It's only rock and roll, but some people don't like it

Annual youth baseball/softball parade May 8

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 24, 2004

If members of the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees had their way, this summer there would be no rocking and no rolling - save Artpark. And not just in the traditional musical sense, but also the physical process of stage building, car parking and usage of grass lands.

Two parties each presented a motion Monday night to hold events within the village, one at Academy Park and one on the Artpark flats. Both Jay Brainard of JayBrake and Bruce Pryce of Pryceless Productions offered to create a happening where people and money would come flocking to Center Street. The response they received, however, was less than accommodating.

Brainard, in association with Pep Marketing, presented a motion to use Academy Park for a custom motorcycle show and concerts on Saturday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. He presented a plan wherein he would provide bands, security, set-up/clean-up, insurance and vendors.

Board Responds

The board, while approving his motion - with language to the effect that the event was a trial-run - made their feelings clear.

Trustee William Geiben, though stating the event could fit in, made it known that this is not his type of entertainment.

Mayor Richard Soluri stressed that he wanted the venue to look nice. He also quashed Brainard's request to erect a stage in the middle of the park, insisting that the band shell be used instead.

Trustee Terry Collesano was more favorable, stating "I think this could be a good thing for the village."

The board curtailed the event's hours, forcing an 8 p.m. cut-off to not interfere with a performance at Artpark.

Pryce was not as fortunate.

His similarly-structured motion to use the Lewiston Plateau on Saturday, June 26, was tabled after the board raised concerns over use of the grass and traffic.

"I'm very concerned about parking," Geiben said, adding "This is a big step for us" with regards to use of the two-year-old grass.

Artpark again presented an obstacle, as graduations are scheduled to take place that weekend.

Pryce offered to find solutions to the board's concerns, though he was not happy with their input.

"The range of entertainment (at Artpark) is very limited," he said. "There's nothing for young people (to do in Lewiston)."

Pryce has been successful in bringing in bands to Lewiston venues, including Park West, as well as drawing visitors from across Western New York and southern Ontario.

Prior to the meeting, trustee Joe Fruscione spoke with Pryce and was favorable toward the motion. Fruscione, however, could not attend the meeting due to a family situation.

July 4th activity approved

The board did approve much milder musical entertainment. A motion to approve a facility contract for the Lakeside Blues Band to use the Academy Park band shell on Sunday, July 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. for pre-fireworks festivities, was soundly approved.

Other motions included:

• Steve Dominski of Clark's Burger House was granted permission to hold a May 8 grand opening, classic car show and other performance, which would require closing Cayuga Street from 875 Cayuga to Portage Road.
• Delegates and wardens of the Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 were approved. They include William Fyfe, chief; Michael Torrie, 1st assistant chief; Michael Game, 2nd assistant chief; and Anthony Nicoletti, third assistant chief. The board also approved membership for Tyler Poland.
• A facility contract was approved allowing the town of Lewiston to hold its annual baseball/softball opening day parade on Saturday, May 8, at noon. The route will run from the Red Brick Schoolhouse down Center Street to Academy Park. A baseball game will follow.
• The 2004-05 budget was tabled until a meeting at the Municipal Building on Wednesday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m. The board expects the tax rate to grow from $5.12 per $1,000 taxed to $5.35. The reasons being, among others, a 40 percent increase in pension costs and a 26 percent raise in public safety expenses.