11-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

What makes a building ugly? The failure to become a place MNN - Mother Nature Network << Click to read Mother Nature Network article

Visitors Center vs Interpretive Center

2011-10-31T12:49:00.000-04:00

Click to expand

Are we are about to reinvent the wheel ??

Take the Blinders Off

2011-10-29T09:29:00.002-04:00

Gazette Article (click to expand)

I don't know John -- You don't usually have many options when a company decides to relocate. Kinda like Occidental deciding to move their headquarters to Dallas Texas -- Carborundum, the Small Business Administration,,, and the list goes on and on.

The thing I would like to know is... When you were down there looking around did you notice anything about the area. The empty lots, the viaduct abutments, the State Parks garage and the construction down the street. Did you happen to look across the river and ask yourself why all that commerce might be located there??

Click to enlarge

If you really want to help your constituents...Work to get these atrocities out of the way so we can exploit the natural beauty of the Niagara Gorge!!!

Real Development

2011-10-28T08:07:00.000-04:00

NFR supports the Circus Act << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News article

"The company has proposed a boxing museum, a $12million retail-entertainment complex, a $100 million, 400-room hotel and other projects." Proposed to whom? Most of their land is worthless unless thearea around it is developed. That isexactly why the land has sat vacant. Theycannot even develop the land that does have value, e.g., the Turtle andShredded Wheat.

Of course they would support the circus act, but that is notgoing to sell their properties. Development of downtown, along the upper andlower river, and John Daly Boulevardwill sell their properties, and -- if they really wanted to help their cause they would find a use for the Turtle even if they had to take a loss -- Which, is highly unlikely since they acquiredat a "bargain basement" price.

Western NY Regional Economic Development Council Strategic Plan

2011-10-27T11:32:00.002-04:00

Strategic Plan Draft << Click to open Power Point Presentation

More Information/Contact Council

Bigger Fish to Fry

2011-10-24T08:29:00.000-04:00

Niagara Falls is walking its own wire << Click to read Denise Jewell Gee's Buffalo News Article.

Developing this area will be far more stimulating than a circus stunt.

Thanks for the comentary Denise -- Some people cannot see the forest for the trees.

Time for Action

2011-10-23T19:54:00.001-04:00

Community Organization

2011-10-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

OK. I am not interested in attacking symptoms -- I would rather leave that up to the Community Organizers. I am a firm believer the underlying cause of all our ills is the lack of Economic Development brought upon by missed opportunity and poor planning.

However -- I can see why people would like to talk about the subject so, I will post this chart one more time and welcome any comments that offer SOULTIONS and not COMPLAINTS.

Bob Baxter -- Niagara Digressions

2011-10-21T08:58:00.001-04:00

Click on picture to learn of Bob Baxter's new contribution to the History of Niagara Falls

Niagara Experience Center

2011-10-19T08:34:00.000-04:00

Click Here to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News article

It is $100 million of publicly funded money. We better do it right!

Concert Venue

2011-10-14T08:53:00.001-04:00

LiveNation to meet Nov. 17 about world-class concert events << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News article

Agreed!!

And, we need to do it without encroaching on our merchants' livelihood.

* Picture Source

Wise Economic Development Policy?

2011-10-13T08:23:00.000-04:00

Enough bang for bucks << Click to read Timothy Chipp's Gazette article

One of the pitfalls of tourism is it does not produce many "living wage" jobs. That does not mean we should ignore it as a tool for economic development, but shouldn't we do it in a way that promotes more growth? Shouldn't we be concentrating our $$$$$ in the tourist districts instead of 5 miles away???

Developing the Balloon Site

2011-10-12T09:13:00.000-04:00

Balloon Site << Click to read Charlie Specht's Buffalo News Article

Any Suggestions?

Maybe a Wedding Chapel on the scale of this >> Glasshouse Glasgow Scotland

Opportunity?

2011-10-11T11:14:00.000-04:00

Unifrax moving corporate headquarters from Falls to Tonawanda << Click to read Gzette article

Maybe now is the time we should take another look at how we want to develop Real Estate along the gorge?? For Instance...How would a 8 story hotel complement the new Transportation Station, and bring more commerce to Whirlpool and Main Street!!

Apathy

2011-10-07T10:38:00.000-04:00

HAMILTON-Showing up is half the battle << Click to read Ken Hamilton's Gazette column

No mater whether you agree with Ken Hamilton or not, at least he shows up...and, participates!

Notably missing, Council Menbers, County Legislators (from the city) and Candidates for office. Less noted, the general public and naysayers from, in and out, of town who think we can simply fix roads, tear down houses, put more cops on the street, and have no initives to attract new investors.

Sheesh

2011-10-03T16:57:00.000-04:00

I tried to tell you guys to keep it real. First Airport figures that overstate its impact on our tourist industry. Then a Forbes survey that has run for years and has actually showed Niagara Falls with a higher ranking. And finally a Travel + Leisure survey that took figures from both sides of the border.

Now you got the whole Niagara Reporter staff picking at every negativity in the whole city -- including one columnist who is supposed to be one of the founders of a social club which is supposed to promote the city as "Rising"

Anyway, since we are jumping at figures and being accurate. The population in 1998 was 55,593 and it's...Harriett Jones Pembleton.

WHY TOURISM IS CRITICAL

2011-10-03T10:11:00.001-04:00

First of all we would not want an economy based solely on tourism. Overall Wages trend low and tend to be seasonal. If tourism, and the related retail, were the only source of employment in the city of Niagara Falls, it would be a substandard, transient economy, with high unemployment in all but the peak months of the year. So why bother? We could focus all our attention on attracting permanent -- living wage -- employment in Manufacturing, Health or Professional Services.

Of course, the truth is...we need them all. The facts are...we are pursuing permanent, living wage jobs. And so is everyone else in the world. However, everyone else in the world does not have Niagara Falls and the Niagara River to showcase.

Improving our tourist industry capabilities to create and maintain a world class destination is something that we can do that few places in the world can.. If it were all about wages and hours it would be one thing, but it is not. Economic Development in tourism not only brings jobs, it brings public and private investment that increases revenue in sales and property taxes. This puts more money into local treasuries and pays for services that make the community more livable.

All of this, creates a desire to live, build and expand...including expansion in Living Wage Industries.

Another Piece to the Puzzle

2011-10-02T08:43:00.000-04:00

Fixing the Falls Over the Rainbow << Click to read Mark Scheer's Gazette article

“I think getting Falls Street right is very important to all other parts of downtown,” Schoepflin said. “Falls Street is really the core and the heartbeat of downtown. The stronger we can make that core, the stronger the potential for other parts of the city like Third Street and Main Street. It’s good for everybody.”

I agree that Falls Street will provide the customer base for Third Street and Niagara Street, but it will also take development along Whirlpool to bring customers to Main Street.

Potential Development Zones without the Robert Moses

And, if you don't believe it -- Look across the river and count the empty lots along the gorge!!!

Reality

2011-10-01T09:27:00.002-04:00

Niagara Falls a Top 5 place to be <<< Click to read Gazette staff article
Travel + Leisure's Top 5 article

OK. So we get 22,000,000 customers between Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Canada each year -- Now lets find ways to keep them here long enough for everyone to profit.

Recycling Neighborhoods

2011-09-30T08:49:00.001-04:00

Nothing new, but where is the initiative?

Hmm...Election season. Any ideas candidates?

Where is the Balance?

2011-09-29T11:07:00.001-04:00

Hope VI

View more presentations from Daniel Davis

Best viewed in Full Screen
A better Idea? << Click to view Charleston SC remedy

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council

2011-09-27T11:02:00.000-04:00

For those that did not attend the workshop at Niagara County Community College on September 15th -- Review the results and get involved.

http://nyworks.ny.gov/content/western-new-york << Click to open
Workshop Survey Results
Regional Issues Survey

Shovel Ready??

2011-09-24T20:41:00.000-04:00

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

2009 Project Scoping
2010 Final Design Report
2011 Construction

Final Report < < Click to open

Isn't this what they call "Shovel Ready."
And it is a project which exposes the upper river to new development opportunity!!!

In who's Best Interest?

2011-09-23T12:28:00.000-04:00

Disgusting. For years and years -- over and over -- The state of New york has demonstrated is interest has always been devoted the STATE PARKS and not the city of NIAGHARA FALLS, NY!!

And the Problem is...

2011-09-22T09:02:00.000-04:00

During the press conference, state Department of Transportation figures were released which showed the airport has had a $158 million impact on the local community. The statistics were gathered two years ago, so the actual impact is expected to be much higher, according to Kim Minkel, executive director of the NFTA.

“It just shows more growth here,” said Senator George Maziarz, who noted the five new hotels on Niagara Falls Boulevard and new development around the Fashion Outlets Niagara Falls as being directly related to the renovation of the airport. In addition, Maziarz pointed to statistics showing 1,700 jobs were created as a direct result of the opening of the new $31.5 million passenger terminal in August of 2009 by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

I don't see any connection between the airport and downtown in the comprehensive plan.. apparently its not so comprehensive, maybe it should be called the limited plan?? Start building where the growth is and that will solve most of our issues along with generating enough money to eventually remove the beloved parkway at a later date.

yours truly
VS

The above comments showed up on a post and I declined to post them because, they were marked anonymous. However they do deserve and answer because they are so erroneous and it shows the lack of knowledge of some people in the community.

First of all the "Airport" is mentioned 19 times in the 2009 Comprehensive plan. I think everyone in the community recognizes its role in economic development. Although, I am not sure it has even come close to reaching its potential -- As far as bringing tourist into the city it is going to be pretty difficult when its only markets are Florida and Myrtle Beach.

The report mentioned seems to have come from a wider report put out by the NYSDOT on the economic impact of Aviation. An earlier report, published in 2003 shows even more impact in terms of jobs. In fact, we seem to have lost about half the jobs reported in 2003... before any improvements. In any case, I do not believe it is remotely relevant.

As far as building where the growth is... I thought that is what we have been doing? The problem is we need growth in all areas of the city and we need it downtown if we are going to provide incentive to use the airport as means of travel INTO THE CITY.

Just Keeping it Real

2011-09-21T18:41:00.000-04:00

2010 NYDOT Aviation Economic Impact Report
2003 Report

Take your pick. When something does not sound logical it probably isn't. I am not sure how they relate to the $42 Million airport improvements, but an independent study showing how the airport is effecting OUR TOURIST TRADE would be more interesting.

Parkway Removal???

2011-09-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

Is this for the new entrance to the Cultural District Parking lot???

Charlie Spetch's related Buffalo News article

Land of Missed Opportunity

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click to expand

“You can't rely on bringing people downtown, you have to put them there.”
― Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities

A $42 Million Dollar project here to remove the parkway and develop the area around it gives people incentive to fly TO Niagara Falls! Where ARE our priorities???

Keeping Niagara Falls International Airport Sucess in Perspective

2011-09-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

Click here to read Matt Glynn's Buffalo News article

Flights to and from Niagara Falls International << Fast track to Flordia and Myrtle Beach

Regional Economic Development Council comes to NCCC

2011-09-16T08:20:00.001-04:00

Regional Economic Development Council comes to NCCC << Click to read Britney Milazzo's Gazette article

From a Niagara County tourism aspect, the Niagara Falls Heritage Area is our biggest asset. The city of Niagara Falls' Waterfront areas -- both the upper river and gorge commercial areas are critical, not only to tourism, but the economical development of the city.

Therefore, removal/reconfiguration of the Robert Moses Parkway along the city's waterfront and development of the adjacent area is the NUMBER ONE opportunity for the city of Niagara Falls.

It is already on the table -- and has been for some time.
It is a critical part of the city's 2009 Comprehensive Plan.
It will create immediate economic impact

And, It will spur both Public and Private Development for years to come.

Another failure for the Citizens of Niagara Falls

2011-09-15T08:35:00.003-04:00

City going with earlier plan for vending areas along Old Falls Street << Click to read Mark Scheer's Gazette article

Sad news for the economic development of Falls Street and the downtown tourist district!!!

How much did the developer pay for this building?? If he can not develop it into something that benefits the city then, remove him -- like we did the owners across the street.

Come on... Our city needs full time year around development, not vendor stations for 100 day of summer. This is NOT the way to attract business to Niagara Falls.

Regional Economic Development Council Workshop at NCCC

2011-09-14T19:43:00.003-04:00

Regional Economic Development Councils << Click to view brochure

The Economics of Heritage Tourism

2011-09-14T07:57:00.000-04:00

BRADBERRY: Commemorating the history and the future of the Portage’ << Click to read Bill's Gazette commentary.

Another fine piece of commentary by Bill Bradberry. It always amazes me how Bill artfully uses our history to send us all a message. The portage' -- the path of the Robert Moses Parkway -- There is pot of gold waiting to be opened...

What Happened

2011-09-10T08:27:00.000-04:00

"Loss of Manufacturing" wins going away.

Followed by Urban Sprawl, Lackey and City Government. I think the voters got it mostly right -- although I would have choose Urban Sprawl as a close second.

Personally, I think the rest of the choices are not the fault of demise, but factors in the lack of recovery. Loss of Manufacturing in 1956 started it all. Urban Sprawl made Urban Renewal necessary, but the methods employed by Lackey, Development Agencies and subsequent administrations are all to blame for the lack of recovery.

The Robert Moses Parkway is one of the root causes for lack of recovery and certainly a factor, but the fact it is still there is a direct result of failed policy. Namely City Government -- Actually City, County and State.

It would be interesting to know what the "Others" thought.

**Anonymous not accepted**

The Economic Stimulus of Infrastructure

2011-09-09T08:37:00.001-04:00

I happen to agree with the president and the policy of many others that we can put people to work by addressing our infrastructure. And what better project for the city of Niagara Falls, not only for the the immediate impact on the economy, but the future economic development of the Honey Moon Capital of the World.

Parkway South. Already approved. Remove these Overpasses and extend John Daly Boulevard to Pine Avenue.

Viaducts at Whirlpool. Home of the New Transportation Station. Remove them --Look across the river to realize the development possibilities here.

Fill in the empty space with public and private development by removing the redundant roadway!!

Make the Senecas Pay???

2011-09-08T14:22:00.001-04:00

Governor Against Seneca Offer <<< Click to read WBFO Article

Put up a fence? Roadblocks? Demand our money from the Senecas?

Put people out of work?

WHEN THE STATE WILL NOT ALLOW IT!!!

Niagara River Greenway Commission

2011-09-08T12:41:00.000-04:00

Greenway Commission Brochure
Greenway Funding through Re-licensing<< Click to view

Something to be aware of. It may not always worked the way it should, but it is a big part of the economic, cultural and environmental development of the Niagara River from Buffalo to Youngstown.

State run Casino Gambling?

2011-09-07T08:17:00.002-04:00

Senecas fear job loss under plan for casinos
Vegas-style gaming pushed for state racetracks << Click to read Buffalo News Articles

Thanks to the Buffalo News for reporting the truth about the dispute between the State and the Seneca Nation on withholding casino payments. It is not about cigarettes and taxes, it is about breaking a CONTRACT. Whether we like it or not, Native American gambling is the deal that was struck. If the state and the people of New York want state regulated casino gambling, then negoiate a new contract with the Senacas and take state run gambling through the Legislature.

Reinvent the Wheel?

2011-09-06T11:19:00.000-04:00

Flow Chart to Prosperity << Click to view chart
I call this a plan. It is also a plan which has already been written. You may not like the plan, but if it is successful, it WILL change the course of the city. It will increase our tax base and make our city desirable, not only as a tourist destination, but as a place where people want to live and build. The Plan (approved in 2009) took years and three administrations to develop.

It is called the 2009 Comprehensive Plan and if you are running for office you should let people know where you stand, because you are not going to bring any of that so called change without first improving the conditions of the inner city.

Parkway Factor -- Helen Kress Guest View

2011-09-04T09:43:00.000-04:00

Click on text to expand

First of all (as stated numerous times in the past) it is entirely too bad the Gazette does not make its guest views available for Internet comment as a public service.

I agree with Helen up to the point where she calls removal to Findlay Drive "cowardly". First and foremost on every one's agenda should be the economic well being of the city. This is why I also applaud the Dyster administration's 2009 efforts to secure federal funding to do just that.

With that said -- It would be nice to know exactly where the candidates do stand. Especially the ones for Mayor and County Legislature, since we already know where the present Mayor and city council stand, and the Niagara County Legislature did not endorse the 2009 Stimulus application.

Consultants reveal details of research related to Underground Railroad interpretive center

2011-09-01T10:06:00.002-04:00

Click on text to read Mark Scheer's Gazette Article

Actually it was pretty much a "Full House" at the Library Auditorium. More on the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area at:
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad

Heritage Tourism should not be overlooked as a part of the Niagara Experience!!

Cultural District

2011-08-31T08:03:00.003-04:00

Click on text to read Charlie Spetch's Buffalo News article

“We must keep our eye on the larger prize of realizing not just a better aquarium,” Dyster said in a news release, “but a framework for a comprehensive program to revitalize the entire northern portion of downtown in which an enhanced aquarium would play a major role.” ~ Mayor Dyster

Absolutely!!!!

http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/niagarafalls/published_documents/Human%20Resources/ComprehensivePlan2009.pdf
http://www.niagaraexperiencecenter.org/nhp/plans.htm

Dyster backs development zone expansion

2011-08-30T10:56:00.003-04:00

Dyster backs development zone expansion << Click on text to read Gazette article

I think the two senators should explain what their original intent was. Do they even know where the proposed Cultural District is or what is planned for the area. It involves a lot more than the Aquarium. Of course it also involves the removal of the PARKWAY. All... We beyond the scope of USA Niagara. And even further away when you consider their original intent was to spread USA's limited funding throughout the city.

Niagara Falls, NY Demographics by ZIP Code

2011-08-28T10:33:00.000-04:00

verylocaldata.com/14301 < < click on link to check different ZIP Codes

Where would you concentrate your efforts to improve the economy and increase the tax base??