North Tonawanda rededicates historic Col. Payne residence with new plaque

Submitted by Mayor Arthur Pappas’ office

Completing a project that saw the Historic District of North Tonawanda receive new street signs, elected representatives from city government along with County Legislator Rich Andres gathered to rededicate the Col. Payne Historic plaque in front of his historic residence located on Payne Avenue and Wheatfield Street on Wednesday.

“Col. Payne is a forefather of our city. He helped North Tonawanda become the Lumber City by founding the first steam-powered sawmill in 1847, and then later went on to become a war hero," Legislature Rich Andres said.

Clerk-Treasurer Donna Braun noted, “This project is yet another example of city government rolling up its sleeves; being smart with the resources we have to deliver improved and beautiful infrastructure to the city. Our outstanding DPW repurposed the poles from the weather-worn placemaking signs around downtown that became redundant due to the new signs we received last year, and for only a few hundred dollars we were able to beautify the Historic District.”

Council President Robert Pecoraro was particularly focused on the positive feedback the city has been receiving from residents about the new street signs.

“Everywhere I go lately, I have been getting positive feedback about the signs, how great they look, and how easy they are to read,” he said. “I'll be working with the superintendent, Mark Zellner, at the DPW, to explore how we can roll these signs out around the city.”