Village Board supports Greenway boundary proposal

Collesano, Geiben re-elected

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 24, 2006

The Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees endorsed the Niagara Power Coalition’s border plan on Monday. Included in the plan would be the seven members of the coalition – the towns of Lewiston and Niagara, Niagara Falls, the school districts in Lewiston-Porter, Niagara Falls and Niagara-Wheatfield, and Niagara County – as well as the villages of Lewiston and Youngstown, the towns of Porter and Wheatfield, and the City of North Tonawanda.

“They want to be more inclusive of the Greenway in Niagara County,” said Mayor Richard Soluri, one of the Greenway Commission’s eight vice-chairmen. “I think it’s a good idea.”

The Greenway plan would provide connections to inland communities through Niagara River tributaries, and follow the Erie Canalway, Niagara Wine and Seaway trails – three state-designated trailways.

See related story on Monday’s Greenway Commission meeting.

The board approved the motion of support by a 3-1 margin. Trustee Terry Collesano voted against the measure, and Trustee Michael Marra was excused from the meeting.

Collesano, Geiben outlast Mosey

Incumbent trustees Collesano and Bill Geiben, both republicans, were re-elected on Tuesday, defeating democrat Jerry Mosey. They will serve on the board for four-years.

“It feels good to be re-elected,” Geiben said. “I’m very pleased to be able to serve again.”

In his next term, Geiben said he would work toward waterfront revitalization, and modification of the Lewiston plateau. He said his long-term goals include an ice skating rink – possibly next to the fish cleaning station on Water Street – and an improved sewer system.

Mosey, making his first run for office, said he remains committed to working for Lewiston.

“I will help in any way I can – if they need my help,” he said, noting his desire to see problems fixed, and a more open form of government.

“I would hope that the board would address the problems with water and sewer that we’re having,” he said. “And that there would be more (of a) venue for people to express their concern.”

Soluri, mayor since 1994, ran unopposed and was also re-elected.

Slaughter Secures Funding for Village

The Village of Lewiston has received $100,000 in grant money through the efforts of Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport. As part of the more than $16 million in federal funds secured by the 28th District’s representative – funding that is part of the FYO7 Department of Defense appropriations bill, the FY07 Transportation-Treasury-HUD appropriations bill and FY07 Labor-HHS appropriations – the village’s share will go toward Lewiston Landing and Waterfront Park, namely to increasing docking, parking and improving the landscape.

“We’re very pleased,” Soluri said.

Washington, DC - Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is pleased to announce that she has secured $16.25 million in federal funds for the 28th district. The funding will support initiatives in Rochester, Buffalo, Niagara, Penfield, and Lewiston.

The funding was included as part of the FY07 Department of Defense appropriations bill, the FY07 Transportation-Treasury-HUD appropriations bill (both approved by the House, and pending Senate approval), and FY07 Labor-HHS Appropriations, which has been approved by House Committee.

$100,000 for the enhancement and improvement of public access to the Lewiston Landing Waterfront Park - This project involves a continuation of the enhancement and improvement of public access to "Lewiston Landing" in the Village of Lewiston for water dependent recreational activities and general public use, as well as for economic stimulus of small businesses. This funding will be used for expanded and improved docking facilities, increased parking, vista preservation, and landscape improvements.