12/30/09: Common Council interviews final five Ellicott District candidates

BY NICKI MAYO

Buffalo's Common Council heard the final five candidates vying for the vacant Ellicott District seat. Nicki Mayo has details on the selection process as the council narrows down who will hold the position.

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The Buffalo Common Council heard from the second round of candidates hoping to fill the Ellicott District seat. Embattled former councilman Brian Davis resigned last month after pleading guilty to using campaign funds for his personal use.

Six candidates were scheduled to appear. Five showed up. Sales Marketer Todd Maclin was a no show.

Political newcomer Nicholas Primerano interviewed Monday but, was disqualified for registering late as a democrat to be considered for the seat.

Council members say the five that showed up were noticeably more prepared than Monday’s candidates.

“The Common Council is like the board of directors of any organization,” said Masten District representative Demone A. Smith. “So if you’re coming on the council you should know what the city budget is,” Smith added.

Attorney William Trezevant advocated job creation and says the council needs to increase the city’s aid to Buffalo Public Schools.

“That amount represents on a per capita basis the smallest percentage of any city in terms of their contribution to their school system for all of upstate New York,” said Trezevant.

Buffalo Public Schools Career Advisor Dudley Gilbert says urban renewal and development projects need to reflect Ellicott's diverse make up.

“It seems like the progress that’s being made is not going to include anybody black, red, yellow, disenfranchised, white or brown,” said Glibert.

Buffalo State Economics Professor Curtis Haynes, PhD. says more needs to be done to retain Buffalo's tradesmen and young professionals.

“We can’t build a 21st century if everybody thinks about money coming in and money going out. We need to build assets,” Dr. Hayes said.

Subway Restaurant owner Bobby Horton recently made headlines for his efforts to stop a slaughter house from moving near his William Street shop. Horton says that motivated him to take an active role in the council.

“When I began to fight for my business, something that I worked hard for, I learned to be sensitive to the needs of the people,” Hortaon said.

Surrounded by a sea of supporters dressed in red, True Bethel Baptist Pastor Reverend Darius Pridgen answered questions of scrutiny as to why a religious leader would consider jumping into politics.

“Some have suggested that I should stay in my place. That a pastor has no business in politics,” said Rev. Pridgen. “they suggested that politics is dirty and I disagree.”

One thing that stood out was the absence of Ellicott District residents present in the council chambers. More than 150 supporters showed up to support Rev. Pridgen, but once the pastor left, a mass exodus followed. That left 14 people in the council chambers. Only three of those people were Ellicott district residents. Three candidates had yet to go before the council.

“I think it’s very important that we don’t get an anti-mayor or pro-mayor candidates. But somebody who can be a councilman for all season and reasons,” said Ellicott resident Thomas Gleed.

The Common Council is waiting for the Democratic Party committee to vet the candidates and suggest who should fill the $52,000 a year position.

“As a courtesy to them, we’ll listen to their recommendation,” said Niagara District Councilman David A. Rivera. “The way it looks right now, we’re looking at the next week or so.” Rivera added.

12/29/09: A soldier’s farewell for Buffalo’s Sgt. Jay Shepherd

BY NICKI MAYO

Family and friends bid a final farewell to a fallen Western New York soldier. Thirty-year-old Sergeant John Shepherd Jr. was laid to rest in Buffalo Tuesday afternoon. Nicki Mayo tells us how Shepherd's spirit lives on through the lives he touched around the Queen City.

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The Patriot Guard stood watch outside Saint John Baptist Church as family and friends came together to remember Army Sergeant John “Jay” Shepherd Jr.

The 30 year old Buffalo native was killed December 10th in a car accident in Germany, after serving a tour in Afghanistan.
“In a land where people are shooting at you constantly and danger is all around. God brought him through that,” said St. John’s Pastor Michael Chapman to the congregation. “And then to lose him in this type of way is unimaginable,” Reverend Chapman added.

Jay leaves behind his wife Alexandria and five year old son Brian. Local soldiers are helping the Shepherd family through this traumatic time.

“It doesn’t matter whether he fell in harm’s way serving his country or if he fell domestically, we’re just helping them out with their grieving,” said Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Dolson. The Amherst 98th Division Casualty Assistance troop is working with Shepherd’s wife and son. Another soldier is tending to Jay’s parents emotional needs.

The military remembers Jay as a decorated soldier who earned 17 medals in the United States Army. Family and friends say Jay was a devoted father, son and husband who always put family first.

“He had become someone who would lay down his life for his family, his friends and his country,” said Buffalo’s Joyce Chapman (No relation to the pastor). Chapman watched Jay grow from a boy to a man.

“I just saw him change. When he called me on the phone I didn’t know who he was. He said ‘Hi Ms. Chapman, this is Jay.’ I said Jay who? His voice was so deep,” Chapman said.

Chapman says Jay’s voice matured after graduating from Riverside High School in 1997 and joining the Army in 2004. She was surprised to get a phone call from Jay overseas.

“It was remarkable! I was in awe at the change in this quiet little boy to this brave young man who was going to make a career in the service,” Chapman added.

Jay’s family was his inspiration to stay in the army. Before the accident, Jay sent his father a letter letting him know how much he loved him.

“There was a connection there. Even though he was all the way in Germany there was a connection,” said Columbus Brown Jr. who says he watched Jay become a role model for young Buffalonian men.

“I look back over my life and I ask myself. ‘Did I get a chance to tell my father that I love him?” said Brown. “Did I get a chance to tell my father that he’s my hero?’ Jay had an opportunity to do that,” he added.

Jay was scheduled to return to Afghanistan for another tour in the spring.

12/28/09: Common Council Interviews First Five Ellicott District Candidates

BY NICKI MAYO

There are twelve candidates vying for a shot at the Ellicott District common council seat vacated by embattled councilman Brian Davis. YNN's Nicki Mayo reports the council interviewed the first five candidates hoping to fill the position.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO REPORT ON BUFFALO.YNN.COM

On day one of interviews the Buffalo Common Council considered five resumes out of a total 12 candidates. Their resumes are vast but their plans for the future Ellicott are centered on poverty, housing, job creation and the future of the Ellicott district economy.

A mixed bag of candidates took turns before Buffalo’s Common Council to interview for the Ellicott District seat.

“We’re looking to see if they have a real hunger to serve. If we can read a person with their presentation,” said Council President David Franczyk.

“What is the depth of their knowledge? Sometimes the questions from the council members are very specific,” added the Flimore District representative.

On day one of interviews the Buffalo Common Council considered five resumes out of a total 12 candidates. Their resumes are vast but their plans for the future Ellicott are centered on poverty, housing, job creation and the future of the Ellicott district economy.

Six were scheduled, but only five showed up. Candidate Griffith Prichard was a no show.

Buffalo fireman and former 2009 School Board Candidate Byron McIntyre says Ellicott constituents need an community advocate.

“The people want advocacy. We need some nice community based agreements with these organizations, so that the citizens will get jobs,” said McIntyre.

Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation property manager Marilyn Rodgers is calling for a closer eye on funds for housing development.

“We have community development and housing organizations out there that are not necessarily living up to what needs to be done for the constituents that they are supposed to serve,” said Rodgers. “But they’re getting the funds while others are not,” she added.

Former Buffalo Community Services Commissioner Donald Allen says plans to cut services at the district’s Jesse Nash Health Clinic are unacceptable.
“You cannot close a clinic that provides services for a human being unless you have a closure plan and an exit plan,” said Allen.

Political newcomer Nicholas Primerano recently registered as a democrat to qualify for the Ellicott seat. He says the District needs to balance the housing and earnings gap.

“We have homes valued below $20,000 or you can buy a condo in the Avant building for $1.5 million,” said Primerano.

Private consultant Fred Heinle says Ellicott needs to capitalize on “smart growth” practices to attract business back downtown.

“You’re not going to convince the grocery stores to come into downtown Buffalo, because we can get to any grocery store in 10 minutes,” Heinle said.

Council members say public service, experience and council knowledge will play a major role in deciding who will get the Ellicott seat. Several candidates were not familiar with the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Buffalo Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation and block grants.

“It’s insider baseball. There is a learning curve, but these are things that you should know about when you’re talking about BURA and BERC,” said South Buffalo Common Councilman Michael Kearns.

The eight council members will interview the next six candidates Wednesday morning. The council can decide on who will represent the Ellicott District as soon as the final interview is complete.

12/20/09: UNYTS and Sabres save Buffalo New Year’s ball drop

BY NICKI MAYO
Tough economic times put the brakes on Buffalo’s annual New Year’s ball drop celebration. But thanks to some generous donors, the show will go on as planned. Nicki Mayo reports how Upstate New York Transplant Services and The Buffalo Sabres Charitable Foundation’s stepped in to save the New Year’s ball drop.

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“The ball drop is back and this is exactly what Buffalo is all about!” said 97 Rock’s Larry Norton. He has hosted the New Year’s ball drop in downtown Buffalo for the past two decades and says he can’t imagine ringing in the New Year any other way.

“For the first time in 22 years I was afraid I wouldn’t be here. I was going ‘What am I going to do New Year Eve?’” Norton added.

The annual Buffalo ball drop started back in 1988 with more than 15,000 people standing in Roosevelt Plaza. Twenty years later, 40,000 people are expected head to the Electric Tower to welcome in 2010.

This year’s annual celebration almost didn’t happen.

2009 was a tough year for ball drop organizers the Buffalo’s Police Athletic League. They struggled to raise funds for the $45,000 to $55,000 party in the streets.

“Situations change. People are getting laid off everywhere. This could be paying someone’s severance somewhere. So companies had to choose and couldn’t give to this particular event this year,” said PAL organizer Sue Gonzalez. She says some of the ball drop corporate sponsors opted out, leaving the PAL program about $20,000 short and looking for emergency donors.

Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) and Buffalo Sabres Charitable Foundation stepped into cover the difference.

“We can ring in the new year with a victory on the afternoon or evening of the first,” said Buffalo Sabres Charitable Foundation’s Michael Gilbert

“We’re hopeful that as people enjoy this year’s celebration that they will make a resolution to give the gift of life. Talk about organ, tissue and eye donations with their families,” said UNYTS President Mark Simon.

It's not just the ball drop that attracts thousands to Roosevelt Plaza New Year's Eve. There's the alcohol-free “First Night” party at the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center, holiday sing-a-longs and jumbotron with highlights from 2009.

“When you combine ‘First Night’ with the ball drop it creates a great atmosphere her in downtown Buffalo,” said Independent Health’s Frank Sava.
“It has long been a source of pride and excitement as we anticipate the New Year in downtown Buffalo,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

Buffalo Ball drop Master of Ceremonies Larry Norton says the donations will help preserve a Western New York tradition.

“This is Buffalo coming together. We welcome everyone to come together once again and celebrate Buffalo in true Buffalo fashion,” Larry Norton said.

“Hopefully the weather will be good with huge fireworks. It’s a great start for another year,” Norton added.

12/20/09: Buffalo Police Reserves deliver holiday gifts to needy families

BY NICKI MAYO

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Santa Claus trades in his sleigh and reindeer for sirens.
Buffalo’s Police Reserves are helping jolly old Saint Nick spread holiday cheer to Queen City families. It’s part of their annual Family Christmas giveaway.
Police Reserve officers wrapped and prepared toys for five Buffalo-area families in need Sunday afternoon. Organizers say in these tough economic times, some Western New York Families need a little help putting gifts under the tree.
”Our motto is to serve the community and this is one of the functions that we really get involved with by reaching out to the families in need. It’s a great feeling to provide them with a joyous time of the year,” said Lt. John Buczak.
The Buffalo Police Reserves sponsors families throughout the year and purchase age appropriate toys. The group pays for the gifts out of their own pockets.

12/19/09: BPO wraps up M&T Bank Holiday Concert Series

BY NICKI MAYO

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M&T Bank wraps up its holiday concert series with a performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
The BPO performed everything from “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” to Tchaikosky’s Nutcracker Suite.
The sounds of the holidays filled the gold dome as the orchestra performed additional Christmas favorites such as: Mozart’s Sleigh Ride, and Fantasia on Greensleeves.
Conductor fellow Joseph Young says this is a wonderful way to give Buffalo music lovers an early Christmas gift.
“It’s important for orchestras to be out in the community. This is one of the times in the holiday season where the orchestra can give holiday cheer to people who we didn’t think would come to Klienhans Music Hall,” said Young.
The BPO concert was also amplified through speakers outside to skaters at Fountain Plaza Rotary Rink.

12/19/09: Historic AM&A warehouse becomes upscale downtown apartments

BY NICKI MAYO

Buffalo based developer Rocco Termani offers a sneak peek into some of the latest upscale apartments available downtown. Nicki Mayo has details on the historic preservation project geared at improving the Queen City’s economic future.

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“This is a brand new apartment. This building was built in 1895,” said developer Rocco Termini. The Buffalo based business man is revamping the historic AM&A warehouse into upscale apartments. The new loft units at Washington and Eagle Street will feature something old and something new.
“If they want the same old thing they can live in the suburbs and live in a vanilla box. What we offer you here is something totally different,” said Termani.
The original wood floors and rustic brick walls are complimented by large bathrooms, stainless steel appliances and skylights. The downtown lofts will range from $795 to $1150 a month. There will be 12 two-bedroom units (1050 - $1150 a month) and 36 one-bedroom units ($795 - $895 a month).
Termini says he wants to bring 48 upscale apartments to this building by April 2010. He says the goal of the AM&A retail and residential renovation is to bring more Buffalonians back to downtown. Termani says he also wants to attract transplanted residents working in the nearby medical corridor.
“These are people who are coming in from other cities. Who are accustomed to living in urban areas. They want to live downtown and they want to live close to where they’re working,” said Termani.
Area businesses are hoping to see a ripple effect from the new apartments.
“We see a lot of traffic from the businesses. There are a lot of lunch crowds and library traffic,” said The 2nd Cup owner Wil Tyler. “It helps us to bring people into our establishment who aren’t aware that we’re here,” Tyler added.
The downtown real estate expansions are also helping nearby eateries like The 2nd Cup café at Broadway Avenue and Ellicott Street.
“We have the business community along with the new lofts and developments that’s coming downtown. There’s going to be a lot of people down here. There already are a lot of people downtown,” Tyler said.
This is The 2nd Cup’s second location and first year downtown. It hosts community events, like this Buffalo State toy drive to also attract more people downtown, just like the new AM&A apartments.
“We’ve got a real mix going on here and what we’re trying to do is create a critical mass on this block. So that people can live, work and play here,” said Termani.

PBS Nightly Buisness Report: Riding out the Storm VLOG

How Do You View South Florida: Riding out the Storm VLOG
Nicki Mayo, 29, of Buffalo, New York talks about how she she is surviving as a career woman during the recession.
VIEW VLOG HERE

http://ka.uvuvideo.org/_Reporter-discusses-recession/video/855374/86294.html

12/18/09: GM Tonawanda ends “Big Block” V-8 engine era with 150 layoffs

BY NICKI MAYO
It’s the end of the “Big Block” V-8 engine era for General Motors workers in Western New York. The Tonawanda plant rolled its last L-18 V-8 engine off the line while laying off 150 assembly line workers. Nicki Mayo reports plant managers and union officials are looking for ways to bring the workers back to the assembly lines.

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"When I started here in 1968 there was talk about this engine leaving,” said Buffalo’s David Dougherty. “I retired in 2007 and it’s still here,” added General Motors retiree. Doughtery returned to the Tonawanda Powertain Plant for one last look at the “Big Block” L-18 V-8 engine. “I’m hoping that as this engine leaves that they get a couple more engines back to replace this one,” said Dougherty.
The L-18 makes up three percent of the Tonawanda plant’s annual production. Plant managers say this is the motor behind numerous GM powerboats, vehicles and memories.
“Our customers just love this product so much that they were not going to let it die,” said GM Tonawanda Plant Manager Steve Finch.
“Many of it is tied to General Motors from the products that we’ve done,” said Finch. He says “non-domestic” cars don’t tend to carry the same nostalgia with American car owners.
”That’s a tribute not only to the product but to those of you who have had a part in it to say ‘thanks,’” Finch added.
Plant workers pulled the last L-18 V-8 engine off the line and took turns signing their names to the final unit. This comes as General Motors signs off on 150 layoffs connected to the “Big Block” engines.
“We started out with a higher number and 50 of them will roll to other areas,” said United Auto Workers Local 774 Shop Chairman Bob Coleman. General Motors Tonawanda plant top brass say this is the end of a ‘remarkable era.’ Sill the grey cloud of layoffs looms around the plant. Union officials say they will do everything in their power to make sure those men and women find their way back on the assembly line.
“People are going out the door. Please remember we are going to do everything we can to bring you back to work,” said Coleman. Local 774 officials say the Tonawanda plant has had 298 layoffs this year. They hope to drive more motor business to Tonawanda.
“It is a sad day, but let’s make space for new motors and new product here,” Coleman said.
Seniority will play a major role in helping the displaced workers move to other assembly lines within the plant.
“People are very optimistic about maybe there’s a chance we could have some new work coming in the plant,” said plant employee Myron Chatman.

12/15/09: Corporation Council, unions and Olmsted Conservancy near Buffalo parks agreement

BY NICKI MAYO

A deal for Buffalo parks may be available as early as Thursday. The City takes over more than 180 parks January 1st. There are many details that need to get pinned down in the upcoming weeks. Nicki Mayo reports on the union, Conservancy and City negotiations.

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“Different players. The same game. The same B.S. that I heard today is the same B.S. that I heard back in 2004,” said Buffalo’s Samuel A. Herbet outside the Buffalo Common Council Chambers.
“People see water in the park and they say ‘it’s ok, it’s working.’ Well it’s not working right,” Herbert added.
He says he’s tried to get Erie County to fix the fountain at MLK Park over the last five years. Herbert spoke out on behalf of the Coalition to Save Martin Luther King Jr. Park at Tuesday’s Common Council finance meeting. The two hour committee meeting focused on the future of city parks’ management.
The parks contract ends December 31st. Buffalo city will run its 180 parks starting January first. Concerns over job security for union and Olmsted Parks Conservancy workers remain.
“I fielded numerous phone calls from workers who don’t know where they are because they’ve received layoff notices from the county. They have received notices that their health insurance has been canceled. So their Christmas present is they are unemployed!” said ASCME Local 264 President Bill Travis.
Union reps for Local 264 and 650 say park workers have received layoff notices and insurance cancellations effective December 31st.
“We didn’t choose to leave the city service or county service. These are all decisions made by the County Executive and the Mayor of Buffalo,” said Lovejoy Recreation Center Instructor John Fracos.
Seventy supporters packed Tuesday morning’s Buffalo Common Council Finance Committee meeting to urge council members to support negotiations between 264, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the city.
“It frees us at this point in time to finalize any type of arraignment with the Olmsted Conservancy,” said Buffalo Corporation Council attorney Brendan Mehaffy.

Since this is a labor agreement, the Corporation Council is using a "Memorandum of Understanding" to communicate the changes to the Common Council. This will help make council aware of the negotiations. An M.O.U. means the measure doesn't need council approval to move forward. Some council members say they will remain active with the process.

“I’ll represent the Common Council, the legislative branch of government in negotiations between the Olmsted Parks, the Unions and the City,” said Common Council Parks Committee Chairman Demone Smith.

The Corporation Council hopes to get a M.O.U. to the Common Council by Thursday.

12/14/09:Former BPS teacher’s aide found not guilty in child molestation case

BY NICKI MAYO

A former Queen City teacher's aide is found not guilty in a child molestation case. YNN's Nicki Mayo was in the courtroom for the verdict and has the details from downtown Buffalo.

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An attorney for former Buffalo teacher's aide John Colazzi says his client dedicated 12 years as a teacher’s aide in the Buffalo City School system. Colazzi’s has spent the last two years marred by an alleged child molestation incident.
Colazzi appeared in State Supreme Court this morning. Judge John Michalski issued a not guilty verdict of first degree sexual abuse and the endangerment of a child. Sixty-two year old Colazzi was accused of molesting a four year old autistic kindergarten in a bathroom at the Discovery School #67 back in November 2007. Colazzi's attorney, Thomas Hurley says the client was merely helping the child use the restroom. “It’s clear that the event came out and that the event never took place,” said Hurley. “The statement that the teacher gave changed so many times and my client’s story never changed at all,” Hurley added. “I’m a good person. I’m not that person that they tried to make out that I was,” Colazzi said. “Like I said, I’m a good person,” Colazzi added. John Colazzi had few words for the cameras following the verdict, but says he would like to return to the school as a teacher’s aide, if they will have him. The family of the kindergarten student in question has launched a civil suit against the school system.

12/13/09: Olmsted Conservancy Supporters Rally for City Parks Contract

BY NICKI MAYO

Buffalo City will take back 180 parks from Erie County January 1, 2010, but plans for how the parks will be run are still up in the air. YNN’s Nicki Mayo reports Olmsted Parks Conservancy supporters are rallying to get the mayor’s office to nail down a contract before New Year’s.

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“Olmsted forever, we deserve better!” chanted 100 protestors at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Sunday afternoon. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy supporters say they’re tired of waiting on a new contract from the Mayor Byron Brown’s Office.
The Brown administration is working on plans to revamp park management by hiring back 50 workers and adding a Deputy Parks Commissioner position that would pay $85,000 a year.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy supporters say the group should be allowed to continue overseeing the parks.
“I have $125,000 or your money set aside for real improvements to Riverside Park,” asked New York State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt. “Should I give that money to the city of Buffalo?” the144th District representative asked.
“No!” cried the crowd of Conservancy supporters.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy leaders say time is running out for the mayor’s office to nail down a contract that they hope will extend the group’s services over the park system. If everything is not ironed out by December 31st, as many as 30 Olmsted Parks Conservancy workers may be laid off.
Buffalo City Attorney Brendan Mehaffy told YNN November 24th the Brown administration is working through several union issues to finalize the Mayor’s park contract.
“We’ll be submitting to the council before the deadline but the focus is to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible December 31st,” say Mehaffy.
Common Council Finance Committee Chairman Michael Kearns says the Conservancy must be part of the Mayor’s plan.
“I am not going to move any item out of my committee unless Olmsted Park has a long term commitment to the city,” said Kearns. The South Buffalo representative invited protesters to attend Tuesday’s Finance Committee Meeting at 10am in the council chambers to voice their concerns.
Olmsted Parks Conservancy Chairman David Colligan said the group raised eight million dollars in grants and charitable contributions for the parks. He says improvements around Delaware Park have raised the property value of nearby homes.
“We’re paying a dividend, and the dividend is being received by the same people who can’t decide if we’re doing a good job,” said Colligan to the crowd.
“I’m out in the parks every single day,” said Buffalo native Judy Zimmet holding her five year old German Shepherd “Zed.”
“We go around Hoyt Lake, Ring Road, the Japanese Garden. We even take the trot down the Scajaquada bike path. We’ve walked that down to the water,” said the proud park patron.
Zimmet plans to spend her retirement years, the same way she grew up… enjoying the city’s urban parks.
“I walk the parks and enjoy them so much, and would hate to see anything happen to them,” Zimmett added.

12/12/09: Niagara Falls Developers use Historic Landmarks to revitalize Downtown

BY NICKI MAYO

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B.F. Patel came to Niagara Falls as a tourist in 1996 and fell in love with the historic, but abandoned Niagara Club.
“This place is right on The Falls. There’s a lot of opportunity here,” said Patel.
Patel plans to reopen the Niagara Club in summer 2010 as a hotel, wedding chapel, honeymoon and banquet hall.
“I have at least a 400 person capacity in the banquet facility over here and I want to run a small convention center over here,” Patel added.
There are more than $100 million in revitalization projects underway in downtown Niagara Falls.
“In our given national economy, we’re in a deep recession. So this is just remarkable for a city our size,” said Niagara Falls Economic Development and Planning Director Peter Kay.
The old Winter Garden is under construction on First Street.
Niagara County Community College is also eyeing the Rainbow Place Mall as the new home for its culinary school.
The Niagara Club has a rooftop patio and a picturesque view of the Horseshoe Falls. Patel says it’s a prime piece of real estate because of its proximity to other historical landmarks.
The former United Office Building has become the “The Giacomo.” The structure has been around since the Great Depression. Today, it is home to 38 boutique hotel rooms, office space and 27 upscale apartments. Apartment rent ranges from $1,400 to $5,500 a month. Buffalo-based developer Carl Paladino acquired the building after 12 years of inactivity.
“All the windows were broken out and it was filled with dead birds and bat droppings. It was going to be destroyed,” said The Giacomo General Manager James Oliver.
The Giacomo is one of several revitalization projects geared at drawing more people to downtown Niagara Falls.
“The more the city rebuilds, the more confidence developers have in the place, the more confidence people have in the place,” said Kay.
“This is going to be the crown jewel of Western New York and the Niagara frontier,” added Oliver.

12/11/09: NYS License Plate Re-Issue Off the Table

BY NICKI MAYO

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New York Governor David Paterson pledges to table plans for mandatory new license plates. The proposed revenue generator originated from the state legislature, but caught heat from county clerks who continue to say ”no way.”
This summer Governor Paterson proposed a $25 increase in the cost of license plates. The measure also would have made it mandatory for all New York car owners to obtain the new plates by April 1, 2010.
Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul says she’s pleased with the governor’s move to table the plate plans. She adds Albany needs to look elsewhere to raise funds.
“When you’re looking for fees you have to spread it around,” Hochul told reporters Friday afternoon. She says the plates would have cost Erie County drivers $15.3 million.
“Stop hitting the people who drive car. We’re hit more disproportionately upstate because we drive cars around. We don’t have as many public transportation options,” added the Erie County Clerk.
New York Department of Motor Vehicle fees have gone up 25% in the past year. State country clerks collected more than 100,000 signatures on paper and online a http://www.nonewplates.com/