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Let's Go Back for Aug. 19, 2011

by jmaloni
Fri, Aug 19th 2011 09:35 pm

40 Years Ago, Aug. 18, 1971

Board gives facility go-ahead

A silent picket line stood on either side of the entrance to Town Hall as citizens and Town Board members assembled for the regular town meeting Monday evening. Residents of Staley Road, protesting a recent decision on the part of the board, filed quietly into the board chambers and remained throughout the proceedings.

In its initial action the board granted an exemption to conditions outlined in the newly adopted master plan for Grand Island, permitting construction to get under way for the 80-bed Grand Island Manor Nursing Home to be located on Grand Island Boulevard.

Reflecting the continuing increase in Island population was yet another request from citizens, this time in the form of a petition from more than 100 residents, asking that the speed limit on Bedell Road be reduced.

30 Years Ago, Aug. 14, 1981

River Oaks has successful opening

The River Oaks golf course opened Saturday with more than 100 golfers teeing off that morning on the 18-hole championship course. On hand at the opening were Councilman James H. Pax, Islander and River Oaks owner George Smith and Grand Island Supervisor LaVerne C. Luther.

A spokesman for the course said another 100 or so golfers played Monday, and the links continued to attract a good crowd throughout the week.

20 Years Ago, Aug. 16, 1991

Isle 9-year-old detonates Buffalo landmark

Giorgio Panepinto of Third Avenue will have something to share with his fellow classmates in the fourth grade at St. Andrews Country Day School upon returning to class next month. On Aug. 3, he helped world famous Scott Gustafson detonate the dynamite that brought down the Mobil Cracking Tower, an old South Buffalo landmark.

The structure was approximately 30 stories tall, about the same height as the Statue of Liberty. His father, George, who will demolish the former Bells Market on the Island, is the contractor demolishing the old Mobil Refinery.

10 Years Ago, Aug. 17, 2001

Chamber asks state to protect town

The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a conference on Aug. 9, to voice lingering concerns about possible land acquisitions that could result from the pending Seneca Nation lawsuit.

Speaking on behalf of the chamber was Thomas Cusack, president of the Cusack Center for Professional Development. He said that even if landowners are not liable in the Seneca Nation's claim for Grand Island, the community could still be impacted by a loss of tax revenue. He pointed out that if the Senecas win their suit, they would then be sovereign and could purchase properties in Grand Island and be exempt from local taxes.

Cusack further said that the governor's recent proclamation that landowners would not be liable in the suit was not enough. He and chamber representatives are calling for the governor and state legislature to protect the town should it lose the suit.

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