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Our Island through the Years from Past Issues of the Dispatch
40 Years Ago, July 28, 1971
Island Nike site offered for sale
The General Services Administration advised Rep. Henry P. Smith III last week that the Nike-Hercules site on Grand Island was declared surplus and will be offered for sale.
The facility on Whitehaven Road, once manned by 100 employees, was closed in early 1970 in a Defense Department move. From 1963 until the closing, the battery was operated by civilians of the New York Army National Guard.
30 Years Ago, July 24, 1981
Board approves adult use law
Part of a standing-room-only crowd at Monday's Town Board meeting apparently was interested in knowing what action the board would take regarding the "adult use" amendment to the zoning ordinance.
When the council unanimously adopted the ruling, a substantial number of residents departed.
Approved by the board was an amendment that will limit adult entertainments and so-called "book stores" to industrial-zoned areas. Some believed it might entice rather than keep out unwanted facilities here, such as the bookstore operating in Kenmore.
But the board's attitude was "let's lock the barn before the horse gets away." Councilman James H. Pax said he at first had misgivings, but decided approving the amendment was for the good of the town and its people.
Restrictions on "adult entertainment" such as cabarets and movie theatres are spelled out in the amendment. Operators, owners or agents first must obtain a town special use permit, which cannot be issued until after a public hearing is held. This allows residents to voice objections, if they have any.
20 Years Ago, July 26, 1991
Golf course issue still pending
Will the River Oaks Golf Course be allowed to operate as a private enterprise?
The decision now rests in the hands of Justice Edward M. Rath, who decided at a hearing to rule on the issue June 13 in State Supreme Court. Niagara Associates in February disclosed plans to convert the course to private use. An initial membership charge of $3,500 and an annual fee of $750 was announced at that time. Unconfirmed is a report that 150 golfers have taken advantage of the offer.
The lawsuit is based on the town's contention that the golf course was noted as open space when the River Oaks planned unit development was approved by the board in 1970 and cannot be reclassified for private use.
10 Years Ago, July 27, 2001
School Board appoints new leaders
On Monday evening the Grand Island Board of Education appointed new teachers and co-curricular leaders for the 2001 school year.
Four teachers were appointed at the high school. David Lillick and Kevin Murray will teach social studies, Amanda Baker will teach Spanish and Ardeth Kashara will teach English.
Kashara taught at Jamestown High School prior to coming to Grand Island. She also taught in Japan for two years.
"The Japan schools are very competitive and teaching there was a very interesting experience," Kashara said. "I am looking forward to teaching at Grand Island High School and the experience that it will bring."