Public good proposed for Niagara's Belden Center

By Timothy Chipp

Residents of the Town of Niagara’s Belden Center community can look forward to a savory addition soon.

Tom Tierney, a resident of the neighborhood, has approached the Niagara Town Board for water hookups to a vacant lot he owns. There, he will install a community vegetable garden, if the meter hookup is approved at the board’s next meeting.

Tierney said his aim is to help the community with some sustainable food, starting small with some tomatoes and peppers.

“I thought it would be nice,” he said after addressing the board during its work session Wednesday. “It could be a little help to the community.”

Tierney said the vegetable garden idea sprung from his own garden. He said his experiences growing those tasty options, along with his family’s experience with greenhouses, will help get the project started.

Once in place, the garden will be accessible to the community to enjoy and eat healthy vegetables.

It will initially take up about one-third of the vacant lot, located at 3015 Savannah St., leaving plenty of room for expansion, Tierney said.

If approved, the town would install the meter and ensure the water flows from the main to the curb stop. Tierney will be responsible for any pipes needed to bring the water to the garden, as well as any costs associated with running water once installed.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Brian Beiter said the process usually involves getting permits for these hookups to be installed, which cost money. The request, if approved, will circumvent the permitting process, since it’s considered a public good.

Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso said the town has the ability to grant the request for the free hookup because there are spare meters already purchased in the town’s possession.

Tierney’s current plan is to cover the cost of the water for the garden, allowing the proposed feature to be free for those in the community.

“I think this is an excellent idea,” Virtuoso said after the work session. “It’s generous of him to do this for his community on his property. It’s amazing.”

Tierney’s request will need final approval at the meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Town Hall, 7105 Lockport Road.