NIAGARA FALLS: Branch plans for HSBC

Local News

November 30, 2007

Niagara Street and Pine Avenue branches shutting down, combining into new office

By Dan Miner/minerd@gnnewspaper.com The Niagara Gazette Fri Nov 30, 2007, 06:49 PM EST

HSBC formally announced its intention on Friday to build a $1 million branch at 805 Main St. that will include expanded consulting services for area customers and businesses. It’s expected to open on Feb. 1, 2008.

The new branch, which is currently under construction and is across from City Hall, will replace two current ones in the city, at 1901 Pine Ave. and the Seneca Niagara Office Building on Third Street. There will also be 35 parking spots at the new branch.

“We really wanted to give back to the community and provide them with a great space and convenient parking,” said Francine Minadeo, an HSBC spokesperson.

Two business specialists and a manager to help with customers’ investments will now work full-time in Niagara Falls, said Anthony Carroll, senior vice president of the HSBC Niagara District. The drive-up facility currently located in Haeberle Plaza will remain open.

“(Main Street) is in a more convenient location, and it’s giving more availability by the fact that the (consultants) will be on-site,” Carroll said. “We’re trying to exceed our customer’s expectations.”

The move out of the Third Street building comes as the building’s owner, Seneca Gaming Corporation, looks to move more of its staff across the street from the Seneca Niagara Casino.

About 35 employees from the corporation’s human services department will move from their current Buffalo Avenue offices to the Seneca Niagara Office Building.

“It’s more convenient and more efficient to have them right here on the territory,” said Phil Pantano, a spokesman for Seneca Gaming Corp.

The corporation’s executive offices and various offices are currently located in the building. It’s July 2005 attempt to evict what will soon be the building’s last remaining tenant, the Niagara Aerospace Museum, remains tied up in the court system.

HSBC’s move marks the end of an era for downtown banking. HSBC and its predecessor, Marine Midland Bank, were at the heart of commerce in the Falls with downtown locations for years.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

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
Tough time for NIMAC to ask for city funds
City officials say they are committed to helping continue military operations at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.
Just how much money the city of Niagara Falls will be able to pledge remains a question.

February 6, 2012
Library board appointment vote put on hold
A request from Mayor Paul Dyster’s administration to appoint former city council candidate Alicia Laible to the library board did not come up for a vote as expected during Monday’s council meeting.

February 6, 2012
Landlord registration law comes under fire in the Falls
Community leaders are looking for a change in a landlord registration law they helpd create two years ago.

February 6, 2012
Forster officially seeking Dem chairmanship
Former Niagara County Party Chairman Nicholas Forster made it official on Monday.

February 6, 2012
Hayes sentence delayed in homicide case
Wilbert Hayes III was behind bars on Monday but not to begin serving his sentence for the slaying of Donald Tyree Nix.

February 6, 2012
NT coach fired for relations with student
A 25-year-old substitute teacher and coach has been fired by the North Tonawanda School District after an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.

February 6, 2012
Senate passes school bus legislation
The state Senate passed a series of school bus bills on Monday that leaders say will increase safety and communication.

February 6, 2012
In Lockport, Man faces extradition in Vegas fraud
A former Las Vegas resident picked up at the U.S.-Canadian border on Nevada securities fraud charges was ordered held for extradition from New York on Monday, after a judge rejected his claim of diplomatic immunity.

February 6, 2012
Falls woman brings low-cost spay and neutering program to area
Celia Trapasso noticed a disturbing trend in Niagara Falls.
The pet owner and animal lover saw far too many animals — particularly cats — running the streets in the city.

February 5, 2012 2 Photos
More Local News Headlines

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