By Mark Scheer<br><a href="mailto:scheerm@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Mark</a>
Nick Dalacu has always believed in Highland Avenue’s potential.
Where others saw nothing but abandoned relics of industries past, Dalacu saw a place where good things once happened and could happen again.
“The perception is that in this area nothing can be done,” said the 67-year-old Dalacu. “It’s easy to keep that perception going. I hope we can change that perception.”
Since 2001 the Romanian physicist has spent many days — and quite a few nights — working on his own plan to revitalize his section of the run-down industrial zone near the intersection of Highland and College avenues.
His section includes the 5-acre plot that was once home to Standard Ceramics and, years earlier, Union Carbide Co.
Since his initial investment, the owner of the company, Canrom Photovoltaics, has used the site as his base of operations for developing a specialized, thin-film solar panel technology that, if successful, could become an in-demand product in today’s eco-friendly marketplace.
On the side he’s also been steadily working on another lofty — and some say unrealistic — goal.
He wants to transform one of his buildings — a 1910 structure that once served as the headquarters for Union Carbide’s predecessor, National Carbon — into a museum of science and local industrial history.
“The area can be vibrant once more,” Dalacu said. “Every single day, I feel like I was not wrong about this.”
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority continues to believe in Dalacu — at least in terms of his technological goals. Agency spokesperson Sal Graven said Dalacu’s company is currently working under a $250,000 development contract with the agency, the latest in a series that have been granted to Canrom in recent years. Graven said NYSERDA has been satisfied with Dalacu’s progress so far and is now looking for him to develop a business plan and find investors who can help bring his new technology to market.
“From our standpoint, it’s a viable project,” Graven said. “It will bring to market a more efficient renewable energy system.”
Dalacu said he is in talks with potential investors for his solar panels, but would like more help to bring his museum proposal to life. His collection includes microscopes, instruments and other scientific pieces and oddities, some dating back to the late 1800s. As word has spread about his plan, Dalacu said he’s received more artifacts from supporters, including the recent donation of a printing press from 1876.
“This is fascinating to me,” Dalacu said. “These are my toys. At the same time, I strongly feel that this is an educational tool as well. It is very important to somehow trigger in the kids a willingness to discover.”
City Historian Thomas Yots appreciates Dalacu’s enthusiasm and said the concept of a museum dedicated to the city’s rich industrial history makes plenty of sense in a place like Niagara Falls. Yots said the historically significant National Carbon headquarters building may warrant consideration for the National Register of Historic Places and would be a worthy museum site. The challenge, he said, is finding the right people and resources to help Dalacu turn his big dream into a reality.
“This is just a passion of his,” Yots said. “He has this wonderful collection of historic artifacts. He’s been collecting them for years. He has a great idea. He’s just limited in what he can do.”
Mayor Paul Dyster said he and other members of his administration have met with Dalacu several times and continue to be supportive of his efforts. Dyster said the city has encouraged Dalacu to concentrate on developing his technology in hopes that the company may one day be in a position financially to sustain a venture like the museum.
“Basically, we’re trying to figure out the commercial potential of the technology he’s working on and move it forward,” Dyster said.
After years of working in relative obscurity, it appears as though Dalacu may soon be getting some company.
One block up from Dalacu’s Highland Avenue business, Globe Specialty Metals is looking to invest $60 million to jump-start an idle silicon plant.
On the old Union Carbide Co. manufacturing site that adjoins Dalacu’s property, a Niagara Falls company wants to develop a state-of-the-art tire recycling facility.
Joe Collura from the city’s economic development department said his office has put Dalacu in touch with the Empire State Development Corp. and representatives from Globe Specialty Metals who are themselves looking to produce silicon products for the solar power industry. Collura said the city has incentive packages available for businesses, but is limited in what it can do for a company like Dalacu’s which is still in the research and development phase.
“We’re supportive,” Collura said. “We’re doing our best to introduce him to the right players.”
Dalacu said he has had interest in his company from investors from outside the area and may have no choice but to sell out and move on. He said he would prefer to stay in the Falls and still plans to open his museum, with or without any help.
“Here, I feel like I can reach my God-given potential,” Dalacu said. “I know it’s a cliche, but I strongly believe that in my heart. This campus project, if it works, I can die a very, very happy man and be very proud of myself.”
