Canoe attraction discussed

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Lewiston Porter Sentinel

Would you like to paddle a canoe on the Lower Niagara River between Lewiston and Youngstown? It could be a new attraction for residents and visitors to the two villages soon.

Brett Bersani talked with Youngstown Village Board members Thursday about the possibility of creating the Niagara Paddle Shack, a canoe rental business. Bersani, a new Youngstown resident and a Verizon executive, is expected to present a full business plan to the board next month.

In Youngstown, he would set up business at the North Dock, below the gazebo, and use part of the village-owned building there to store canoes.

He also is talking with Lewiston officials about a second site near the Silo Restaurant.

“We’re all for it,” said Mayor Neil Riordan. “We want people to rediscover that site.”

He pointed out that the business would bring more tourists and visitors to the village, and when they left the canoes, they would be entering directly into the village’s business center.

The North Docks were renovated about six years ago, Riordan said. On Thursday, board members discussed at length Bersani’s needs for power, additional storage and security.

In other matters:

•The board authorized Riordan to sign a contract with RCR Yachts that will allow storage of eight boats during the winter on village property adjacent to Veteran’s Park. The village will receive $800 for the storage space.

•The village’s share of sales tax revenue for October was $26,735.08, up $2,346 from last year.

•Seventy-five percent of general fund revenue from taxes (due by Jan. 1) is in, up by 1 percent from last year.

•Riordan reported he sent out a letter Thursday to churches and groups in the area asking them to send in dates of their special events, large and small, for 2007. He will meet with village businesses once a calendar of events is put together to discuss ways the businesses can support and tie into the events.

The next village board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11.