TOWN OF LOCKPORT: Yahoo! is on the way

Local News

Related Photos

JOE EBERLE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER AREA DIGS YAHOO: Members of the Town Board of Lockport have a mini groundbreaking Wednesday after the official groundbreaking on the new Yahoo! data center on Enterprise Drive in the Town of Lockport. Board members are, from left, Paul W. Siejak, Town councilman; Cheryl Antkowiak, Town councilwoman; Mark Crocker, Town Councilman; Marc Smith, Town Supervisor and Paul Pettit Town Councilman.

August 12, 2009

BY JOE OLENICK The Niagara Gazette Wed Aug 12, 2009, 11:20 PM EDT

TOWN OF LOCKPORT — Hello Lockport, meet your new neighbor.

Internet giant Yahoo! broke ground Wednesday morning on its $150 million East Coast data center in the Town of Lockport.

Just before the shovels went into the ground, David Dibble, Yahoo! executive vice president of services for engineering and operations, said the center will be one of the most advanced and energy efficient offices in the world.

“It breaks all the records, this will be a very important site,” Dibble said.

Supervisor Marc Smith called the arrival of Yahoo! a wonderful opportunity for Lockport, adding the company also was excited about it. He called Yahoo! a company that wants to participate in the community, referring to them as Western New Yorkers.

“We’re just so happy that they’re here,” Smith said.

Dibble said Smith’s comment about Yahoo! being Western New Yorkers was the highest compliment paid to the company he has heard in some time. Dibble’s family is from Chautauqua County.

“That’s the highest praise that could be heaped upon us, and I hope we really live up to what Western New York is,” Dibble said.

Local leaders cheered the arrival of Yahoo! Rep. Chris Lee, R-Clarence, said the speed in which the Yahoo! deal was finished was impressive and necessary.

“In the private sector, when an opportunity arises, you’ve got to move quickly,” Lee said.

Yahoo! purchased 30 acres of land at Junction Road from the Town of Lockport Industrial Development Agency for $450,000 and a 20-year property tax break. The break includes a 100 percent tax exemption for the first 10 years.

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, said both past and current town officials deserve credit for the arrival of the Yahoo! data center.

“The Lockport Town Board over the years, investing in the infrastructure of this park, is what made it possible for Yahoo! to make the decision,” Maziarz said.

What initially drew Yahoo! to Western New York was electric power, Dibble said. The agreement with the New York Power Authority for low cost hydroelectric power was a major draw. NYPA will supply Yahoo! with 15 megawatts, vital because the data center will consume a huge amount of power. But what drew Yahoo! to Lockport?

“What got us to Lockport specifically was the values of the people who reside in this region being consistent with the values of Yahoo! as a company,” Dibble said. “And having the confidence that Yahoo! can get involved with the community of Lockport and the Western New York region in general for a long time and establish a mutually beneficial relationship. This is a whole lot more than a slab and four walls and a whole bunch of power. This is about Yahoo! coming into a community and investing in that community.”

Construction will begin next week and the foundation work will begin next month. The center will bring at least 75 jobs to Lockport is expected to open in September 2010.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick

at 439-9222, ext. 6241.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

BODY FOUND: Falls police ID missing woman
Falls Police say the body of a woman, found in dense brush in a field off of 102nd Street, is that of 67-year-old Judith Burr.

February 8, 2012 4 Photos
SLIDESHOW: Volunteers Search for Judith Volunteers gathered on 102nd Street in Niagara Falls to search for the missing Judith Burr, 67. Shortly after the search began, the body of Judith was found in the dense brush just east of 102nd Street.
February 8, 2012 1 Photo
NCIDA declines One Niagara's request for tax help
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now.

February 8, 2012 1 Photo
Marijuana mystery on Michigan Avenue solved
The mystery surrounding a Michigan Avenue marijuana grow house has been solved.
And a Falls man has been charged with running the pot farm that was found there in July.

February 8, 2012 1 Photo
Crack dealer taken down on Orleans Avenue
Falls Narcotics Division detectives took down an Orleans Avenue crack dealer, literally, on Tuesday.

February 7, 2012 2 Photos
Historic stone chimney move could be costly
City officials are dealing with some sticker shock after receiving an initial estimate for what it might cost to move an historic stone chimney to a new location.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
One Niagara tax request up for vote
The owners of the One Niagara building may find out today if they qualify for a tax break through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.
NCIDA board Chairman Henry Sloma said One Niagara’s application for tax assistance will be discussed during today’s board meeting.

February 7, 2012
Search planned for missing Falls woman
Loved ones are organizing a search party for 67-year-old Judith Burr who has been missing since Friday.

February 7, 2012
Bill would ban offenders on school buses
The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would ban certain criminal offenders from working on school buses.

February 7, 2012
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

Do you think cigarette sales to non-Native American customers should be taxed on reservations?