Let's Go Back for June 24, 2011

40 Years Ago, June 23, 1971

One proposal stirs controversy; another denied

One spirited controversy was ended by Monday night, but another one was born.

A request of Dr. Willard Ruth to reclassify a home at 2975 Baseline Road from residential to business for the purpose of creating a medical clinic was refused by the Planning Board.

The new controversy centered on the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club's proposal to rezone property at 2555 Staley Road from R-1A to R-3 for the purpose of building a clubhouse and outdoor trap and skeet shooting facilities for its members. The program was vigorously opposed during the public hearing and then referred to the Planning Board. ....

Hollis Boss, vice president of the club, said the group would like to move from its present location at 1083 Whitehaven Road to Staley Road. Most of the complaints centered around safety and the noise that would be generated by the shooting.

30 Years Ago, June 19, 1981

Legislators favor senior citizen site here

Legislators Carol A. Siwek and Charles M. Swanick, in a letter to Richard A. Berman, state Division of Housing and Community Renewal, have urged his office to move quickly on approving the Whitehaven Road site proposed for senior citizen housing.

The letter, signed by both Siwek and Swanick states:

"We would like to express our concern over the lack of adequate senior citizen housing on Grand Island. It has come to our attention that Frank Levin has submitted a proposal to construct subsidized senior citizen housing at 1700 Whitehaven Road ... . We are favor of this proposal.

"Good quality senior citizen housing will benefit the entire community, and Mr. Levin's record as a responsible developer makes him well-qualified for your approval. ..."

20 Years Ago, June 29, 1991

Taxpayer objects to Acquest project

Lynn Standora, a Fix Road resident, in a letter to the Town Board, has taken strong exception to the $130 million industrial park which Acquest Properties proposes to establish on 185 acres of commercially zoned land off the Long Road exit of the Thruway.

The protest, which the Town Board referred to the master plan update committee, points out, "The entire project is based on the premise that you (the board) will approve creation of sewer district No. 6."

... In other paragraphs she points out her concerns about traffic, visual impact, noise, wildlife and public need.

10 Years Ago, June 29, 2001

Island teen helps firefighters rescue himself

It wasn't unusual for neighborhood teens to "horse around" by locking each other in a Whitetail Run basement walk-in safe; but when a 14-year-old was shoved inside and the steel door clanged shut behind him, the situation turned serious.

The inside emergency release handle failed to operate, trapping him inside. The frantic homeowner contacted the youth's parents, who immediately called 911. When Grand Island Fire Co. personnel arrived on location, they were advised that the victim had already been in the walk-in vault area for about one hour, although he did have a life-sustaining air supply.

GIFC Deputy Chief Peter McMahon contacted engineers from the Fort Knox Security Company manufacturer, who relayed instructions by telephone. Tools were slipped under the door by firefighters, and the youth followed instructions in a "very cool and efficient manner," according to McMahon.