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Village of Lewiston to hold public hearing on recreation center

by jmaloni
Mon, Dec 5th 2011 07:10 pm

Trustees vote to raise water, sewer rates

by Joshua Maloni

Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano said Monday his board has been inundated with comments suggesting Gary Hall should build his proposed recreation center in the Village of Lewiston. Many, too, he said, have complained about comments made last month by those who oppose the building's suggested placement behind the Red Brick Municipal Building. Trustees, Collesano said, want to hear from all residents, and not just one segment. So, the Village Board is hosting a public forum on the recreation center idea at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012. 

"I don't think it was a good cross-section of the village" in attendance at the first meeting, Deputy Mayor Bruce Sutherland said.

Residents speaking on Nov. 21 said the building would nullify the existing park and interfere with the waterfront climate. Some also wondered about the costs associated with such a project.

Still, "There were many people (commenting afterward) that still thought it should be in the village," Collesano said of the recreation center.

Hall, the Waste Technology Services president and CEO, offered to finance the $2 million indoor tennis, soccer and game center.

Visit our Facebook Page to vote on whether or not the village should pursue this project.

Raised Rates

Also at Monday's work session, trustees approved a motion to adopt a proposed local law amending the water and sewer rates. Effective with the billing on Jan. 1, 2012, the water rate will be $3.55 per 100 cubic feet (up from $2.80), and the sewer rate will be $4.65 per 100 cubic feet (up from $3.95).

"Unfortunately, the county made an error ... that resulted in a raise in the (water) rate," Collesano said of the first figure, while stating the second reflects what the town is charging the village.

The board tabled this motion last month seeking more time to compare the Village of Lewiston's proposed rates with those of other municipalities. Trustees said their findings indicate the fee is in keeping with neighboring communities.

Sutherland said Niagara County should've charged the village a higher rate starting in 2002, but neglected to do so.

"We have saved a considerable amount of money," he said, noting the county is not asking the village to pay any retroactive fees.

News and Notes

•Trustees approved a facility contract for Niagara Hospice to hold its Hospice Dash through the village on Sept. 22, 2012.

"I think it's going to get bigger and better," Sutherland said of the event.

•The board agreed to install a banner below the Academy Park sign listing all of the village's holiday events. Of note, "Flames Through Lewiston" is Dec. 17, and the second annual Lewiston New Year's Eve ball drop is Dec. 31.

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