Board weighs in on Artpark article

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 23, 2006

An article on Artpark from the Dec. 9 Sentinel spurred questions about the 2007 summer season at Monday’s Village of Lewiston Board meeting. South Fourth Street resident Ed Walker asked trustees to comment on the result of discussions with park officials.

‘If there’s been any movement; any committees formed?” he wondered. “If you have some information, we’d really like to know what’s going on.”

In late August, the board held an open forum on the venue’s free outdoor concert series. Some residents from Fourth and Seneca streets brought up issues regarding safety and pollution – noise and litter. Chris Brown, a member of Artpark’s board, promised meetings would be held with citizens, police and trustees.

When Walker read the article, which outlined some of next season’s entertainment offerings, he wondered what happened at those meetings.

Mayor Richard Soluri said discussions were positive. He said there would be no parking on South Fourth Street during future events.

“That’ll be more under control if there’s no parking there,” Soluri said.

He also indicated a stronger police presence would be felt at larger drawing shows. He pointed to the Styx concert on Aug. 15, a show that brought in 25,000 to the park. That same night, Ralph “Bucky” Phillips was thought to have been in the area. Between the two, officers were stretched thin.

“There were a lot of good things in place. But, maybe things didn’t move as smoothly as we’d like,” he said of the show.

To read, “NFP readers weigh in on Artpark’s 2007 season,” visit our entertainment section.

Culinary School Location Discussed

Niagara County Legislator John Ceretto was in attendance at Monday’s board meeting. He updated trustees on Niagara County Community College’s proposed culinary arts institute. The school is searching for a location to house what is expected to be a $12 million, 31,000 square-foot facility.

Ceretto said the NCCC board is narrowing site choices in preparation for a final decision around February 2007. One that’s receiving a strong push from local government officials is the Frontier House in Lewiston.

Soluri previously said discussions have taken place between NCCC, county officials, the Village Board and Frontier House owner Richard Hastings.

“We think that is the logical place for it,” he said. “I can’t think of a better place.”

If the culinary institute were to go in the Frontier House, additional surrounding buildings would likely be needed. Moreover, parking spaces would have to be created.

In December 2004, Hastings unveiled a plan to build a hotel behind the Frontier House. He withdrew the plan when the Village Board approved the construction of “The Niagara at Barton Hill” inn on Center and North First streets.