tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post1922962915956169951..comments2023-11-06T05:41:18.292-05:00Comments on Lockport NY: Sinkhole - Lane ReductionMJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-86572017434484539652011-06-12T22:15:22.695-04:002011-06-12T22:15:22.695-04:00I don't disagree with the suggestion that Smit...I don't disagree with the suggestion that Smith & Chapman don't get their information until the last minute. I honestly hadn't thought of that - I'm not surprised to hear this.<br />I've seen it in person - a situation where they did not have the information long enough to actually think about it and then render a thoughtful decision. Good point.<br />I must agree that another Candlelight would be great. I understand that they pay their employees fairly and turn out an excellent product.<br />As to the Fire Department and Pat Schrader - he's handled the contractual issues with the City and the Firemen for years and, I believe, he remains on the Fire Board, appointed by Tucker. Schrader has a wealth of experience and I, for one, would like to see him back on the Council. (NEVER thought I'd say that!)<br />When I have "bashed," I've done so when I've been personally attacked (crazy-to say the least, followed up with "bat shit crazy" etc. - toss in my ability to perform my profession, my address, my name, etc. It gets old after awhile) (& don't forget the basically inappropriate & childish attacks re: the School Board) I have not deserved ANY of it & I tend to lose my temper and get right back atcha - neither side "wins" that way, do we? So let's stop ALL of that, from both sides, shall we?) )Pattinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-50690294959629793172011-06-12T21:01:38.592-04:002011-06-12T21:01:38.592-04:00Did it ever occur to anyone that Smith and Chapman...Did it ever occur to anyone that Smith and Chapman might be voting no on issues due to lack of information? My sources are telling me that they both get information at the last minute and are expected to vote for it without thoroughly reading it. Every time they question anything they get beat down. Is this any way to run a city? The current mayor is in over his head, Smith is a smart guy and deserves a chance at the job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-66664327522378657552011-06-12T20:05:54.593-04:002011-06-12T20:05:54.593-04:00God I'm frustrated! When are we going to deal ...God I'm frustrated! When are we going to deal with the really difficult issues that will determine the future of this city? For the cultural crowd, I'll paraphrase JFK..<br /><br />lets' start to do things "not because they are easy..but because they are difficult".We need a leader that will take ownership of the major problems that disturb all of us who give a damn.<br />Time to eliminate all of the petty crapola<br />Will "Mr. Fix It" please step forward?G.I. Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-59098065608640379012011-06-12T20:04:28.795-04:002011-06-12T20:04:28.795-04:00Patti, glad to see your not into the bashing, but ...Patti, glad to see your not into the bashing, but please enlighten me on the mess that you say is in the Fire Dept. that Pat knows better than anyone. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-78542496984302453552011-06-12T18:49:26.033-04:002011-06-12T18:49:26.033-04:00How many more jobs do you think tourism could poss...How many more jobs do you think tourism could possibly give us? And don't forget they are 3-4 month jobs too, then back on unemployment. And they will be minimum wage jobs. What possibly could be positive about it?<br />You take that $10M and put it into manufacturing grants and it would produce real jobs. No, there probably will never be another Harrison Rad, but there could be another Candlelight Cabinetry out there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-30289009809396174832011-06-12T18:34:16.324-04:002011-06-12T18:34:16.324-04:00Moe - I agree with you that voting "no" ...Moe - I agree with you that voting "no" can be a very good thing. Unfortunately, these two Aldermen seem to be the only ones who do so with any regularity.<br />I really don't appreciate the bashing of the tourism "fix." It's for real and perhaps if you all took a look at the possibilities you'd have a better angle on it. What's clear is that there is no Harrison Radiator 'round the corner waiting to save our City. Those days are over and we have to find SOMETHING to take its place. <br />Pat Schrader knows more about the water flow in this town than anyone I know. Hopefully he will return to the Council and lead. Everyone knows that we don't necessarily get along - but I respect his hard work and knowledge. We need him and he will share his expertise if he comes back to City government. Same with the Fire Department. Pat knows more than anyone on that mess as well.<br />The Harris Beach connection is troubling.<br />I'm not going to try to keep up with all the petty bashing going on here. We DO need a change - just what kind of change is the question. I don't know - I don't know who does! I DO know that there are a lot of people in the City who could and should be called upon to help. That'll be the day. <br />I had the occasion to meet "Shirley" who is going to run against Mrs. Pasceri. She's delightful and, I think will be one tough nut to crack. I like her, and she at least has the gumption to fight the status quo. Should be interesting... <br />I don't have any answers. All I have is a lot of experience in a lot of different areas - such as the Superfund and how to get what we need to fix the brownfields. When we get that, perhaps we can move ahead to the next problem.<br />We have a lot to do just to save this place from slipping into oblivion. I'm willing - who else is?Pattinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-25809049356885696722011-06-12T10:58:54.862-04:002011-06-12T10:58:54.862-04:00How much did we pay Harris Beach for an out of tow...How much did we pay Harris Beach for an out of town consultant to tell the mayor how to re-organize? And what connection was there between Harris Beach, Henry and George and the mayor on theat whole deal. We elect the Mayor to make decisions about things like reorganization, not to funnel taxpayer money to a political buddy to tell hime what he wants to hear, while taking a little political responsiblity of his honor. I'm sorry Mayor we need you to lead--not keep your politcal cronies happy. Do not be surprized when Harris Beach donates a little of that taxpayer money right back to the Mayor for his campaign. <br /><br />Don't worry, when 450,000 tourists start showing up each year to see the locks all of our fair city's problems will go away. Time for a new Mayor, ya think?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-52592251759954584482011-06-12T06:56:55.061-04:002011-06-12T06:56:55.061-04:00does anyone know if a plan to maintain the water s...does anyone know if a plan to maintain the water system actually exists? Isn't that Pat Schrader's area of expertise? Question number two is when is the next big system failure like the sinkhole going to happen? No one know ..right. Maybe we should hire another consulting firm for 250,000 to advise the City.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-23800242430594730422011-06-11T23:00:38.609-04:002011-06-11T23:00:38.609-04:00Every Winter there are water line breaks all over ...Every Winter there are water line breaks all over the City of Lockport, but especially on main roads, like Transit and Rt. 31! Lockport can't even decide what to do with the Canal St. triangle. The handling of that by the City of Lockport has been nothing short of disastrous-one mistake after another, tax breaks up the wazoo for a maker of electrical equipment's research division, so no real benefit to Lockport whatsoever! Oh, and what about the empty Old City Hall and the crumbling and extremely dangerous parking ramp on the corner of Main St. and Pine? The streets have also been looking pretty shabby again, lately, in the downtown area! I could go on, but why bother, since Lockport is losing population pretty steadily and is basically dying!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-30869538736265298402011-06-11T19:58:12.358-04:002011-06-11T19:58:12.358-04:00It's about time SOMEBODY VOTED NO...what's...It's about time SOMEBODY VOTED NO...what's wrong with that? Maybe Chapman and Smith bother to read what they're being asked to endorse, and then consider how to vote..and some times a deserved no vote is cast...Patti you sound like a very sensible person you can't really believe that voting no is a bad thing on some of the crap that Mike Tucker wants to cram down our throats. I think Smith and Chapman take a closer look at things. Nothing wrong with that! The days of lock-step politics needs to come to an end if we hope to have a chance of turning this sinking ship around.Moenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-66831774091358636162011-06-11T19:34:10.017-04:002011-06-11T19:34:10.017-04:00Yes, we need to spend $10M on the locks so we can ...Yes, we need to spend $10M on the locks so we can add, what , at least 5 tourism related jobs for 3 months a year!<br />Give me a break, we are not and will never be a tourist destination! <br />Put that $10M into supporting some sort of industry and I'll bet we could create some real jobs.<br />Put out a proposal - $10M grant available - I guarantee you would get somebody willing to move here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-46365599974169081972011-06-11T19:01:21.381-04:002011-06-11T19:01:21.381-04:00@Anon 6/11 12!8 a.m.
The lead story on Mr. Smith&#...@Anon 6/11 12!8 a.m.<br />The lead story on Mr. Smith's running for Mayor indicated that he was not going to continue the Flight of Five rehab effort. I don't like this proposal based on the years and money that have been poured into accomplishing that which would be a tremendous boon for tourism. Yes - tourism to our City. The days of a manufacturing base are over. Tourism is the only thing we have to offer to the World at large. For those who think tourism is a pipe dream, go down to the bridge over the locks and hang around for awhile. I think you'll be amazed at the number - and from where these tourists come. There are a lot of them - from everywhere in the Nation to Europe and Japan.<br />As to the "brownfields," no doubt the DEC and the State did notify our elected officials a few years ago. Perhaps they, at the time, didn't think it was as bad as it is - it's VERY bad.<br />As to Mrs. Pasceri, I think she does a good job - but probably not as good as she could. This is dependent on the work she is delegated by the Mayor. I have no specific knowledge on this, nor do I blame her for anything. She is still relatively "new" to the job and is doing what she's told. <br />Some Aldermen, including the one running for Mayor, don't open their mouths much less put forth any items for discussion and/or a vote. What have they been doing other than vote "no" when they feel like it, which is often? There does not appear to be any rhyme to their reason. There does not appear to be any reason other than to vote "no" whenever their political rivals put forth an idea or original thought. Where is anyone speaking to the Council re: this Lowertown situation? I LIVE here but, fortunately, on the other side of the Canal. I defy anyone to point to a spot in this County that is free from bad stuff in the ground. It's everywhere.<br />I will help - but I need to be asked first.<br />I, again, know more about hazardous waste and how to deal with it than most people in the County. I have had professional training and first hand experience in cleaning it up. I won't hold my breath for the 'phone call.Pattinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-64675340665699053392011-06-11T16:37:19.805-04:002011-06-11T16:37:19.805-04:00Anon at 3:47 ..are you looking for Richel Paceri?
...Anon at 3:47 ..are you looking for Richel Paceri?<br /><br />I think that's here name...Tucker's under-study?<br /><br />Rather than concentrating on Lower Town and the real issues at hand she's probably studying "Robert's Rules". She has the same affliction as some of the other Alderman on the counsel. She thinks her job is to serve Mayor Tucker, when actually her job is to serve the people in her Ward. Has she spoken up about Lower Town? Has she visited the site? Spoken with the County? What has she done about it? If she has done something somebody speak up and tell me what it was.Moenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-54439665021751101702011-06-11T16:19:56.914-04:002011-06-11T16:19:56.914-04:00OK..for the sake of argument Mr. Anon..that's ...OK..for the sake of argument Mr. Anon..that's not what I said..but let's move on to more important things..the Town is great..OK?G.I.Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-60693503702260569632011-06-11T15:47:35.204-04:002011-06-11T15:47:35.204-04:00All of the elected officials were in office when t...All of the elected officials were in office when the city was notified of the issues in Lowertown in 2008 but the Mayor claims ignorance when they subsequently sold property at tax auctions in the red zone and did not disclose? Hmm. Very suspicious...<br /><br />Anyway, back to the task at hand - this administration is relying on ignorance and ambivalence of the public. We're not concerned about sewer problems until it's too late and it interrupts our daily lives. We're not concerned about contamination in our back yards until the city doubles our assessments and we can't sell our houses for $5. But here's the difference - public officials were elected to be concerned about those issues. Where is the alderwoman who actually is part of Ward 1 which is Lowertown? Certainly not doing a damn thing about making some calls to see when it's going to get cleaned up. It took an elderly woman to cause all this "ruckus" and a mayoral candidate to seize the opportunity to have a "cause" to stand on for his campaign.<br /><br />The bottom line is you can't put the blame on any one person. It belongs to ALL of them. The city needs to move quicker and it needs to be proactive, not reactive. THAT is what our tax dollars are for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-36016543873683510292011-06-11T14:55:32.318-04:002011-06-11T14:55:32.318-04:00For the sake of a silly argument but sorry but I c...For the sake of a silly argument but sorry but I can't see your point joe, I agree with jane. I believe the city is older than the town, making them the parent.<br /><br />And if the city does want to get smart and emulate the town they need to add volunteers to the fire dept, dump the police dept and get more sheriff service and use the countys water system for a start.<br /><br />They also have to get the building dept to help new businesses start up not throw roadblocks at them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-59541818722582915092011-06-11T12:07:33.757-04:002011-06-11T12:07:33.757-04:00GI Jane..you may be more knowledgeable ..but you&...GI Jane..you may be more knowledgeable ..but you're definitely not smarter..you apparently don't know how to read. The statement refers to the City as the "bastard child". You got so excited about slamming me for giving my opinion,you blew right by the content.<br /><br />I guess you showed me...<br /><br />Hey I'm all for doing it the right way. If the Town has a better way the City should try to do it the way the Townies do it.. You'll get no argument from me on that point.Maybe the next administration will pick-up some of the "Towns" good business practices. Apparently the Tucker administration thinks their way is "better"?G.I. Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-17647546386695856922011-06-11T08:29:26.919-04:002011-06-11T08:29:26.919-04:00You should check your facts first.
The town does...You should check your facts first. <br />The town doesn't buy any of your canal water (I know that's your backup source, not the primary)! We do it smart and buy the cheaper county water (which why doesn't the city do that and get rid of their water filtration?). Also very little of our sewer goes to the city, just Carlisle Gardens. The town doesn't need your fire fighters, we actually have too many volunteer companies - you can keep paying for them yourselves. If the paramedics do any work in the town, do it the way it should be done and bill the users.<br />It's tough when the "bastard children" are smarter then the parents!GIJanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-85768822662123082842011-06-11T06:36:12.987-04:002011-06-11T06:36:12.987-04:00MJ.... really? you only fix or maintain your car A...MJ.... really? you only fix or maintain your car AFTER it breaks down?<br /><br />Go get'em GI Joe....Moenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-27742495970441702732011-06-11T06:33:55.177-04:002011-06-11T06:33:55.177-04:00Speaking of infrastructure...and while I'm in ...Speaking of infrastructure...and while I'm in a bad mood...It's time to double-down on our relationship with the "Town"..We need to drastically increase the cost of all and any services we provide to the "Town". I'm aware of Water, and I think some fire fighting services, but I'll bet there is more.<br /><br />What ever it is that we provide,we need to get more for it. I'm tired of being their " Bastard Child".G.I. Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-39839058529584041642011-06-11T06:27:16.828-04:002011-06-11T06:27:16.828-04:00I'm pretty sure that the Lowertown Flintkote p...I'm pretty sure that the Lowertown Flintkote problem has been treated like a rubber ball for a long time. The last I heard was someone inquired at the county level, and was told it was a "brownfield" project that has been handed over to the Army Corp of Engineers, consequently the County was out of the loop. <br /><br />It's amazing nothing is ever brought to a conclusion around here. It usually goes like this.<br /><br />Crisis<br />public outrage<br />Political response<br />nothing done to resolve the problems.<br /><br />Whom ever it is that we elect Mayor...I hope they have the follow-through skills necessary to see some of the issue brought to a conclusion/resolution.G.I. Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-3195495989938357612011-06-11T00:18:05.269-04:002011-06-11T00:18:05.269-04:00@Patti, I don't think any of the candidates ha...@Patti, I don't think any of the candidates have said anything about getting rid of the flight of five. As far as I can tell there's only 2 real candidates, and yes one of them is interested in the situation in Lowertown. The DEC told one of the residents which of our elected officials received the notice, the Mayor and all of the Aldermen who were in office at the time were named. G.I. Joe is right...prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-18323585484308227962011-06-10T21:50:05.599-04:002011-06-10T21:50:05.599-04:00A lot of people, myself included, sure didn't ...A lot of people, myself included, sure didn't like the Tax increase. I was aware, but did not mention the infrastructure. Why? I don't know. Maybe because I assumed everyone knew about this huge problem being suffered by every governmental entity in the Northeast? In any event, I don't know.<br />What I do know, and have known for several years, is the 18 Mile Creek pollution was being discussed at the State level. I'm rather certain that this information was sent out to the respective governments involved. Do I know this as fact? No. I do have experience in dealing with a larger, similar situation in Eastern Niagara County for several years. YEARS! What went on in that matter was unbelievable - just like this one. <br />One thing that concerns me is one candidate for Mayor (not the Mayor) appears to be setting his platform on 1. Getting rid of the Flight of Five when it's finally coming to fruition and, NOW 2. The 18 Mile Creek, Lowertown situation.<br />I'd appreciate knowing what experience all candidates have in Superfund Rehabs. I'll bet NONE of them has as much as I do - but I'm equally certain none of the candidates will ask me how it worked with Love Canal.Pattinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-52997089621852961262011-06-10T17:33:27.522-04:002011-06-10T17:33:27.522-04:00Usually the car needs fixing when something alread...Usually the car needs fixing when something already breaks (like a sink hole). Especially when it's not seen. The city does need (or do they have?) a comprehensive strategy for streets and sewers. It's always sad to see a freshly done road dug up a year or two later to fix a break. But to think that we'd even be able to budget something that runs near $1m/mile is reaching. Most of it should come from water rates (self sustaining system) but done in tandem with other operations (work on at same time as road rebuilding/milling). Most of this upkeep is long over due because citizens/politicians don't want to face the true costs of proper upkeep. It's a big figure.<br /><br />We can nickel and dime away our forestry dept, concerts, park maintenance, etc to do a 1/4 mile of work but in the long run that only hurts our overall tax base. We need to find ways to properly fund (or organize with volunteers) the total livability of our city. <br /><br />- - - - - <br /><br />In regards to most of the comments, it's sad to see that names and blame are thrown around instead of discussing ideas/solutions. and we wonder why we are "stuck" in a downward slide?MJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-10121052173232495042011-06-10T10:18:42.590-04:002011-06-10T10:18:42.590-04:00MJ..I'M up for it!....... if it means that the...MJ..I'M up for it!....... if it means that the drinking water delivery system might fail if we don't add it to the budget.<br /><br />I may come to No concert series...drinking water assurance instead...When are we going to stop lowering our standards to meet the lowest common denominator. If you're car needs fixing you fix it right? Prioritize..Prioritize...Prioritize <br /><br />I repeat...a better more efficient use of our tax dollars is the solution..not higher taxes.G.I.Joenoreply@blogger.com