Town of Niagara: Fall news going into the holidays!

Guest Editorial by Town of Niagara Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso

The 2025 budget passed with a minimal tax increase $3 per thousand to homeowners and $35 per thousand to businesses. In comparison to the rising costs the town has to endure, I believe it is fair without having to cut any services or programs. Thank you to our department heads and Town Board for working through this process.

You will be receiving letters about your water lines. Not everyone will receive this letter. This is a federal government mandate from the EPA all over the United States. DO NOT PANIC!!! Our lines are safe, but we still need to identify exactly what material your water service is, identify it and report it. Please read the letter carefully, as it will explain it all and that you’re provided safe drinking water – this is merely a procedure that is new and necessary to identify exactly what the material is and that it is safe.

Solar Simplified mailings will go out soon as well. If you sign up, you get discounts on your electricity. Only if you feel comfortable should you sign up. The town is a sponsor, and if enough people sign up, we will get a grant to utilize for an energy type project such as an electric charging station, which we will need sometime soon. There is no obligation, but we have seen from other municipalities it is a discount that many are seeing on their electric bill.

•Bri Estates: Previously submitted plans for a subdivision did not come to fruition. They have resubmitted a Draft Environment Impact Statement (DEIS) that has been thoroughly reviewed by our attorney, our engineer, and an independent company hired to review on behalf of the town. They have previously been approved by the Planning Board to move forward. We are in a 30-day review period ending Dec. 1, 2024.

The DEIS is online on our website, and also hard copy to review in the Clerk’s Office. It is being sent to NYSDOT, NYSDEC, NYSDEC Region 9, Niagara County, the Town of Lewiston and United States Army Corp of Engineers for further review. We truly all understand the concerns and we hope they have all been addressed. We ask that everyone who is interested take a look at the document and may comment.

This will add 113 new homes to a longtime vacant property between Colonial Drive and Kay Ellen off Miller Road. There is a housing shortage across the country. The town specifically needs housing. This tax revenue will assist in many ways and welcome 113 new families to the Town of Niagara and raise property values in that area. A new subdivision has not been added in many, many years.

Calendar of events

We have many events coming up – hope you will join us!

•Our Veterans Breakfast is Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Community Center. This event has become smaller over the years, so we moved it to the Community Center for breakfast, where we can accommodate this event.

•The Town of Niagara Lions Club is hosting the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Community Park. Refreshments will be served following by the Helping Hands in the Community Center.

•Noel at Niagara is our largest event for the holidays!! The kickoff is Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. Please join us with Santa and Sabretooth as we light up the park for the season. Lighting will run each night from 5-9 p.m. from Nov. 23 through Jan. 5, 2025. The NFHS Band will march Santa into the park. He will be on a horse and carriage. The public will be able to enjoy rides on the horse and carriage from 5:30-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served while supplies last, firepits will be glowing, The Grinch will be visiting, Glow in the Dark Mini Putt Golf will be offered (weather-permitting), and there will be arts and crafts, photo booth and photos with Santa.

A fun night is planned!

•The Holiday Vendor/Craft Show is Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Center. Join in for some great Christmas shopping!

•The Senior Holiday Lunch is 11 a.m. Dec. 5, with Santa, bingo, and lots of fun. Make your reservations by calling 716-297-5243! Residents are admitted free, while non-residents pay $5.

Wishing you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!