Town of Lewiston won't offer Greenway assistance for village pavilion at waterfront

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

The Town of Lewiston has informed the Village of Lewiston it will not endorse a request to use Niagara River Greenway money to construct a new pavilion at the Water Street dock.

At Monday’s work session, Supervisor Steve Broderick said, “There are some town projects – finishing up our Lower River Road park. I personally feel that we've supported the village incredibly well. … I feel like, for the next year or two, we should focus on Town of Lewiston projects, and I don't feel like we should fund another pavilion in the village with what we've been generous and have already done.”

No Village of Lewiston board members attended the town meeting.

On Tuesday, Broderick sent a letter to Mayor Anne Welch and to the trustees. It stated, “The Town Board reviewed your request for Greenway Funding, in the amount of $200,000, at the February 10th work session and determined that, at this time, the town would not provide Greenway Funding for the project. The town has several of its own projects that are priorities and will be focusing on those. We wish you luck in securing funding for your pavilion as it appears to be a wonderful project.”

At the Feb. 3 Village Board meeting, Welch said of the waterfront pavilion, “We used to rent (it) out to people and the boaters and residents (prior to it being lost to flooding). Everybody used to use it down there. We did ask for the grant funding, state funding, but we were denied this time for any funding. So, I thought maybe we should ask for Greenway money.”

Her intent to build a 20-feet-by-30-feet shelter has received support from a number of local leaders via letters written to Niagara River Greenway Commission Executive Director Greg Stevens.

Destination Niagara USA Outdoor Promotions Director and Niagara County Sportfishing Coordinator Frank Campbell said, “The pavilion that was previously located in the waterfront area received a lot of use and was enjoyed by anglers and boaters alike. A waterfront pavilion will serve as a welcoming space for individuals or groups to enjoy the beautiful waterfront in Lewiston. The project will be an asset for the entire community for years to come. I look forward to seeing this project come to life.”

The pavilion idea also received high marks from Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, who each pointed out, “The pavilion will not only enhance the natural beauty of the riverfront but also serve as a key attraction to draw more visitors to our area. By creating a versatile space for events, gatherings, and cultural activities, the project will help boost tourism, which in turn will benefit local businesses. Increased foot traffic will support our shops, restaurants, and service providers, contributing to the overall economic vitality of the village.”

Broderick said that, since he became supervisor in 2016, the town has contributed about three-quarters of a million dollars in Greenway funding to the village and, overall, has significantly contributed to projects including the Freedom Crossing and Tuscarora Heroes monuments; the Morgan Lewis statue at the International Peace Garden; the “Circle of Honor” and pavilion at Academy Park; the inclusive playground at Marilyn Toohey Park; and holiday lights along Center Street.

Council members Rob Morreale, John Jacoby and Sarah Waechter offered similar comments, and suggested Greenway funding be spent on repairs and enhancements at town sites including Kiwanis and Pletcher Road parks.

Jacoby added, “I was a little surprised that the village didn't come to us and make a presentation, and maybe a stronger pitch for why they needed it, or why they felt we were the only source for this.”

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How Greenway money is distributed

As part of the New York Power Authority’s 50-year relicensing agreement, which took effect in 2007, NYPA is annually providing:

•$3 million for the Host Community Standing Committee, of which the Town of Lewiston receives 17%, or $510,000. The Village of Lewiston is not a member, and therefore has no direct claim to funding.

Projects must be voted as consistent with the Greenway Plan. Voting members include the Niagara Power Coalition (Niagara County, the City of Niagara Falls, the Town of Niagara, and the Lewiston-Porter, Niagara Falls and Niagara Wheatfield school districts) and NYPA.

•$5 million for the Host Communities Fund, specifically for the Niagara Power Coalition, of which the Town of Lewiston gets 17%, or $850,000.

This money can’t be used for items or projects outside of the town.