Editorials
EDITORIAL: Niagara's field of dreams
The problem with solving the problem of brownfields in Niagara Falls is one of out of sight, out of mind.
The land which qualifies as a brownfield looks pretty much like any other vacant land. It’s usually located in what was once an industrial area. The difference between it and your standard-variety land is what’s in it or beneath it.
Brownfields are the legacy of the industrial era. They’re generally contaminated with heavy metals or other pollutants. Unless they’re cleaned up, brownfields aren’t suitable for most residential or many commercial uses. What could otherwise be prime land goes fallow.
That’s why the people of Niagara Falls’ North End should embrace the federal Brownfield Opportunity Area program. Consultants and city officials have started a six-week minicourse for residents. And, from what we’re told, citizen participation is crucial to the process.
“This course will help residents to have a real strong sense about brownfields and their issues and opportunities,” said Willie Dunn, executive director of the Highland Avenue Revitalization Committee.
The North End was the site of numerous factories and plants that made Niagara Falls great. Now, what’s left of most of them is a hulking, worn-out building or no building at all, just those vacant brownfields.
But a $400,000 federal grant is betting that those contaminated fields can become fields of dreams when it comes to the rebirth and revitalization of this city.
Even though you might have missed Tuesday’s initial session, it’s pretty certain that Willie Dunn and others who have a brighter vision for the North End would be happy to have you join them for the five remaining sessions. More information is available at www.shapehighlandsfuture.com.
Brownfields clean up and redevelopment is critical, not only the North End but the rest of the city as well. The future of that land could well be the future of Niagara Falls as well. Now it the time to plan for that future.
- Editorials
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EDITORIAL: Public owed answers on DWI case
After reports published Saturday, the public is owed an accounting of how the daughter of a North Tonawanda councilwoman got off on a DWI charge, even though she drunkenly hit two parked cars on her way home from a bar.
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CHEERS & JEERS: July 16's best and worst of the week
The Niagara Falls State Park is the place to be Saturday. The downtown wonder is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a community parade starting at 11 a.m. at Main and Third streets.
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CHEERS & JEERS: June 25's best and worst of the week
Thanks to a year-long effort between the Lewiston-Porter School District, Parent Teachers Association and Sodexo — the school’s food contractor — students have better food options, including fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lower calorie and reduced sodium foods.
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CHEERS & JEERS: June 4's best and worst of the week
Here’s an effort we hope will grow. Volunteers have helped transform a former municipal parking lot just off Center Street in Lewiston into a flower-filled oasis, which symbolizes the 200 years of harmony existing between the U.S. and Canada.
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CHEERS & JEERS: May 21's best and worst of the week
Last week, about 600 people participated in the second annual Relay for Life at Niagara Falls’ Sal Maglie Stadium.
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CHEERS & JEERS: May 14's best and worst of the week
On Saturday, postal workers collected food for the needy. This campaign has been highly successful in the region.
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CHEERS & JEERS: May 7's best and worst of the week
A week ago, Niagara County stood united.
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EDITORIAL: Cell phone enforcement should be constant
Much like speeding, seat belt usage and even parking violations — cell phone use while driving needs to be an everyday enforcement, instead of just a blitz one or two weeks a year.
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CHEERS & JEERS: April 16's best and worst of the week
Signs of life are starting to percolate along the Falls’ infamous Main Street.
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EDITORIAL: Let's rebuild Main Street
Now is the perfect time to invest in Main Street — and Falls officials are making it a little easier.
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