NOAH program to focus on Niagara jobs, environment, tax equality

Members of Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope invite area residents to attend a public meeting Sunday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, 311 First St.

According to NOAH organizers, the meeting will focus on three issues of interest to the Niagara County community: the extension of the millionaire's tax; local hiring on area projects; and a discussion on the issue of hazardous waste in the towns of Lewiston and Porter, presented by the Porter environmental group Residents for Responsible Government.

NOAH reports its members were among those participating in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement last week in New York City. They contend the millionaire's tax generates $5 billion annually and, if allowed to expire, an additional financial burden would fall on the middle class.

The second issue focuses on that of maintaining jobs and local hiring - a No. 1 priority of NOAH. The group has been successful in pushing county leaders to adopt local hiring ordinances in Lockport, Wheatfield and North Tonawanda. Their new focus is the City of Niagara Falls, with a push for local hiring for the new Amtrak Station project.

The third issue, to be presented by RRG, is expected to focus on CWM Chemical Services LLC and the company's plans for a new hazardous waste landfill at its Town of Porter facility. CWM, whose existing Residuals Management Unit 1 hazardous waste landfill is nearing capacity, is currently pursuing permits with the state Department of Environmental Conservation that if approved would enable it to construct a new facility in Porter with a 6 million ton capacity.

RRG, which is dedicated to informing residents in the Towns of Porter and Lewiston on the threats of PCBs and hazardous waste in the community, has asked the support of NOAH as it attempts to block CWM.

Area public officials have been personally invited to this event and NOAH intends to hold them accountable for decisions they make concerning these issues. In inviting local residents the group seeks to enlist their interest and support of its objectives.

The program opens at 3 p.m. with the children's choir from Chloe's Angels Mission and an African drums performance. During the meeting, there will be a short worship service.

For further information, contact Emily Stewart at 906-9983 or email [email protected].