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Parkway,
apartments debated; The year in review as seen through these top stories by Joshua Maloni The future of the Robert Moses Parkway “While there are roughly 25,000 residents in Lewiston, Porter and Youngstown, elected leaders in those communities say they are hard-pressed to find any who support closing the Robert Moses Parkway, a furiously advocated proposal of the Niagara Heritage Partnership group. ‘We represent the people that live down here,’ Porter Town Board member Tom Baia said at a recent forum hosted by local government officials. ‘I haven’t talked to one person who wants the thing torn down. I haven’t talked to one person. It makes no sense whatsoever.’ ” Lower Niagara River
region leaders strongly oppose Robert Moses Parkway removal In 2006, there was no more contentious issue in northern Niagara County than that of the Robert Moses Parkway. Environmental interests – namely the Niagara Heritage Partnership and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper – used public forums and newspaper columns to express their dismay over the current RMP structure and belief that life without it would be better – aesthetically and economically. On the other hand, nearly every political leader in Lewiston, Porter and Youngstown said it would be a cold day in hell before they’d let state parks or transportation tear the roadway down. They vehemently stated tourists would avoid their communities if the parkway ceased to exist. The Niagara USA Chamber is currently conducting a scoping process on the RMP and its future. Niagara University marks 150 years “When Niagara University began in 1856, six students were enrolled. They lived in a converted halfway house with no Internet, student center or iced coffee. Today, 150 years later, nearly 3,000 students attend class on Monteagle Ridge. Many live in state-of-the-art apartments, writing papers on wireless laptop computers while sipping dairy delights made fresh at the pastry kiosk in the Gallagher Center. ‘I’d like you to note just how far we’ve come in 150 years,’ said the Rev. Joseph Levesque, C.M., university president, at Tuesday’s media luncheon.” NU begins 150th
year Despite stories circulating about the unruliness of some Niagara University students and their housing habits, it has been a semester of good cheer at Monteagle Ridge, as the campus community has come together as one to celebrate 150 years of achievement. In September, an opening Mass and convocation featured a visit from the Buffalo Diocese Bishop, the Very Rev. Edward U. Kmiec, and the return of a handful of former NU presidents and higher ups. Alumni Weekend followed that up in October. More events are slated for the spring semester, including a round of dinners and a speakers’ series. To keep up-to-date, visit www.niagara.edu. Artpark transforms into premier venue; continues to grow “Watching James Young, Tommy Shaw and Todd Sucherman strut around the Artpark stage on Tuesday, one thing was evident: Styx is what rock and roll is all about. Sure, the music was loud, and the crowd of nearly 25,000 even louder, but it was the band’s ’80s-meets-modern-day attire, spinning keyboards, sharp-edged backdrop and piped-in smoke that set it aside from just about every other band ‘Tuesday in the Park’ has hosted this season.” Nearly 25,000 sail away
with Styx In April, Buffalo Spree magazine named Artpark “Best Outdoor Venue.” Over the summer, Artpark proved it was deserving of the nod, as company staff put forth a season that surpassed competitors “Thursday at the Square” and the Molson Canal concerts. Thanks to a lineup that boasted America, Peter Frampton, Styx and Los Lobos, park attendance rose to almost 200,000, a record for the 31-year-old venue. Artpark did the little things right. From a production standpoint, the stage was expanded to make it more band-friendly, and sound and lighting were improved over the 2005 season. Coupled with more family activities, an increased emphasis on art making, and nights dedicated to local musicians, there was something for everyone, and nearly everyone enjoyed the experience. Village Cove/Brockway Apartments addition stirs residents “After three months of speculation, two turbulent Planning Board meetings and one revision of the proposal, Jeff and Jerry Williams’ plan to add onto their Village Cove/Brockway Apartments complex was rejected by the Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday in the form of a dozen denied variances. The Williams brothers sought to add 12 units to the 30 that currently exist on their 1.4 acres bordering South Seventh and Seneca streets. That action would have required 14 variances – as determined by the Planning Board at its Nov. 13 meeting – dealing with a range of issues, including setback, green space, parking, density and coverage.” Apartment
complex variances denied What began in September with a simple discussion on adding units to the Village Cove/Brockway Apartments complex ended with three months of bickering between neighbors, the developers and village Planning and Zoning boards. Residents of South Seventh and Seneca streets, situated near the establishment, claimed an addition would be illegal. Developers Jeff and Jerry Williams disagreed. On Dec. 12, the Zoning Board ruled the apartment compound was non-conforming and could not be grown. Business pioneers pass away •“Alphonso I. ‘Al’ DiMino of Coconut Creek, Fla., and Niagara Falls, one of the founders of the grocery chain that is now Tops markets, passed quietly into the hands of God on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006.” •“Frank A. Amendola, 73, of Lewiston, died on Tuesday Nov. 28, 2006.” Sentinel, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 It goes without saying that Niagara County will miss two men who greatly contributed to its current economic landscape. Alphonso I. “Al” DiMino was instrumental in establishing Tops Markets. The Lewiston branch is the village’s largest store – and the undisputed social gathering hub. Frank A. Amendola, amongst other things, built the Lewiston Mini Plaza and owned the Clarkson House restaurant. He could often be seen at Village Board meetings, offering his years of wisdom and business savvy to local leaders. Soluri continues as mayor “Despite past health problems, current disagreements with environmental groups over the Robert Moses Parkway and Lewiston plateau, and future economic uncertainties, Village of Lewiston Mayor Richard Soluri said Monday he will seek a fourth term in June. Encouraged by family and friends, and saying ‘I really have excellent health now,” Soluri said he and board members Bill Geiben, Terry Collesano … Ken Kenney and Mike Marra all have more work to accomplish.” Soluri seeks fourth
term Village of Lewiston Mayor Richard Soluri chose to run for a fourth term. He ran unopposed and won. Lewiston residents lose power “On Tuesday, about one hour after the Buffalo Sabres used a white shirt “Whiteout” to beat the Carolina Hurricanes, there was a blackout in northern Niagara County the likes of which haven’t been seen since Ben Franklin first flew his key kite. At about 11:45 p.m., the transformer bank at the Swan Road substation, a National Grid unit, failed. Coming off one of the hottest days of the year – with temperatures surpassing 90 degrees – 5,600 residents in Lewiston and Porter found themselves sans air conditioning units.” Lewiston, Porter
go dark The lights went back on at 7:36 a.m. the next morning – but only for half of the residents without electrical power. For the other half, it would be another 12 hours in the dark. When the Swan Road substation went down, National Grid had to utilize a mobile unit from Angola to fill in. Company officials didn’t know what caused the unit to fail, but did rule out animal interference. |
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