Firm hired for reserve center reuse planning

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, August 30, 2007

Reuse planning for the U.S. Army Niagara Falls Army Reserve Center on Porter Road has taken a step forward with the appointment of the MRB Group of Rochester by the Town of Niagara Local Redevelopment Authority.

The MRB Group’s four main tasks will be to do a facility analysis of all structures on the site, review notices of intent, provide a community needs analysis and prepare a “best use” reuse plan.

The 22-acre site adjacent to the Niagara Falls International Airport was identified for closure under the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission’s 2005 recommendation to Congress. Funding for the MRB Group’s reuse planning work will come from an $85,000 Department of Defense Office of Economic Assistance grant, according to Town Supervisor Steve Richards.

“MRB has significant experience with Department of Defense Reuse planning in New York State,” Richards said. “The selection committee was unanimously impressed with their professional credentials and background of work in the planning of the reuse of the Seneca Army Depot located mid-state.”

The Town of Niagara LRA has gone on record as desiring a significant economic reuse of the site to enhance the local economy. An air cargo facility and its related developments are considered an ideal reuse given the center’s proximity to the airport’s taxiways, Richards said.

“MRB’s work is an important next step in determining the development potential of the site,” Richards said. “The site is scheduled to be vacant no later than 2011, pending the U.S. Army construction of a new training center on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.”

Members of the Town of Niagara LRA membership includes all Town of Niagara Town Council members, Niagara Falls Industrial Development Agency Commissioner Sam Ferraro, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Commissioner Thomas Burton, Niagara County Legislator Danny Sklarski, Niagara Military Affairs Council President Merrell Lane and several representatives of local corporations and citizens.